Best Time to Visit School and Making the Most out of it

Question

Applying for the class of 2012, so getting ready to do research and school tours. What is the best time usually to visit to get the most experience in getting to know the school, students etc

Most program usually start in September (I'm looking into CBS, NYC + Wharton), but i've heard arguments to visit in March-April after students have gotten interviews n job offers and such to get an idea how the recruiting environment is.

Any truth to that statement? Thanks

Also, should I be doing some inital research b4 going (whens deadline, composition of student body etc

Just trying to make the most out of it, so any additional tips would be great

Pavle · Answer

Take the GMAT soon until it adds an additional part and than you can think where to apply

Merfolk17 · Answer

I already made up my mind about what type of schools to get into (top 10 with focus on getting to PE field) and what GMAT range i need to get (720+). If I don't get in, I can wait till next time since I'm still young (25 yld)

I'm starting to study my GMAT now, but at the same time researching into schools.

asimov · Answer

If you are planning on applying in 2012, you should wait until things settle down a bit. This way you can get a good feel for the MBA program. I don't know how much one-on-one time or if you can get one-on-one time with current students. There may be a panel style discussion, so you'll probably get a better feel after the students have things settled a bit. Just make sure tours are still offered then.

If you want to go into PE, you need to have previous banking experience. Even then, I don't think PE recruit very much out of bschool, maybe at Wharton, but probably not at CBS or Stern. I believe for PE connections matters more than GMAT, and the GMAT quant score will matter more than overall score.

krussell · Answer

March is okay, but it's when their application process is winding down.

I'd almost recommend going in late September while you can remain fresh in their minds during the application process.

klughing · Answer

What type of banking experience do you need to go into PE?

If you say connections matter more for PE, would you also say there's really no difference between the top schools?

Best Time to Visit School and Making the Most out of it

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards