Beat The GMAT - the MBA Social Network

If you are just now jumping into this article series, here is an up-date.  In The MBA Tour: Before, During, and After (Part 1), tips on how to prepare for the event were provided.  Now that you’ve done that, part two is going to walk you through the day of the actual function.

The big day is here, and your dream b-school awaits you.  Now, grab your notebook and let’s get started.

During the Event

1. Suit-up.  This is basically a mini-interview; so dress for one. Just like in an interview, refrain from chomping on the Bubblelicious.
2. Get your bearings. When you arrive, take a few minutes to review the map and schedule.  Use your scouting report to plan the school presentations you want to attend.
3. Pleased to meet you. Greet each rep with a smile, a firm handshake and a positive attitude.  Psychologists have proven that people who smile are better liked than those who don’t.   Make eye contact immediately during the introduction.
4. Establish rapport. Be outgoing; it is imperative to establish a connection with the reps. Smile, listen well, and be inquisitive and specific. You should listen carefully to their questions, answers, and statements so you can tailor your responses and find ways to create a common bond. Before leaving, be sure to close the conversation and thank them with an energetic “nice speaking with you.”
5. Remember the titans. Remember the representative’s name; if not, casually refer to their name tag.  This will help you network, establish rapport, and follow-up after the tour.
6. Chit chat. Ask specific questions, but work them into the conversation. Opposed to rifling out your inquiries, take the time to chat and build conversation around the questions you’re asking.
7. Communication is critical. Listen carefully to what the representative has to say. Avoid using filler words such as “um”, “like”, and “you know.” Show assurance through certainty in your voice.  Body Language often can speak louder than the spoken word:  do not fidget, play with your hair, or rock from side to side; and most importantly, keep eye contact.
8. Pump it up. You will be on your feet all day and taking in loads of information; avoiding mental and physical exhaustion will be a challenge.  Remember, you need to be as refreshed and enthusiastic as possible when meeting the representatives-this is your future, people!
9. Jot away the jitters. Bring pen and paper to jot down notes. When you inquire about next steps and the possibility of speaking with additional admissions reps, this will come in handy. However, keep the notes brief and make sure you stay focused on the person you are speaking with.
10. 52 pick-up. Collect business cards from reps you speak to. This will aid your note taking and be useful when personalizing your thank-you e-mails.
11. Plenty of fish in the sea. Explore all options and speak with reps that you may have not considered before. They are here to provide knowledge and expose you to new insights. Take advantage of these excellent resources in this critical search and decision-making process.
12. The Princeton Review to the rescue! Does thinking about the GMAT make your stomach turn? Learn the ins and outs of the GMAT at The Princeton Review’s strategy session.  Don’t forget to stop by The Princeton Review’s table to say hi, pick up some info, and sign up to win some swag.

Check out the dates and locations, get registered, and keep an eye out for our next article The MBA Tour: Before, During, and After (Part 3). This article will focus on to-do’s after the event.

Remember, if you attend The MBA Tour you will receive $250 off Princeton Review Classroom and LiveOnline courses for the GMAT and 10% off online courses or private tutoring when you enroll by October 31, 2010.  To learn more click here.