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Now is a great time for business school applicants<\/a> to visit their top choice programs \u2013 classes are in session, students and professors aren\u2019t yet stressed by exams, recruiting may be in action, and the weather is warming up (well, in some places).<\/p>\n While it's a good idea to visit your target b-schools, only do so if it makes logistical and financial sense<\/em>. MBA programs understand that geography and financial resources can prevent a visit, but if it is possible to visit the business schools on your list, then you certainly should \u2013 not because of imaginary \u201cbrownie points\u201d that the school may or may not award you, but because you will be a better informed applicant after you visit than before. You will know more about the school and its culture. You will know more about why it appeals to you, what about its style matches yours, and how it supports your goals<\/a>.<\/p>\n You will also, most likely, prepare a better application for admission after you\u2019ve learned more about the school.<\/p>\n How to Ensure a Valuable School Visit<\/strong><\/p>\n Once you\u2019ve made the decision to visit, we recommend that you follow this advice:<\/p>\n 1. Visit when class is in session.<\/strong><\/p>\n You want to get a feel for what life on campus is like, and you won\u2019t get much of an idea of student life if everyone\u2019s on break. Likewise, if classes are done for the term and everyone is cramming for exams and taking tests, you won\u2019t get the full day-to-day campus experience (though you will get to see what b-school students are like under pressure!).<\/p>\n Another good reason to go while class is in session is so that you can sit in on classes \u2013 definitely take advantage of this if your target program offers this option.<\/p>\n (Note: Like we said above, this is why now<\/em> is a great time to visit.)<\/p>\n 2. Take the tour and attend the info sessions.<\/strong><\/p>\n Again, your goal is to learn as much as possible about the program<\/a>. Don\u2019t brush off the official tours because you\u2019d rather explore on your own; instead, take the tour, sit through the info sessions, and explore on your own.<\/p>\n 3. Talk to everyone!<\/strong><\/p>\n Business school students and adcoms are generally more than happy to talk with prospective students, so don\u2019t miss out on the valuable opportunity to chat with anyone and everyone about their b-school experience.<\/p>\n 4. Prepare your questions in advance.<\/strong><\/p>\n You\u2019ll have the most productive conversations if you go in with some direction. Obviously questions will differ depending on what\u2019s important to you and where you\u2019re visiting, but here are some basic questions:<\/p>\n \u2022 What is a typical day like for a first or second year student?<\/p>\n \u2022 How do professors view their teaching \u2013 as an integrated approach to business, as part of the interconnection of business functions (and if interconnected, how do they collaborate with other professors), or simply as a job? How do they balance teaching and research?<\/p>\n \u2022 How are interview slots assigned? Is there a bidding process? What is it?<\/p>\n 5. Review the school\u2019s website before you go.<\/strong><\/p>\n Asking questions is good; asking questions that are answered on the homepage of your target school\u2019s website\u2026not so good. Do your research ahead of time so that you can ask specific, unique questions that show you\u2019ve done your homework as well as some good quality thinking.<\/p>\n 6. If you can\u2019t visit a school, attend info sessions closer to home.<\/strong><\/p>\n While an info session won\u2019t simulate life on campus, you will still get to make an appearance before the adcom and speak with students\/alumni\/faculty \u2013 whoever is leading the event. You can also do some quality research by emailing current students and reading student blogs.<\/p>\n Bottom Line<\/strong><\/p>\n Visiting a school is highly recommended, and if you go, you should take advantage of all of the school\u2019s people and resources so you can learn as much as possible about whether you\u2019re the right fit for the program. If, however, you\u2019re unable to visit, then you should still do all you can to learn firsthand about your target schools to determine how you\u2019d fit in and optimize your applications to reflect that!<\/p>\n Visiting schools is only part of the planning and strategizing that you\u2019ll need to do when applying to business school. Check out Accepted\u2019s MBA Admissions Consulting Services<\/a> for individual guidance through the entire application process. Visit schools. Create a winning application. Get ACCEPTED!<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Related Resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Best MBA Programs: A Guide to Selecting the Right One<\/a>, a free guide This article<\/a> originally appeared on blog.accepted.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n Applying to a top b-school? The talented folks at Accepted have helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to their dream programs. Whether you are figuring out where to apply, writing your application essays, or prepping for your interviews, we are just a call (or click) away.<\/em><\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/The-ultimate-guide-to-becoming-a-competitive-MBA-applicant.jpeg\")
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\n\u2022 Choosing And Visiting Business Schools<\/a>
\n\u2022 3 Ways to Determine Which B-Schools are a Good Fit for You<\/a><\/p>\n