{"id":24267,"date":"2014-06-10T03:00:20","date_gmt":"2014-06-10T10:00:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/2014\/06\/more-mba-applications-more-competition\/"},"modified":"2014-06-10T03:00:20","modified_gmt":"2014-06-10T10:00:20","slug":"more-mba-applications-more-competition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/more-mba-applications-more-competition\/","title":{"rendered":"More MBA Applications, More Competition"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"HEADS UP - the number of MBA Applications to U.S. programs is on the rise. Some say it has to do with an increase in entrepreneurship; others credit the improving economy. But according to an article in the Wall Street Journal<\/a>,<\/p>\n

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\u201c\u2026 the widespread gain\u2014particularly among international candidates\u2014is largely the result of stepped-up recruiting in the U.S. and abroad, along with less onerous admission processes.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

WHAT THIS MEANS:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The good news: Prospective MBA candidates are demanding high standards, specific program offerings, campus life, and extracurriculars, and MBA programs are stepping up to meet the challenge. Top MBA programs are constantly refining and improving their programs to attract the best of the best, which means you\u2019ll be able to get the most out of your time and money. Plus, they’re making the application process easier! (Wharton<\/a>, Stanford<\/a>, and Columbia<\/a> have all cut down their essay questions from last year).<\/p>\n

The bad news: “Applications from U.S. students rose 27%, with more than a quarter of U.S. applications coming from underrepresented minorities, and international applications grew 20%.\u201d The better MBA programs get, the more people are applying for them, which means if you want an MBA, you\u2019re facing some stiff competition. <\/strong><\/p>\n

AND WHAT THIS<\/em> MEANS:<\/strong><\/p>\n

More than ever, if you want to get into a top MBA program, you better bring your A-Game. And we’re not just talking about that GMAT score (contrary to popular belief, that is NOT the most important piece of the puzzle).<\/p>\n

The essentials include:<\/p>\n