Whenever you have contact with a school, you should think about the impression you are making—whether you are meeting staff, students, professors, or alumni. Even at a crowded table at a recruiting event, you can make a memorable impression—but unless you are careful, it may not be the kind of impression you want to make. Admissions officers do listen to what other people in their offices say about candidates, so a positive interaction with one staff member can go a long way to help, and conversely, a negative interaction can hurt your chances of admission. Begin by making the right impression immediately, regardless of whether an interview is part of the admissions decision. Remember that you may be evaluated on the basis of that impression.

If you have a formal interview, use it to your advantage. Be prepared to market your strengths and address your weaknesses, especially as compared to a school’s published applicant pool. Being successful in an MBA program requires strong communication skills. What better way to demonstrate yours than in person? Schedule a visit to campus to demonstrate your interpersonal skills and get feedback to help you determine whether you fit with a program.