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 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.
The selection is based on an application review and optional interview; the selection process is demographic-blind.
Our formula is simple: Curriculum + Community + Accountability => Positive Outcomes
The fellowship application is open for the 2025-2026 Application Cycle. You must be an Access Member to apply to the Fellowship. Hurry, the deadline is April 1, 2025!
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
The eligibility requirements mentioned in this video are no longer valid. Access is open to all MBA applicants. For the most up-to-date eligibility requirements, please see our website text.
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
Demonstrated commitment to underrepresented or under-resourced communities.
Demonstrated resource need (i.e. financial, network, community)
Based in the United States or Americas (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 Americas.
Submit a GMAT/GRE score (we’re not evaluating the score, just the effort)
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.
The Fellows evaluation process is demographic blind. All that meet this eligibility are encouraged to apply!
Already An Access Member?
Not An Access Member Yet?
Access Fellowship Application Calendar
Application Opens: November 15, 2024
Application Closes:
Round 1: January 6, 2025
Round 2: April 1st, 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: April 26th, 2025
Our Partners
Learn More
Our Fellows’ Journey
Follow our former 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.