Key messages from the Stanford and Chicago Visits

This week Chicago, Stanford and Wharton visited Bangalore. Coincidentally (huh?) W and C were on the same day at the same time. I chose C to get a feel of the school since I do not know any alumni from there.

Apart from the usual stuff which we all know about "FIT", the schools culture etc etc.......there are some things which I would like to share with fellow applicants:

• Essays are the key. Trust me this is the message which was coming out clearly. GPA, GMAT even work ex are just data points. It is your story which matters.
• The MBA is getting younger. Both schools laid emphasis on this fact. In fact one of the admits for the class of 2009 in Stanford was a fresher! He had done his degree in Horticulture( which is unique) from Australia and wanted to pursue his family business in India after his degree.
• Though schools say that both R1 and R2 are similar in nature- they were subtly indicating that R1 is always better.
• Comparatively the Chicago team was much well organized and there were at least 6 alumni who were there till the very end- even after the stipulated time was over- answering the applicants queries.
• Stanford had just 1 alum and this current student which I talked about above.
• Though I did not expect this- but the C alumni seemed to be much much more confident- some even arrogant! It was amazing- I know I am reiterating- to see their turnout in such large numbers and their passion for the school.

That's pretty much it for now. If you guys have any specific questions, please feel free to ask.