According to Kaplan Test Prep’s 2010 survey of graduate school admissions officers at 108 top programs across the United States, the admissions process will likely become increasingly competitive – 78% predict an increase in the number of applicants for the current cycle.  To view a PDF version of the survey results, click here.   Below are some key findings:

Which would you say is the most important factor in the graduate school admissions process?

GRE Score: 30%
Undergraduate GPA: 26%
Work experience: 16%
Letters of recommendation: 14%
Personal statement: 13%

How important is an applicant’s GRE score in securing merit-based scholarships, teaching assistantships, or grants?

Somewhat important: 36%
Very important: 30%
Not at all important: 24%
Not too important: 10%

Based upon what you know about the GRE’s extensive changes set to go into effect in August 2011, do you think the new exam will be a better predictor of student success in your program?

Do not know: 77%
Yes: 17%
No: 6%

Do you think that altering the GRE to be more like the GMAT — as it is being widely described and reported as — will improve or detract from its ability to evaluate prospective students for your graduate program?

Do not know: 67%
Improve: 17%
No change: 13%
Detract: 4%

Do you anticipate the number of applicants to increase or decrease during the next (2010 – 2011) application cycle?

Increase: 78%
Stay the same: 19%
Decrease: 3%

Compared to two years ago, what would you say about the number of students applying to your program directly from college?

Increased somewhat: 46%
Not changed: 42%
Increased a great deal: 7%
Decreased somewhat: 5%