Chicago Booth MBA Application Guide

In evaluating applications, Chicago Booth MBMBA takes a holistic approach that considers every component of an application. The Admissions Committee evaluates an application in three broad areas:

Curriculum

The Chicago Booth MBA programs seek candidates who have the skills and motivation to excel in a demanding and dynamic setting. Key attributes include:

• Academic preparedness
• Intellectual curiosity
• Communication skills

The Admissions Committee aims to recognize these qualities through different elements of the application, among other factors:

• GPA, GMAT, or GRE, and TOEFL/IELTS/PTE (if applicable).
• Academic recognition
• Merit-based scholarships
• Professional certifications
• Mastery of oral and written communication
• Listening skills
• An interest in current affairs
• An interest in areas outside of your immediate environment
• Willingness to engage in debate or to ask questions

 Community

The program looks for applicants whose unique personal and professional experience will contribute to a strong, congenial community that supports its members and pushes them to be the best they can be. Some desirable traits include:

• Leadership
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Respect for others
• Philanthropic tendencies
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Fit with Chicago Booth MBA and contribution to school community/culture
• A unique perspective

The Admissions Committee looks for evidence of these qualities in the following application elements, among others:

• Responses to application questions
• Interview
• Letters of recommendation
• A history of long-term involvement in activities and community service
• Contributions of personal time to an organization
• Continued involvement with undergraduate or other postgraduate institutions
• Evidence of a sense of passion regarding social, community, or political issues

 Career
The traits that can indicate a candidate’s potential for future success often become apparent early in their professional journey. Chicago Booth MBA looks for specific qualities in candidates, including:

• A track record of success
• Resourcefulness
• Sense of personal direction
• Time-management skills
• Realistic expectations for the MBA

The Admissions Committee seeks to identify these qualities through various components of the application, among others:

• Letters of recommendation
• Resume
• Professional recognition or certifications
• Responses to application questions
• Communication skills demonstrated in the interview

For the Education section, the Chicago Booth MBA program requires:

The resume must showcase both professional and volunteer experiences that position the applicant as a strong contender for the Full-Time MBA Program. A one-page resume is ideal, but if the applicant has an extensive work history, a two-page format is permissible.

It’s advisable to steer clear of jargon and acronyms that may not be familiar to those outside of the applicant’s field. Remember, the Admissions Committee members evaluating applications come from various industries and roles.

All candidates are required to submit responses to the following two questions:

 Essay 1:

How will a Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (Minimum 250 words, no maximum.)

• In this first essay, the Admissions Committee wants the applicant to connect the dots: How the applicant’s prior experiences, in combination with a Booth MBA, connect them to their short-term and long-term goal. This means it is best to reach out to current students, staff, and/or alums to get as much information as possible to deeply understand what Booth is about, then to connect it (authentically) with the applicant’s passions and goals
• Candidates should clearly define their immediate post-graduation aspirations from Booth, specifying a job title and 1-2 preferred organizations, while also outlining their long-term career vision for the next 5-10 years, including the impact they aim to achieve in their roles
• While there is no word limit, every word should count – it’s crucial to remain focused on the prompt, avoiding extraneous details. Aim for a concise yet impactful response, ideally around 400 words, and ensure that every word serves a purpose to keep the admissions committee engaged

 Essay 2:

An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. In addition to sharing your experience and goals in terms of career, we’d like to learn more about you outside of the office. Use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are… (Minimum 250 words, no maximum.)

• This space is for the Admissions Committee to understand who the candidate is as a community member. Remember that Booth is looking for intellectually curious people with grit and resilience
• The applicant can begin by contemplating their significant life experiences beyond the workplace, focusing on a central theme that encapsulates their identity. Instead of detailing every volunteer activity, the applicant should hone in on the most impactful moment for this essay
• Before writing the essay, the applicant can note 10 to 15 pivotal events, achievements, interests, or experiences that have shaped them. Include a mix of positive and negative moments to capture the full spectrum of the journey. Then they can review their list to identify common themes that connect these key experiences and interests
• Applicants should reflect on how they’ve spent their time, the values they’ve championed, and what truly defines them. Applicants can pick out one or two standout items that highlight their strengths or values to guide their writing for the Booth MBA essay, ultimately illustrating how they will contribute to the Booth community

Optional:

Is there any unclear information in your application that needs further explanation? (Maximum 300 words.)

• This optional essay provides a valuable opportunity for applicants to clarify any aspects of their application that may require additional context, such as their choice of recommenders, a lower GMAT score, or gaps in their employment history
• It’s essential for applicants to exercise sound judgment when deciding what to include, ensuring that new information does not overlap with what has already been presented in other parts of the application

Reapplicant essay:

Upon reflection, how has your perspective regarding your future, Chicago Booth, and/or getting an MBA changed since the time of your last application? (Maximum 300 words.)

• This essay prompt challenges reapplicants to demonstrate their determination and thought process. The Admissions Committee is likely looking for evidence that reapplicants have genuinely reflected on their experiences following the past rejection, rather than simply clinging to a previous path
• It’s beneficial to highlight personal and professional growths since then, showcasing how these developments reinforce the reapplicant’s desire to pursue an MBA
• It’s worth remembering that interests and goals can and should evolve; this evolution can be seen as a positive sign of adaptability. Reapplicants should ensure that their revised aspirations align with their overall narrative and illustrate a clear trajectory of growth over the past year (or years – prior applications are kept on file for two years)

All applicants are required to provide two letters of recommendation. Typically, one letter should be from a supervisor, while the other can either be professional in nature or from someone who has collaborated with the applicant in a workplace, club, or volunteer setting.

For the first letter, if the applicant feels hesitant to ask their current employer, they may choose a former supervisor or colleague as a recommender. This individual should be familiar with the applicant’s work and capabilities, allowing them to effectively communicate the applicant’s strengths to the Admissions Committee and address the specific areas outlined in the reference form. If the applicant opts not to include a current employer, they should explain their reasoning in the Additional Information section of their application.

In cases where the applicant works for a family business or runs their own company, they may submit a letter from a client or an external party who can provide an unbiased evaluation of their work.

The second letter should offer fresh and meaningful insights into the applicant’s profile, particularly highlighting their role and contributions within a community context.

The recommenders will be asked to complete a skills assessment and to submit a letter answering the following questions:

• How do the applicant’s performance, potential, background, or personal qualities compare with those of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? Please provide specific examples.
• Please describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response.

Interviews are offered exclusively to those who receive an invitation following a thorough review of their application. Candidates selected for an interview will be notified by the mid-decision date and provided with details on how to arrange their interview.

Prior to the interview, applicants will be asked to complete a short video response to one of the following prompts:
Tell us about something new you learned recently that shifted your worldview. How did it influence your behavior and/or actions?
What is something you wish people knew about you, but you’re not sure that they do?

The response must be concise, lasting no longer than 60 seconds, and will be assessed solely on its content, not on video style or editing.

Given this time constraint, Prep Zone recommends that candidates concentrate on sharing one compelling story that hasn’t been included in their application, instead of merely recapping their achievements or reiterating previous points.

Interviews can take place on campus, at a location that suits the applicant, or virtually. If the applicant is invited, they will participate in an interview led by a current student, a graduate, or a member of the admissions team. Each interview, lasting from 40 to 60 minutes, regardless of the interviewer, is considered equally important in the overall evaluation process. While an interview is a necessary step for admission, it is important to note that completing one does not guarantee acceptance.

Here are some tips to keep in mind to ace the Chicago Booth MBA admissions interview:

• Relax and Stay authentic: Engage in a genuine dialogue during the interview, making it feel more like a conversation than a formal pitch – the goal is to foster a connection. This is a chance for the Admissions Committee to learn more about the applicant, helping them assess if the school is the right match for the applicant’s aspirations and contributions to the Booth community.
• Preparation: Candidates should take time to reflect on key questions like career goals, the timing of their MBA journey, and what excites them about the Booth MBA program. These topics will likely echo their admissions essay, providing a seamless opportunity to reinforce their fit with Chicago Booth MBA
• Research: Explore resources like the Chicago Booth Admissions Blog and the Booth website to understand how the MBA program’s curriculum aligns with the candidate’s goals and aspirations
• Short and Sweet: When answering interview questions, prioritise clarity and brevity while providing enough context. A concise response encourages deeper engagement and insightful follow-up questions, helping the interviewer assess the applicant’s fit for the role
• Ask Questions: The interview is a two-way exploration. Candidates should prepare their questions in advance to focus on the most important topics during the conversation
• Dress to Impress: Whether the interview is online or in-person, candidates should maintain a professional appearance by wearing appropriate business attire. A strong first impression can positively influence the entire interview
• For virtual interview: Candidates should create a distraction-free environment and test their technology (wifi connection, audio, camera quality). Double check the time zone and log in early to ensure everything is up to par. If there are glitches occur, candidates should go with the flow and not let these bumps throw them off track