A Super Day at your target school is quite possibly the best chance you have for getting in.
When you get invited to come to an all-day visit at your dream school, you should feel pretty good about yourself. For schools with invitation-only interview days, your chances for getting in rise 50% when you asked to come in. But before you get too cocky, there are a few things to think about.
The whole day is an interview.
This is probably the best advice you can get for a Super Day visit. From the moment you check in, to the tour, to the class visit, to the traditional, sit-down interview, literally every encounter you have while you are there is being evaluated. Make sure you treat everyone like they are the Dean of Admissions. This includes your fellow applicants. Even the students will be asked to fill out an evaluation on their interaction with you, so at the risk of freaking you out, make sure you are intentional about all your interactions as you make your way around the busy schedule.
The class visit is not a chance for you to show off your knowledge and skillset.
Many visitors make the blunder of over-sharing in the class visit. Or sharing at all. The class visit should be a case of “don’t speak unless spoken to.” It’s your chance to observe, be respectful, and evaluate, not your chance to demonstrate how much you know about the subject matter. Certainly if the professor invites you specifically to chime in, then by all means have something to say, but if a general question is asked to the class, don’t raise your hand or volunteer an answer. They are not looking to see how you might participate as a student, they are merely looking for you to soak it in and observe.
Lunch has ruined many a well-intended applicant.
Usually, a Super Day will include lunch with some students or a professor, or both. This is where you should put on your best table manners and remember one important thing: it’s not about food today. Don’t linger over a menu, don’t load up your plate at the buffet. Get something easy to eat fairly quickly with a fork---if you are not satisfied, know that you can grab a burger on the way back to the airport. Don’t talk with your mouth full and don’t interrupt others.
Always ask for business cards.
This should be a no-brainer, but many visitors don’t realize that the students have business cards too, not just the professors and staff. When you exchange cards, try to jot a note or two on the back when you have a break to help you write personal thank you emails or notes later. This is a great way to follow up with your Super Day hosts.
For information on how we can guide your business school application process, email us at mba@amerasiaconsulting.com or go to http://www.amerasiaconsulting.com/contact