Big Increase in 2014 MBA Applications - 工管

After a big decline during and following the global economic crisis,

applications have increased sharply to a number of top business schools in the

United States. The Wall Street Journal recently reported http://online.wsj.com/articles/b-school-applications-are-on-the-rise-1401914625?mod=e2tw()

that many elite schools saw double digit growth in applications submitted to

their MBA programs.



The biggest mover was Washington Foster School of Business, where applications

increased by an incredible 74% from 2013 to 2014. Foster's more tailored

marketing approach and strong connections with the thriving technology

companies in the Pacific Northwest Region can likely account for this increase.

Another big winner was UNC Kenan-Flagler, where applications went from 1,493 in

2013 to 1,912 in 2014, a sizable 28% increase. Georgetown McDonough School of

Business credits its strategy to attract underrepresented minorities and

international students by joining the Consortium for Graduate Study in

Management, and holding monthly on-campus information sessions for its

significant 23% increase in applications in 2014. Applications to Georgetown

MBA from U.S. students rose 27%, and international applications grew by 20% in

2014.



Most admissions committee members cite the improving economy and job market, as

well as the streamlined admissions process at many schools (i.e. fewer required

essays) for such application increases. However, those of us in the MBA

admissions consulting industry can also recognize that these top business

schools have been recruiting international applicants more aggressively,

especially here in Asia, where admissions committee members typically travel

around the region several times each year to connect with potential applicants.

Such marketing and recruiting efforts have definitely had an impact on

application totals from the Asia Pacific Region.




Other MBA programs which had large upticks in applications from 2013 to 2014

include Indiana Kelley (20.3%), Arizona State Carey (44%), Duke Fuqua (9.6%),

Rice Jones (19.4%), UCLA Anderson (32%), USC Marshall (10%), UT Austin

McCombs (10.2%) and Washington Olin (19%). Not every school fared this well,

however, as MBA applications declined at some high profile schools such as

Michigan Ross (-7.7%), Yale SOM (-2.3%) and Boston University (-4.3%).



As many business schools continue to "streamline" their applications and

market more aggressively, we expect that MBA applications will continue to

increase in the short-term. With this in mind, the 2014-2015 application cycle

will no doubt be a particularly competitive one. Although the total number of

required essays and word limits has decreased at some MBA programs, we do not

feel that this makes the MBA application process less onerous. If anything,

it makes it even more difficult for applicants to provide meaningful

information that can allow the admissions committee to clearly see their core

value, uniqueness and future potential. And with fewer essays to write, it

will be more important than ever for applicants to construct a powerful resume

that clearly reflects their responsibilities, achievements and impact.

Finally, the interview process will likely become more critical and competitive

than ever, as applicants must seize this one precious opportunity to convince

the interviewer that they are a perfect fit for the program and truly need an

MBA education.



We hope this information was helpful for all of you aspiring MBA applicants

out there. And of course, if you have any questions about the application

process, or how to create a winning application strategy, feel free to reach

out to us with your questions at [email protected].


Regards,
David



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創陞教育（Transcend Admissions Consultants）

David Johnston
Georgetown University Law Center
[email protected]
http://transcendadmissions.com/ Plan. Execute. Succeed!

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