Does attending information events boost admission odds?

Question

Does attending information events boost admission odds?

I am in the process of applying to M7 schools, and have encountered the question "Have you attended an information session for our MBA?" repeatedly.

- I have attended a few, but not made it to all due to time constraints. However, it might be something I might have to make an effort for :-D

- My initial reaction is NO, but on the other hand it could also be a way for schools to gauge your interest in the program (which might influence adcom's decision)

Does anyone have the scoop on this? Thanks!

- My initial reaction is NO, but on the other hand it could also be a way for schools to gauge your interest in the program (which might influence adcom's decision) Does anyone have the scoop on this? Thanks!

kanes · Answer

I think it can boost you chances in a couple of different ways.

First, it demonstrates your interest to the school and potentially gets your name in front of people who make admissions decisions. Schools are concerned with their yield (if you will attend if admitted) and taking the time to attend and event makes you appear to be a safer bet.

Second, you can learn a lot of things about a school and what they are looking for by attending an admission event. I visited HBS, GSB, Kellogg, Booth, Haas, and Wharton as well as attending admission events for UCLA and Carnegie Mellon. Every school had different ways that they positioned them selves and different qualities that they emphasized. You can glean a lot of information that may or may not be available online from these events and potentially develop some additional essay material for the "why X school" question.

If it isn't to big of a financial or time commitment I think it is well worth the effort to go. If you are going to spend the next two years and $100K on a school you want to make sure it is the right one for you.

iamgrunt · Answer

Hi, thanks for your reply! I did a bit more research, and it seems that some schools really do care.

Business Schools Get Smarter About Weeding Out Uninterested Applicants
https://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-06-24/business-school-admissions-offices-track-applicant-interest-to-improve-yield

In particular, it mentions Booth and Kellogg

PersonalMBACoach · Answer

Exactly. That said, keep in mind that if you live far from the school, a visit will be less important. A lot of international applicants ask me whether they need to fly to Stanford and HBS before applying and the answer is no. That said, as the article indicates, if you don't request any info from the school or get in touch with any alumni or staff at any point along the way, its a bit of a giveaway you may not be that interested. Those things don't take a lot of time and they help you learn more about the school so they are smart to do.

Just keep in mind that every contact you have with an admissions office should be done carefully. The saying "there are no stupid questions" does not apply! There is nothing worse than wasting admissions office staff time (even if its a receptionist) asking stupid questions that you should have been able to find answers for on their website.

Hookipa · Answer

Does anyone know where is Wharton hosting its event in New Delhi on 17th August,2018.

i tried to register but registration is closed.

Does attending information events boost admission odds?

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