Inside the Minds of MBA Applicants 2011

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Which of the following describes your current stage in the MBA application process?
Have not taken the GMAT, applying to business school in the future
Have taken the GMAT, applying to business school in the future
Currently enrolled in business school
Already graduated from business school
Other

How many years of professional experience did you / will you have at the time you submitted / will submit your application?
None
Less than 1 year
1-3 years
3-5 years
5-7 years
More than 7 years

If a significant number of business school graduates were unable to find jobs in their desired fields, how would that impact your decision to apply to business school?
I would still apply
I would not apply
I would postpone applying until placement rates improved
Unsure

Are you concerned about any of the following?

 Not concerned Unsure Concerned   
Finding a job upon graduation from business school   
Finding a position in my particular area of interest (banking and finance, marketing, consulting, etc.)   
Finding a job that allows me to pay off my student loan debt   
Finding a long-term career path that appeals to me   
Maintaining a healthy work / life balance once I start working   
Using my MBA to make a positive impact on my community   
Getting "stuck" in a job that I don't like   

What kind of position do you hope to secure upon graduating from business school?
Banking and finance
Consulting
Marketing
Sustainability
Entrepreneurism
Management
Unsure
Other

What is your desired annual starting base salary upon graduation from business school?
Less than $75,000
$75,000 - $100,000
$100,000 - $145,000
$145,000-$175,000
More than $175,000
Unsure

Why do you want to go to business school? (please select all that apply)
To affect positive change in the world
The degree is required in my desired career
My parents want me to go to business school
I want a prestigious, high-paying job
My current employer requires the degree to move up within the company
I am very interested in business and the way it shapes society
Other

Do you hope to leverage an MBA to switch careers?
Yes
No
Unsure

What are the most important features in your business school of choice? (please select all that apply)
Prestige and ranking
Academic and rigor
Notoriety of professors
Networking opportunities
Alumni
Program flexibility (part-time, joint degrees, flexible course requirements)
Campus culture and lifestyle
Location
Affordability
Other

What resources do you rely on to identify favorite programs and to determine the schools to which you will apply? (please select all that apply)
School websites
Social media
Business school organizations (Forte Foundation, NSHMBA, NBMBA, Management Leadership for Tomorrow, etc.)
Online forums and message boards
Business school events in your city
Admissions consulting companies
Business school visits
Parents
Friends
College advisors
Other

 What is your primary funding source for attending business school?
Grants and scholarships
Student loans
Parental support
Self-financed
Financed by current employer
Other

How long have you been planning on applying to business school?
0-6 months
1 year
2 years
3 years
4+ years

Have you ever used social media (Facebook, Twitter, blogs) to connect with admissions personnel at your target schools?
Yes
No

How many times have you taken the GMAT?
None - I have not taken the GMAT yet
Once
Twice
Three or more times

How did / will the GMAT affect your decision to apply to business school?
I waited to see my GMAT score before deciding whether to apply to business school
I waited to see my GMAT score before deciding which schools to apply to
The GMAT was not a factor in my decision to apply to business school
Other

Which application component do you believe has the greatest impact on a school's decision to admit an applicant?
Essays
Letters of recommendation
Length of work experience
Quality of work experience
Undergraduate GPA
GMAT score
Admissions interview
Other

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