<p>So I suppose people are probably gearing up for the 2009 cycle to apply to b-schools. How hard do you think it will be compared to last year? From what I've heard, last year was really hard, given the economy and everything. Do you think it will be easier this year? I know it's impossible to say for sure beforehand, but what is your expectation? Thanks!</p>
<p>logic says that it will be as tough if not tougher than recent years.</p>
<p>the unemployment rate is steadily rising and for those who can’t find work and are a good fit / profile for b-school, taking time off to attain an MBA is a good excuse rather than leaving a gaping hole in their resumes.</p>
<p>so you’ve got more people applying to b-school than in normal years.</p>
<p>So do you think that the admissions committee will look favorably on those applicants who still have jobs?</p>
<p>Depends really. </p>
<p>For instance, a guy who had a brilliant career and was a real impact worker who ends up getting axed because a bunch of arrogant senior executives took huge irresponsible risks with a firm’s capital base (read: Lehman Brothers) is hardly at fault for being unemployed.</p>
<p>Conversely, a guy who has been shuffling through jobs and is currently a barista (no offense to baristas) at Starbucks is hardly going to be the most impressive fellow in the applicant pool.</p>
<p>So it depends.</p>
<p>That’s true, but it will show the admissions committee that you’re serious about getting an MBA, and not just because you don’t have anything better to do, right? In effect, you’re choosing to make a huge sacrifice to give up a good job in this economic downturn, not to mention the opportunity cost. That ought to count for something, no?</p>
<p>No…</p>
<p>I don’t think it matters at all. Lots of applicants quit their jobs early anyways.</p>
<p>Why would people quit their jobs before they’re even accepted? That seems rather risky to me.</p>
<p>I’d like to say that it’s because we are confident, but perhaps it’s because we are cocky.</p>
<p>Staying on topic, so do you all think it’s going to be just as tough this year, if not even harder?</p>
<p>What do you want to hear? That its going to be a shoo-in? You already know the answer. It’s gonna be tough. </p>
<p>There are no easy “outs” in this economy. Whether you are looking for work, looking to go to school, looking to get a loan, etc.</p>
<p>Bottom line though, if you were good enough for a top tier b-school in years past (e.g. great work experience, solid GPA / GMAT, strong recs) the variance and vagaries of any given application year really shouldn’t matter (and on the flip side, if you weren’t good enough in years past, you certainly won’t be good enough now).</p>
<p>Does that answer the question?</p>
<p>It’s not about what I want to hear. I’m just trying to assess my chances going in, like any other reasonable person would do. I think your assessment applies to those who are assured of acceptance and those who are assured of rejection. I don’t think I fall into either one of those categories.</p>
<p>I expect that the applicants next fall (class of 2012) will be similiar in strength to the class of 2011, which will be stronger than 2010, which was stronger than 2009, which was stronger than 2008.</p>
<p>how about the other years going back to 1881?</p>
<p>Alright, I guess I’ll be trying to get my applications in as early in round 1 as possible, then. Thank you all for your responses.</p>