Visiting schools...when did you do it?

Question

I'm an an 08 applicant and I'm wondering when everybody visited campus. Spring before your Fall app, or during the Fall? Did you visit each campus more than once? (interview visit + another separate visit)

I feel kind of dumb having not visited during the Spring, as there is little time to visit in the Fall before apps are due for 1st round. I will definitely visit each campus during interviews, but should I have gone once already before that?

Thanks!

lepium · Answer

I intended to visit in November (before R2 apps). But I had to postpone my holidays so ended up visiting mid March. It was quite a gamble since I bought my ticket (and made reservations) before I had any admit in hand, but it turned out fine: got my 1st admit call one day before travelling, my 2nd one on the airport while waiting for my flight back and the last one about 2 days after arriving home. The only drawbacks were that I visited one of the schools during spring break and, of course, that my visits may have not counted towards my admit decisions (nor could I use material from the visits in essays nor interviews).

L.

rhyme · Answer

I did all my visits pre-application, with the exception of my backups. I found campus visits INVALUABLE in getting the right information from students - getting a pulse for schools, etc. It was very very helpful for writing about the school. Its hard to sound convincingly passionate about something when you havent even visited.. Talking about your visit and the people you met in an essay sounds much much more powerful in my mind than just talking about what you read on the website.

I personally suggest visits - and TALK TALK TALK to students - if you can afford em. 

There's another benefit - if you get waitlisted - at which point yield management comes into play double time - you can at least write a letter about how much you love the school and sound convincing - if you've never been, it wont be especially meaningful.

riverripper · Answer

I think a key to this is to make sure they know you are there too. Get credit for visiting the school. It will show how serious you are about attending their school and that you are putting an effort into determining you fit. I would say that the best plan for visiting is to go preapplication and then post acceptance. If you are accepted to two different schools the second visit to both could really help you decide. 

A lot has to do with budget and vacation time. Not everyone can afford to visit 5 or 6 schools and have the time to take off from work. Its your advantage if you live within driving distance of the schools you are looking at. Like living in New England and touring those in Boston and NYC.

gmahn · Answer

Visiting is part of the application. You will get plenty of information in the info session to fill the "Why our MBA?" essay and it will show your commitment to the school. Obviously, you must do it before sending the application.

You will also have the chance to meet other people who are applying to that school, something that will give you an idea of what are your chances.

dabots · Answer

thanks a lot guys

im going to visit all my schools in the fall, its going to be tight to get those in before 1st round though

Visiting schools...when did you do it?

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