As many applicants are finding out at this time of year, conducting some thorough research on various MBA programs is an essential step in formulating a list of target schools and crafting convincing essays. Surfing the web and speaking with friends and mentors are great starting points in identifying programs of interest, but in order to really get a feel for a school and determine whether it’s a good fit for one’s goals and personality, it’s necessary to dig deeper and gain some firsthand experience with the program and the people. Visiting the campus is a great avenue for gathering information – and also a step that can work to one’s advantage in the application process. While we’ve recently offered some in depth information about ways prospective students can engage the community at their target schools and have also highlighted some campus-related considerations to keep in mind, here are a few pointers on getting as much mileage as possible out of that trip to your target MBA program.
1) Make yourself known. Putting forth the effort to travel to a school is a signal of interest in the program that the adcom loves to see – it’s just a matter of letting them know that you’ve made the trip. It’s possible to communicate this in your essays and interview, but the simplest route is often to register for a visit through the admissions office if possible. Not only will most schools arrange for you to sit in on a class and have lunch with current students, but many will also make a note of your visit and include it in your file. Be sure to take advantage of all that the admissions office offers in this regard; even if you have friends on campus, it’s wise to speak to as many people as possible.
2) Think it through. Before arriving on campus, you should think carefully about the sort of information you hope to take away from your visit. Whether your inquiries cover something as broad as the night life or as narrow as the syllabus of a particular course, your trip will be much more informative if you come prepared with a sense of the details you hope to glean from information sessions and conversations. Further, it’s a great idea to reach out to members of the community before you arrive; if there’s a club about which you are particularly curious, for instance, you could contact one of its leaders and arrange a conversation over coffee on the day of your visit.
3) Know you’re on. Even though your conduct and interactions won’t be ‘on the record’ in the way that they would be when on campus for a formal interview, it’s important that you be aware of the impression you’re making. Because spending time on campus is a great way to forge ongoing contacts with students who could become allies for you in the admissions process, you’ll naturally want to put your best foot forward.
We hope that these simple tips will set applicants on the path toward a positive and productive stay on campus. For more tailored guidance on application strategy and school selection, feel free to contact us for a free initial consultation.
