MAKE YOUR APPLICATION STAND OUT with MBALaunch
For a limited time, apply to MBALaunch for free using the discount code LAUNCH35 🎉
Final Deadline: March 9
The hardest part of business school is getting into business school — but it doesn't have to be with MBALaunch.
Welcome to the most comprehensive application prep program for future MBA students — and the best deal out there. 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.
Have questions? Join us March 5 for
Making Sense of the MBA Application Timeline
Expert Prep, fraction of the cost
Participants Say...
I didn't think I could get into a top MBA program. Now, here I am thriving with a full-tuition scholarship. Going through the application process with help from Forté MBALaunch gave me the guidance and supportive peer community I needed to get where I am today.
Chandler Rock
University of Michigan (Ross School of Business)
wHAT you get
You can expect us to hold you accountable, no matter where you're applying or what type of program you're pursuing. We will help you build your network with Forté Fellows and admissions committee members at our member business schools — all while serving as your support system throughout the application process and beyond.
8 months of access to step-by-step MBA application prep
100+ hours of content: admissions insights, essay help, test prep, and more
Advising appointments and exclusive events with admissions pros
Supportive community of peers navigating the MBA journey alongside you
Fee waivers from 40+ leading MBA programs
MBALaunch cURRICULUM
Set your expectations! Download the full MBALaunch curriculum.
YOUR SECRET MBA PREP ADVANTAGE
-
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.
Participants Say...
I liked the fact that it was designed to walk me through the deadlines, connect me with admissions staff and current students and alumni at various schools, and create a support group of other women who were applying.
Hannah Untereiner
UCLA (Anderson School of Management)
Participants Say...
Going through this program (MBLaunch) boosted my confidence, and it gave me a sense of ‘I've got this. I can do this.’"
Dawn Kissi
Columbia Business School
PROGRAM DETAILS
WHO
WHAT
program fee
COHORT DATES
APPLICATION deadlines
GET MORE INFORMATION
MBA APPLICATION FEE WAIVERS
US Business Schools
- 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)
- George Washington University (School of Business)
- Georgetown University (McDonough School of Business)
- Georgia Tech (Scheller College of Business)
- Indiana University - Bloomington (Kelley School of Business)
- Johns Hopkins University (Carey Business School)
- 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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign (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 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 Wisconsin - Madison (Wisconsin School of Business)
- Vanderbilt University (Owen Graduate School of Management)
- Yale School of Management
CANADA, UK, and Europe Business Schools
- ESADE Business School
- HEC Paris
- IE University
- IESE Business School
- IMD Business School
- Imperial Business School
- INSEAD
- London Business School
- Queen's University (Smith School of Business)
- UBC Sauder School of Business
- University of Cambridge (Judge Business School)
- University of Oxford (Saïd Business School)
- University of Toronto (Rotman School of Management)
- Warwick Business School
- Western University (Ivey Business School)
- 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.
Participants Say...
I realized that I did not know anyone with an MBA, I had no support network for the application, I had no ties to any school, and I couldn’t afford the resources that most people used for applications: admissions consultants, GMAT tutors, resume reviews.
Jennifer Chacón Salas
Dartmouth College (Tuck School of Business)
Participants Say...
MBALaunch gave me clarity on what schools were looking for and how to position my story strategically.
Mia Loiferman
Dartmouth College (Tuck School of Business)
2026 MBALaunch Eligibility Requirements
Anyone considering an MBA is welcome to apply to MBALaunch. The 2026 Forté MBALaunch cohort program is designed for those interested in applying to an MBA program in fall 2026, for enrollment in fall 2027.
- Academic Achievement
To be considered, applicants must have a bachelor's degree. Those with a strong undergraduate record are encouraged to apply. - Work Experience
Applicants with at least two years of post-undergrad professional work experience are preferred. Business experience and/or education is not required. Candidates with non-traditional backgrounds and/or experiences are encouraged to apply. - Commitment
Applicants must be willing to commit significant time and energy throughout the eight-month program. Cohort participants are expected to attend virtual and/or live events, weekly online sessions, monthly group meetings, individual work, and submit an official GMAT/GRE/EA score. Participants can expect to dedicate at least one hour weekly to live/synchronous programming, with additional optional opportunities. Some program requirements will need more of a time commitment.
The cohort program begins on Feb. 3, 2026 with a mandatory virtual session.
Not sure the time commitment will work for you? Learn about MBALaunch On Demand — our self-paced, content-only program. - Location: The entire program can be completed virtually. Forté will hold several in-person events in select major cities in the United States. All program requirements will also have a virtual option to accommodate participants.
2026 MBALaunch Enrollment INFO
The fee is $750 to participate in the MBALaunch cohort program.
MBALaunch is a resource-intensive program supported by Forté sponsors and members. Financial aid for this program is not available.
The MBALaunch application and enrollment fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
Learn more about the 2026 MBALaunch participant policies.
Participants Say...
I applied [to MBALaunch] because I wanted to know how to best put my application together, and I got that. But I also found a group of women that were there to support me along the way and that I'm likely going to be friends with for life.
Stefanie Cainto
Cornell University (Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management)
2026 MBALAUNCH APPLICATION DETAILS
- Complete the application form.
- Pay the $35 nonrefundable application fee.
- Here's what you'll need:
- Up-to-date LinkedIn profile
- Optional: Professional resume
- Optional: Essay
Tell us why you are looking to pursue an MBA, how the MBALaunch program will help you meet your goals, and how you connect to Forté's mission of More Women Leading.
2026 Application Schedule
While there is no major difference between application rounds in terms of selectivity, the earlier you apply, the earlier you could gain access to resources and discounts specific to MBALaunch participants.
| Rolling Admissions | |
| Application Deadline: | March 9, 2026 |
Participants Say...
If you are a non-traditional applicant with limited to no business background, Forté helps you become more competitive.
Amanda Villarreal
New York University (Stern School of Business)
Participants Say...
The experts you meet in the program will help you communicate the nuances of your personal story.
Danielle Hall
Georgia Tech (Scheller College of Business)
GET YOUR MBALAUNCH QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions Process and Requirements
Have you visited our on-demand library of MBA Prep Sessions?
If you’re thinking about an MBA, our on-demand library is the place to start. Our free webinars and events are your all-access pass to the world of business school.
Get real talk, expert tips, and inspiring stories from MBA women who’ve been where you are. Whether you’re just MBA-curious or already deep into applications, these sessions break it all down.
Visit our event calendar to join live to ask questions in real time or binge-watch on demand in your comfiest clothes. Either way, you’ll leave feeling smarter, more confident, and ready to take your next step toward an MBA.
How do I apply to the 2026 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.
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 2026 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?
Yes, there is an opportunity to save your application and come back to complete it later. However, we encourage you to update your resume and LinkedIn profile, and finalize your essay prior to filling out the online application so that you are fully prepared to hit submit.
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 2026 MBALaunch cohort.
Still have questions about the MBALaunch application process?
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.
General Program Questions
What is the cost to participate in the 2026 MBALaunch program?
The fee is $750 to participate in the MBALaunch cohort program. All MBALaunch application and enrollment fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
Does my application fee go toward the cost of the 2026 MBALaunch program?
No. The application fee is separate from the MBALaunch enrollment fee.
Are scholarships available to help pay for MBALaunch?
No, scholarships and other financial aid is not available for this program.
When does the 2026 MBALaunch program officially start?
The MBALaunch program starts on Feb. 3, 2026 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 savings 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.
Participants Say...
It's like the standard was already set for the type of applicant that we were, simply by being affiliated with the [MBALaunch] program.
Erika Lawrence
University of Pennsylvania (The Wharton School)
MBALAUNCH SPONSORS & PARTNERS
Platinum Sponsor: PERSONAL MBA COACH
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.
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.
