Visiting Schools: Myths and Realities

by , Oct 4, 2010

I am frequently asked if visiting a b-school campus increases ones chances of acceptance or if schools award some kind of brownie points for visiting. In their public statements, most admissions committee members will say that it's a good idea, but they also all recognize that sometimes geography and financial resources can conspire to prevent a visit.

Better chance for admittance

I strongly believe that regardless of the school's view of visits and whether it awards brownie points or not, a visit does mean you will have a better chance of being admitted, not because of imaginary points, but because you will be a better informed applicant after you visit than before. You will know more about the school and its culture. You will know more about why it appeals to you, what about its style matches yours, and how it supports your goals.

To get the most from your trip, visit when class is in session. Then take a tour, meet with students, attend the info sessions. In short, take advantage of whatever is offered.

Preparing for school visits

I was once asked about preparing for school visits. I am going to copy here the most relevant part of the exchange:

What sort of preparations should one do while visiting a school?

Are there any specific questions which one should ask?

Prepare by going through the school's website thoroughly. It isn't great when you ask a question that is answered three times on the school's site. At the same time, going through the site may trigger some questions in your mind. Write them down and take them with you.

General questions to ask

It's a little difficult to suggest specific questions, because your questions should be guided by your interests, but here are some general questions I tend to ask when visiting schools, and I have received some very enlightening answers:

1. What is a typical day like for a first year or second year student?
2. Do professors see teaching an integrated approach to business, one that emphasizes the interconnection of business functions, as part of their job? Or are they teaching their specific class without a larger framework? If it is interconnected, how do they coordinate with other professors?
3. How do professors balance teaching and research?
4. How are interview slots assigned? Is there a bidding process? What is it?

These questions can also be asked at receptions and info sessions held in your city, if you cannot visit the campus.

If you have other questions that you feel have been particularly effective in eliciting information, please share either via comments or trackbacks.

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