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gmatmba
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What to ask adcom/alumni at school admission events? 19 Oct 2006, 05:48
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Throughout this month and next I've been visiting a lot of admission events for various school around the NYC area. Beyond a couple of schools that I have researched very well and have real good questions to ask, I am kinda lost as to what else I should be asking...I dont want to ask questions whose answers are available on the web (make me sound silly) but for schools that are not my top choices...but I am going to the events to find out more, I can think of anything to ask and find myself wasting time....I was wondering what information you folks seek at these events...
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Concentration: Strategy, Entrepreneurship
Schools:Completed at SAID BUSINESS SCHOOL, OXFORD - Class of 2008
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What to ask adcom/alumni at school admission events? 19 Oct 2006, 06:42
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gmatmba
Throughout this month and next I've been visiting a lot of admission events for various school around the NYC area. Beyond a couple of schools that I have researched very well and have real good questions to ask, I am kinda lost as to what else I should be asking...I dont want to ask questions whose answers are available on the web (make me sound silly) but for schools that are not my top choices...but I am going to the events to find out more, I can think of anything to ask and find myself wasting time....I was wondering what information you folks seek at these events...
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My questions:

1. Almost all top schools boast of diversity, leadership, excellent curriculam and blah blah.... What makes your school unique?
2. I like to work in X country, how strong is your alumni in that area?
3. Take contact information of all the alums present there because if you contact them afterwards, I am sure only a single one or nobody will reply to your queries.
4. Ask alums about their unique experience at b-school.

BTW which schools' events you will be attending?
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gmatmba
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What to ask adcom/alumni at school admission events? 19 Oct 2006, 07:49
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I already attended World MBA tour, which was a waste of time.

Now im attending a couple of sessions for Yale and Sloan
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What to ask adcom/alumni at school admission events? 19 Oct 2006, 17:14
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I think one of the best uses of these events is to ask about "human" factors that are not easy to find on the web. These events give you a chance to ask about people's experience and impressions- where would you suggest to live, what social clubs did you find most enjoyable, if you were to go X school again what would you do differently this time? These events are much more enjoyable if you ask "hard" questions (politely, of course) that require some thought from the panel, e.g. what is the weakest aspect of your school? What school would you consider to be the best alternative to your school?
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What to ask adcom/alumni at school admission events? 19 Oct 2006, 18:01
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Yes, Adcoms and school representatives generally have canned answers for pretty much every question. They get asked the same things over and over. I like to observe their reaction more than listen to them. For example, I'm interested in returning to the west coast after finishing business school, so I tried to ask questions in a way that made them think for a second. Instead of just asking "can I get a job in SF after graduating" you might ask something like "how active is the SF area alumni club, and do they often interatct with current students".

Most adcoms and shool reps want to be honest, but you just have to realize that they get the same questions all the time and naturally have a facade to deal with weaknesses. Every school wants you to believe that you'll have access to a plethora of jobs and that they have wonderful professors and a powerful alumni base. It's not true at every school.
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What to ask adcom/alumni at school admission events? 20 Oct 2006, 16:55
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Thanks a lot guys...also whats the dress code for events like these. Do you have to reach before it starts or its ok to be 10-15 mins late??
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What to ask adcom/alumni at school admission events? 20 Oct 2006, 17:12
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1) Business casual is a safe choice

2) They generally expect some late comers. One advantage of coming early is that it gives you more opportunity to speak with the reps/alumni(although you can also wait until the end for this).
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What to ask adcom/alumni at school admission events? 29 Oct 2014, 12:20
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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).

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