The Importance of MBA Campus Visits in the Application Process

December 09, 2023 :: Admissionado

Visiting the campuses of the business schools you’re applying to is a vital step in the MBA application process. While it may seem like an additional expense, especially considering the potential costs of interviews, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. Campus visits not only demonstrate your genuine interest in a school but also provide invaluable insights that can strengthen your application and help you make an informed decision about where to spend the next few years of your life. This article will guide you through the importance of MBA campus visits and how to make the most of them.

Why MBA Campus Visits Matter

MBA campus visits are an excellent way to showcase your commitment and interest in a specific program. Admissions committees view visits as a sign that you are serious about attending their school. Additionally, visiting campuses allows you to gather first-hand experiences and insights that you can reference in your application essays, making your application more personalized and compelling.

What to Do During Your Campus Visit

1. Engage with the Admissions Office: While it may be challenging to secure a meeting with admissions committee members, attempting to do so can show your seriousness. Even if you don’t get a meeting, your effort will be noted.
2. Sit in on Classes: Choose classes that align with your career interests. Observing the classroom dynamics and teaching methods can help you assess whether the program is a good fit for you.
3. Connect with Students: Reach out to current students, especially those involved in clubs or activities that interest you. Their experiences can provide a real-world perspective on life at the school and help you understand the culture better.

Tips from MBA Admissions Consultants

Here are some tips from MBA admissions consultants on making the most of your campus visits:

• “Visiting the admissions office and sit in on an actual class. If you know current students on the campus you’re visiting, try to have lunch or coffee with them. If you don’t already have a contact on campus, just ask the admissions office to introduce you to someone. When you’re talking to students, ask them about their personal experiences at the program, tell them your story, and ask for suggestions. Don’t ask questions you can find the answer for on the school´s website!”
• “Don’t worry about impressing the tour guide; focus on getting specific information you need. Ensure admissions knows you visited, even if you can’t make a trip, check out virtual tours like YouVisit.”
• “Military applicants HAVE to find out what 2nd year military person is helping with admissions. I believe that most schools have volunteer help from current military students who help cull the incoming class. Figure out who those people are and make contact with them BEFORE going to campus. Meet with the military group. Most B-Schools have an active former military group. Reach out to them and meet up with as many members of that group as possible during your visit. Ask how to best transition leadership skills and styles to an MBA setting . . . don’t come across as a rigid, crazy military guy. Be relaxed and express an interest in understanding their culture, not having them understand a military culture.”
• “One practical consideration is FOOD. You’ll be spending lots of time on campus and may not be able to go far in search of the kind of meal you will crave for. Soooooo … do ask: How’s the food at the cafeteria? Is there somewhere near I can grab (Chinese/Indian/Mexican/Brazilian/etc.) food? The answer to the second question can reveal how internationally-minded (or not) the school is. And if it is not sufficiently internationally-minded, is it a school you really want to go to?”
• “An on campus visit is important and ideally you can visit a class and talk to current students as well as the someone from the admissions office. See if you can have lunch with a student and even attend a social event or two that are going on on campus. Go to the campus coffee shop or cafeteria that the B-School students go to and strike up a conversation with someone. I definitely recommend asking students about their experience, especially if you can find someone with similar career goals. What classes, clubs or professors do they recommend and why? Why did they choose the school?”

Conclusion

MBA campus visits are a crucial part of the application process, offering you a deeper connection to the programs you’re considering and providing valuable insights that can enhance your application. By planning your visits carefully and engaging with the campus community, you can gather information that will help you make an informed decision and demonstrate your genuine interest to the admissions committees. So, take the time to visit, ask questions, and immerse yourself in the environment of the schools you’re applying to. This investment of time and effort can pay off significantly in your MBA journey.