Business School Crowded: What That Means for You

Share This Post

BusinessWeek reported, quite plainly in fact, that business school is getting crowded. Enrollment at top business schools, including Harvard, Wharton, and INSEAD–three schools topping the MBA wish list for a lot of Dubai MBA hopefuls–is at record highs. Many schools have confirmed that the entering students are part of their largest classes ever.

So what does that mean for you?

In a word, competition. The financial crisis has convinced many wannabe MBAs that business school is a good place to wait until the storm is over. More top applicants now have higher GMAT scores, higher grade point averages, and more interesting work experiences than ever before, increasing the competition to get into business school. With more students in business programs, there may be greater competition for resources and faculty attention.

Stay Competitive for Business School

If you want to stay competitive for the application, you will need to do two things:

1. Step up your GMAT preparation to increase your score.

If you are preparing alone, consider forming a study group with like-minded friends or seeking the services of Apply Me to complement your preparation.

2. Look beyond the Financial Times and US News top 10 schools.

Schools that are not in the top 10 have actually lost students to other programs, leaving them very interested in new applicants. Programs in the middle of rankings lists also have lost students to regional programs (state schools), which means they are worth considering.

In the future, it is likely that competition for top schools will also increase, regardless of whether student enrollment numbers do. It’s not Harvard if everyone can get in, right?


Need help getting into business school?

Whatsapp us to see how you can increase your chances of getting into business school. A strong GMAT score is one of your best weapons, and we can help you get the best one you can.


 

Related Insights

Latest Acceptances

"Hi Eden, it's been a while. Just got an email there and I got Bocconi!! I'm absolutely over the moon and wanted to thank you for all your amazing help I really couldn't have done it without you!! 😊"
Alannah, a student from Ireland, also accepted to Cattolica

"Hi Eden, thank you for all the lessons! They proved to be very helpful indeed 😅 As you probably know already I got accepted into all of the courses for Bocconi that I applied to."
Viktor, a student from Bulgaria, accepted to Bocconi BIEM, HEC-Bocconi, and Law

"Hey Eden hope you are doing well
Just wanted to let you know that I got accepted to ESADE"
Lorenzo, a student from Italy

"I got into Parsons in New York and University of the Arts London!!"
Camila, a student from Venezuela studying in the UK

Important Deadlines

Bocconi University
April 4, 2025

Upcoming SAT Test Dates
May 3, 2025
June 7, 2025

LBS EMBA Dubai
The upcoming deadlines for the September 2025 intake are:
Round 2: May 22, 2025
Round 3: August 7, 2025
Round 4: November 13, 2025

INSEAD Abu Dhabi GEMBA
The upcoming deadlines for the October 2025 intake are:
Round 2: April 29, 2025
Round 3: June 17, 2025
Round 4: August 5, 2025

Latest Insights

Want to Get Into Bocconi? 5 Bocconi University Application Tips

Dreaming of studying at Bocconi University, one of Europe’s top schools for business, economics, and law? You're not alone. With its world-class programs, international...
make your own future apply me sidebar