Campus visits allow prospective students to talk with current MSF students, as well as faculty and staff. Daniel Dubois photo

Maximizing Your MBA Campus Visits: Tips from Admissions Experts

Visiting an MBA campus offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in student life and better understand a business school’s offerings.

Donna Bauman, an admissions counselor at Stratus Admissions Counseling, recently offered a few tips on how to make the most out of your MBA campus visits.

DO YOUR RESEARCH PRIOR

A campus visit is an opportunity for you to get to know a business school, but it’s also an opportunity for the admissions committee to understand who you are as an applicant. Bauman recommends doing research prior to the visit and to think of your visit as a “conversation.”

“Understand what the school values and how you connect with those values,” Bauman says. “Go there only if you have an honest interest in the school. The admissions committee does not give you credit just for showing up; a visit must be meaningful to both you and them.”

MAKE CONNECTIONS

To make the most of your campus visit, be sure to reach out clubs that you’re interested in or even connect with students who are on a similar career track as you. Making these connections not only gives you valuable insight into a B-school but also can help you later down the admissions process.

“Even though your conduct and interactions won’t be on the record in the way that they would be when interviewing on campus, it’s important that you be aware of the impression you’re making,” according to Clear Admit. “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.”

PUT TOGETHER A SCHEDULE

When planning your visit, try to schedule your trip on dates that align with your interests.

“What days are classes in session? You do not want to show up when students are taking exams or are away on break,” Bauman says. “Are there dedicated events or weekends that might interest you? Perhaps you could visit when a student club is hosting a conference that aligns with your goals. Many MBA programs offer weekends geared toward women, underrepresented minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQIA+ communities, and others.”

Sources: Stratus Admissions Counseling, Clear Admit

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