Vanderbilt University (Owen)
Application Deadlines for 2025-2026 / Class of 2028
Round 1
Application Deadline: October 1, 2025
Decision Notification: December 12, 2025
Round 2
Application Deadline: January 7, 2026
Decision Notification: March 13, 2026
Round 3
Application Deadline: February 25, 2026
Decision Notification: April 4, 2026
Applications are due no later than 11:59 p.m. CST the day of the deadline.
The following are the main essay questions on the 2025-2026 / Class of 2028 UT Vanderbilt (Owen) MBA application:
Essay 1:
Our Career Management Center offers resources, guidance, and support to students as they navigate their anticipated post-MBA career paths. Examples of popular industry career paths are Consulting, Financial Services, Consumer Products, Healthcare, Human Resources, Technology, and beyond. It is noteworthy that many students opt to concurrently explore multiple industry career paths.
As you contemplate your post-MBA aspirations, walk us through your career journey thus far and share two post-MBA career paths you aim to explore during the Vanderbilt MBA program. Please articulate what in your career journey has led to your decision to pursue an MBA, and touch on skills you’ve developed that will help you achieve your post-MBA career plans. (400 words)
Essay 2:
Reflect on a challenge or stressful situation you have faced. How did you respond to this challenge, and what did you learn about yourself through the process? (300 words)
Optional Essay:
You may provide an additional statement to briefly explain anything that is not already addressed elsewhere in your application. This could include employment gaps, lack of recommendation from your current or most recent supervisor, violations of the law, academic misconduct, sub-par academic performance, or anything else that is relevant to your application. Bullet points are acceptable for this statement when appropriate. (300 word limit)
Video Response
The video response is a chance for you to provide a glimpse of your authentic self, speaking without a script. The video questions are designed to be easy to answer, “small talk” questions to help us to get to know you. You will have time to prepare your response and the application will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to record your answers.
Visit the Owen admissions website for more application information.
Disclaimer: the information provided on this page is for reference only. Applicants are strongly advised to visit the admissions website link provided above to confirm essay prompts, deadlines, and other application information.