When looking for an MBA program I did all my online research but there were two factors I couldn’t evaluate through my computer screen: the campus and the people. When UGA offered a Campus Visit Day I knew it would be the perfect way to learn about both. I flew in from out of town and stayed with a friend in Atlanta the night before, but what I thought would be a normal day started a little rough. I slept through my alarm and woke up when I was supposed to be leaving for Athens. So I quickly curled my hair, added a few sprays of dry shampoo, and jumped in the car still wearing my pajamas. I put on my makeup and suit in my car parked in Tate Parking Garage at 8:50 a.m. and rushed into Correll just in time for coffee. Looking back I wonder how I was able to pull it off, but something worked out because now I’m here and loving Georgia. Hopefully your visit day starts off a little more smoothly than mine. So to help you get ready I’ll explain what to expect. When it comes to preparing for your Campus Visit Day, do as I say not as I do!
Coffee with current students
Your morning starts with grabbing some Jittery Joe’s coffee with current students. This is a great time to ask those questions you really want to know about student life. Ask the stuff you maybe wouldn’t want to ask during an interview that are more about student life and not about the program specifically. I know I wanted to know if Athens really was as fun as people say it is. (Trust me, it is.) I also wanted to know how rigorous the curriculum is from a student perspective. I was able to gather great information that allowed me to make the best decision. Definitely ask, “Why did you choose Georgia?” The reason they picked Georgia could possibly be the exact thing you’re looking for.
Class Visit
The chance to sit in on a real MBA class can give you insight into what your day could look like at Georgia. The opportunity to hear one of our outstanding professors speak is one you should enjoy. All of our professors are amongst the top in their respective fields and leverage their real world experience to show us what is really going on in business today. During my visit last year, many of the students were laughing and engaging with the professor throughout the class. I was able to get a sense for what being part of the class could be like. Also, the class visit is a great time for you to take a bit of a break from talking and asking questions.
Tour
Terry College of Business now has four brand new buildings that you will get to see on the tour. Our main building, Correll Hall, is where all our MBA classes are held. Hearing the stories of alumni donating and seeing all their names on the walls of classrooms and hallways shows the power of the alumni network at Terry. We are so lucky to have state-of-the-art facilities to work in each day. It definitely makes studying a lot easier when you have lots of technology and comfy chairs to use.
Information Session
After you’ve had the chance to speak with current students and see what a day in the life of a Georgia MBA looks like, you have the opportunity to sit down with Admissions staff and ask all of your questions. Please, feel free to ask any question you have throughout the day. Do not feel like you need to wait until the Q&A session to ask. This is a time for you to get more detailed answers to specific questions that you haven’t yet gotten answered. I liked this session because many of the other prospective students asked questions I hadn’t yet thought of. Listen carefully to each question because you never know if it’s something you missed or forgot.
Afternoon Evaluative & Informational Interviews
If you have already applied and been asked to interview on this day then you will do so at the end of the day. I really liked this set up because it allowed me to get a better sense of Georgia before my interview. I was able to ask more specific questions and comment on specific aspects about the program that interested me, some I only learned that morning. Also, because you spend time throughout the day with Admissions staff, you will already know them a bit more and feel more comfortable for your interview. Look out for more specific interview preparation tips coming up on the blog very soon!
By the end of the day you will get a sense for what your life could be like here at Georgia. Make the most of your trip and use the afternoon to go explore campus and downtown Athens if you can. The Campus Visit Day can show you what it’s like for students in class, but there is nothing like experiencing Athens for yourself. I hope you have a wonderful Campus Visit Day and understand why we all love Georgia so much. Go Dawgs!
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