How to apply: Full-time MBA

Begin and manage your application by creating a username and password on the Johns Hopkins University-wide platform.

Tips for getting started:

• Select "Carey Business School" as your school of choice
• You can start your application, save your progress, and return to finish it by logging in with your credentials
• Your application will only be reviewed once it has been submitted and all supporting materials have been received
• For the best user experience, we recommend using Google Chrome

Carey’s Admissions team prefers electronic documents. If you must provide a document by mail, please send to:

Office of Admissions
Johns Hopkins Carey Business School
100 International Drive
Baltimore, MD 21202

When choosing an application round, be sure to review the decision release dates and deposit deadlines to secure your place in the class. As a general policy, we do not offer extensions, so we recommend you apply when you’re confident in your ability to make an enrollment decision. International applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by the round 2 deadline.

See all upcoming deadlines here.

Applicants must submit a total of two required essays in response to the questions below. Your essays should reflect your original thoughts and authentic voice. We do not accept generic statements of purpose or essays written for other applications.

Essay 1:

What are your specific post-MBA career aspirations and how will this program help you achieve your short- and long-term goals? Please be sure to comment on why now is the right time to pursue a full-time MBA and what aspects of the Johns Hopkins MBA are particularly appealing to you.

Essay 2:

Carey’s institutional values are:

• Boundless Curiosity: Have a hungry mind, wired for exploration, always seeking, discovering, and innovating. Carey embraces continuous learning and a constant pursuit of knowledge
• Relentless Advancement: Challenge the status quo. Carey builds on Johns Hopkins University’s tireless pursuit of excellence
• Unwavering Humanity: Commit to business with humanity in mind. Carey advances society and shapes leading citizens
• Collaborative Leadership: Foster an inclusive environment. Carey builds passionate teams across the Johns Hopkins network to develop dynamic business solutions

Which of Carey’s four values resonates most with you, and why? Please describe ways you already exemplify that value, as well as how you envision demonstrating this value in your future career.

Optional essay:

You may use the optional essay to provide additional context for the Admissions committee regarding your academic record, personal history, or professional attributes. This space can also be used to address extenuating circumstances such as inconsistent or weak academic performance, gaps in work history, or choice of recommender.

Tips for writing your essay:

• Indicate which question you are answering at the beginning of each essay
• Use a 12-point font and double-space your document
• Upload both required essays to the online application
• Essays should be 300–500 words each

Official transcripts from all U.S. schools must be sent electronically. All U.S. transcripts must be from an accredited institution recognized by the Department of Education. Please visit your school’s website to request an official transcript be sent electronically to [email protected].

We require transcripts from all institutions where you have attempted more than 15 credits. Final transcripts must indicate any degrees earned. Your admission decision may be delayed if transcripts from all colleges/universities attended are not received. If your transcripts are from a non-U.S. school, please review the "additional requirements for the non-U.S. applicants" section below on the required course-by-course credential evaluation process.

If your school does not participate in electronic transcript submission, please have official sealed transcripts mailed to the address below:

Johns Hopkins Carey Business School
Office of Admissions
100 International Drive
Baltimore, MD 21202

Applicants must submit a one-page résumé that highlights your academic background and professional experience in a clear, concise, and results-oriented format.

Formatting guidelines and recommendations:

• Your résumé should be organized in reverse chronological order
• Include both the months and years for each position or internship
• Use clear section headings, professional font (10–12 points), and consistent formatting throughout
• Proofread to eliminate any spelling or grammatical errors
• Emphasize your quantifiable achievements, demonstrated leadership, and impact rather than simply listing job responsibilities
• Tailor your résumé for business school by highlighting experiences that reflect your potential as an MBA candidate

Your résumé should complement, not duplicate, your essays and application. Use it to showcase your career progression, decision-making, and readiness for graduate study.

One professional recommendation is required, though we will review up to two. Your recommender should be someone who knows you in a professional context and can speak directly to your strengths, impact, leadership potential, and contributions. It is more important to select someone with knowledge of your abilities than someone at the highest level in your company.

• Do not choose personal friends or family members
• Avoid selecting someone based solely on their title or seniority if they cannot speak meaningfully about your work
• Use your recommender’s work email address rather than a personal account like Gmail. Work emails are preferred as they support our credential verification process
• Academic recommendations are generally not as helpful, especially when only one letter is submitted

To ensure your recommender is well prepared:

• Approach them at least two months before the application deadline
• Share your résumé, career goals, and a brief overview of why you’re pursuing an MBA at Carey, so they can align their recommendation with the rest of your application
• Discuss submission requirements and deadlines early, and ensure they submit the letter in the proper format

Choosing the right recommender and giving them the time and context to write a strong letter can add significant value to your application.

Please visit Carey’s Blog to read more tips on choosing a strong reference

Applicants are required to submit either GMAT or GRE scores, unless approved for a waiver. We have no preference between the two exams, choose the one that best aligns with your strengths. Test scores must be no more than five years old.

When applying, upload your scores in the “Supporting Materials” section. These are considered unofficial; you must also request that official scores be sent directly to our Admissions Office using the codes below:

• GMAT: KGB-B0-98
• GRE: 0834

We recognize that standardized tests may not always reflect an applicant’s full potential. If you believe your academic background, professional experience, and quantitative skills sufficiently demonstrate your readiness for an MBA, you may request a GMAT/GRE waiver.

To be considered for a waiver, you must meet BOTH of the conditions outlined in the Supporting Materials section of the application. Please note:

• Requesting a waiver does not guarantee approval
• Receiving a waiver does not guarantee admission
• Applicants with an undergraduate degree earned outside the U.S. must have a minimum 3.0 GPA verified through a credential evaluation (CBC) before a waiver can be granted

We encourage you to carefully assess whether submitting test scores or pursuing a waiver will present you as the strongest possible candidate. Our admissions team reviews all applications holistically, considering academic performance, professional achievements, and quantitative aptitude.

For more information, use the links below.

• Information on registering and sending GMAT scores
• Information on registering and sending GRE scores 

For JD/MBA applicants: submit your LSAT score in lieu of the GMAT or GRE.

READ: DOES USING THE GMAT/GRE WAIVER HELP OR HURT MY APPLICATION?

Interviews are invitation-only after the initial review of a submitted application. They typically last 45–60 minutes and serve both evaluative and informational purposes. The interview will begin with questions based on your application, giving us the opportunity to gain deeper insight into your background, experiences, and interest in the Full-time MBA program. There will be time reserved for you to ask questions, so please come prepared.

We look for applicants who are energetic, engaging, can articulate their stories, and speak to how the Johns Hopkins MBA will position them for what’s next. Answer questions honestly, not with the answer you think the interviewer wants to hear. Avoid memorizing answers, just be yourself!

Interviews are offered in-person at Carey, via Zoom, and when possible, in other cities around the world. We work with each candidate individually to schedule. The modality of your interview will not impact the outcome. You will hear if you are invited to interview within two weeks of the application deadline for your round.

Quick tips:

• Interviews are conducted in English
• Dress as you would for a job interview
• Bring a one-page resume with you to in-person interviews
• Test your camera and microphone ahead of time for Zoom interviews
• Arrive early or join the virtual meeting a few minutes before the scheduled time

A non-refundable $100 application fee is required at the time of submission. We cannot review your application until the fee has been received.

International candidates must fulfill the additional following requirements:

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose first or primary language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in both written and spoken English. To do so, you must submit official scores from one of the following accepted tests:

• TOEFL iBT (we do not accept TOEFL Essentials)
• IELTS Academic
• Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)
• Duolingo English Test (DET)

You may be eligible for a waiver if you meet specific criteria. Please review the full waiver policy on our International Applicants page.

Course-by-course credit evaluation

If you earned or are currently pursuing a degree from an institution outside the United States, you must submit an official course-by-course evaluation from a NACES-approved agency. The evaluation must confirm:

• The degree is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree
• A course-by-course breakdown
• A GPA on a 4.0 scale (if available)

If your coursework was completed outside the U.S. but your degree was awarded by a U.S. institution, you only need to submit official transcripts from all institutions attended. All transcripts must be in English.

For complete details and resources, visit our International Applicants page.