Whats better Visiting CBS or Handing in Application Early

I'd second what MAppleby has said, given my experience applying to CBS...
I applied to the August 2013 term earlier this year. My interviewer recommended me to CBS, but my application was rejected. My interviewer told me it was the first time in 20 interviews that the school did something contrary to his recommendation. I should note here that my interview report was filed in early March (when many spots had already been taken). I re-applied to CBS for the January 2014 term and was recently accepted, without an interview. Several positive things had happened in the 5 months since my prior application, that made my application stronger - but with all due modesty, I think my first application to CBS would have been accepted if it had been filed earlier.
I think this point is particularly important if you have a common profile (e.g. you're an Indian engineer or white male that works in finance/consulting). That being said, my campus visit significantly increased my opinion of CBS and it provided some useful context when writing my application. Nonetheless, I'd suggest that you apply as early as you reasonably can...

Agreed with the above. In addition, if you have a chance to reach out to current students who have similar interests to you, then you can write your impressions in your essays and I think that shows plenty of interest in the school and will give you a chance to learn some of the stuff you would learn from your campus visit.

"Please note that August entry Regular Decision applications will not be reviewed earlier than December 1."
Really backs up going Early Decision.

https://www4.gsb.columbia.edu/mba/admis ... heckstatus

I apologize 'TwnE', but where did you read that data point? I clicked on the Columbia link you provided and didn't see that written. Thanks

Hey Physics,

CBS has changed around their site a bit and they may have taken down that sentence.
I can only say that it was written in the old version of the web page.
From what I understand CBS starts looking over regular decision application only after they have checked all early decision applications.
So I guess it doesn't really matter on what date they actually start to check the regular decision apps. It will be later on in the process.
I am sure you can send admissions a email regarding specifics or ask Matthew on the ask Columbia GSB Admissions feed.
ask-columbia-gsb-admissions-121805-260.html

Physics,

Not the exact quote but has the same meaning.
"We'll begin reviewing August-entry regular decision applications in December once all required materials have been received."
https://www4.gsb.columbia.edu/mba/admissions/faq