William White of the Harvard Crimson recently reported on increased enrollment in HBS’s incoming class, the Class of 2011. With 942 enrolled students (from 9,093 applicants), this will be the largest class in HBS’s history.
Aside from the increased class size, what is notable about the statistical story at HBS these days is that applications to the 2+2 program—now in its second year—increased by 34 percent, from 631 to 844, though HBS expects to admit about the same number of 2+2 applicants (106) this year. Because these students are being “pre-admitted” to future classes, HBS may ultimately add another section to hold its “traditional” class size, excepting its younger applicants, constant.
According to the Crimson, Dean Jay O. Light’s office decided to take advantage of the “high number of high quality applicants” by slightly increasing the number of people admitted to the program. Of course, it is also well-known that HBS’s endowment has struggled as of late; the approximately forty additional students should generate $1.8 million in operating revenue for the school, during their own difficult economic times. Whatever the reason for the increase, applicants are no doubt relieved to see the class expanding.