What is the Access Fellowship

We started the Access Fellowship because we knew that providing the resources through Access was not the only thing needed to support underrepresented and under-resourced MBA applicants.  The Fellowship is a community of talented and aspirational MBA applicants that are looking for a community to help support them through the MBA application process.  We provide Access Fellows, with a free, comprehensive curriculum including individualized test prep, admissions, and career resources valued at over $5,000.  Our customized curriculum was developed to optimize your outcomes from application through matriculation to help you effectively and successfully navigate the MBA application process and graduate school experience.  In addition to the Fellowship community that will hold you accountable and keep you encouraged through the process, we have a program staff and MBA students and alumni that serve as mentors to help you through the process.  

Our formula is simple: Curriculum + Community + Accountability => Positive Outcomes

The fellowship application will open November 15, 2025 for the 2025-2026 Application Cycle. You must be an Access Member to apply to the Fellowship.

Fellowship Benefits

  • Free GMAT/GRE prep with Magoosh, voted #1 test prep provider ($438 value) 

  • Exclusive GRE discounts

  • 1:1 expert admissions consulting

  • Free Access to ApplicantLab’s On-Demand Admissions Guidance Tool

  • Accountability and support from a Fellows Success Coordinator 

  • Peer-based learning teams to assist with navigating the admissions process and networking

  •  Access to Top 25 MBA mentors (current students or alumni) to provide support through the application process

  • Exclusive Slack channel for Fellows, mentors and admissions experts

  • A life-long Fellows family

 

Join Our Community

 
 

Who We Are Looking For:

The Access Fellowship seeks exceptional individuals who embody the brains, soul, and hustle to pursue their wildest dreams in business education. We’re looking for aspirational, driven, humble, and gritty individuals ready to commit to a graduate degree in business. Ideal candidates are:

  • Unselfish and Life-Long Givers: People who recognize the value of this opportunity and are committed to reaching back, helping the next generation of Fellows access similar resources and opportunities.

  • Diversity and Inclusion Champions: Those who actively support underrepresented or under-resourced communities, striving for positive change in socioeconomic, racial, gender, or other diversity-focused areas.

  • Resilient and Humble Leaders: Individuals who approach challenges with humility, resilience, and a willingness to grow through the journey.

  • Resourceful and Impact-Oriented: Candidates who may have financial or network gaps that the Fellowship can help fill and who are ready to fully leverage our resources for a successful MBA journey.

Ultimately, we’re looking for people with not just the ambition to elevate their careers but the heart to lift others as they rise.

 

Fellowship Eligibility

  • Access membership. Not a member? Click here!

  • Demonstrate a Commitment to Underrepresented or Under-Resourced Communities

  • Demonstrated resource needs (i.e. financial, network, community)

  • Based in the United States (regardless of citizenship).

    • This program is best suited for those in these regions due to the required participation in time zone-based events and a focus on building a vibrant, engaged community.

    • Please watch this video (linked) to hear about alternate opportunities for applicants based outside of the United States.

  • Submit a GMAT/GRE score

  • Willingness and desire to help your teammates

  • Demonstrated history of excellence and perseverance

  • Review the application tips below to be well-prepared and make the most of your application.

Ready to Join The Fellowship?

Already An Access Member?

Not An Access Member Yet?

Access Fellowship Application Calendar

  • Application Opens: November 15, 2025

  • Application Closes:

    • Round 1: January 6, 2025

    • Round 2: March 3, 2025

    • All application deadlines are 11:59PM PST.

  • Decisions are shared within 4-6 weeks of submission and you may be invited to an interview as part of the admission process.

  • Mandatory Orientation: May 10, 2025

Our Partners

Learn More

Our Fellows’ Journey

Follow our 2020-2021 Featured Fellows through their application journey here to understand what’s ahead

Our Application Tips

Read our guide here to ensure you get the Fellows application done in the most efficient way possible

Expectations

Click here to watch our Founders detail the application expectations to help you stand out

Not an Access Member yet? Click here.