"The Riordan MBA Fellows program is a special place. Not only did Riordan provide me with the tools to earn a full scholarship to a Top-15 institution, but the platform also trained me academically and professionally to be successful in the business school environment. The world-class alum network can be found in every facet of business and continues to extend its hand to help young professionals like myself succeed in our endeavors. As a nontraditional applicant and father of two, I would not be where I am today without this community."
Carlton Hassell Jr., Riordan MBA Fellow '22
MBA Candidate at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business
“The Riordan MBA Fellows program gave me the confidence boost necessary to apply to top business schools. It was truly inspiring to be with folks who looked like me or had similar stories to mine and learn from each other and top-in-their-field UCLA Anderson faculty. The community, mentorship, and volunteer opportunities through Riordan were all crucial in my professional and personal development as I tackled the application process. The best part is that being a Riordan MBA Fellow helps me find a community after the program as I connect with Fellows from my and other cohorts at Anderson."
Sara Duran Fernandez, Riordan MBA Fellow '21
MBA Candidate at UCLA Anderson School of Management
This transformational experience will help you expand your network and build your leadership skills and your community service profile. Fellows are required to attend in-person sessions at UCLA, which include:
- Graduate-level discussions and case studies led by top UCLA Anderson faculty
- Personalized one-on-one MBA Action Plan counseling session
- Guest speakers from the corporate community
- Guidance on MBA admissions, financial aid and GMAT preparation
- Personal mentors who are current UCLA Anderson MBA students
- Team community service project
- Networking opportunities with industry professionals and the UCLA Anderson community
- Social events with Riordan Programs alumni and corporate representatives
Our MBA Action Plan counseling sessions are a key component of the program, and with counseling you will develop a realistic timeline on the path toward an MBA. These sessions provide advice on professional and career development, academic preparation and other considerations for becoming a stronger business school applicant.
An MBA is the key to success in business or in any leadership position. If you have a strong ambition and want the tools and knowledge to create a lasting impact in an organization or as an entrepreneur, The Riordan MBA Fellows program will prepare you for the next step: obtaining an MBA from a top school.
First Round Deadline: February 1, 2023
Second Round Deadline: March 31, 2023
Third (Final) Round Deadline: April 14, 2023
Interviews are by invitation only. Decisions will be sent out via email.
First Round Decisions: March 31, 2023
Second Round Decisions: June 23, 2023
Third Round Decisions: June 23, 2023
Prior experience in or knowledge of business is not required. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- On average, applicants are up to five years post graduation from an undergraduate college/university.
- Applicants cumulative grade point average must be at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Applicants should have at least one year of full-time work experience and be fully employed at time of application.
- Applicants must have demonstrated leadership skills and community service involvement.
Please read through the cohort requirements for admission into the Riordan MBA Fellows Program. GMAT/GRE scores are not required at the time of application, but they will be required if you are admitted into the program. However, if you have a GMAT/GRE official or diagnostic test score when applying, please include it on your application.
Cohort 1:
Fellows looking to apply to business school within one to two years
- If you plan to apply to business school for the 2023–2024 school year and you have been admitted to Cohort 1, you will need an official GMAT/GRE or equivalent diagnostic test score of 650.
- If you plan to apply to business school for the 2024–2025 school year and you have been admitted to Cohort 1, you will need a GMAT/GRE equivalent diagnostic test score of 600.
Cohort 2:
Fellows looking to apply to business school within two to four years
- If you are admitted to Cohort 2, you will need a GMAT/GRE equivalent diagnostic test score of 450.
Step 1
First Round Deadline: February 1, 2023; Second Round Deadline: March 31, 2023; Third (Final) Round Deadline: April 14, 2023
Online Application
Complete the online application. All application items for Step 1 and Step 2 must be submitted online and will not be accepted via mail. No items will be accepted in person.
Transcript(s)
Upload a copy of your unofficial transcript(s) to the online application. Your application is considered incomplete without the transcript(s).
Resume
Your resume must be uploaded to your online application as a PDF or MS Word document. Resumes cannot be emailed or sent separately.
Reference
Submit contact information of one teacher, counselor or community reference. Notify your listed reference that you have applied, as we may contact him or her directly.
Essays
Each essay must be a maximum of 500 words. This is your opportunity to introduce yourself to The Riordan Programs and describe how The Riordan MBA Fellows Program can benefit you in pursuing your long-term career and/or academic goals.
Step 2
First Round Deadline: February 1, 2023; Second Round Deadline: March 31, 2023
We understand the time and effort it takes to complete the application. We ask all applicants to complete the following checklist:
- Payment of application fee (click here to pay)
You must complete all sections of the application. We will not review your application until we have received all the application materials.
Program Schedule
2023–2024 Tentative Program Dates
| Cohort 1 Session Schedule |
|---|
| Orientation Sessions 1 and 2: September 1 - 2, 2023 |
| Session 3: November 4, 2023 (In-person) |
| Session 4: January 6, 2024 |
| Session 5: April 6, 2024 (In-person) |
| Session 6: May 2024 Graduation (In-person) |
| Cohort 2 Session Schedule |
|---|
| Orientation Sessions 1 and 2: October 6 - 7, 2023 |
| Session 3: November 4, 2023 (In-person) |
| Session 4: February 3, 2024 |
| Session 5: April 6, 2024 (In-person) |
| Session 6: May 2024 Graduation (In-person) |
The application fee is $40. Tuition for the 2023–2024 program year is currently $950 and is subject to change. Lodging, transportation, parking and books are not included.
Admitted Riordan MBA Fellows are required to attend all monthly Saturday sessions. Riordan MBA Fellows are expected to exhibit a professional demeanor and actively participate in class discussions, community service projects and all other program activities. Work-appropriate attire is required at all Riordan Programs functions.
If you are admitted to the MBA Fellows Program, you will be required to attain and show proof of the required minimum score on either an official GMAT/GRE test or an equivalent diagnostic test (see cohort requirements above). Please note that you do not have to take an official GMAT/GRE test for Cohort 2, only an equivalent diagnostic test. You must also provide your official transcript(s) before orientation.
Stacy Blackman Consulting, a premier MBA admission advisory, is a longtime partner and supporter of the Riordan Programs. Stacy Blackman Consultants lead several Riordan MBA Fellows application workshops throughout the program year. Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only admissions advisory firm with a complete panel of former US and international MBA admissions officers on its team.
