Planning a visit to Northwestern & Chicago GSB

Question

Hi group,

Mods and group, I apologize in advance if this is the wrong forum to discuss visits. I spoke to a number of Northwestern alumni, and I'm more than ever sold on Kellogg. Chicago GSB is also charging up my list of schools to apply to.

The Trip:

I'm planning to visit sometime before October. I already completed a number of searches on the best time to visit, but I'd like to hear any additional tips and time frames I should keep in mind.

And of course, I want to meet any GMATClubber who wants to meet up. It would be an honor to meet riverripper, among others.  Please PM me if you are available for a chat, a meal, or a cup of coffee.

I'm genuinely looking forward to meeting some of you.

Best regards,

Dom

Profile:
Age: Mid-Late 20s
School: Double degree from a top public school
Work Experience: 7 years at matriculation. Founded/Co-founded a couple of start ups.

riverripper · Answer

Its tough to fit in visits prior to R1 deadlines. You ideally will leave at least two weeks to work materials into your essays. So that would mean the first week of October would be the last point where it would be "worth" doing. I know GSB has their Live event, which is kind of like a day long tour event. They dont have class visits or anything arranged and there are going to be TONS of other people there so in my opinion its a toss up when to do it. Kellogg also didn't have scheduled visits available when GSB had their live event.

I would suggest staying near the loop, its kind of the mid point between the two schools and there are lots of places to stay and things to do. Plus its pretty easy to take trains to both schools from there. I have heard horrible things about trying to get from one school to the other.

Make sure you send me a PM when you schedule your trip. I am sure we can sneak you into some class for a visit, there are enough gmatclub members heading there that someone will have something interesting to go to.

dominion · Answer

Riverripper, it's hard to explain how much I appreciate the feedback and tips. I will certainly follow up with you after I purchase tickets. I'll aim to visit as early as possible. Thanks again.

rhyme · Answer

I'm happy to meet up as well, show you round GSB, etc.

dominion · Answer

Rhyme, A HUGE thank you. My response was delayed because of a jam packed weekend. I'll certainly ping you a good amount of time in advance.

Manbehindthecurtain · Answer

I'm also planning on a visit to Kellogg and Chicago GSB before round 1 concludes. My wife and I already have an apartment in Lakeview, and I visited with a Kellogg alum last weekend in Evanston. Right now I'm still in Philadelphia, I was hoping to visit a few more times, once for walk-throughs, tours, and class observations, and another for interviews. Is it unrealistic to think this can all be done in two separate, week long, visits? My employer is supporting my decision to go to Chicago for my full time MBA, and I can work out of our offices in Chicago as needed.

I'd also love the opportunity to meet some of you attending these schools in person. I'm happy to organize a GMATclub happy hour if our times overlap.

Joe

I'd also love the opportunity to meet some of you attending these schools in person. I'm happy to organize a GMATclub happy hour if our times overlap.

Joe

dominion · Answer

BOOKED!! I'm coming in for the 18th to the 22nd of September. Thank you everyone -- I've pinged Rhyme and Riverripper. Very, very excited to see the campuses.

rhyme · Answer

Dropped you a note. I'm in lakeview too.

rhyme · Answer

If you can unbook, I'd recommend it. Classes don't start till the 25th. If you can come on the 29th, I can bring you to the best class (supposedly, I haven't been yet) at the GSB and you'll get a chance to check out LPF as well.

riverripper · Answer

I said this in my PM but 1st years have pre-term exams on the 19th and first day of classes is on the 22nd. Its probably better to come closer to October.

unhedged · Answer

Sorry to bring this thread back, but I wanted to follow up on the same question. The difference in my situation is that I am not applying until next fall so I have time to visit anytime until next summer. I want to spend this year to crystallize what direction I want to go in and want to use some of that time to visit schools before I start writing essays.

So when would the best time to visit be if application deadlines weren't an issue? Part of me is interested in visiting in the Winter time, just to feel what cold really is (I'm from SoCal so never really lived in a cold weather place).

riverripper · Answer

I would go at the end of March or later, many students will be done with recruiting (at least the major traditional areas) so you will get a good sense of how that went for people this year. They wont be as stressed and the core will be over so people will be taking electives. Also right now its amazing how many visitors are here every day. Every class I have has visitors in it, one gets at least a half dozen visitors a day it seems like...pretty much all the empty seats. So you will be lost in the crowd of the current applicant crop. Since there will probably be far fewer visitors you will get more time one on one with students to ask what you want.

unhedged · Answer

Thanks, that is a good idea. The main reason I thought it would be better to visit during this time was because they have so many events geared towards prospective students. Didn't think about the fact that could be better without all those people.

I'll probably try to visit Ross, Kellogg, and Chicago GSB all together.

I'll probably try to visit Ross, Kellogg, and Chicago GSB all together.

Planning a visit to Northwestern & Chicago GSB

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