UCLA AndersonDeferred Enrollment Program
What they weigh
- Clear career goals tied to industries where LA has real leverage: entertainment, tech, consumer brands, and healthcare
- A specific "why Anderson" answer — the community essay asks how you'll engage, not just why you applied
- Demonstrated analytical ability or leadership through internships and coursework
- Open to students from all universities worldwide
Essay prompts
“Why is the MBA the right degree for you to pursue both personally and professionally?”
“Describe your post-MBA short-term and long-term career goals.”
“What makes UCLA Anderson a top choice for you, and how will you engage with and contribute to the community?”
Oba’s take
Anderson sits in a position that other top-15 programs don't: a strong alumni network in entertainment, media, consumer brands, and LA tech that New York or Boston schools can't replicate. If your career direction involves any of those industries, the alumni access here is genuinely different. The three essays are short — 150/150/250 words. That's harder than writing 500. There's no room for a slow build. Essay 1 needs one crisp reason the MBA accelerates your specific path, not a general case for business school. Essay 2 is a clean goals statement: specific role, industry, and a credible longer-term arc. Essay 3 is the differentiator. Do the research, find a club or professor or Anderson-specific program that connects to your actual interests, and be specific about how you contribute. 'I'll bring diverse perspectives' is not an answer.
11 modules covering narrative, essays, recommenders, school research, and the interview. Built specifically for deferred applicants.
Read the Playbook →One-on-one coaching on your essays and narrative. Small number of students per cycle. Junior program: $3,500/yr or $400/mo.
Apply for Coaching →