Highwyre, Dakells - Thanks a lot, appreciate the responses.
Dakells wrote:
You might have to spend that money when it comes time to interview (if they don't offer alum interviews in your area) so definitely factor that into your budget. Kellogg I would choose an on campus interview and just visit when you go to interview. Sounds like you're mainly interested in M7, but I took advantage of Duke's self initiated interview in October to visit the campus and interview in one shot.
Exactly. I've already made up my mind that I might have to do on-campus interviews given my location, in case I'm given the opportunity. So, I really don't want to spend twice on visits.
Dakells wrote:
Regarding the QS MBA Tour. After the barrage of spam I received after expressing interest I chose not to go. I am still trying to unsubscribe to all of the spam emails I received in relation to that. I did go to a few other fairs. I don't think they are helpful in your admissions chances, these people meet so many students that I doubt they will remember you. But it is helpful to speak to current students/adcom. If there is one near you, sure go, but I wouldn't fly somewhere or drive an excessive distance to go to one. You pretty much just walk around, pick up school pamphlets, and ask generic questions along with hundreds of other people who are trying get their face in front of the adcom. Agreed with Highwyre, going to info sessions and especially receptions are a better use of time if they have any nearby. Some schools (like Duke) even offer an application reduction waiver if you attend one of their events.
The issue I have with attending info sessions is that the nearest big-city is a ~6 hour drive from where I live. I hope to attend some of those sessions even if it means driving a total of 12 hours, but the paradoxical problem I have is that I know what each school can offer me. A school visit at this point is mostly to show 'my commitment' to the schools and I'm suffering from FOMO from that perspective.
I see that you guys have applied to some of my target schools, did any of them during the interview give you an impression that your attending a reception/info session helped?
Thanks.