{"id":4987,"date":"2025-07-28T09:00:39","date_gmt":"2025-07-28T08:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.iese.edu\/mba\/?p=4987"},"modified":"2025-07-28T09:36:00","modified_gmt":"2025-07-28T08:36:00","slug":"your-prep-guide-to-the-iese-mba-application-sept-2026-intake","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.iese.edu\/mba\/your-prep-guide-to-the-iese-mba-application-sept-2026-intake\/","title":{"rendered":"Your prep guide to the IESE MBA Application, Sept 2026 intake"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.iese.edu\/mba\/files\/2025\/07\/Patrik-Profile.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4990 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.iese.edu\/mba\/files\/2025\/07\/Patrik-Profile-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"375\" height=\"250\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.iese.edu\/mba\/files\/2025\/07\/Patrik-Profile-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.iese.edu\/mba\/files\/2025\/07\/Patrik-Profile-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.iese.edu\/mba\/files\/2025\/07\/Patrik-Profile-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.iese.edu\/mba\/files\/2025\/07\/Patrik-Profile-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.iese.edu\/mba\/files\/2025\/07\/Patrik-Profile-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 375px) 100vw, 375px\" \/><\/a>Hello and welcome! I\u2019m <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/patrikwallen\/\"><strong>Patrik Wall\u00e9n<\/strong><\/a>, the new Director of MBA Admissions at IESE Business School. While this is a new chapter for me, I\u2019ve been deeply rooted in the IESE community for years\u2014first as an MBA student (Class of 2007), and later leading our Career Development Center, supporting our students land meaningful roles with top global employers.<\/p>\n<p>Now, I\u2019m excited to help guide you through the next big step in your journey: applying to the IESE MBA Class of 2028. Our application for the September 2026 intake is now live. Whether you&#8217;re just starting to explore your options or are deep into test prep and essay drafts, here are some reminders and tips to help you put your best foot forward.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\ud83d\uddd3<\/strong><strong> Application Rounds: Timing Matters (And So Does Readiness)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We typically offer <strong>four application rounds<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Round 1:<\/strong> September<\/li>\n<li><strong>Round 2:<\/strong> January<\/li>\n<li><strong>Round 3:<\/strong> March<\/li>\n<li><strong>Round 4:<\/strong> May <em>(Note: Only for EU passport holders or visa-exempt candidates)<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Please refer to our <a href=\"https:\/\/mba.iese.edu\/admissions-fees\/key-dates-deadlines\/\">website<\/a> for specific dates, decision deadlines and payment deadlines.<\/p>\n<p>\ud83d\udca1<strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> Apply early if you&#8217;re applying for a scholarship\u2014Rounds 1 to 3 offer the best chances. However, never rush just to meet a deadline. <strong>A thoughtful, well-prepared application always stands out.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\ud83e\udde0<\/strong><strong> GMAT or GRE: Required, But Not Everything<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A valid GMAT or GRE score is <strong>mandatory<\/strong>\u2014no exceptions. We accept both older and newer versions of the tests, as long as your score is valid.<\/p>\n<p>Aim for a GMAT score within our accepted range of 545 &#8211; 715\u00a0(or an equivalent GRE score). Don\u2019t worry about taking the test more than once\u2014we\u2019ll focus on your <strong>highest score<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>While a strong score can boost your application, especially for scholarships, it\u2019s just one piece of the puzzle. <strong>We evaluate candidates holistically<\/strong>, considering your academic background, work experience, essays, interview, and Assessment Day participation.<\/p>\n<p>\ud83d\udcde Need advice on your score? Reach out to our Admissions team. We\u2019re happy to chat!<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"78\" data-end=\"131\">\ud83c\udfaf <strong>Essays: Let Your Goals and Passion Shine\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"133\" data-end=\"263\">As part of your MBA application, you&#8217;ll be asked to complete two mandatory essays\u2014this is your chance to tell us your story.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"265\" data-end=\"512\"><strong data-start=\"268\" data-end=\"279\">Essay 1<\/strong> dives into your career vision. What are your immediate post-MBA goals? Where do you see yourself in the medium and long term? We want to understand your purpose and impact that you would like to make. Be clear, be ambitious, and most importantly, be you.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"514\" data-end=\"714\"><strong data-start=\"517\" data-end=\"528\">Essay 2<\/strong> asks why <em data-start=\"538\" data-end=\"544\">IESE<\/em> is the right place for your MBA journey. Use this space to connect the dots between who you are, where you\u2019re headed, and how IESE can help get you there.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"716\" data-end=\"904\">Show us your drive, values, and vision. We want to understand your aspirations and how you see IESE as a launchpad. Don\u2019t hold back\u2014this is your moment to stand out.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\ud83c\udfa5<\/strong><strong> Video Assessment: Show Us the Real You<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Once you\u2019ve submitted your written application, you\u2019ll receive a link to our <strong>video essay<\/strong> platform (within 24 hours). Once received you have 48 hours to complete it.<\/p>\n<p>What to expect:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Three video questions<\/li>\n<li>1 minute to prepare<\/li>\n<li>1.5 minutes to respond to each<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>We want to see your <strong>authentic<\/strong> you, so don\u2019t overthink it. We\u2019re not looking for perfection; we\u2019re looking for your potential, character, and communication skills.<\/p>\n<p>\u23f3 Reminder: Your application is only considered complete once your video essays are submitted, so make sure you have enough time to submit your video essays too before the round deadline.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udc65<\/strong><strong> Alumni Interviews: A Two-Way Conversation<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Interviews may be conducted by an IESE Admissions Committee member or one of our trained alumni volunteers. Most interviews are virtual for flexibility, but <strong>in-person meetings are encouraged<\/strong> when feasible.<\/p>\n<p>This is not just an evaluation\u2014it\u2019s a chance for you to learn more about IESE from someone who\u2019s lived it.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\ud83e\udd1d<\/strong><strong> Assessment Day: Experience the IESE Spirit<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Assessment Days are an integral part of our admissions process and are held:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>On campus (Barcelona, New York, S\u00e3o Paulo)<\/li>\n<li>Virtually, for global accessibility<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>During the day, you\u2019ll take part in <strong>group activities<\/strong> that reflect IESE\u2019s collaborative culture. You\u2019ll also meet fellow applicants, alumni, and Admissions staff.<\/p>\n<p>While optional, participation is <strong>strongly recommended<\/strong> and may influence admissions and scholarship decisions.<\/p>\n<p>Not invited? Don\u2019t stress. Some applicants move forward based on other touchpoints or are not invited due to space limits.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udc65<\/strong><strong> Research: Talk to current students or alumni from the program<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We strongly encourage you to reach out to current MBA students or alumni to ask them about their experience of the application process, the program, and their internship and post-MBA job search. Our Alumni are our best advocates, and can help you determine if IESE is truly the best fit for you.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udcacLet\u2019s Connect<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you have questions or want personalized advice, please reach out to your regional Associate Director\u2014we\u2019re happy to help.<\/p>\n<p>You can also submit your CV <a href=\"https:\/\/prdt.iese.edu\/eng\/barcelona\/mba\/mba\/commercial\/fop\">here<\/a> for a profile review.<\/p>\n<p>Best of luck on your journey. I look forward to meeting many of you soon!<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_4991\" style=\"width: 410px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.iese.edu\/mba\/files\/2025\/07\/Team-Photo.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4991\" class=\"wp-image-4991\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.iese.edu\/mba\/files\/2025\/07\/Team-Photo-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"267\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.iese.edu\/mba\/files\/2025\/07\/Team-Photo-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.iese.edu\/mba\/files\/2025\/07\/Team-Photo-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.iese.edu\/mba\/files\/2025\/07\/Team-Photo-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.iese.edu\/mba\/files\/2025\/07\/Team-Photo-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.iese.edu\/mba\/files\/2025\/07\/Team-Photo.jpg 1601w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-4991\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The MBA Admissions Team look forward to welcoming you in Barcelona!<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Sincerely,<br \/>\n<strong>Patrik Wall\u00e9n<\/strong><br \/>\nMBA Admissions Director<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-top: 0pt;margin-bottom: 12pt;font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';font-size: 12.0pt;color: #444444\"><em><span style=\"background: white\">Pursue your dream MBA! Take these next steps today:<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<ul style=\"direction: ltr;margin-top: 0in;margin-bottom: 0in\" type=\"disc\">\n<li style=\"margin-top: 0;margin-bottom: 0;vertical-align: middle\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.iese.edu\/en\/formularios\/form4DDB7A5C\/getFormulario.do?type=brochure&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fforms%2Eiese%2Eedu%2Fforms%2Fen%2Fmba%2Fdownload%2F&amp;_ga=2.112245826.779855112.1526377411-1084489552.1519787562\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';font-size: 12pt;background: white\">Find out more about IESE full time MBA program here<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin-top: 0;margin-bottom: 0;vertical-align: middle\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.iese.edu\/en\/formularios\/form7DB73084\/getFormulario.do?url=http%3A%2F%2Fforms%2Eiese%2Eedu%2Fforms%2Fen%2Fmba%2Ffop%2F&amp;_ga=2.111540290.779855112.1526377411-1084489552.1519787562\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';font-size: 12pt;background: white\">Get Feedback on Your Profile<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin-top: 0;margin-bottom: 0;vertical-align: middle\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/iese.embark.com\/apply\/mba-2028\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';font-size: 12pt;background: white\">Apply Online<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hello and welcome! I\u2019m Patrik Wall\u00e9n, the new Director of MBA Admissions at IESE Business School. While this is a new chapter for me, I\u2019ve been deeply rooted in the IESE community for years\u2014first as an MBA student (Class of 2007), and later leading our Career Development Center, supporting our students land meaningful roles with&#8230; <\/p>\n<div class=\"more-link-container\"><a class=\"continue-reading-link\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.iese.edu\/mba\/your-prep-guide-to-the-iese-mba-application-sept-2026-intake\/\">Read More<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":2108,"featured_media":4989,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[86256],"tags":[91219,93449,93418,115262],"class_list":["post-4987","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-mba-team","tag-mba-admissions","tag-mba-admissions-director","tag-mba-application","tag-sept-2026-intake"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.iese.edu\/mba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4987","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.iese.edu\/mba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.iese.edu\/mba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.iese.edu\/mba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2108"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.iese.edu\/mba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4987"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/blog.iese.edu\/mba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4987\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5010,"href":"https:\/\/blog.iese.edu\/mba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4987\/revisions\/5010"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.iese.edu\/mba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4989"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.iese.edu\/mba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4987"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.iese.edu\/mba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4987"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.iese.edu\/mba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4987"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}