Yale SOM Executive MBA Essays and Deadlines 2025-2026


Essays

Essay 1

Imagine that you have just completed your EMBA program. Write a letter to yourself reflecting on your experience and the legacy you hope to leave behind. (300 words maximum)

Essay 2

Tell us a story about a defining moment in your life and how that has shaped who you are today. (300 words maximum)

Optional Essay

If any aspect of your candidacy needs further explanation (unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, academic performance, promotions or recognitions, etc.), please provide a brief description here. (200 words maximum)

Video Questions (Optional)

This year we are excited to announce the addition of shortoptional video questions to our application. These questions are truly optional, and are for you to tell us more about your background, your experiences, and yourself in your own voice. There are no wrong answers. The system allows for unlimited practice sessions but once you start the formal interview questions it is intended to be completed in one sitting. We do not expect extensive preparation or special knowledge to answer these questions.

Please note that imperfectly worded but genuinely delivered responses won’t harm your candidacy. It gives the admissions committee a more multi-dimensional view of the individual that we hope to welcome into our community.

In the application, if you indicate that you would like to complete the video questions, you will receive an email within 24 hours with a link to complete them. You may complete the video questions at any time prior to the application deadline for the round to which you are applying. 

Deadlines and Interviews

Round 1:  October 27, 2025 
Round 2:  February 2, 2026 
Round 3:  March 27, 2026

Applications will be reviewed once the round application deadline has passed. Successful candidates will move to the interview stage of the admissions process. If advanced to interview, interviews will take place:

Round 1 Interviews: December 5-6, 2025 
Round 2 Interviews: February 27-28, 2026 
Round 3 Interviews: April 24-25, 2026

Click the videos below to learn more about the Yale EMBA program.