The majority of Los Angeles metro area residents taking the GMAT exam for business school were male and between the ages of 25-30. Many current students work in consulting, finance/accounting, or healthcare and are considering careers in products and services industries after business school. Over half are considering a full-time 2-year MBA program to develop business skills, increase their salary, accelerate their career path, and gain more career choices. Most expect to finance their education through loans, personal savings, and employer support.

1. WHO IN L.A. IS HEADING TO BUSINESS SCHOOL?
WHO
58% 42%
Los Angeles metro area residents
took the GMAT exam
Male Female
33% 48% 19%
Under 25 Between 25 & 30 31 & Older
Current Industry Intended Industry*
CONSULTING
ENERGY/UTILITIES
FINANCE/ACCOUNTING
HEALTHCARE
TECHNOLOGY
MANUFACTURING
GOV/NON-PROFIT
18%
13%
16%
7%
3%
6%
5%
23% PRODUCTS & SERVICES
10%
7%
Out of 23 US metro areas studied, Los Angeles has high percentages of
prospective students working in and considering the products and services sector.
WHAT
of prospective business school students
are considering MBA programs
Full-time 2-year MBA
WHY
3. Develop Business Skills
HOW
87% 30%
52%
*Respondents could choose more than one answer
are considering specialized
master’s degrees in business*
Loans
Personal Earnings/Savings
Grants
Parental Support
Employer Support
Spouse/Partner Earnings
© 2014, Graduate Management Admission Council. Sources: Graduate Management
Admission Council. GMAT exam data July 1, 2011-June 30, 2013; mba.com Prospective
Students Survey of 343 candidates in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, CA metro area
considering graduate business school in 2012-2013. For more, see mba.com or gmac.com
33%
18%
5%
24%
27%
17%
12,239
Top Specific Programs Considered*
Other
34%
23%
17%
14%
8%
3%
2%
Top 5
80% 79% 72% 69% 64%
1. Job Opportunities
2. Increase Salary
4. Accelerate Career Path
5. Career Choices
Skills
Path
Marketable
Reasons why L.A.
Metro residents
are considering
business school*
Expected Financing Mix
to cover 100% of educational costs
42%
35%
30%
16%
Part-time MBA
Full-time 1-year MBA
Flexible MBA
Online MBA