Does not attending info session play against one's chance?

Question

I know a lot of schools ask applicants to indicate whether or not they attended school info session. Is that solely for survey/statistics purpose? Do the schools take that into account when they consider applicants' credentials (i.e. are they serious about attending our school?)?

Personally, I haven't attended any MBA info session. Because I am an active-duty naval officer, I couldn't move to other cities far away easily.

I get information from the web and email admissions officers to get informed.

mgg234 · Answer

I didn't go to any info sessions aside from Columbia.

StoneKiss · Answer

mgg234 // Did you get into all schools you applied to?

CriticalSquare · Answer

Hey there,

So to say it doesn't play a role would be flat out ridiculous. But how MUCH it plays a role really depends. It depends on the school, your candidacy, etc. So if you're an active duty naval officer - yeah, they get it. No hard feelings - thanks for the application - let's see what we've got here. But if you live in Chicago and you've never bothered to make a trip to Hyde Park or Evanston, that's going to raise an eyebrow. Or maybe you're an amazingly unique candidate - cool! But let's say you're pretty average or common - then not demonstrating interest will be compared to someone else veryyyyy similar who did. And some schools are also more understanding than others. Booth wants you to visit, but gets it if you can't. HBS is a bit different.

So in your case - you're ok. Don't sweat it

Bhavik

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

To answer this question specifically for you. This will not factor in much, generally it can play a role but it all is driven by context. In a very competitive pool it is always best to put your best foot forward in any way possible. But you are active duty and they certainly will not have that expectation of you. Now there are other ways to show interest, you can reach out to to current students and clubs via admissions to ask questions. I remember multiple times during my own b-school days where admissions would email students from certain clubs and affinity groups to see who had time to chat with a student in person or virtually. In your situation it is ok you were not able to make it but there are also other ways to be a high touch applicant in the eyes of admission.

Hope this helps!

Hope this helps!

Pottsmi1 · Answer

Curious, how do they know if you visit? Do they take their attendance list and attach it to your application? Thanks

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

@Pottsm1 this is a school by school thing but on par each school has their own methods of tracking engagement from interested students. From info sessions, to class visits to tours to emails. I would assume that every interaction you have a school is being tracked. I know at certain schools your behavior while on campus is even noted in some cases this is usually mostly via current student comments to admissions both on the positive side and negative.

Keep in mind that if you are not qualified, no matter how much interest you show it will not matter but in this process the more positives you can have on your side the better

Keep in mind that if you are not qualified, no matter how much interest you show it will not matter but in this process the more positives you can have on your side the better

Pottsmi1 · Answer

Great info. Thanks! I'll be sure not to show up to Booth in a beer stained white T then

CriticalSquare · Answer

That sounds like a good idea

. If you want a little more info - check out our video on School Visits! Bhavik

BazingAu · Answer

In short - yes. For the school that I worked at, you have to sign up for the info session, then they check you off their list when you arrive. The ones that signed up but then are no-shows are listed as such. The ones that show up are also noted accordingly. And ones that don't sign up in the first place, it is left blank. Like everyone else has already stated, it matters to them that you show interest but it's not going to turn a ding into an acceptance. It helps push average or borderline candidates up compared with other similarly situated candidates.

Whether that's by the info session, or class visit, or speaking with current students/alumni, whatever...just show you know about the school and are interested in the program they are offering.

Does not attending info session play against one's chance?

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