Moelis Advance Access Program

Apply in final year of study.
Work for two to four years.
Get a Wharton MBA.

Application Deadline: April 23, 2025

What is the Moelis Advance Access Program?

The Moelis Advance Access Program is a deferred enrollment program that offers students in their final year of undergraduate and full-time graduate degree programs a guaranteed pathway to the Wharton MBA. After admission, admitted students pursue two to four years of quality work experience before matriculating in the full-time MBA program.

The program seeks students who are ambitious, innovative, and prepared to use a sense of professional liberty to maximize their early career experiences while impacting the world. Students from all academic fields and disciplines are encouraged to apply, and the program accepts a highly selective cohort of students, named Moelis Fellows, whose academic and career interests expand the traditional notions of business education.

The program was established in 2017 with philanthropic support from Ken Moelis, W’80, WG’81, and Julie Taffet Moelis, W’81. Read the news release.

Download a Program Guide.

This guide covers everything you need to get started on your MBA application journey.

Why Consider a Deferred MBA Program?

The first years of full-time work include a range of exciting and challenging opportunities, experiences, and decisions. Whether you are a student who wants to explore your dream career, pursue a non-traditional path, launch a business, or join a start-up, we know that you have long-term goals of changing careers or industries. You already know that an MBA will strengthen your skills and provide you with knowledge that you might not find in your first job. Deferred MBA programs offer the opportunity to secure a guaranteed seat at a top MBA program two or more years down the road so that you can pursue these early years with increased confidence and risk-tolerance.

How does Deferred Admission work?

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APPLY

Apply during the final year of your undergraduate or full-time graduate degree program during the Deferred Admission Round (late April). The application process for the Moelis Advance Access Program is similar to the application during Rounds 1, 2, and 3; however, deferred admission candidates are only evaluated relative to peers applying to the Moelis Program.

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GAIN WORK EXPERIENCE

Follow your professional passions and obtain substantive work experience for two to four years. Wharton deferred admission students are encouraged to take professional risks, such as starting their own company, working for a nonprofit, or pursuing global externships while working in traditional business industries.

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ENGAGE WITH WHARTON

Your professional and personal development begins the moment you are admitted to Wharton. During the two to four years before you begin your MBA, you will have access to a network of scholars having an impact professionally across the globe and will remain in contact with Wharton through Slack and email, in-person and virtual events for the Moelis Program, and access to other student conferences and alumni initiatives.

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BEGIN THE MBA PROGRAM

You and other Moelis Fellows will represent about 10% of the 900 full-time MBA students at Wharton. Once on campus, you’ll be able to maximize your career trajectory and elevate your potential through the leadership, career, student life, and academic programs offered by a global leader in business school.

The Moelis Advance Access Program accepts applications from students who are in the process of completing or recently completed their bachelor’s, full-time master’s, or other graduate degree. The Moelis Fellows cohort consists of more than 100 universities, including liberal arts, professional schools, and many other degree programs from around the world.

Application DeadlineInterview InvitationsInterview DatesDecisionsDeposit Deadline
Wednesday, April 23, 2025Thursday, May 29, 2025Monday, June 2 – Friday, June 13, 2025Tuesday, July 1, 2025Friday, August 1, 2025

Application Components

  • Reduced application fee of $100 (active-duty military, veterans who have received an honorable discharge, and applicants for whom the fee presents a financial burden can have their application fee waived with proper documentation)
  • Unofficial copy of college transcript(s) with final year courses listed
  • Self-reported GMAT or GRE exam scores (both tests administered at a test center or online/at-home are acceptable)
  • Current resume with all internships, part-time positions, and future full-time position listed
  • Two letters of recommendation from any of the following: college faculty, supervisor from an internship or employment, campus or community leader, advisor, or coach
  • Two essays (same essays as general MBA applicants)
  • Virtual Team-Based Discussion and one-on-one interview with a member of the Wharton MBA Admissions Office

Enrollment

Students accepted into the Moelis Advance Access Program have a split enrollment deposit. The initial $1,000 deposit is due on or before the enrollment deadline; the final $1,000 deposit is submitted the year they matriculate to Wharton. All Moelis Fellows submit a yearly declaration of their intent to enroll and verification of work experience.

We encourage you to connect with us to learn more about the Moelis Advance Access Program.

Moelis Advance Access Program Information Sessions and Webinars

Throughout the year, we will host periodic informational sessions designed to educate about the benefits of applying to an MBA via deferred enrollment programs, the value of an MBA, and distinctive features and benefits of the Moelis Advance Access Program.

Application Tips and Ask the Adcom Q&A Sessions

In the months prior to the application deadline, we will provide advice about applying to Wharton, tips to strengthen your application, and respond to prospective candidates’ questions through a range of virtual sessions.

Connect with Current Students

There are 55 current second year MBA students across many backgrounds, careers, and interests that are available to speak with you about their experiences at Wharton. Browse the profiles of the Admissions Fellows and find someone who shares personal, career, and/or academic background with you.

College and University Information Sessions

Over the course of the year, we will host virtual and/or in-person informational sessions at many colleges and universities around the world. If you wish to help coordinate an informational meeting at your school, please email us at mba-advanceaccess@wharton.upenn.edu.

Undergraduate Visit Days and Campus Visit Program

We will host several specialty visit days focused on exposing undergraduate students to the MBA experience and Wharton community. If you are unable to attend an Undergraduate Visit Day, come see campus, learn about the admissions process, attend classes, meet current students, and get a firsthand look at our diverse and collaborative culture during one of our Campus Visit Programs. 

The Moelis Fellows cohort is comprised of a diverse group of students who attended institutions around the globe, majored in a wide range of academic disciplines, and are pursuing various professional career paths during their deferment period. On the day you are admitted, Moelis Fellows immediately become connected via the Moelis Program’s Slack network.

Recent years benefits and opportunities for Moelis Fellows have included:

  • Social and professional development events and retreats, held in person and virtually
  • Mentoring and networking with current Wharton MBA students and Wharton alumni
  • Complimentary tickets to select Wharton conferences and events
  • Professional workshops hosted by current Wharton MBA student clubs
  • Access to select Wharton Interactive simulations
  • Biannual Q&A sessions with Wharton’s MBA Career Management advisors

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR WHARTON'S DEFERRED ADMISSION PROGRAM?

Any student in a bachelor’s degree or full-time graduate degree program who completed or will complete their academic program within 8 months of the Moelis Program’s application deadline (Deferred Admission Round).

CAN I APPLY IF I AM GRADUATING FROM MY UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES A SEMESTER OR YEAR EARLY?

Yes, all students graduating early are eligible to apply. If you graduate between October 1 and December 31, you must apply during the Moelis Round (same application deadline as Round 3) in spring after you graduate. If you are graduating between January 1 and September 30, you must apply during the Moelis Round of your graduation year.

CAN I APPLY IF I AM CURRENTLY A GRADUATE STUDENT?

Yes, any graduate degree student is eligible to apply to the Moelis Advance Access Program so long as: (1) the graduate degree program was conducted full time, and (2) you matriculated into your full-time graduate program immediately following completion of your bachelor’s degree.

IF I FINISHED MY UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES LAST YEAR AND THEN IMMEDIATELY STARTED A MASTER'S PROGRAM, CAN I APPLY TO THE MOELIS ADVANCE ACCESS PROGRAM?

Yes, you are eligible to apply as long as you did not work full-time between your undergraduate and graduate studies. This includes any candidate that sub-matriculated into their graduate program.

WHAT IS THE APPLICATION FEE?

There is a $100 application fee. Active-duty military, veteran who have received an honorable discharge, and applicants for whom the fee presents a financial burden can have their application fee waived with proper documentation. If you have any questions about the application fee or are seeking a fee waiver, please email mba-advanceaccess@wharton.upenn.edu.

DO YOU ACCEPT BOTH THE GRE AND THE GMAT?

Yes, we accept both tests and do not have a preference for either. Additionally, we will accept scores from exams that were completed in person at a test center or online from home. We accept self-reported scores at the time of the application deadline, but require official scores to be sent by those who enroll in the Moelis Program.

WHO CAN WRITE MY LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION, AND HOW MANY CAN I SUBMIT IN MY APPLICATION?

We require two letters of recommendation for each applicant. Applicants to the Moelis Advance Access Program can have letters submitted from any combination of the following individuals: college faculty, supervisor from an internship or employment, campus or community leader, advisor, or coach.

WILL I HAVE AN INTERVIEW FOR THE MOELIS ADVANCE ACCESS PROGRAM?

The Admissions Committee invites a select number of candidates to interview; only those who interview for the Moelis Program will be considered for admission. During the 2024 application round, all candidates will learn if they are invited to interview on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. Wharton’s interview includes a virtual Team-Based Discussion as well as a virtual one-on-one with a member of the Wharton MBA Admissions Team.

IF I AM INTERESTED IN THE LAUDER INSTITUTE, THE CAREY JD/MBA PROGRAM, OR THE HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, CAN I APPLY TO THE MOELIS ADVANCE ACCESS PROGRAM?

Admitted Moelis Fellows are eligible to apply to the Lauder MBA/MBA, Carey JD/MBA and Health Care Management programs through their Intent to Enroll form the year before matriculation at Wharton.

CAN I APPLY TO JOINT DEGREE PROGRAMS AFTER WORKING FOR SOME TIME AND DISCOVERING AN INTEREST IN THE PROGRAM?

Yes, Wharton offers 15+ joint and dual degree programs and we support any Moelis Fellow who decides to apply to any of these programs during their deferment period. The process to apply varies by program, but Moelis Fellows can apply during the year immediately before their matriculation to Wharton. The admission decision at any of these programs will not impact their offer of admission to the Wharton MBA.

IS THERE A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE IN THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR A PARTICULAR SCHOOL OR ACADEMIC BACKGROUND?

No, we look to admit promising candidates across all academic disciplines, any accredited college or university, and all professional areas of interest.

IF I AM NOT ACCEPTED TO THE MOELIS ADVANCE ACCESS PROGRAM, WILL MY CHANCES OF ADMISSION TO THE WHARTON MBA PROGRAM BE WORSE IN THE FUTURE?

No, your future application will not be disadvantaged. The Moelis Program is only one early pathway to the Wharton Full-Time MBA Program, and it is highly selective. We hope that any candidate who does not gain admission to Wharton via the Moelis Program will apply to Wharton again after several years of full-time work experience.

WHAT IS THE ENROLLMENT DEPOSIT?

Admitted students are asked to pay an initial $1,000 deposit by the enrollment deadline to secure their space in the Moelis Fellows cohort. A final $1,000 deposit is due in the year immediately before matriculating into the Wharton MBA. The entire $2,000 deposits are applied to first year tuition and fees at Wharton.

HOW LONG CAN I DEFER MY START DATE IN THE MBA PROGRAM?

You can defer for two, three, or four years. During those years, you still need to pursue career options that develop professional and leadership skills. All Moelis Fellows are required to submit a yearly Intent to Enroll form, which informs the Wharton MBA Admissions Committee your current professional endeavors and when you plan to matriculate.

ARE THERE ANY BENEFITS FOR THOSE APPLYING FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA?

University of Pennsylvania undergraduate students will automatically have their application fee waived to the Moelis Advance Access Program. Additionally, graduates of any of Penn’s undergraduate degree programs who are admitted into the Moelis Advance Access Program are eligible to receive a $10,000 Moelis Fellowships for each year of the Wharton MBA. All recipients of the Moelis Fellowship are also automatically reviewed for additional merit-based fellowships from Wharton during their year of matriculation.

IF ADMITTED INTO THE MOELIS PROGRAM, WILL I BE CONSIDERED FOR ANY SCHOLARSHIPS?

All candidates admitted to the Moelis Advance Access Program will be automatically reviewed for all possible merit-based fellowships (scholarships) during their year of matriculation. Moelis Fellows complete their Intent to Enroll form each year following their admission – this information is used alongside their original application to inform scholarship awards. Moelis Fellows are equally likely to receive scholarships as all other students who gain admission to Wharton in Rounds 1, 2, and 3.

Moelis Fellows Admitted Cohort of 2023 Profile

Every year, we admit a truly outstanding, diverse cohort of students across all academic backgrounds from around the globe to join the Moelis community.

118

Enrolled

22

Countries Represented

27%

International Students

53%

Female

35%

U.S. Students of Color

19%

First Generation

Join Us for an Event

Nov
13

Clear Admit Webinar Series: Deferred Enrollment MBA Programs

November 13 | 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Virtual

Questions about the Moelis Advance Access Program?