Choosing where to apply without visiting

Figure out where you wish to apply
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Choosing where to apply without visiting

by southbaynic » Thu Jul 15, 2010 10:21 am
I've narrowed down the list of schools I'm considering to 10 or so, but I need to narrow it further to 6-8, and a sub group of 4 or so to apply to in round 1. I live in CA and have no problem visiting the schools here (Haas, Anderson, Stanford) before October, but looking at my schedule and vacation time at work, traveling further before then is going to be a big challenge. I've never even visited most of the cities where the schools I'm considering are located.

Does anyone have any advice for researching schools from a distance? Were there any books or websites that are particularly helpful? I know BusinessWeek has all sorts of quantitative data, but I'm looking for more of the "squishy" factors - how collegial the students are, what the general feel is on campus and how the business school fits in, etc. I'm also wondering about how the CA networks are for some of the non-CA schools, as there's a good chance I may want to return here if I go to school elsewhere.
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by essaysnark » Thu Jul 15, 2010 9:58 pm
EssaySnark says, all the top schools have worldwide alumni networks, so you should be fine going to school elsewhere and then returning to the West Coast. (Some say that the reverse is a little less true - that Haas and Anderson are more "regional" brands, and that their reputations aren't as broad, in terms of being able to open doors worldwide with their brand on your resume -- this is obviously not an issue with the GSB.)

Many schools offer virtual info sessions and online chats, including on sites like this and BW. Sometimes schools participate jointly in MBA World Tours, Inside the MBA events (there's one of these in NYC next week), and Forte Foundation conferences, and most schools hold their own local info sessions in cities like SF, LA, etc. The campus visit is certainly the best way to get a feel for the school. You can also reach out to current students or alumni. Contact the admissions office to get connected. And, a few more ideas and links to resources are available here: https://essaysnark.blocked/2010/06/ ... chool.html.

Good luck with it!
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