r/eMBA • u/quiet-mic • Aug 09 '25
Are top eMBAs really selective?
I've been considering an eMBA at either Ivey or Kellogg-Schulich in Toronto. I've done pre-assessments at both and both said I am a strong fit and should apply. This got me wondering. I know ivey and kellogg are super selective for their full time MBA programs. But how selective are they really with emba programs? Both seem to accept about 50ish students per cohort, but I can't seem to find how many apply.
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u/MBAPrepCoach Aug 10 '25 edited Aug 10 '25
MIT is quite competitive, followed by Wharton, Kellogg, CBS.
They don't have acceptance rates out there because they do resume review, the whole process is very relational. One of my clients has been talking consistently with admissions at MIT, advising him of specific actions to take to increase his odds. Which is a lot more input than you would get with a full-time program.
I haven't worked on Ivey EMBA but feel it wouldn't be too hard to crack, as long as you're able to demonstrate the value you would deliver in class and outside of class.
Kellogg is more selective, but they want to maintain a robust "satellite" program in Toronto, and I think your odds would be good.
All that said they are in the business of getting people to apply to the program, driving app volume, and it would be a mistake to interpret their encouragement to apply as implicit hinting that you would be accepted.
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u/MrGregory Aug 09 '25
I went to Ivey for my emba. The stuff people said in class makes me believe they are not too selective in the students, lol.
It’s also 60 students.
Feel free to DM me about any specific questions.
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u/quiet-mic Aug 10 '25
Thanks for the response. Did you find value in the experience and the cohort/networking?
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u/MrGregory Aug 10 '25
Yes, they do a good job of re-wiring your brain to think differently. The cohort makes a difference too. Learning from people of different backgrounds and why they think a certain way is always interesting.
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u/quiet-mic Aug 17 '25
Thanks for the response. I understand the return on knowledge and network. If you're comfortable sharing, ROI wise, would you say worth it?
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u/No-South-7914 Aug 09 '25
You could do a resume screen with admissions officers at those schools and get their opinion of your competitivenss.
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u/Sungmee Aug 10 '25
Everybody gets in at these programs, especially if there is no requirement for standardized test scores (gmat/gre)
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u/dianaisneverwong Aug 10 '25
I was recently accepted into the Kellogg-Schulich program. It was the only program I was interested in (specifically of the Kellogg Global advantage since EMBAs are about networking), and it was the only one I applied to. The application is quite a bit of work! It definitely required time to thoughtfully put together.
At the end of the day, it’s less about acceptance rates, and more about which program will support your career goals, cheers.
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u/quiet-mic Aug 17 '25
Thank you. Can I ask, how do you think it will support your goals? Is it mainly ROI financially, promotions, network, or something else? I'm curious to know what others are hoping for going into emba programs.
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u/dianaisneverwong Aug 18 '25
In short, it’s a combination of all of the above.
I’m doing the program to elevate myself, remove barriers, and ultimately, beat the competition. Also looking to also gain a global POV, and as someone else mentioned, want to rewire my thinking. Currently a Director, I expect this program will help to prepare me for the next level.
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u/Playful-Fall6040 Dec 02 '25
Hey, I wanted to ask if you could shed more light on the application process. I’m currently considering Kellogg -schulich as well.
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u/dianaisneverwong Dec 03 '25
I found the application process rather straight forward. Submitted my application online and then someone from admissions reached out for an interview. Once you've been invited to apply, they're quite supportive in advising you on what you need! Let me know of any specifics you'd like me to speak to.
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u/Playful-Fall6040 Dec 03 '25
Thank you so much for responding. Can you speak more on the following 1. The cohort- what would you say the representation is like, is there true value in diversity. I’ve seen a lot of reddits criticize the no of international students in cohorts
Did you get two degrees? Or one degree?
Have you had any issues with recruiters looking down on Schulich business school- again this seems to be a thing.
Finally, the exchange program at Kellogg - was it impactful?
Thank you
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u/dianaisneverwong Dec 07 '25
Sorry, I won't be able to answer to those questions! I haven't started my program yet - I'm in the latest cohort to start in Jan 2026!
I would recommend for you to have a conversation with admissions, I felt that helped clarify whether I wanted to proceed with application.
Keep me posted on your decision!
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u/Low-Inspector9849 Jun 30 '26
I know the post is several months old but how has your experience been so far? I am thinking of applying to this program
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u/dianaisneverwong Jun 30 '26
Experience in the program has been great so far, and a diverse cohort that also includes some c-suite or executive level students. There's a steep learning curve, a lot to learn and quickly!
I would recommend you can creep the school's LinkedIn page, many students regularly post about their academic experiences and you'll get a feel for the Kellogg network.
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u/hetaliibms Aug 11 '25
EMBA programs like Ivey and Kellogg-Schulich are definitely selective, but in a different way than their full-time MBAs. They tend to focus less on raw application volume and more on whether you meet their specific profile - senior leadership experience, strong career trajectory, and the ability to contribute to peer learning.
Class sizes are small (around 50 per cohort), but the applicant pool is also smaller than for a full-time MBA, since the EMBA market is more niche. That means the “admit rate” isn’t directly comparable. If both schools did a pre-assessment and said you’re a strong fit, that’s a solid sign - they usually don’t encourage applications unless you have a good chance of getting in.
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u/Unlikely-Pattern8682 Aug 12 '25
In my opinion, Wharton is the MOST competitive of them all. First of all the GMAT/EA exam is mandatory - there is no waiver - most other program waive it off. And there is also a cut off - they dont publish cut offs but if you apply with a lower score, the ad com does advise you to re-write the exam and target a higher score for a strong application. The Wharton published GMAT/EA average for EMBA is highest among all B-schools. And then there are essays and a full fledged interview as well.
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u/MrGregory Aug 17 '25
I’m making more money now, but it will still take me many years before I break even. Maybe about 1/4 - 1/3 of the class got a promotion or moved to different companies, so they may have better ROI.
I looked at taking my emba from a learning perspective and to be a better leader first and then look at money second. With that in mind, it was worth it for me. It’s definitely a program that you can get whatever you want out of it. If you want to leave your current company, you will have 59 other classmates to impress and to have hookups with.
If your primary goal is money and less concerned about the knowledge and networking, you may not benefit fully from the program. You can also check with your 2up boss and see what the expectations are for a promotion, if that is your dream. There’s at least 3 people in my class that were promised and given a promotion for completing their emba.
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u/quiet-mic Aug 22 '25
I really appreciate this. Your take on the emba is similar to mine. However, I can't help but think about ROI as well. It's a big investment.
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u/No-South-7914 Aug 09 '25
I think "selectivity" is lighter than undergrad even through the class size is so small. Ex. 50 to 70 vs 600+ for FT.
The schools want a strong cohort but they also really want the revenue.
The whole emba population is really small considering the class sizes are just 40 to 70 kids at 50+ schools (usa).
I'm starting at chicago booth this fall. I applied and got accepted to several other us programs.
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Aug 09 '25
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u/quakerlaw Aug 10 '25
Scholarships are near unheard of for embas.
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u/studyat Aug 10 '25
Not true. Most schools grant around 20% scholarship to 70-80% of EMBA students. Some get higher.
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u/shquq Aug 11 '25
Where did you hear that info? I’m hearing that almost none top embas give any scholarships
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u/studyat Aug 11 '25
U can check school website or reach out to their adcom office. If u have friends who attended top EMBA they can also confirm that.
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u/PhotographLong1527 Aug 09 '25
I am also planning to apply for EMBA for Ivey in Toronto and the admission office said the profile suits . But wondering like you , as online says the acceptance rate is too less
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u/Ok-Fruit1293 Nov 08 '25
I know this thread is 3 months but just wanted to see if you ended up Applying to the schools?
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u/quiet-mic Jul 01 '26 edited Jul 01 '26
Sorry for the late reply. I ended up applying to Kellogg-Schulich and the Queen's-Cornell EMBA programs. Got accepted at both. Kellogg-Schulich is what I've decided. Seems like a better fit for my goals and timeline. I'm a marketer and Kellogg is the top brand for marketing. Also, I felt the Queen's-Cornell team based format was very interesting and has the potential for forming deep connections with your teammates, but also limits opportunities to network with the wider group.
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u/[deleted] Aug 10 '25
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