We always encourage MBA candidates to visit their target schools, because doing so can make a positive impression on the admissions committee, gives the candidate an opportunity to personalize his/her application (essays and interviews in particular—depending on the time of year of the visit) and may even help applicants select their schools. But remember, when you visit campuses for interviews or just to experience the atmosphere at your target schools, you should always be on your best behavior.
Although the receptionist in the Admissions Office is not a “spy,” and your tour guide’s main concern is not to inform the admissions committee of your actions or comments, both of these individuals will likely feel compelled to report any bad behavior to the Admissions Office. We spoke with one former receptionist (now an admission committee member) at a top-ten school, who said that if she encountered rudeness from a visiting candidate, she would make note of it and send a message about the incident to the Admissions Director, who would subsequently remove the candidate from consideration for admission. Most candidates are on their best behavior anyway, but we nevertheless offer this important reminder.
