GMAT Volume Up Again

GMAC recently came out with the statistics on GMAT volume for the 2005 calendar year, and reported that test volume is up 3.6% since 2004 (to 211,010 from 203,613 the previous year). Taking a closer look at the breakdown between US and international test-takers, it’s interesting to note that American students account for a mere 160 of the increase of several thousand. While volume of exams taken by US students has remained relatively flat, international exam volume leapt up by 7,237 tests. While overall GMAT volume is still not quite what it was this time two years ago (218,037 worldwide in 2003), this past year’s numbers for non-US students has actually surpassed the 2003 figure (72,330 exams taken).

The increase in GMAT volume seems to correspond with the rises in application volume being reported by programs like Chicago, Tuck and Sloan. The implications of this are that demand for the degree seems to be making a comeback (particularly overseas) – and that this seems to be a slightly tougher year from an admissions perspective, with schools waitlisting a number of round one applicants to see what comes in during the later rounds. Best of luck to applicants with their hats in the ring this year, as well as to those gearing up to take the exam and apply in 2006!