Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me About Becoming an SMF Graduate Student

Hello, future colleague! How is the application process going? If you have gone through your Virtual Interview, I hope my previous tips helped you to succeed (Well… if you haven't done the interview, you still have a chance to check my previous blog and shine). Keep in mind the applicants should receive an admission decision from the SMF program within four weeks. Though it may vary, you can use this timeframe as a guideline. So, sit back and cross your fingers.

While you might expect the Admissions and Recruiting team to knock on your digital door with the good news, let’s focus our energies positively and envision what lies ahead. I’m not just referring to the application process, but primarily to what I like to call the preparation and transitioning processes. As you may have guessed, there are many topics to consider, so I’ll have to flip a coin to decide which to tackle first. Stay close to me, and I promise to do my best.

Tips for your preparation and transition process into the SMF Program

From the time you are accepted and receive your offer until you arrive in Columbus, it's time for your preparation. If you are moving into the city, specially from a different country, it may be a time of great expectations, filled with lots of “see you later”s and “good luck”s. 

In my case, as an experienced and employed professional, there was much at stake. It was a time of deep reflection about how life would change for me and my family. As much as I value the decisions we make together and received their support, I knew that the responsibility for the outcome was on my shoulders. To be honest, as much as I wanted to embrace the opportunity and allow my kids to meet a new paradigm that would widen their perspectives towards life, it was all but an easy choice.

Having to deal with all the emotions inherent to that moment, I also had to make sure that I had all the information to take the necessary steps. You know what “they” say: I wish I knew what I know now. So, let me keep sharing what I know, hoping that it will ease your journey.

1. Pay attention to your e-mail, this is how you will be informed about your acceptance into the SMF program. Many steps of the process will be time sensitive. Be sure to not miss the deadlines.

2. Do not hesitate to get in touch with the SMF Admissions and Recruiting team. If you have any questions, they are incredibly welcoming and dedicated professionals. It's a great opportunity to start building your network.

3. If you don't know the city and is having a hard time deciding where to live, talking to other students will certainly help. We all have different expectations and experiences, and the Admissions and Recruiting team can help you to get in touch with students from Fisher College of Business. Keep in mind that Columbus and its surrounding areas have very charming neighborhoods. You may live very close to campus or in the suburbs. Choosing from them depends on your lifestyle. Here is where I found several interesting options; the website also gives you the grade of the public schools in the area and the distance from home to school (but make sure to check it, it's not always precise).

4. The same applies to understanding the program from within. No one better than other students to answer questions like “how is the class schedule?” and “What are we going to learn in this or that class?”.

5. Prepare ahead. There are many things to be taken care of until you begin the program. It goes all the way from requesting official transcripts from your previous undergrad, passing through applying for your VISA, all the way to finding a place to live. As I mentioned before, two selected applicants from my cohort couldn't get their VISA in time.

6. The program is intense. You will have to dedicate several hours outside of class to completing numerous assignments and studying for case discussions and tests. Be prepared to have discipline and dedication.

7. If you are moving with your family and you have kids like me, do not forget to check for the quality of the public schools close to where you are planning to live. Way too many times I thought I had found a nice place to live and I had to reset my search. Also, think about the distance from your future home to the school and how the kids are getting there, specially in rainy and cold days. Many areas don't have school buses available.

8. I have learned that daily costs are usually higher than expected. Forecast extra provisions for clothing, food, monthly expenses, and if you are planning to by a car remember fuel, parking, and insurance costs.

9. Now, this is that kind of advice I really wished someone had told me before. If you are an international student, you will be asked to finish the International Graduate and Professional Student Orientation before you begin the regular program. Forget about this deadline! Do it before you move to Columbus. There is helpful information in this session. The content the Office of International Affairs (OIA) put together for us is several hours long, but so you can have a taste of the information they provide here.

I really hope these tips help you prepare. Next time we meet, I’ll talk about my personal experiences during the program, some class experience and how moving to Columbus has meant for my family and me. Spoiler alert: it will make you want to fast-forward your clock!