FORTÉ mbalaunch
Build your best MBA application
FORTÉ MBALAUNCH
The hardest part of business school is getting into business school — but it doesn't have to be!
Forté MBALaunch is the most comprehensive prep program for future MBA women — and it's the best deal out there too! Get access to MBA application prep worth $15,000+ for just a fraction of the cost.
MBALaunch is your guide through the application process. Our team will help you stay on track with a structured plan for applying to business school next fall, including step-by-step application guidance and the most supportive community of peers and experts.
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WHO
program fee
APPLICATION deadlines
GET MORE INFORMATION
Forté MBALaunch is a comprehensive eight-month program designed to help you submit your best MBA application to business schools. Whether you are a first-generation student, have already attempted the application process, or are surrounded by people with MBAs in your network, the program is committed to you and your unique b-school selection process.
No matter the MBA program format you’re interested in, you can expect us to hold you accountable. We will help you build your network with Forté Fellows and admissions committee members at our partner business schools — all while serving as your support system throughout the application process and beyond.
MBALAUNCH: YOUR SECRET MBA PREP ADVANTAGE
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1
Build a winning MBA application
Get advice about the process and feedback on your application from peers and program partners. Attend weekly virtual sessions covering everything from financing your MBA to power networking. Watch our Curriculum Overview webinar to learn more. -
2
Gain a network of peers
Connect with hundreds of motivated peers who have similar goals and are going through the application process right alongside you. -
3
Connect with experts
Schedule advising appointments with admissions reps from high-ranking business schools and other MBA consultants, and take advantage of office hours with Forté experts. -
4
Receive feedback
Draw on the experiences of peers and MBA alumni advisors — get tips for choosing the right MBA program, writing admissions essays, updating your resume, and interviewing with confidence. -
5
Access fee waivers and discounts
Receive application fee waivers from 40+ high-ranking business schools and discounts from leading GMAT prep providers and admissions consultants — an estimated value of $10,000.
2025 MBALAUNCH COHORT PROFILE
DON'T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT
2024 MBA APPLICATION FEE WAIVERS
Arizona State University (W.P. Carey School of Business) • Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper School of Business) • Cornell University (Johnson School of Management) • Dartmouth College (Tuck School of Business) • Duke University (The Fuqua School of Business) • Emory University (Goizueta Business School) • ESADE Business School • George Washington University (School of Business) • Georgetown University (McDonough School of Business) • Georgia Tech (Scheller College of Business) • HEC Paris • IE University • IESE Business School • IMD Business School • Imperial College Business School • Indiana University - Bloomington (Kelley School of Business) • INSEAD • Johns Hopkins University (Carey Business School) • London Business School • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan) • Michigan State University (Broad College of Business) • New York University (Stern School of Business) • Ohio State University (Fisher College of Business) • Rice University (Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business) • Southern Methodist University (Cox School of Business) • University of California - Irvine (Paul Merage School of Business) • University of Cambridge (Judge Business School) • University of Chicago (Booth School of Business) • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Gies College of Business) • University of Maryland (Smith School of Business) • University of Minnesota - Twin Cities (Carlson School of Management) • University of North Carolina (Kenan-Flagler Business School) • University of Notre Dame (Mendoza College of Business) • University of Oxford (Saïd Business School) • University of Rochester (Simon Business School) • University of Southern California (Marshall School of Business) • University of Texas at Austin (McCombs School of Business) • University of Texas at Dallas (Naveen Jindal School of Management) • University of Toronto (Rotman School of Management) • University of Wisconsin - Madison (Wisconsin School of Business) • Vanderbilt University (Owen Graduate School of Management) • Washington University in St. Louis (Olin Business School) • Western University (Ivey Business School) • Yale School of Management • York University (Schulich School of Business)
A group of our member business schools offer fee waivers to candidates who successfully complete the MBALaunch program. This group may change slightly for the 2026 MBALaunch program.
GET YOUR MBALAUNCH QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions Process and Requirements
How do I apply to the 2025 MBALaunch program?
Submit the online application in its entirety, including a recorded video or written essay, your professional resume, your LinkedIn profile, and the $35 fee. This application fee is nonrefundable and nontransferable. Watch our Application Overview webinar to learn more.
Do I need a GMAT or GRE score to apply to the MBALaunch program?
No, you do not need a GMAT or GRE score to apply. There is a section in the application to add your score if you have one, but it is not required. MBALaunch participants are required to submit official scores by July 2025 in order to successfully complete the program.
Do I need to submit both a video AND written essay?
No. Please submit only one — a video OR written essay.
Can I save my MBALaunch online application as I work through it?
No, you need to complete the application in its entirety. Please set aside approximately one hour to fully complete your application. You will not be able to save an incomplete application on our website. To ensure you are prepared to successfully complete your application, we suggest updating your resume and your LinkedIn profile, and preparing your essay prior to filling out the online application.
What are the differences between the application rounds?
There is no major difference between the application rounds in terms of selectivity. However, the earlier you apply, the earlier you could gain access to resources and discounts specific to MBALaunch participants.
How will I receive my MBALaunch admission decision?
You will receive an email with your admission decision. Please update your Forté profile to ensure you have not opted out of our emails. If admitted, you will receive an email with additional instructions on next steps to confirm your seat in the 2025 MBALaunch program.
Still have questions about the MBALaunch application process?
Watch our Application Overview webinar to learn more. You can also watch our Ask Me Anything with the MBALaunch team or Ask Me Anything with past participants.
General Program Questions
What is the cost to participate in the 2025 MBALaunch program?
The fee is $675 to participate in the eight-month program when you enroll by Jan. 31, 2025. After Jan. 31, 2025, the enrollment fee is $750. All MBALaunch application and enrollment fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
Does my application fee go toward the cost of the 2025 MBALaunch program?
No. The application fee is separate from the MBALaunch enrollment fee.
Are scholarships available to help pay for MBALaunch?
Thanks to the Deloitte Foundation, a $300 scholarship may be available for first-generation college students or those who identify as a historically underrepresented minority. When you submit your MBALaunch application, you will receive next steps on how to apply for this scholarship opportunity. The Deloitte Scholarship will be open September – December 2024.
When does the 2025 MBALaunch program officially start?
The MBALaunch program starts on Feb. 4, 2025 with our first virtual session.
What information is covered through MBALaunch?
Watch our Curriculum Overview webinar to learn more about the MBALaunch cohort program.
When do program sessions usually take place?
Throughout the program, live virtual sessions typically take place on Tuesdays from noon-1 pm ET or 7:30-8:30 pm ET. Sessions are subject to change based on speaker availability and recorded to accommodate occasional conflicts for participants.
I have schedule conflicts with the virtual sessions. Can I still participate?
It is our preference and expectation that participants regularly attend live programming. In the rare case that conflicts arise and you cannot make it, we record all virtual sessions so they are accessible on demand in the Learning Management System (LMS). If you do miss a session, you will be expected to view the recording within one week and update your attendance in the LMS.
Can I still participate in MBALaunch if I am planning to take the GRE or the Executive Assessment (EA)?
Yes! Participants can take the GMAT, GRE, or EA. You must submit an official score in order to successfully complete the program, but can take the test that is best for you and the programs you’re applying to.
Is MBALaunch GMAT prep sufficient for my GMAT preparation? Will I need additional study or courses?
MBALaunch provides an introduction to all parts of the GMAT and includes strategies you may implement to do your best on the exam. We recommend participants dedicate significant time to self-study and/or additional courses with test prep companies outside of MBALaunch. The program does offer discounts on test prep to participants, including discounts on classes and materials.
What if I have a question that hasn't been addressed in the FAQs?
We are happy to answer any questions you have about the MBALaunch program. Please join us for an upcoming information session or email premba@fortefoundation.org.
2025 MBALAUNCH SPONSORS & PARTNERS
Platinum Sponsors
Founded by Scott Edinburgh, a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sat on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors for six years, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 17 years. Scott Edinburgh, Personal MBA Coach’s founder, was ranked #1 globally in 2024, and Personal MBA Coach was ranked the top boutique consulting firm for the last two years. Last year our clients earned over $11M in scholarships, and in Round 1 alone, our Forté Launcher clients earned over $2M in scholarships.
We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring and comprehensive MBA application support which includes school selection, letter of recommendation advice, essay editing, mock interviews with former M7 and T10 admissions interviewers, and more!
All Personal MBA Coach clients benefit from direct founder involvement as our small team meets weekly to discuss all clients and share our insider knowledge. Our consultants are supported by former M7 and T10 admissions interviewers, expert GMAT, GRE and EA tutors, and a small boutique team of seasoned writers and graduate professors with advanced degrees from leading universities including Harvard, Yale, and Columbia. Personal MBA Coach’s leadership team also includes Erin Edinburgh Wand (Scott’s sister), a former Forté Scholarship recipient and Bain & Company consultant with an MBA from Yale SOM, who runs the company’s marketing, operations, and knowledge management.
Learn more: personalmbacoach.com.
MBA Protocol is a premier coaching service founded by Angela Guido — a Booth MBA, former recruiter at BCG & KPMG, author, and renowned MBA admissions expert and career coach with over 20 years of experience helping applicants gain admission to the world’s top business schools.
With our signature blend of insight, humor, and heart and a focus on authenticity, leadership, and purpose, the MBA Protocol team guides future leaders to find their unique voice, craft standout applications, and build meaningful careers. We support our students in turning bold ambitions into reality, being unapologetically authentic, finding work with meaning, and living a life of both purpose and joy. Join our community for free resources.
Learn more: mbaprotocol.com/join.
Silver Sponsors
Program Sponsors
Forté Partners
Support Gender Equality
When you help someone take a step in their business career, you’re not just opening doors – you’re investing in access, opportunity, and a more equitable future for the workplace.
