At the midpoint in the application cycle for the Master of Science in Analytics (MSA) Class of 2014, the number of applications has already surpassed the all-time high—up 132% over the previous year-to-date total. The surge in applications is attributable to the reputation and uniqueness of the MSA program, now entering its seventh year, and the strong demand for analytics professionals nationwide. The preeminence of the MSA program starts with the quality of its applicant pool, said the Institute’s director, Dr. Michael Rappa: “We carefully evaluate each and every applicant, as individuals, assessing their strengths and likelihood of success in the program. Yes, we’re very selective, but there are no arbitrary cut-offs. We want to admit the best overall talent—students with a strong record of achievement, a high capacity for teamwork, and the motivation to succeed in the profession—and you do that only by looking at the whole person.” The Institute’s acceptance ratio is projected to reach a new low this year, making the MSA one of the most highly selective graduate programs of its kind in the country. Prospective students are encouraged not to delay submitting their application.
