2011 Application Trends Survey Report

2011 Application Trends Survey Report Cover

September 5, 2011

The 2011 Application Trends Survey is the industry source for comprehensive statistics and timely and reliable insights into the demand for graduate management education worldwide.

Overview

The GMAC Application Trends Survey compares current and previous year application data for business school programs. It is considered the go-to industry source for comprehensive statistics and timely and reliable insights into the demand for graduate management education worldwide.

This summary report features major trends observed in the “who, what, and where” of applications for MBA and other graduate management programs. Data profiles of the program formats and degree types analyzed are also included in this summary, with a discussion of key measurements including: overall application volume and shifts over time, average number of applications (mean and median), acceptance rates, and quality/qualifications of applicants, world region and/or US sub region analysis, and program size analysis.

A total of 649 programs from 331 business schools and faculties worldwide representing 45 countries, 42 states, and the District of Columbia participated in this study. By program type, survey respondents represent 467 MBA programs, 158 specialized master’s programs, and 24 doctoral programs in business.

Quick Facts

  • More than two-thirds of participating two-year full-time MBA programs reported a decline in application volume in 2011 compared with 2010.
  • 57% of one-year full-time MBA programs received fewer applications than last year.
  • Specialized master’s programs (i.e. finance, management, etc.) reported increases in application volume over last year.