B-School Campus Visiting Tips
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Linda is the Founder of Accepted.com. Click here to learn more about Accepted.com's products and services. |
Not sure whether you should take the time and money to visit the b-schools you plan on applying to? While some adcoms admit to awarding brownie points and some swear that whether or not you visit has no impact on your acceptance or rejection, I believe that if you have the opportunity to visit the b-schools on your list, then you should absolutely do so.
And it’s not because of imaginary “brownie points,” but because you will be a much better informed applicant after you visit a school than before. You’ll know more about each school, its culture, and why that particular school appeals to you. You’ll learn more about its teaching style, whether it supports your goals, and how well you and your goals match the program, students, and faculty.
Here are some tips to make the most of your visit:
- Visit the school when class is in session. That way you’ll get to see the learning in action and speak with the students when they’re not stressed out about finals.
- Take advantage of all visitor options, including a tour, a one-on-one meeting with a student, info sessions, etc.
- Come prepared with good questions to ask the adcom and to ask students and/or faculty that you may encounter.
- Learn as much about the school before you land on campus. You don’t want to ask a question that was answered 10 times already on the school’s website.
- If you are unable to visit the campus, be sure to attend info sessions held in your city.
While “good questions” differ b-school to b-school and student to student, the following is a sample of general questions that you can use as a jumping off point for your specific situation:
- What is a typical day like for a first or second year student?
- How do professors balance research and teaching?
- Do professors teach their classes in the larger framework of the interconnectedness of business functions? Do they use an integrated approach? Do they coordinate with other professors?
- How are interview slots for internships and full-time positions assigned? If there’s a bidding process, how does it work?
In summary, do your research, take advantage of visitor options, ask good questions, and evaluate your fit with each school. And don’t forget to snap some pictures during your visit and submit them to the Beautiful B-School Photo Contest—you could win a $200 Amazon.com gift certificate!
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3 comments
F_C on March 16th, 2010 at 6:54 am
Linda, great article, thanks a lot. I am an international applicant and I plan to visit schools in April, before the end of the classes, so this articles just came on time.
I have a pretty straight forward question: Based on your experience, which schools from the list below are known to award the "brownie points":
Wharton, MIT, Kellogg, Berkeley, Michigan, NYU, Columbia, Duke, Tuck, UCLA, Darden, Chicago, Yale.
Thanks for your attention,
F_C
Linda Abraham on May 3rd, 2010 at 11:27 am
F_C,
I'm so sorry I didn't see your question until someone brought it to my attention today. I suspect my answer is too late for you, but perhaps it will help others.
In general the schools in more rural locations will value your visits more -- in your terms, award brownie points for your demonstration of interest. Another factor is your proximity to the campus. If you are in the same city and never took the time to attend a reception or visit, your seriousness my be a little suspect.
With that being said, don't overestimate the value of a visit in influencing the admissions decision. The real value lies in the insight you gain, not brownie points, real or imagined.
Best,
Linda
Milin on September 5th, 2010 at 5:59 am
umm...i hame a speaking test on monday and i have to speak on how to improve my school campus.you have any points?