Ten Tips for Short-Listing and Visiting B-Schools
You’re about to make one of the biggest decisions of your life. It will shape your future in many ways, including where you might work, where you could live, and the people who will become a part of your journey. Choosing the right business school is a major decision that will influence your career and personal growth. But it’s also a huge opportunity to turn your vision into reality.
Here are ten tips to help you short-list your program choices through research and school visits to find the best fit.
1. Define your business school goals.
Consider where you want your MBA journey to lead. Do you want to pivot into finance or consulting? Jump straight into entrepreneurship? Become a product manager at a tech company? Many schools, including Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton, publish annual reports on their students’ recruitment and student-led start-ups.
Consult your network and start asking some key questions. What skills are recruiters in these industries looking for? What gaps do I need to fill to scale my business idea? Who would be the ideal mentor as I take over my family’s business?
Then, review schools’ curricula to find matching academic programs, leadership development resources, career assistance, and networking opportunities. You might feel overwhelmed at first, and that’s okay. The goal is to familiarize yourself with your options.
2. Be real about where you thrive.
Do you want to compete against top-tier peers in a dynamic, urban environment? If so, consider schools such as Harvard, Columbia, Wharton, Chicago Booth, London Business School (LBS), and IESE.
Want to be immersed in the start-up ecosystem and innovative culture of Silicon Valley? In that case, Stanford GSB and Berkeley Haas could be ideal. Prefer a supportive, tight-knit campus community? Look into Duke Fuqua, Dartmouth Tuck, Cornell Johnson, UVA Darden, Yale SOM, and HEC.
Think about where you have friends or family, because they can help you settle in. If you’re an international applicant, consider schools near major airport hubs for easier travel home. An MBA is a major investment, so you want to make sure you’ll be comfortable and supported wherever you choose to study.
3. Compare your stats.
Your GMAT, GRE, or EA scores and GPA should ideally be at or above the average for students at your target school. However, a strong application can still stand out, even if your test scores and GPA are slightly below the average. Exceptional work experience, leadership, and unique personal qualities can compensate for lower numbers.
4. Ask yourself whether you need an internship.
If you don’t need a summer internship to change career paths, a one-year or accelerated MBA might be the best option. This is often ideal for applicants coming from family businesses, entrepreneurs, company-sponsored candidates, and experienced professionals who can effectively network on their own.
Check out top U.S. and international one-year MBAs such as IBEAR, LBS, MIT Sloan Fellows, and Stanford MSx.
5. Consider a STEM program if you’re international.
STEM-designated MBA programs allow international students to work in the United States for up to three years after graduation without requiring employer sponsorship. This can be a significant advantage for career planning.
6. Network with the community.
Once you’ve narrowed your list to eight to ten schools, start networking. Demonstrating your understanding of your target school’s culture and network can strengthen your application.
Meet with students, alumni, and faculty for insights. Attend online events, webinars, and MBA fairs. Schools track digital engagement, which signals genuine interest.
Campus visits are also valuable. Schedule a tour of the school, meet with student ambassadors, and attend on-campus events. These experiences will provide firsthand insights into whether the school is the right fit for you.
Push yourself to strike up conversations with people hanging out in common areas or riding transportation to campus. These chance meetings can give you valuable information that can help you decide whether attending the program is a good investment in your future.
7. Come prepared with questions for admissions officers.
Before visiting campus or participating in a virtual event, prepare thoughtful questions. Admissions officers are often busy handling inquiries from many prospective students, so be strategic. Raise your hand early in Q&A sessions to ensure that your question is heard.
If possible, thank the session leader afterward and exchange contact information for future follow-ups.
8. Polish your image and elevator pitch.
First impressions matter. Dress in business casual attire for campus visits and networking events. Practice your elevator pitch – a one-minute self-introduction covering where you’re from, what you do, and what you hope to achieve with an MBA. A well-rehearsed pitch makes a strong impression. Keep it concise and engaging, and show genuine curiosity by asking insightful questions.
9. Be respectful of others’ time.
Avoid showing up unannounced at the admissions office. Schedule any meetings in advance. Similarly, don’t frequently message students or alumni asking for application advice unless they are long-term contacts. You want to leave the people you meet with a positive impression, not a memory of persistent requests.
10. Follow up with a thank you.
After you meet with someone, send them a short thank-you email or handwritten note expressing your appreciation and continued interest in the MBA program. Schools take note of these interactions, which reinforce your genuine enthusiasm.
Finalizing Your List
Narrow your list of target programs down to four to six schools that offer a mix of selectivity:
- Reach: Where your scores and GPA are below the school’s average
- On Par: Where your scores and GPA match the school’s average
- Safety: Where your scores and GPA are above the school’s average
Finally, reflect on your recruitment research, networking experiences, and campus visits. Where did you make the strongest connections? Where did you feel the best fit? These factors – combined with your academic and career goals – will help determine the best business school for you.
Michelle Stockman is a professional journalist, former Columbia Business School admissions insider, and experienced MBA admissions consultant. Want Michelle to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!
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