MBA School Visit Feedback!

Amazon NY Session

・I greatly appreciated hearing directly from someone who has worked at a GAFAM company in the US for two years after graduation. This session truly highlighted the strength and value of the Alpha community.

・I learned firsthand about the working style at Amazon US. Although I also work in IT, it felt entirely different from the IT companies I know in Japan.

・Hearing from someone who secured a work visa and is excelling in the US was an eye-opening experience that reshaped my understanding of work in Japan. At Amazon, a bottom-up approach prevails, with diverse ideas from the ground being more influential than those of superiors. Performance over the past year is critically important. On the other hand, frequent job turnover is normal; I was surprised to learn that the average tenure is around one year.

・Given that there's little incentive for US companies to hire international students over Americans, I realized that building strong connections to secure interviews is essential.

・The corporate culture and employment environment in the US differ completely from Japan. I think it’s nearly impossible for established Japanese companies to match the pace and agility of US firms. Hearing about it wasn’t enough to fully grasp how things operate internally; I strongly felt the need to pursue internships while studying abroad to gain firsthand insights. I believe the psychological safety provided by Japanese companies (not easily fired) is a kind of strength, and I want to explore how to incorporate Western management methods while preserving the strengths of Japanese business culture.

・Honestly, this session was the most insightful. It clarified the importance of having clear goals for studying abroad—pursuing only activities aligned with those goals and skipping others. Networking and career credibility are crucial when aiming for local employment. The approach to work was largely as expected (quite different from Japan, though).

MIT Sloan / Sloan Fellows MBA

・I’m glad I came (Sloan Fellows). However, since the session was solely Q&A, thorough preparation is crucial. Although my questions were carefully prepared and checked by Alpha beforehand alongside my essay preparation, I regret not leveraging those questions more effectively to highlight my personal story and strengths.

・The environment felt calm and sophisticated—ideal for individuals with substantial professional experience.

Harvard Business School

・Participating in a case-method class was highly valuable, emphasizing the language proficiency required. With ample dedicated space just for the business school, group work is conveniently managed on campus, facilitating vibrant student interactions. Seeing HBS students playing with their children after class also left a strong impression on me.

・The second-year class visit featured intense, high-level discussions through the case method, providing an incredibly stimulating experience. The traditional and majestic campus atmosphere was wonderful as well. Initially, I was concerned about reaching such a high level of fluency, but conversations with current students revealed their significant efforts, reinforcing the idea that challenging environments truly elevate one's skills. This made Harvard, which previously felt distant, much closer and accessible.

・Among the schools visited, I felt Harvard places a significant emphasis on entrepreneurship. Particularly, the Deferred MBA Program explicitly excludes traditional finance and consulting applicants, instead focusing on attracting new types of students (entrepreneurs, technology-oriented, etc.). Additionally, since discussions occur regularly among the same group members, the bonds formed among students are exceptionally strong, making it an ideal place to find lifelong connections.

・Another critical point was the difficulty international students face in consistently contributing high-quality insights during class discussions. Daily preparation for this is intense, but the growth experienced during the MBA is considerable. However, balancing job hunting and extracurricular activities can be challenging, which seems to explain why many international students are company-sponsored.

・We participated in a class visit and chatted with current students. Experiencing the case method firsthand was very meaningful. Since my primary goal is structured learning, I realized the case method might not perfectly align with the MBA experience I am looking for. The campus atmosphere, combining lush greenery with stately architecture, was magnificent.

Hult International Business School MBA/Masters

・I’m glad I visited. It was great to have a casual and open conversation with current students during the lunch session.

・The school has a friendly, comfortable atmosphere, clearly striving to create a supportive environment. Current students were very welcoming, and there was a noticeable spirit of cooperation and mutual support.

・Admissions staff and students alike were supportive and kind, creating a reassuring atmosphere. The availability of English support, as well as the possibility of earning both an MBA and BA in 1.5 years, is a significant advantage. The international student body gave me the impression that students cooperate closely, both academically and socially.

Columbia Business School

・I believe Columbia’s location in New York, and the various opportunities that stem from it, are unparalleled. However, it seemed there wasn’t as much student interaction compared to other schools visited—perhaps because the numerous opportunities available tend to diffuse community bonds (an impression supported by some alumni). The area around the CBS campus felt challenging for families with children in terms of safety and environment.

・In addition to the admissions session, speaking directly with six current students significantly deepened my understanding. Seeing Alpha participants (applicants) proactively approaching American MBA students in the cafeteria was highly motivating. Inspired by them, I arranged a personal consultation with EMBA admissions and participated in an EMBA class visit.

・The biggest differentiator is undoubtedly its location. The ability to network frequently and informally with highly successful business professionals gives Columbia a major advantage for job-hunting purposes. Current students also mentioned that it is easy to broadly meet many people. While perhaps not the ideal place to build lifelong connections like HBS, Columbia’s diverse connections are very beneficial for future career opportunities. The school’s strong connections with Japan’s business community are also attractive for Japanese students.

・With a notably high percentage of international students, the school gave an impression similar to an international school—very diverse.

・The students seemed relatively young, energetic, confident, and optimistic. There was an atmosphere of friendly competition pushing each other toward greater achievements. Classes and networks leveraging New York’s location were particularly appealing.

・Each cohort is large, and although there is some group work, students do not overly socialize. Columbia’s unique location enables frequent campus visits from numerous companies and notable figures, making events a daily occurrence. Elective classes and club activities are selected individually, making the school highly independent. Given the high proportion of company-sponsored students and the entertainment opportunities in the area, it requires strong motivation to succeed here.

・The campus was beautiful and appeared to offer an excellent learning environment. Almost all Japanese students reportedly join the Japan Business Association, suggesting strong bonds among Japanese students. Given the school’s location, guest speaker lectures occur nearly daily, which is why a two-hour lunch break is scheduled. Columbia seems particularly advantageous in terms of off-campus networking opportunities.

NYU Stern School of Business

・We had the opportunity to have valuable conversations with three current MBA students and a career services representative.

Yale School of Management

・Unlike (Wharton), HBS, and CBS, Yale’s campus shares grounds with the larger university, including undergraduate students, resulting in a very different campus atmosphere. Like Kellogg’s MMM program, Yale’s Lauder program seems particularly close-knit, fostering strong community ties among its members.

Stanford GSB

・I was overwhelmed by the beautifully maintained environment of Stanford, featuring vast grounds, greenery, fountains, residential buildings, museums, and academic buildings. Everything is conveniently located within campus grounds, which might lead to a somewhat insular atmosphere. Rather than focusing specifically on any specialty (though AI was mentioned as strongest), Stanford clearly emphasizes developing leadership. The unique courses and networking advantages available simply because of the Stanford name were also very appealing.

・The admissions officers were friendly and open-minded, generally answering all questions willingly. They demonstrated strong personal opinions within an overall openness. Everyone clearly loved Stanford and gave a strong impression that their choice was driven by the Stanford name itself.

・Although the campus was massive, the MBA classroom buildings were concentrated, making it easy to move around. The university’s open-minded culture is reflected in the faculty, where distinctive professors teach classes in their own unique styles. Rather than structured academic learning, Stanford seems ideal for developing your personal perspectives and leadership styles by interacting with diverse values. Like Kellogg, Stanford is highly collaborative, with a notably close relationship between students and admissions staff.

・Visiting the campus in person was extremely helpful, as I was able to realistically envision daily life there. Information gathered solely in Japan had been insufficient to determine my school preferences, but this visit clarified my decision-making process significantly.

・The admissions session was valuable, but talking directly with current students and alumni about their real experiences—both good and bad—allowed me to better assess my fit with the school. Thanks to Alpha Advisors’ arrangements, I managed to visit almost all of my target schools in one go, which was incredibly helpful.

University of Chicago Booth School of Business

・I felt the primary distinction at Booth was its strong sense of community. Rather than simply thinking about joining a university, they rigorously evaluate why applicants specifically want to become part of Booth and how they can contribute. Booth students seem to exhibit more school pride compared to other institutions, fostering a cooperative rather than competitive atmosphere.

・I initially expected Chicago to have a colder, more rational culture, but it appeared more collaborative and friendly than anticipated. The student body seemed predominantly white, lacking an international feel despite the reported 40% international student ratio. The elective course structure is ideal for those who wish to explore subjects in greater depth, as it doesn’t require students to overload on unnecessary classes.

・The Harper Center was located in a quieter and more tranquil area than I expected, which was appealing as I prefer calmer environments. While I previously thought Booth heavily emphasized numbers and data, the admissions session did not particularly reinforce that impression.

・I was struck by the emphasis on flexibility and the kindness of Booth students. Hyde Park and Downtown areas were also appealing.

Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management

・It was Pre-Term, so fewer students were present, but Kellogg appears to be an excellent choice for those who value strong community ties. The MMM program, in particular, fosters especially strong connections. Kellogg also places emphasis on JV (Joint Ventures) and offers a favorable living environment—though this depends on your partner’s preferences—making it ideal for students accompanied by family.

・The extensive, nature-rich campus, featuring the modern Global Hub, seemed like an ideal environment for focused studying.

・I spoke with the Co-president of the Family Enterprise Club, and it seems Kellogg provides extensive resources for family business-related programs, including not only coursework but also club activities and school-hosted events.

・Current students emphasized Kellogg’s collaborative culture as a key attraction. Group work is an integral part of almost every class, and students actively share information via Slack, even during exam periods, reflecting a deeply ingrained culture of cooperation.

University of Southern California IBEAR

・The vast, neatly organized campus felt like walking through a small town. The enthusiasm of the admissions team, represented by three staff members attending our Q&A (compared to only one at other schools), was clearly evident. Their willingness to understand each applicant individually underscored what we had previously heard—that campus visits could positively influence admission outcomes.

・The session with current students provided valuable insights into academics, daily life, and job hunting realities. I’m glad I attended. I panicked briefly when my poorly phrased questions led to the response, “Maybe another graduate school would be better for you.” However, thanks to my preparation through Alpha’s individual advising, which clearly articulated my long-term goals, short-term goals, and motivations for pursuing an MBA, I was able to respond effectively (at least I hope so). I believe I managed to highlight my clear career vision and the uniqueness of my professional background compared to other applicants.

・USC truly represents the typical American comprehensive university with a spacious and bright campus atmosphere. Completely unlike Chicago Booth, IBEAR is composed of nearly 100% international students, meaning few opportunities to build connections with American students, according to current attendees. English proficiency also may not significantly improve, as most classmates are not native speakers. Nonetheless, both admissions staff and students were extremely supportive and kind. Students frequently socialize together, often sharing meals and drinks.

・Speaking directly with admissions staff was highly beneficial. It was extremely helpful to discuss firsthand the unique strengths of the school, its network, and other important points. Likewise, the session with current students provided valuable information regarding US job opportunities and classroom dynamics. Moving forward, I'm determined to achieve the necessary test scores and other requirements for admission.

Overall Comments and Impressions:

・Thank you for organizing this week-long event. Although I participated in only two schools—MIT Sloan Fellows on the first day and USC IBEAR on the last—I genuinely feel glad that I attended. The key benefits for me were: (1) clearly identifying the key points I need to emphasize through the Q&A sessions, (2) experiencing the real atmosphere of each campus and surrounding area, and (3) rapidly accelerating my application preparation leading up to these visits.

・Truly, seeing is believing—I strongly feel these visits are especially valuable before preparing applications. Alongside the sessions arranged by Alpha, I highly recommend individually reaching out to current students via Japanese associations or student clubs. Meeting face-to-face rather than virtually significantly enhances networking opportunities and allows for tailored connections.

・Thank you very much for organizing this truly valuable opportunity.

・Thank you for allowing me to participate. This week was extremely fulfilling, as I was able to visit campuses in person, build connections, and speak with other Alpha students. I look forward to your continued support.

・The campus visits exceeded my expectations significantly. I realized how crucial it is to personally experience each school and city. Thank you very much.

Feedback by City/Area:

Boston Area

・The park in the downtown area felt unsafe due to the presence of many homeless individuals, but there seemed to be a clear distinction from the neighborhoods around HBS and MIT. With numerous Japanese dining options, Boston seemed very accommodating for Japanese residents.

・When we visited, Boston felt comfortable and was a clean, beautiful city. I've previously visited the downtown area for the Boston Career Forum, and given the high quality of food, I see few potential difficulties for Japanese residents.

・Boston is neither overly urban nor too rural—it was a clean, relaxed city with many students working on laptops in cafés, making it easy to imagine daily life there.

・Located in a student area, it seemed calm and safe. Housing options range widely in price, so finding something within one's budget appears feasible. Traveling by train was somewhat inconvenient due to limited schedules, but proximity to the airport and South Station was very convenient.

・I previously lived in Boston for one year and know the city well. It's compact, walkable within several train stations, and has well-developed public transportation, making it entirely feasible to live without a car—though winters are extremely cold.

New York

・While New York offers many distractions beyond academics, its abundant networking opportunities and vibrant energy make it very appealing. Though I was initially concerned about safety, the city was always brightly lit, making it feel safer than expected.

・I heard safety had worsened, but to me, it felt similar to several years ago, suggesting this might just be the city's norm. With world-famous companies and passionate people converging here, the city's energy resonates strongly. However, the cost of living is exceptionally high.

Chicago Area

・While perhaps less familiar to Japanese than Boston or New York, I strongly recommend visiting Chicago in person. Regarding the city center, I personally did not feel it was unsafe (based on my own experiences, NY, London, and Frankfurt felt significantly less safe).

・Like Boston, I believe Chicago poses few difficulties for Japanese residents, offering a comfortable lifestyle. The universities are somewhat removed from the city center, providing a conducive environment for studying.

・The city is clean, with an ideal mix of urban and rural atmospheres, making it comfortable. However, while buses and trains run frequently, travel times can be lengthy, raising questions about living without a car—especially in midwinter.

・The downtown area seemed cleaner than Manhattan and more vibrant than Boston, giving a sense of being very livable.

San Francisco (Stanford Area)

・I only explored the area immediately around Stanford, but it seemed highly livable with supermarkets, restaurants, bars, beauty salons, nail salons—everything available nearby. Facilities, including restrooms, were by far the cleanest among all areas visited.

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