If you're early on in the MBA process and still trying to figure out where you want to apply, the best piece of advice I can give you is:
Visit EVERY program you're seriously considering.
Yup, that's right. You heard me.
At the end of the day there are a lot of great MBA programs and frankly you'll get a great education at any of the top schools. That said, the MBA experience, especially first year, is intense. As the cliche goes, 'it's like drinking water from a fire hose'. Given the intensity of the program, it's really important to choose a place where you fit and will feel at home.
In early fall '09, prior to beginning the application process, I visited MBA programs that intrigued me. Tuck, just so happened to be the first visit on my list. Prior to visiting Tuck, I wasn't sure I was even going to apply here. However, that completely changed as soon as I stepped on campus. I fell in love with the New England charm of Dartmouth and was captivated by the classroom experience and the camaraderie of the students. I knew this was the place for me. Two years later, I can hands down say coming to Tuck is one of the best decisions I've ever made.
Given that you're about to make a $160k investment in yourself, it's entirely worth the extra time and money to visit each program. As soon as you visit a school, you'll know whether it's for you. And, as an added bonus, if you decide to apply you'll have plenty of great material to help flesh out your essay on Why MBA / Why School X.
Visit EVERY program you're seriously considering.
Yup, that's right. You heard me.
At the end of the day there are a lot of great MBA programs and frankly you'll get a great education at any of the top schools. That said, the MBA experience, especially first year, is intense. As the cliche goes, 'it's like drinking water from a fire hose'. Given the intensity of the program, it's really important to choose a place where you fit and will feel at home.
In early fall '09, prior to beginning the application process, I visited MBA programs that intrigued me. Tuck, just so happened to be the first visit on my list. Prior to visiting Tuck, I wasn't sure I was even going to apply here. However, that completely changed as soon as I stepped on campus. I fell in love with the New England charm of Dartmouth and was captivated by the classroom experience and the camaraderie of the students. I knew this was the place for me. Two years later, I can hands down say coming to Tuck is one of the best decisions I've ever made.
Given that you're about to make a $160k investment in yourself, it's entirely worth the extra time and money to visit each program. As soon as you visit a school, you'll know whether it's for you. And, as an added bonus, if you decide to apply you'll have plenty of great material to help flesh out your essay on Why MBA / Why School X.
