Thanks for the info, I feel better about scheduling my appointments (I planned on calling the admissions office and asking them if it's a good time to visit, but I'd imagine they can be biased one way or the other), I'm glad to know I'm not the only one thinking the way you are.

I have 3 days to take off work in March and drive down toward north carolina (plan on visiting UVA, Duke, UNC). The info in this thread is very good--keep it coming.

Hi! good to see someone else who is getting an early start. I also graduated in 2008 and plan to enroll in Fall 2011. I took my GMAT yesterday (680) and am considering retaking it early next year (more than likely I will) but have already established a short list of schools. (Duke, Darden, NYU, McCombs and Ross) and will start my school visits next year as well. If you do plan visits to any schools we have in common, I would definitely be interested in joining in. Good job with the blog and the early start. I have had FT MBA seriously on my mind since June '09 and since I dont plan on starting till 2011, I have often felt like I was getting ahead of myself.

Whats with visiting the schools?? I am sorry, but each of you are spending one full year visiting a school and then applying for it after the visits??? Am I missing something??

In either case, why would you want to visit a school before applying for it???

Hey dmateer,
How's it going. I agree it is imperative to visit schools especially before you spend your time money and other resources applying. I certainly would love to join in on some school visits and get a little network of 'class of 2013' folks going.

My breakdown was 44q and 40v which is why I wanna retake it cos I can do much better in quant. Def stay in touch as well ...the next 12 or so months may be challenging at times and support is very essential in my opinion. Thanks!

Hello All in this thread,

This one definitely caught my attention because I'm in the same boat as you guys. I will be applying Fall 2010, and have already set up some time to get up and visit the schools.

- I'll be heading up to New Haven on presidents day. I'm located in NYC so New Haven is only an hour and a half train ride from here... so I'll be back for Happy Hour
- I've been to Stern a couple times for various events already since it's a 10 minute subway ride.
- Columbia is finally back in session, so I have to take a look at their visitation schedules.
- Sometime in the middle of March I want to get up to Dartmouth

But I definitely, 100%, unequivocally agree with dmateer's response to the "Why would you visit if you haven't applied yet..." Me personally... I don't have $1400 to spend on 7 applications, to only end up going to a school where I don't fit (send me a PM if you'd like to know more).

More importantly.... I think our question to others, wondering why we would look at schools before applying, would be [How can you write your essays about why X school, if you haven't been?]

I look forward to going through this process with you guys! Cheers