MBA Career Pathways: Yale SOM Achieves Record-High Acceptance Rate in 2023

Last Updated on September 20, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes

Yale School of Management (SOM) faced a decline in MBA applications for the upcoming 2022-2023 cycle, leading to an increase in the school’s acceptance rate. In an effort to combat this decline, Yale decided to open its doors wider and admit more students. As a result, the acceptance rate for the MBA Class of 2025 reached 33%, the highest in school history.

The number of applicants admitted also saw a significant increase, rising by 13.3% from the previous year. A total of 1013 students were admitted to the program. However, despite the increase in acceptance rate, the average GMAT score remained consistent at 723, showcasing the school’s commitment to maintaining high academic standards.

Interestingly, the class profile revealed that even someone with a GMAT score of 580 was admitted to Yale SOM, highlighting the school’s willingness to consider applicants from diverse backgrounds. However, it’s worth noting that the number of women and underrepresented U.S. minorities decreased in the new class. On a positive note, the enrollment of students with international passports increased to 50%, reflecting Yale SOM’s commitment to fostering global perspectives.

The class of 2025 also showcased growth in terms of average age and work experience. The average age of the class increased to 28, while the average years of work experience grew to 5.1. This suggests that applicants with more professional experience are increasingly attracted to Yale SOM’s program.

Yale SOM emphasized its commitment to diversity by admitting students from various academic institutions and backgrounds. The class included students with diverse professional credentials across different sectors and industries. Notably, the most common employers represented in the class included the U.S. Army, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, McKinsey & Company, and Capital One.

Furthermore, the undergraduate majors of the class demonstrated diversity, with STEM majors making up 35%. This showcases Yale SOM’s appeal to students from science, technology, engineering, and math backgrounds. Additionally, the prior industries of the class ranged from consulting and financial services to non-profit organizations and technology companies, further highlighting the broad range of experiences and perspectives in the MBA program.

In conclusion, despite a decline in MBA applications, Yale SOM responded by admitting more students, resulting in a higher acceptance rate. While the number of women and underrepresented U.S. minorities decreased, the enrollment of students with international passports increased. The class of 2025 also saw an increase in both average age and work experience. Yale SOM’s commitment to diversity was evident through the wide range of academic backgrounds and professional credentials of the admitted students.