visiting programs

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mberkowitz: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 76; Joined: Sun Jul 20, 2008 10:47 am; Location: new york city; Thanked: 1 times

by mberkowitz » Thu Sep 25, 2008 1:21 pm

Hello all,

How crucial is it (in terms of acceptance) that I visit the program BEFORE submitting my application?

I fall in the camp of having several top schools, and then 5 or 6 that are second choices. My plan was to get all my apps done and in, and then visit the programs that I have yet to visit (obviously my top choices I have already visited).

School's say they highly recommend a visit, and will I be given less consideration if I'm unable to make it to visit those schools?

I understand the obvious answer, that the adcom needs proof that you're totally interested, but what if I physically can't do it right now?

Thanks...

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Source: Beat The GMAT — Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant | Thu Sep 25, 2008 1:21 pm

Graham: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 270; Joined: Thu Sep 18, 2008 2:20 amFollowed by: 17 members; Location: Philadelphia & Paris; Thanked: 35 times; GMAT Score:750

by Graham » Fri Sep 26, 2008 12:56 am

Dear mberkowitz,

Thanks for your post. It's always a great idea to visit your target programs, as this will help you formulate more powerful essays - not to mention give you a true sense for the culture, fit, etc. Having said that, a campus visit is by no means required in order for you to get into business school. Of course, if you cannot make it to campus, you should be learning about the program in other ways:

-reaching out to current student leaders in the clubs that interest you
-contacting the local alumni club
-reading press and publications that cover the school
-reading the school's web site
-attending MBA admissions receptions in your area
-visiting with the schools on the MBA Tour/World MBA Tour, etc

This research should then come across in your essays. You can always visit the schools for your interviews (where applicable).

There are some caveats to this line of thought:

1) Some smaller schools in more remote environments (Tuck, Darden) do really encourage applicants to come for a visit - especially if they live in the States. In other words if you are a New Yorker and don't find your way up to Hanover, NH for a visit/interview at some point, this may not play well with the adcom.

2) Generally speaking, if you are within a few hours of a target school, it is wise to find the time to visit. If you live in Dubai, no one will ever fault you for skipping the campus tour at MIT. If you live in New York, however, one may wonder why you didn't bother to make the trip.

Best of luck with your applications,

Graham

Graham Richmond
Clear Admit, LLC
[email protected]
215 568 2590

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Lisa Anderson: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 3845; Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pmFollowed by: 148 members; Location: Houston, TX; Thanked: 442 times

by Lisa Anderson » Fri Sep 26, 2008 12:10 pm

Dear mberkowitz,

To piggyback on Graham's post, which is accurate, I don't think you need to necessarily visit before submitting your application. You can visit in conjunction with your interview, which also achieves the goal of visiting before a decision is rendered. For schools that are quite a distance for you, it can be difficult. But if you can at all visit before you submit or for your interview, that is ideal.

Good luck,
Lisa

Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

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