Does it help to visit a school before applying?

[txprospect]

Is it worth the time to visit schools before applying? I am in Texas and targeting schools in the NE (Harvard, Tuck, and Wharton). I would like to visit the schools, but only if it would help me in preparing my application and getting admitted (all else being equal) because of the expense of traveling.

Thanks!

[MBAApply]

Yes, it's worth it if you can afford the time and money to go.

It's not just for the adcoms' sake, but for your own -- you will be able to get far more information visiting the campus, talking to students outside of class, sitting in on a class and getting an overall feel for the school that you cannot get in a website, email, or brochure. And that can really help give your essays more depth because you'll have greater insight into why these schools really match what you're looking for personally.

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com