Top 10 Things to Consider Before Submitting Your Application
With our Round Three Application Deadline occurring next week on Wednesday, April 13, applicants can surely use some last minute application tips straight from the Booth Admissions Committee. Below are the top 10 things to think about before you hit "submit."
1. Make sure your application is the most accurate representation of who you are. Have you implemented your application strategy - using different aspects of your application (essays, letters of rec, resume, etc.) to effectively communicate your messages to the Admissions Committee? Consider whether each piece of your application is as strong as it could be and whether the components of your application present a holistic picture of you.
2. Articulating fit is important. Be sure that you have articulated what value you will gain from the Chicago MBA experience. Ultimately, your application is your business plan for why an MBA makes sense for you at this time in your life and career.
3. Be open-minded about your "blank pages" essay. There is no right or wrong way to show us who you are. Feel free to use pictures, graphs, text, or anything else that you choose. You can submit this essay as a PowerPoint, a Word document or a PDF. As long as you don't use sound or flash, we will see your essay as you intended.
4. Make sure your recommenders know you well. Your recommenders should be able to offer specific examples of your performance and contributions to the organization. Remember that letters of recommendation must be submitted electronically via our online application system. We will accept letters of recommendation up to one week after the deadline as long as your application and payment have been received by the official deadline. For other tips on getting great letters of recommendation, click here.
5. Have someone read your essays. Did they feel your answers really captured the question you were asked? If not, you may want to take additional time to re-work your essay(s).
6. Make sure your GMAT scores have been sent to Booth. This helps us process your application in a timely manner and ensures your application will be complete by the deadline. If you haven’t already, you can have your scores sent to us through www.mba.com.
7. Be sure to upload your transcripts. Ideally an uploaded transcript would be a photocopy of the official transcript. We prefer candidates to scan a copy of the transcript and upload both the front and back sides of the document.
8. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread! Sloppy mistakes are unnecessary and will leave a bad impression with the Committee, so don't let them happen. Be thorough in your review before submitting your application.
9. Do not wait until the absolute last minute to submit your application online. Given the volume of applications we receive, you may experience significant delays or timeouts if you submit at the last minute. Applications should be submitted by 5:00 P.M. Central Time on April 13.
10. Problems sometimes arise. If you experience technical problems when submitting any of your application materials, just contact us for help. We will work with you to get your application submitted without penalty.
Good luck with your application! Don't forget that you can always visit campus, participate in a live chat or visit us on Twitter or Facebook for more conversations about the admissions process! If you have any questions or problems, please contact us for help.
