Despite a recent Kaplan survey that found the economy has caused a surge in applications to graduate schools, Penn State's graduate programs have not seen a significant increase in the past few years.
Though Smeal College of Business has seen a 22 percent surge in applications in the last academic year, overall graduate applications have not increased at the university, said Eva Pell, vice president for research and dean of the Graduate School.
Despite the survey's findings, Pell said the number of applicants reflects a decision made by students a year ago, and thus does not necessarily reflect the current state of the economy.
"I am guessing that a better test of the hypothesis will come when we see what applications look like this January when the bulk of applications arrive for 2009-10," she said.
The survey of 245 admissions officers, including some from Penn State, found the current admissions landscape to be more competitive than it was three years ago.
"The recent interest in graduate programs reflects historical trends," said Priya Dasgupta, director of graduate programs for Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions. "Many students and young professionals see it as a way to ride out the recession and come out more employable on the other end."
The current state of the job market has caused some Penn State students who had never thought of continuing their education before to enroll in or at least apply to graduate schools.
Anthony Wilson (senior-mathematics) is considering graduate school because it offers security in an unstable market.
"I assume the economy is going to continue to go into a downward spiral before it gets any better," he said. "Grad school seems like my only viable option because of my major. There are only so many jobs out there, and I think I'll have a better shot at landing one if I can obtain a higher level of education."
