Is it a good idea to Linkedin with an MBA admissions recruiter when applying to business school?

dsrteagle: Is it a good idea to Linkedin with an MBA admissions recruiter when applying to business school?
I am looking to find ways to build relationships with admissions recruiters to learn more about a school’s programs and to get my face in front of them before applying to school. Is “Linked-inning” with them a good way to achieve that or should I stick to the traditional ways of doing info sessions, school visits, interviews? not trying to stalk them, just trying to get a leg up in the game wherever possible.

Answers and Views:

Answer by ownpool
You do not want to look like you are trying to get “a leg up”. Professionals call this tactic “unfair advantage”.

You asked an intelligent question.

Answer by iSpeakTheTruth
You wont get any leg up anyways. Admissions decisions are based through committees, usually through the tenured profs. Admissions recruiters are merely rated on their ability to pool the best applicants.

Therefore, if your admission criteria falls within the school’s normal range and especially if you exceed the standards, then they’d be happy to entertain all your questions.

Answer by Prof
I doubt it would do any good. The will, in any case evaluate your GPA, GMAT score, and work experience. On the other hand, it is a good idea to learn as much about the various MBA programs as you can before applying. There are many ways to do that, and Linked-in may not be the best way. but that’s up to you.

Before you decide on an MBA program explore the Internet for information on available programs. There is a lot of information available in free public service sites. Some sites are limited to specific countries, such as Germany, UK, or Australia. Some list a small number of select schools, while others may include more than 2,000 MBA programs listed worldwide. You can find the program that best fits you. You can search for programs by location (US, Europe, Far East, etc.), by concentration (finance, marketing, aviation management, health management, accounting, etc.), by type of program (full-time, distance learning, part-time, executive, and accelerated), and by type of degree (MBA, MS, Ph.D). In some cases you can select your own criteria and preferences to get a list of universities that satisfy your needs.

You can find data on entrance requirements, program costs, program characteristics, joint degrees such as MBA/JD, and much more. Some sites have links to the schools’ web sites, or provide email addresses to contact schools of your choice, and send them pre-applications. You can find lists of top schools ranked by various periodicals or ranked by starting salaries of graduates, GMAT scores, and other criteria. Generally you should stay away from any sites that require you to pay to get information or that promise to find scholarships for you or ensure acceptance into a program. Before you provide any personal information to a site, be sure to read their privacy policy and make sure they are not harvesting email addresses for sale.