Hi Everyone,
A long time lurker here, decided to open a topic to hear your thoughts and experiences on networking/researching MBA programs through current students. I plan to apply this fall and I already choose 6 schools that I believe are a good fit for me, however since I live in Eastern Europe visiting campus and researching the school better is problematic. I already have some acquaintances that go to the b-schools I chose so I can ask them more in depth questions about the programs, how it will fit me and what qualities should I emphasize in my application. I was also thinking of emailing the admission offices and asking them if there are any programs/dedicated volunteer students that speak to prospective candidates, do you think that would be a good idea? or will the school think I am too late to the process or have to do my own research. Are there any downsides to me emailing these schools? Thankful for any tips on how you guys researched more in-depth the MBA programs you were applying to.
Schools tend to have open houses in other countries and give credit for attendance; see if any of your intended programs are offering any locally or nearby.
There's no downside to reaching out. Most schools will be happy to put you in touch either w/ current students from your country or alumni. They understand how difficult planned visits can be from such a great distance and take steps to mitigate it. I wouldn't worry about expressing interest. Just don't spam/flame admissions and you'll be fine.
Great thanks for the input. They don't have any in my country as its very small and underrepresented but I might try to attend some events in other European cities as budget airlines really made travelling here much easier.
I wouldn’t reach out to admissions about this, but do some research on your own. For example, look on LinkedIn for graduates/current students at these schools from your home country.
Also, look at the school website for potential current students to reach out to. You can usually look at the clubs and reach out to board members that lead groups you are interested in (ex.- finance/consulting/tech club). Also, I found that most schools have some sort of admissions team or ambassadors comprised of current students that you can reach out to.
Long story short- there should be plenty of resources for you to reach out to current students. But I wouldn’t bother admissions with that.
Why wouldn't you just talk to your friends?
Because not a lot of people have gone to these top schools from my country. I have couple of friends at Wharton and Columbia, that can help out, but I want to get as much info as possible.
Ah. I thought you stated above that you knew folks at the programs.
I wouldn’t bother the adcom. Just reach out. If you were interested in a job, would you ask HR to help you network, or would you just find the people you wanted to talk to and email them?
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