2008 Headlines
Admissions posts another record-breaking year
Increases in applications, deposits, and female students create one of the strongest Johnson School classes to date
May 14, 2008 | Ithaca, NY | The Johnson School received 2662 applications for the two-year MBA program, up 22 percent from last year, says Randall Sawyer, director of Admissions and Financial Aid. As of early May, 286 admitted students had made deposits to hold their spots in the class of 2010, Sawyer says, which represents a 20 percent increase in yield over last year. The school has received 60 deposits from students admitted to the Accelerated MBA program, a yield of 68 percent.
Acting on the belief that if you "build a better applicant pool, [you] build a better class," Sawyer and his staff have actively sought an increase in applications by significantly increasing the school's outreach. "We will have held 100 events in 80 cities domestically and worldwide," he says. That's up from about 50 events a few years ago. Last year, applications 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 says.
Feedback from applicants indicates that "people are energized we've completed a successful search for dean; focused on the value of the immersion program – a clear differentiator from other schools; and that sustainability continues to be an interest mentioned in applications."
In another record-breaking achievement, 38 percent of admitted students who have made deposits are female, a figure that's up from 28 percent last year. The number is all the more significant because business schools are all competing for women, who comprise only 25 percent of b-school applicants.
"Women are a channel strategy," notes Sawyer. "Ann Richards [associate director of Admissions and director of Financial Aid], Christine Sneva [assistant director of Admissions and Financial Aid], Laurie Shunney [Admissions service representative], and Deniqua Crichlow [director of Diversity and Inclusion] all work hard to attract and retain more women. Our students also play a crucial role in attracting and recruiting more female students; they regularly interact with prospective students." Every admitted student receives a personal phone call from Admissions; female admits also receive a call from one of the school's Advisory Council members.
Alumni, along with their family and friends, are key drivers in terms of applicants as well as buzz and reputation. "It's very important that alumni talk up the Johnson School; that's our largest influence pool," says Sawyer.
"We've had a great year, I'm very pleased," continues Sawyer. "It's important to note it's been a team effort. Nearly every single person in the Johnson School community makes it happen – from faculty to students to staff, alumni, and Advisory Council members. I thank everyone for their help."
