Business Schools Look for Different Kinds of Students
Admissions offices are pursuing more women and minority candidates
Meanwhile, individual schools have taken matters into their own hands, banding together to recruit from historically black colleges or hosting elaborate "diversity day" events to welcome new or potential students.
Lastly, there are two selling points that speak clearly to both women and minorities: money and flexibility. In general, women and minorities are far more concerned about the cost and convenience of a graduate degree, and business schools have responded. This isn't to say that school is getting cheaper (it's not) or that there are more grants and affordable loans out there (most students will still rely heavily on standard loans). But schools have found that recruiting women and minorities means being prepared to answer more questions about tuition, housing, loans, and repayment. In addition, many programs have expanded their part-time and online offerings and don't hesitate to advertise their commitment to supporting their students.
Despite the challenges, the efforts of these schools have not gone unrewarded. Last year, first-year enrollment at New York University's Stern School of Business was 41 percent female, and MIT has seen its class go from 28 percent female in 2000 to 35 percent just eight years later. The number of local chapters of the National Black MBA Association grew more than 50 percent in five years, and, according to Thomas, the late 1990s were a time of "drastic changes" in the social fabric of business schools: "You could feel it. You could see it. It was all around everywhere." Now, in the wake of a historic presidential election, another round of "drastic changes" doesn't sound so improbable.
The M.B.A. Toolbox
Online resources to answer your questions about B-school:
- You'll need to take the GMAT: mba.com is the test's official website.
- Forté Foundation: Networking, events, and career info for women.
- The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management: Promotes diversity by seeking out underrepresented minorities. Backs that up with fellowships.
- The National Black MBA Association: Metworking opportunities linking professionals, entrepreneurs, and students.
- National Society of Hispanic MBAs: Financial assistance, leadership development, career expo.
- American Indian Business Leaders: Inspired by the need for experienced people to help with tribal economic development.
Reader Comments
Business Schools
Access, exposure and experience are exceptionally important factors to understanding the value of a business education. It concerns me that people don't understand this, I think we should do as much as we can to encourge females to enter the world of business and yes race does matter too. Just take a look at the world - white males have done the creating and leading. This something to think about and to change.
Diversity = lower quality? really?
It's interesting to me that as soon as we start talking about adding more women and minorities to the applicant pool, all of a sudden "lower quality" comments start floating around.
That's the real discrimination.
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