BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

visiting programs

Free advice from the world's top MBA consultants
This topic has expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts
Posts: 76
Joined: Sun Jul 20, 2008 10:47 am
Location: new york city
Thanked: 1 times

visiting programs

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...
Top
Source: — Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant |
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Posts: 270
Joined: Thu Sep 18, 2008 2:20 am
Location: Philadelphia & Paris
Thanked: 35 times
Followed by:17 members
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

Stay Informed with Clear Admit!
Read our Blog for daily MBA admissions tips and updates.
Follow us on Twitter for breaking b-school news.
Download our Publications on MBA programs and admissions strategy.
Visit our MBA Admissions Wiki to read and share application insights.
Top

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Posts: 3845
Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pm
Location: Houston, TX
Thanked: 442 times
Followed by:148 members

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

Learn more about me
Top
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1