Done in a Day - drawbacks?

Question

Wake Forest offers a "Done in a Day"- session where you get the decision before midnight the same day. I does sound very tempting to not have to do the essays, although you still need to prepare to talk about it instead, and get the decision right away. 

Can you guys think of any major drawbacks with this? 

It should be said that I tend to come across well in interviews (or so I think at least) so I actually prefer the personal interaction more that in writing.

Here's Wake's info about it:

"Interested in jump-starting the application process and receiving an admissions decision within 24 hours? If so, we hope you will consider our November "Done in a Day" program.

Because essays are waived for "Done In A Day", applicants must be prepared to discuss them in an hour-long interview with a team consisting of staff members from Admissions and Career Management, as well as a member of our faculty. Participants will receive a decision from the Admissions Committee by midnight.

To be eligible for this program, applicants should register, submit applications electronically no later than Wednesday, November 8, and provide GMAT scores, recommendations and transcripts prior to the event. (These supplemental materials may be brought to the interview.)

Done in a Day solely consists of the interview and an optional lunch with students. There are no other activities planned for this event. You are welcome to lunch with a student no matter what time your interview is scheduled. Please be sure to indicate on the registration form if you plan to be present for lunch and if your spouse/significant other will be joining you.

"Done in a Day" details below:

Saturday, November 11, 2006
Interview time slots on the hour from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Current students will offer tours following the interview and will take candidates to lunch at noon.

rhyme · Answer

Well that depends... what are you aiming for? I mean, if you are trying for Kellogg, why even bother with something like Wake Forest? Thats why I ask.
Is wake forest a target school for you?

I'm skeptical of any program that decides in a day frankly, but it depends how much you care about the program I guess.

pelihu · Answer

When I was walking around the MBA tour a few days ago, I noted that the College of William and Mary offered the same type of thing - decision in a day or something. My reaction was that it would be great for the applicant if it is their first choice, but generally it felt like a marketing ploy and probably reflects the schools lack of ability to attract applicants. On the flip side, they are probably attracting applicants that like to cut corners, like to take the easy way out or maybe people that are really really nervous about waiting?

Xeo78 · Answer

That's a fair question. I am not aiming for top 10 schools, frankly don't think that I have the work experience for those. I am targeting UNC, Georgetown and Maryland however. Wake Forest is on that list too however, partly because of geographic location (I am within driving distance of Wake now), but also because they do have some attributes that are very appealing to me. For instance, they have really small classes which leads to a more personal atmosphere and they are also pretty good at selling their students, albeit more regionally.

My concern with Done in a Day is if they can really make an informed decision in that short time span. I am not looking to cut corners, but the idea of getting a response right away is appealing, especially when planning on whether to stay in the area or re-locate.

rhyme · Answer

I'd flip it on its head and ask - if they say yes - when do you have to say yes? 

Given that it's one day of your life, my inclination would be to just go do it - at worst, you don't get in... but is there a "normal" application process you could choose as well?

Xeo78 · Answer

Those are good questions. I think that if they say yes, you still have the same deadlines as if you would get yes the regular way. They need a deposit by Feb 1st. I'm not so sure if you can do the normal application process as well though, think its either or. But I will sure ask beforehand.

Done in a Day - drawbacks?

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