The question: How does the number of applications submitted to full-time, part-time, and executive MBA programs in 2002–03 compare with the number submitted in 2001–02?
Full-time programs:
- 35% have received more applications than last year
- 53% have received fewer applications
- 12% have seen no change
Part-time programs:
- 33% have received more applications than last year
- 46% have received fewer applications
- 21% have seen no change
Executive MBA programs:
- 35% have received more applications than last year
- 51% have received fewer applications
- 13% have seen no change
Given the fact that 2002 was a high-water mark for applications, respondents who reported no change in application volume from last year have actually done well.
Analysis: Business school application volume is only fully countercyclical to the economy in the early phases of a prolonged economic downturn (such as the one we are currently experiencing) or with a downturn of short duration (12 to 16 months). In their open-ended responses to Application Trends Survey 2003, some schools indicated that their application volume has been greatly affected by war in Iraq and Afghanistan, SARS, visa issues for non-U.S. citizens who wish to study in the United States, and the economy's mixed signals.
For More Information
(You can find complete results of Application Trends Survey 2003, including a comparison between 2002–03 and 2000–01 volume, at www.gmac.com/surveys.)
GMAC® is a registered trademark of the Graduate Management Admission Council®. All rights reserved.