The most recent numbers from the Johnson School’s Office of Admissions and Financial Aid reveal a notable increase in application volume for its two-year MBA program as well as increasing yield in terms of admitted students who accept.
Johnson received 2662 applications from prospective students vying for a spot in the 2010 class, up 22 percent from last year, according to Randall Sawyer, director of admissions and financial aid. As of early May, 286 admitted students made deposits to secure their spots in next year’s entering class, representing a 20 percent increase in yield over last year. The school’s Accelerated MBA program showed even more significant growth. With 60 deposits received from admitted students, the yield for that program this year is 68 percent.
“Build a Better Applicant Pool, Build a Better Class”
According to Sawyer, he and his staff have worked actively to increase the school’s applicant pool in an attempt to create a stronger admitted class. Expanded outreach has been central to this effort. “We will have held 100 events in 80 cities domestically and worldwide,” he said, up from about 50 events a few years ago.
The push seems to be working. Applications last year were up 27 percent, and this year they’re up 24 percent across the board. “We’re getting more exposure, and our message is resonating with more candidates,” Sawyer said.
Citing applicant feedback, Sawyer believes that Johnson has effectively differentiated itself from other schools by remaining focused on the value of its immersion program. This unique program features an intense, hands-on semester of integrated course and field work in a specific industry. “That sustainability continues to be an interest mentioned in applications,” he said. The school’s successful completion of its search for a new dean has also energized applicants, Sawyer said.
Record Number of Women Headed to Johnson Next Year
Of the students who have made deposits for next year, 38 percent are female. That figure represents a 28 percent jump over last year and is particularly significant given the women comprise onl7 25 percent of business school applicants.
“Women are a channel strategy,” said Sawyer. Several key women on the admissions staff work particularly hard to attract and retain more women, he continued. “Our students also play a crucial role in attracting and recruiting more female students; they regularly interact with prospective students,” he said.
Alumni, too, have lent their voice to the application drive, talking up Johnson among family and friends, according to Sawyer.
“We’ve had a great year, I’m very pleased,” Sawyer concluded.
