Get up close and personal with academic specialists

Choose the right MBA programme by meeting admissions directors from top business schools face to face

Business schools put a lot of resources into reviewing MBA applicants against stringent and demanding criteria in an effort to accept the most suitable candidates to their programmes. Are you being as rigorous in your MBA research and selection of the best-fit business school for your MBA study?

There are numerous resources available for prospective MBA students that are designed to alleviate what can be an overwhelming shortlisting process when you consider the hundreds of programmes on offer globally. Resources include school and third-party websites, business school rankings, programme guides and social media. However, as shown in a 2015 report on prospective MBAs research schools, many struggle to find all the information they need by searching online.

MBA fairs: An ideal format for focused shortlisting

MBA fairs, like the dozens that run as part of the QS World MBA Tour, bring together as many as 100 different business schools all under one roof, making it a convenient way to meet school representatives from a number of institutions in person without having to visit campus yourself.

At an MBA fair, attendees can meet participating schools at their own pace by approaching tables to gather information directly from the source over the course of a whole day or in as little as a couple of hours. School representatives at MBA fairs, such as admissions directors and career advisors, are well-equipped to answer applicant questions and can direct you to further contacts as required.

QS World MBA Tour fairs also include panels and interactive seminars that run on the day of the event. These bring in experts to discuss topics of high interest to MBA applicants, such as GMAC’s tips for scoring highly on the GMAT, alumni sharing their post-MBA career experiences, or schools showcasing their range of MBA-level study options, encompassing formats such as the dual degree or EMBA

Attendees of QS World MBA Tour events in participating cities can also register their CV online for a chance to be matched with participating schools or to pre-book a more intimate, 30-minute one-on-one meeting with a particular business school – something that may prove more conducive for discussing particulars related to one’s own unique criteria, eligibility and suitability.

Face-to-face meetings help find the perfect business school match

No matter how far you are in your MBA research — from simply sifting through programme options, to making more informed decisions to shortlist schools based on your personal criteria — there is much to gain from setting aside time for face-to-face meetings with school representatives.

Personal meetings allow you to get a better feel of the atmosphere expected at a particular school. You can also meet other candidates a school attracts. In addition, speaking to administrative staff and alumni can help you gauge the ‘cultural fit’ and your own suitability for a programme’s learning environment or campus life. These are aspects that could prove essential in ensuring you get the most out of your MBA study.

Prospective students also get a chance to compare schools more directly at an MBA fair, intuiting around less obvious traits and asking more demanding questions that are not otherwise made clear in typical school profiles, brochures and program write-ups.