International News: 2009 marks a record volume of GMAT® test takers

December 28, 2009

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT®) is about to set a record of highest test takers in 2009. The number of test takers is to reach a record high of 267000 by the end of 2009 as against 264000 of the previous year. For the first time, majority of the exams administered (51%) were outside the US, making the GMAT® more international in nature. With 104880 women test takers, 2009 is the first year in which women test takers have exceeded a volume of 100000 in a single testing year.  Also more students below the age of 25 are taking the GMAT®. In fact there has been a 161% increase in the non-US, below-25 age group, in the past five years.  These trends clearly indicate the counter-cyclical nature of Graduate Management Education in which individuals are attracted to go to school during a recessionary period as the opportunity cost of pursuing a degree is relatively less of a financial burden when career opportunities are uncertain or non-existent.

Source: www.gmac.com