Carnegie Mellon (Tepper)
Below are the application deadlines and essay questions for Carnegie Mellon (Tepper)'s MBA Program.
Carnegie Mellon (Tepper)
- Application Deadlines for 2026-2027 / Class of 2029
Round 1
Application due: September 17, 2026
Decision released: December 9, 2026
Round 2
Application due: January 5, 2027
Decision released: March 26, 2026
Round 3
Application due: April 6, 2027
Decision released: May 21, 2027
We cannot guarantee that we will review information sent to the MBA Admissions Office after the deadline of the round in which you apply.
The following are the main essay questions on the 2026-2027 / Class of 2029 Carnegie Mellon (Tepper) MBA application:
Required Essay – Choose One
All applicants are required to submit one essay. You may choose the question that best allows you to share your story. Please select one of the two prompts below to answer. There is no preference for which question you choose.
Here are your two options:
Option 1
At Tepper, we value leaders who can make confident decisions when facing complexity and uncertainty. Tell us about a time when you had to take action without having all of the answers. How did you navigate the situation and what was the outcome? (500 words)
Option 2
The Tepper School of Business is committed to helping students reach their full potential by supporting their professional and personal transformation. How do you hope to transform, both professionally and personally, during your time in the program? Please describe your development goals and steps you plan to achieve them. (500 words)
Optional Essay
Is there any additional information you would like to share with the Admissions Committee as part of your application? If you feel your credentials and essays fully reflect your background, you are not required to respond. This essay offers an opportunity to provide important details not addressed elsewhere in your application. You might use this space to clarify aspects of your employment or academic history, explain your choice of recommenders, or offer context that could assist the committee in their review.
Are you a re-applicant? Use the optional essay to explain how your candidacy has strengthened since your last application.
Goals Video Essay
We want to hear from you, directly and authentically. Your career goals are an important part of your MBA journey, and we’re excited to learn more. In this video, you’ll share your post-MBA career goals.
Please consider the following as you prepare your response:
- Be as specific as possible. Even if you haven’t identified exact companies, share what kind of role, industry, or organization interests you—and why.
- If you have specific criteria for evaluating future opportunities, let us know. We may be able to suggest relevant options.
- Explain how your post-MBA goal connects to your long-term career vision.
Pro Tip: While this is called a video essay, we encourage a conversational approach. Think about your key points and jot them down but don’t read a script. Speak naturally and let your personality come through.
Visit the Tepper admissions website for more application information.
Disclaimer: the information provided on this page is for reference only. Applicants are strongly advised to visit the admissions website link provided above to confirm essay prompts, deadlines, and other application information. Photo by Kazuhiza Otsubo.