I thought I'd post a review of my class visit to HBS. I found my way to the admission's office quite early on Monday morning (8am). I signed in and had the opportunity to meet several other applicants in the waiting area. Quite interestingly, we were all fascinated by one another (that definitely was a confidence booster for me). We (myself and another visitor) were then assigned to a student host.
Our host was extremely down to earth and quickly told us about the case we were going to discuss in his marketing (RC) class. The case in question pertained to a pharmaceutical company currently establishing its price structure for a new drug; the objective: what price should the company sell this new drug for? The hallways at Aldrich (main building for classes) were bustling with students and the classroom was full - aside for two seats for us. At 8.40 sharp, the professor acklowedged our visit and had us quickly introduce ourselves - we received a warm welcome (all students applauded). Soon after, he cold called a student to start the case discussion. For roughly 90 minutes, students interacted and guided the entire debate on this case. The professor did an excellent job shaping the discussion (for example, he'd interrupt if he saw that the discussion was leading into a tangetial subject). I had never seen a prof run around a classroom and write so much on a chalkboard! Students were extremely articulate and the diversity of the classroom was exceptional - apparently, once admitted, HBS configures the RC classroom (you cannot choose where you sit) and learning team based on geography, nationality, industry, age, sex, etc. It's incredible.
After class, I went to have a quick coffee at Spangler with another applicant. The cafeteria, dining room and "living area" at Spangler are impressive. The halls are carpeted with crown moldings everywhere... I thought I was in a hotel. Finally, I had the opportunity to meet a student for lunch (with 6 other applicants). We had a short Q&A (nothing most people on this board wouldn't know). The other applicants were extremely friendly and again, I think we were all equally interested in one another, which was nice. One key takeaway from the visit (and reinforced by a student) was that there is no "typical" applicant. They have a boot camp in summer, called Analytics, for those who either (1) come from a non-business background or (2) need to sharpen their quantative skills. (There were 240 students this summer). Apparently, very few students with PE experience as well... (can't substantiate that claim).. Anyways, the classroom had MD's, lawyers, entrepreneurs, military, etc. My own opinion is as follows (regarding admissions): HBS prefers diversity over hard scores (GMAT/GPA, etc.). In essence, if they hit their benchmark for IB-students, they prefer someone from another industry (with lower GMAT) than another IB with high GMAT/GPA.... (just my own opinion)
Overall, I think the experience was great. I highly recommend it to those able to make their way to Boston. Please find a url to some of my pictures.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/triple5soulmba/
29 Oct 2009, 06:27
