EDUCATION /MBA SPECIAL .............ARE YOU PREPARED?

ARE YOU PREPARED? 
 

Michael Musi guides students on how to crack the graduate school admission process

    The first and most important piece of advice anyone can receive before they embark on an adventure (The MBA Tour events being no exception) is to be PREPARED!

 Here’s how... 

ONLINE RESEARCH
Brush up on some key facts and figures about the schools you’re interested in – average GMAT scores, work experience, programme types, campus locations, etc. Knowing the answers to these basic questions gives you a better idea about the schools that you’re interested in and allows you to spend time with admission representatives and alumni asking more advanced questions. This will help you stand out during school when meeting schools in person.
PREPARE QUESTIONS
Prepare questions to ask admission representatives and alumni that will help you understand if their school and programme is right for you. Tailor your questions to learn about specific aspects of a programme that are important to you. Kate Mickle, admissions director at University of San Diego, provides advice on asking thoughtful questions, "Ask about the programme culture and personality; ask about what interactions with faculty members are like. Also ask about professional development opportunities that are specific to your career goals, and about any unique professional or networking events that are happening at the school. The key is the quality of the questions you ask, not the quantity."
PROFESSIONAL ATTIRE AND SUPPLIES
Make sure you’re well equipped before you head into The MBA tour event. This includes dressing in formal attire, having business cards, copies of your CV (just in case a representative asks you if you have it on hand), and a notebook and pen to keep notes.
FOOD
You’ll be absorbing a lot of information and meeting a lot of new people, so make sure to eat before or bring a snack in order to have the energy to make the most of your time at the event.
HAVE A PITCH
Use a rehearsed, 30-45 second pitch to introduce yourself to an admission representative, explaining where you’re currently employed, your future goals in terms of an MBA and employment, and any other distinguishing background facts about yourself. “Don't go into lengthy details; be sharp and be yourself. Talk about extra curricular activities as well as your professional experience because schools want to hear about your personality as much as your professional experience,” advises Marie-Laurence Lemaire, admissions recruiter for HEC Paris.
MEET MANY SCHOOLS
It’s not everyday you get the opportunity to meet dozens of admissions representatives and alumni, so take advantage of that. Have your pitch ready and try to meet as many representatives as you can.
THE IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
Prepare questions that are concise and to the point. Admission representatives speak with a group of students, so by asking only a few insightful questions and then thanking them for their time, would show how professional you are.
FOLLOW UP
Meeting an admission representative only marks the beginning of your relationship with them. After you introduce yourself, give your pitch, and ask questions, you must ALWAYS thank them for their time and ask for their business card. The next thing is to send a “thank you” email within one or two days. Niki da Silva, director of admissions, University of Toronto Rotman School of Management suggests, "Be brief, comment on your meeting at the event, and indicate you would like to stay in touch and continue learning about the school."

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