I am looking to apply to MBA programs where I can start in January 2010. Initially, I assumed most schools would offer programs for people that want to start in the 2nd semester, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Does anyone have a comprehensive list of schools that have programs that I can start in January? I would be interested in both accelerated and normal programs.

Thanks for your help.

JD

I am not aware of any top flight MBA programs that have January matriculation policies. More importantly, I would not let something like that dictate your choice of a program. Attending a professional graduate school program is a big decision and should be made with fit and career goals in mind, rather than mere timing. My advice would be to start getting serious about Fall 2010 now by doing research and possibly exploring admissions consulting that can help you set yourself up as the most competitive Round 1 applicant you can be. Hope this helps.

Best,
-Adam

[quote="cactusjak9"]I am looking to apply to MBA programs where I can start in January 2010. Initially, I assumed most schools would offer programs for people that want to start in the 2nd semester, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Does anyone have a comprehensive list of schools that have programs that I can start in January? I would be interested in both accelerated and normal programs.

Thanks for your help.

JD[/quote]

Hi JD--

As you've clearly discovered with your research thus far, the standard MBA program in the US tends to be a full two years, starting in September. The one exception there is Columbia, which offers an accelerated program sometimes called the "J-Term" (because it starts in January). It's the exact same curriculum as the September matriculation but without the summer internship; you attend class straight through, so it ends up being a 16-month program.

The deadline to apply for the J-Term is in October; there's no distinct rounds, just one deadline, though with the rolling process that Columbia uses, there's always an advantage to submitting early. Columbia will be releasing their application for the January 2010 program in the next week or so, either on April 20th or April 30th (I'm not sure which because the Columbia website actually states both dates). More info on the deadlines and also a brief description of the program are available here: http://www4.gsb.columbia.edu/mba/learnmore/options

The Columbia J-Term is great for anyone who's not using bschool to change careers, thus not needing the internship experience as much. Those starting in Jan. 2010 will graduate in May 2011 along with all students who will begin in September 2009.

Kellogg has a P/T evening & weekend MBA that has a whole slew of start dates throughout the calendar year, in June, September, January, and March (see http://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/Pro ... lines.aspx ). Obviously a P/T program will take longer to get through, but if you're interested in starting more quickly, there could be some options to consider there.

Most European and Canadian schools offer one-year programs and some have January starts. For example, the Ivey School at the University of Western Ontario is a very strong international and diverse one-year program, and they even have an application round still open for their upcoming September 2009 class (deadline is June 1st; see http://www.ivey.uwo.ca/mba/admissions/deadlines.htm ).

INSEAD in France has a January intake for their one-year program as well; those students beginning next January will graduate in December 2010. See http://www.insead.edu/mba/admissions/dates.cfm for more info.

Besides Columbia, I don't know of any other top full-time US programs with January starts, but if you're willing to look beyond the States then there are many more options available.

Good luck in your researching and let us know if you have other questions.