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pmenon
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Common questions to ask current B-school students 09 Mar 2008, 17:31
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Hey all, Ive got a question and thought that this would be the best forum sub-section to post under. If there is another more relevant area, mods, feel free to move this post.

In parallel to studying for the GMAT, Im researching the schools that I want to apply to. Im wondering if any of you veterans would be able to share the type of questions you asked individuals who were studying at the schools you were interested in when you were doing research.

Id like to come up with a template of relevant questions that I can ask a bunch of different people, from different schools. I have a few questions of my own, but was hoping to get some feedback from the rest of the team here.

Thanks in advance, everyone.
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Common questions to ask current B-school students 09 Mar 2008, 18:36
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I usually ask questions about family support and child support. So only relevant if you intend to bring family with you.
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Common questions to ask current B-school students 09 Mar 2008, 18:38
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single with no kids, so im good there :-D

But thanks anyways :)
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Common questions to ask current B-school students 09 Mar 2008, 22:28
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I always tend to ask what they might like least about their school, or most.

Then I would ask about why.

Maybe my questions are not special enough.
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Irishfan
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Common questions to ask current B-school students 10 Mar 2008, 07:22
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My questions typically were derived from the school's motto, and the general impressions of what makes the school unique. For example, for my GSB interview, my best question was probably regarding their slogan, "challenge everything," in that how did my interviewer feel that the school promotes this attitude, and how specifically my interviewer challenged everything during her MBA education.

Another few good ones, IMHO:

What do you feel is the school's biggest challenge?

How would you define the school's culture?

What's the single best/worst thing about the school?

What are some courses/professors/clubs/events that shouldn't be missed?


Hope that helps!
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Common questions to ask current B-school students 10 Mar 2008, 08:36
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thank you very much ! those are all good questions.
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Common questions to ask current B-school students 10 Mar 2008, 13:54
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Great thread, I was thinking about this same question.
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Common questions to ask current B-school students 10 Mar 2008, 19:30
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lets bump this baby up and get some more replies ! :)
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Common questions to ask current B-school students 11 Mar 2008, 15:42
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will put this in the knowledge vault.
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Common questions to ask current B-school students 11 Mar 2008, 16:13
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Question that goes along with this...is it kosher to cold email a student? Let's say you're doing research into various student groups at a particular school, and you come across one that you like. The website lists various members of the group and their email addresses. Is it ok to email them and ask questions related to the school and the group? I know USC provides a list of "student embassadors" that you can email, wasn't sure about others though
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Common questions to ask current B-school students 11 Mar 2008, 16:43
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Omne, it is perfectly acceptable to "cold email" students. Just be polite and explain your situation. I did that for Stanford, Haas, UCLA, Kellogg, Chicago GSB, and Stern, and they were all very happy to help me with my questions.

Hope that helps!
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Common questions to ask current B-school students 12 Mar 2008, 10:53
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Don't ask questions you could easily have found the answer to on the website.

Don't ask what you should do to make sure you get an offer.

I like it when people bat up with interesting angles on stuff rather than canned "rolled out with [insert school name here]" questions. It may not bother people that much.

Questions on classes and things are good I think, as that guides you into a field you cannot easily get the lowdown on. Mix it up between social and school - too much of the former makes you appear that you want a two year holiday, too much of the latter makes you seem non-participatory.

Remember that anyone you meet can probably provide feedback on you if they feel like it.
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Common questions to ask current B-school students 31 Aug 2010, 06:56
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I'm reaching out to some current students in my extended network as we speak. I'd love to hear some more input in this realm.
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Common questions to ask current B-school students 08 Sep 2010, 18:43
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The questions I asked were more lifestyle oriented:

-How much debt do students usually get into?
-Is it a collegial environment or do people stick to themselves?
-Where do people usually live while attending the school?
-What are the classes like?
-How are the staff?
-Why did you choose here over your other choices?

I moved across the country for school so these may be more important to me than you.
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Common questions to ask current B-school students 23 Aug 2024, 12:45
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Hello from the GMAT Club MBAbot!

Thanks to another GMAT Club member, I have just discovered this valuable topic, yet it had no discussion for over a year. I am now bumping it up - doing my job. I think you may find it valuable (esp those replies with Kudos).

Want to see all other topics I dig out? Follow me (click follow button on profile). You will receive a summary of all topics I bump in your profile area as well as via email.