I'm from Switzerland but I'm going to be applying to top tier US MBA programs for 2016. Since I'm interested in a career in finance I'll be applying to Chicago, NYU, Columbia, and Wharton.

I keep seeing reading about MBA info sessions at these schools and I'm tempted to go. But since I know exactly which schools I'm applying to, and am basing my decision purely on reputation and post-graduation career potential, do I really need to go see the campuses? It would be a big trip for me to go to New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia, and I'd just as soon apply and not worry about visiting the campuses.

But is there something I'm missing? Are these info sessions valuable in the least for somebody who knows they're already applying?

I think you'll be taken much more seriously as a candidate if you visit, especially if you prepare so you can make the most of your time there.

I would agree. The info sessions are as much for the schools' admissions committees as they are for you: that's where they can initially meet you and get their first impressions of applicants. It might not seem like a huge deal, but if you show your face and are serious at these initial meetings, you can have an impact.

Go, ask questions, try to schedule meetings. The schools you plan on applying to are some of the most competitive ones out there, so take any opportunity you can to get a head start.

HI! I also had the same doubt! I got a call to go for a student interactive session tomorrow. How useful will it be? Will they just be promoting themselves just to influence my decision?

I had attended an education fair once. They just provide you with the details. Give you clear insights. You can clear your queries. And frankly an ‘in person interaction’ is way better than a ‘virtual interaction’. No one can influence your decision.

Fairs are good, but visits are much, much better than fairs.