4 Ways to Make the Most of Your Business School Campus Visit

Visiting campus is one of the best ways you can learn about your target MBA programs and not only determine if a program is right for you, but also acquire some school-specific fodder for your applications. This information can transform  components of your application  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ such as the essay, interview, and short answers – into real, customized pieces of content for the admissions decision makers. Before you pack your bags to visit some of the world’s best academic communities, however, read the below tips to make sure you are making the most of your campus visit. 1)  Meet with Admissions One of the best parts  of visiting campus is the ability to connect with the MBA admissions officers who will eventually review  your application. Creating a positive impression with admissions can really pay dividends. Forging a human connection is something that the majority of applicants will not do, so take advantage of the opportunity! Formal opportunities like the various information sessions hosted on campus are no-brainers during a campus visit, but make sure you don’t miss potential chances to also connect with representatives from admissions one-on-one, if possible. 2)  Visit a Class Sitting in on an MBA  class really helps contextualize the entire business school  experience while helping you determine if, academically, a program is right for you. Also, formal class visit programs are often tracked by admissions along with the information sessions, which can signal strong interest to the admissions office. 3)  Connect with Students Many programs will have formal programs that allow you to connect with students that share a similar profile as you, such as geographic, academic, interest or other demographic similarities. Informal chats with students can also be just as important, so spending some time on campus in public spaces can facilitate these type of interactions. Most current students will be more than happy to discuss their own personal experiences both on-campus and in the application process, so don’t be afraid to leverage these great sources of information. 4)  Explore the Student Community Classes and connections aside, choosing the right business school is an important decision. MBA  students spend a lot of time both on-campus and in the immediate area around campus, so taking the time to explore the greater community is a critical aspect of any visit. Determining if big cities such as  New York and Los Angeles are a fit for you, or if smaller towns like Hanover or Evanston are more your style,  is an integral part of the decision making process. Utilize these four  tips to make the most of your business school campus visits. Applying to business school? Call us at 1-800-925-7737 to speak with an MBA admissions expert, or  sign up for a  free consultation  and receive personalized advice for your unique application situation! As always, be sure to find us on Facebook, YouTube, and  Twitter. Dozie A. is a Veritas Prep Head Consultant for the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. His specialties include consulting, marketing, and low GPA/GMAT applicants.