Visiting Schools

[ld]

Stacy,

I wanted to know if is important to visit schools before your application is submitted. Obviously, you would get a better idea of whether you liked the school if you had visited. But, if business schools count your visit to their school as a bonus, does it matter if the visit is before you submit your application?

Thanks for the help!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Id,

The reason to visit is two-fold: 1) for you to get a preview of what it would be like to go there and 2) for the school to get a better idea of you. Ideally, it is best to visit prior to submitting your application so that you can incorporate what you learned from your visit into your essays and interview. Plus, the impression you make on the admissions staff could help in the evaluation of you as a candidate.

Many folks employ the strategy of visiting after submitting their application (or receiving an offer of admission) as a way to make their decision on where to go. Think about what makes sense for you based on your personal situation and the competitiveness of your profile for the school.

Regards,
Lisa

[jsl]

Dear Id,

The reason to visit is two-fold: 1) for you to get a preview of what it would be like to go there and 2) for the school to get a better idea of you. Ideally, it is best to visit prior to submitting your application so that you can incorporate what you learned from your visit into your essays and interview. Plus, the impression you make on the admissions staff could help in the evaluation of you as a candidate.

Many folks employ the strategy of visiting after submitting their application (or receiving an offer of admission) as a way to make their decision on where to go. Think about what makes sense for you based on your personal situation and the competitiveness of your profile for the school.

Regards,
Lisa

This was a great question - many thanks Id. I had the same question. I am planning on attending US business schools and I currently live in England. After my GMAT, I was going to attend campus visits on the east and west coast but this would hit my wallet... However, I don't want the schools to discriminate against me just because I haven't visited.

Given the cost tradeoff, is it worth visiting the schools? Will it significantly help your application, if at all?

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear jsl,

The short answer is "it depends" as the cost/benefit analysis varies by individual. Since you are overseas, you are in a different position than someone in the continental US considering US schools. If I were you, I would wait to see what your GMAT is and assess what you think you can afford in terms of a visit. A school visit can help your application, but it will not greatly influence the admissions committee's decision. If you feel you are an average candidate for your top 2-3 schools, then it might be worth a visit after your submit your application. This visit could be tied to your interview with the school, so it could be cost-effective for you.

Good luck,
Lisa