Frequently Asked Questions
If you don't find the information you are looking for in any of these questions, be sure to visit the discussion forums. Members of the Admissions Office staff participate in the discussion boards.
Visiting Campus
Q: Can we visit campus without an appointment?
Q: Do you black out dates when campus visits are not available?
Q: Can I meet with an admissions counselor on campus?
Q: What are the differences between the Campus Visit Program and Booth Live events?
Application Process
Q: How do I apply?
Q: What are your application deadlines?
Q: How do I know if my application is complete?
Q: How do I check the status of my application?
Q: What if my application status has not changed for a long period of time?
Q: How do I reapply?
Q: I have an advanced degree. How is that viewed?
Q: What about work experience?
Q: Do you provide feedback on why applications were denied?
Q. How will I learn what to do after I am admitted?
Q: What is your policy on deferred admission?
Q: Can I transfer or waive classes?
GMAT Questions
Q: What are your minimum requirements pertaining to GPA and the GMAT?
Q: What should I know about the GMAT?
Q: Are late test scores accepted?
Q: How will I know when you receive my official GMAT scores?
Q: Do you accept the GRE, advanced/professional degrees, and/or extensive work experience as a substitution for the GMAT?
Transcripts - General Questions
Q: What kind of transcript is needed for an application?
Q: What is an unofficial transcript?
Q: Should I send in official transcripts in addition to the scanned copy in my application?
Q: I have transfer credits from another institution and/or studied abroad. How should I approach this in my application?
Q: I was invited to interview. Can I bring my official transcripts to the interview?
Q: How do I upload my unofficial transcripts?
Q: I'm in my final year of undergraduate study - how should I report my transcripts?
Transcripts - International Applicant Questions
Q: My university is outside of the United States and uses a different grading scale. What should I do?
Q: My school issues official transcripts in English. Will you accept these, or do I need to submit these in their original language as well?
Q: If my transcripts are all in English and reflect the degree was awarded, do I still have to submit a degree certificate?
Q: What if my university only issues one set of official documents?
Letters of Recommendation
Q: What if I don't want to use my current employer as a reference?
Q: What should I do if my recommender doesn't speak English?
Information for Applicants in the Process of Submitting an Application
Q: How does the recommendation form/process work? What will my recommender see?
Q: How do I waive my recommendation review rights? I have already clicked not to waive and would like to change my option.
Q: I accidentally typed my name in the recommender's info section, how can I delete my information? Will I be penalized?
Q: I uploaded the wrong essay to my application. How can I submit the correct version?
Q: What is the maximum size for power point files and are they printed in color?
Q: Where do I indicate that I have an approved application fee waiver (undergradute/U.S. Military, etc.)? What do I select as a payment option?
Q: When should I expect an update or confirmation that my information has been received?
International Prospective Students
Q: What are your requirements for international applicants?
Q: Can I have the TOEFL or IELTS waived?
Q: Do you offer financial aid to international students?
Q: What is the TOEFL test code for Chicago Booth?
Financial Aid
Q: Where can I learn more about financial aid.
Degree Alternatives
Q: I am interested in taking a few graduate-level business classes, but not necessarily in completing an MBA. What do I need to do?
Q: Tell me about your joint degree programs.
Q: Please tell me more about your International MBA (IMBA).
Q: Do you offer a one-year program?
Q: Do you have a distance-learning program?
Q: How is the part-time program different from the full-time program?
Q: What if I am not sure if I want an MBA or PhD?
Q: May I apply for more than one program?
Career Services
Q: Tell me more about career services available.
General Questions
Q: When's the best time to apply?
Q: Where can I list my internship experience?
Q&A:
VISTING CAMPUS
Q: Can we visit campus without an appointment?
A: We welcome visitors to participate in our year-round campus visit program. We generally ask that you schedule your visit in advance; however, we understand that advance notice is not always possible and welcome walk-in visitors.
Campus visit program details
Maps and directions
Q: Do you black out dates when campus visits are not available?
A: Yes. While the campus visit program runs all year, we do have certain exclusion dates based on holidays or conflicting programming. During exam periods and breaks, we do offer an abbreviated campus visit program. For more information on our exclusion dates and scheduling, please visit:
Campus Visit Schedule Types & Exclusion Dates
Q: Can I meet with an admissions counselor on campus?
Our daily information sessions are facilitated by an admissions counselor, so you'll have the chance to ask questions. However, if you need to speak to someone individually, that can be arranged as well.
Q: What is the difference between the Campus Visit Program and Booth Live events?
Both programs are designed to help prospective students learn more about the Booth culture and community. The Campus Visit Program is daily, and offers the opportunity to visit a class, speak with admissions, and speak with students. Booth Live events provide similar content, but contain more in-depth programming and include additional access to students through panels and lunch, as well as more detailed admissions information. The campus visit program generally lasts a half-day, and Booth Live events are full-day programs.
Campus Visit Program
Booth Live Events
APPLICATION PROCESS
Q: How do I apply?
A: Complete the online application and all subsequent requirements. The application is available from July 1, 2009 until March 10, 2010.
Q: What are your application deadlines?
A: Consult the application process page for details on deadlines for admission.
Q: How do I know if my application is complete?
A: Your status can be checked online through the Application Status link on our application system. We will notify you via email if anything is missing from your application. This includes scores (TOEFL/IELTS, GMAT), letters of recommendation, transcripts, self-reported transcripts, or application fee. If your application is incomplete that status will be reflected online. Any applications that are incomplete as of the application deadline will roll over to a subsequent round.
Q:How do I check the status of my application?
A: You can check the status of your application in our online application system. Log in with the same username and password that you used when you were applying. Instead of displaying all of your application pages, the portal will show the status of your application in the review process.
Q: What if my application status has not changed for a long period of time?
A: This means that we are in the process of confirming that we have all the required information to evaluate your application. Typically, it takes us a few weeks to compile all the data. If we are missing any information we will notify you.
Q: How do I reapply?
A: Complete the online application its entirety. Please see our reapplicant guidelines for full instructions.
Q: I have an advanced degree. How is that viewed?
A: Many applicants have advanced degrees. Chicago Booth's flexible curriculum allows you to build on your existing knowledge and choose more rigorous courses, rather than repeating what you have already mastered. In evaluating candidates, we seek those who show a strong desire for the Chicago Booth educational experience, so be sure to articulate how a Chicago Booth MBA will enhance your existing educational background.
Q: What about work experience?
A: The Admissions Committee does not have a minimum requirement in terms of work experience. We invite both early-career candidates as well as candidates with several years of work experience to apply to Chicago Booth. Above all, we seek candidates who can demonstrate a strong record of success and possess a clear vision for the future. When referencing work experience, applicants should highlight skills developed, contributions they have made to organizations, and leadership roles. For more information, please view our class profile and/or our early-career candidates page.
Q: Do you provide feedback on why applications were denied?
A: Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to offer feedback to denied applicants.
Q. How will I learn what to do after I am admitted?
A. We will send you email messages with important information on a variety of subjects; you will receive printed materials in the mail; and, there is an entire admitted students website which will provide you a detailed overview of what you need to do to enroll.
Q: What is your policy on deferred admission?
A: An application to Chicago Booth should be submitted for the year in which you intend to enroll. Deferrals are handled on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the associate dean of Admissions, and are rarely granted. Deferrals for work-related reasons, not including mandatory military service, will not be granted.
This policy does not apply to students who are applying to Chicago Booth through a dual-degree program or the Chicago Booth Scholars Program.
Q: Can I transfer or waive classes?
A: All Chicago Booth students in the Full-Time Program are required to complete 21 courses to graduate. Chicago Booth does not accept transfer credits from other institutions. We also do not waive any of the total number of courses required. However, our extremely flexible curriculum offers options for fulfilling any required foundation areas. You will not find yourself forced to repeat courses you have already taken. Learn more about our flexible curriculum.
GMAT QUESTIONS
Q: What are your minimum requirements pertaining to GPA and the GMAT?
A: The Admissions Committee evaluates each application in a holistic manner, as we value the diverse experiences and accomplishments each student brings to the Chicago Booth community. Therefore, we do not have minimum requirements for GPA or GMAT scores. View the class profile in more detail.
Q: What should I know about the GMAT?
A: 1) You should add Chicago Booth to your list of schools having access to your GMAT scores through Pearson VUE and ACT, Inc. Our school code is H9X-9F-34.
2) Your GMAT score is just one of the criteria we evaluate. While we don't have a cut-off score for consideration, we do recommend that you try to make all areas of your application as strong as possible.
3) If you score lower than you like, taking the test again can be a way to strengthen your application. The Admissions Committee looks favorably on taking the GMAT more than once, although we do not recommend taking the test more than three times. The highest of your valid scores will be considered the official one.
4) We recommend preparing for the GMAT well before the test date so that you are not struggling to take the test, write your MBA application, and manage your day-to-day life all at once.
5) The GMAT score is valid if the test was taken less than five years before the date of the application deadline. The test date makes no difference in the assessment of an application as long as it was within five years.
Q: Are late test scores accepted?
A: No. It is best to apply when all of your paperwork is in order, as we do not review incomplete applications. GMAT test scores are self-reported via the online application for the initial review of your materials. (Note: Self-reported scores are considered unofficial.) Your official scores are required once you submit your application. Chicago Booth can obtain copies of your official GMAT scores via Pearson and ACT, Inc. only if you have granted our school access. Failure to provide our school access to your official scores may result in a delay of your application being sent for review. We will not make a final decision on your application without official GMAT scores.
Q. How will I know when you receive my official GMAT scores?
A: Due to the volume of documents we receive daily, we will not be able to confirm the receipt of official documents. If we are missing anything from your application, the processing team will contact you directly.
Q. Do you accept the GRE, advanced/professional degrees, and/or extensive work experience as a substitution for the GMAT?
A: The GMAT is required of all applicants. We are unable to waive or accept substitutions for this requirement under any circumstances.
TRANSCRIPTS - GENERAL QUESTIONS
Q: What kind of transcript is needed for an application?
A: An unofficial transcript is needed at the time you apply. We require a copy of both sides of your transcript to be attached to your application at the time of submission. An official transcript will be required only if you are admitted to the MBA program.
Q: Should I send in official transcripts in addition to the scanned copy in my application?
A: We ask that you refrain from sending any official transcripts until you have been admitted. If you send in an official copy before that time, we will not keep it, and you will need to resend an additional official copy upon admission.
Q. I have transfer credits from another institution and/or studied abroad. How should I approach this in my application?
A: You should list all institutions that you have attended in the Education Section of the application. If the transcript from the degree-granting institution does not include grades from the courses transferred, we do ask that you include transcripts for those courses.
Q: I was invited to interview. Can I bring my official transcripts to the interview?
A: No. We require official transcripts only upon admission.
Q: How do I upload my unofficial transcripts?
A: You can upload unofficial transcripts by logging into your application, selecting Education from the menu on the left, and then selecting the Add New link (on the center of the page). You will be prompted to complete information about your academic background, and then at the bottom of that page, there is a field called Unofficial Transcript Upload. You can browse your hard drive, locate the files, and upload them into the system.
Please be aware that any files you want to send us cannot be open on your computer at the time of upload.
Q: I'm in my final year of undergraduate study - how should I report my transcripts?
A: You need to provide unofficial copies of your transcripts from the beginning of your studies up to the time you submit your application. If you receive an offer of admission, your offer would be contingent upon submitting your degree certificate and degree-granting official transcripts in time for orientation activities.
Please be aware that you must submit all other required materials (including the GMAT score) by the application deadline of the round in which you are applying. Without all required documents, your application will be considered incomplete. We cannot review applications until they are complete.
Q: What should I do if the watermark on my transcript is too dark, making the document difficult to read?
A: You can scan the document and send it to the admissions email address at admissions@ChicagoBooth.edu or mail your unofficial transcript to our office and we will add it to your file.
Q: What is an unofficial transcript?
A: Any transcript that is not in an official, sealed envelope from your registrar is unofficial. Additionally, any transcript that is scanned, copied, faxed, emailed, and sent directly from the applicant is unofficial.
TRANSCRIPTS - INTERNATIONAL APPLICANT QUESTIONS
Q: My university is outside of the United States and uses a different grading scale. What should I do?
A: Our admissions committee will review your grades within the context that they were awarded. We are familiar with different grading systems around the world. Please do not attempt to convert your grades to the GPA system. We will accept your transcripts in the format that your university issues them. You can send your transcripts as they are via scanned jpg or pdf (uploaded to your application). If these are not in English, please be sure that you provide an English translation.
Q: My school issues official transcripts in English. Will you accept these, or do I need to submit these in their original language as well?
A: We will accept official transcripts in English.
Q: If my transcripts are all in English and reflect the degree was awarded, do I still have to submit a degree certificate?
A: We require degree certificates from all universities attended outside of the United States.
Q: What if my university only issues one set of official documents?
A: In cases where only one set of documents is available, we accept certified photocopies of your official transcripts and degree certificates.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Q: What if I don't want to use my current employer as a reference?
A: We understand the concerns about using a current employer. College professors, clients, and other supervisors can be used as references if you are uncomfortable with requesting one from your current employer. Your reference should know you and your work well enough to tell us about your abilities and address the areas indicated on the reference form. If you do not use a current employer, you may comment on the reasons in the optional essay.
Q: What should I do if my recommender doesn't speak English?
A: All recommendations must be submitted in English. Your recommender should seek the help of a translator or use translating software. The translation cannot be done by you. If these options are not possible, you will need to select another recommender.
INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS IN THE PROCESS OF SUBMITTING THEIR APPLICATION
Q:How does the recommendation form/process work. What will my recommender see?
A: We require recommendations in a specific format. You can see a sample recommender template form by logging into the application system and selecting Download Materials” from the menu on the left (before entering your application). Click on Full-Time MBA Recommender Example.
We require that all recommendations are submitted online. You can input your recommender names and email addresses into your application. We will send them a link to complete our recommender template online and upload a letter of support. This information will be entered directly into your application.
Q: How do I waive my recommendation letter rights? I’ve already clicked not to waive and would like to change that.
A: If you have submitted your application, there is no way to “un-waive” the rights of the recommender. If you have not yet submitted, you can change your right through the application online.
Q: I made a mistake and typed my name in the recommenders info section. How can I delete it, and will I be penalized?
A: Email the office of admissions at admissions@ChicagoBooth.edu and our admissions coordinators will assist you with the change.
Q: I uploaded the wrong essay to my application, how can I submit the correct version?
A: Email the office of admissions at admissions@ChicagoBooth.edu and our admissions coordinators will assist you with the change.
Q: What is the maximum size for PowerPoint files and are they printed in color?
A: Yes, the PowerPoint slides are printed in color. There is a 9 megabyte maximum for the file.
Q:Where do I indicate that I have an approved application fee waiver (undergrad/United States military, etc.)? What do I select as a payment option?
A: You can select the “other payment” option and list the reasoning for your waiver in the comment field.
Q:When should I expect an update or confirmation that my information has been received?
A: We will only send notifications if anything is missing from your file. If our department does not contact you, please assume that we have received all of your materials. Once your information has been received, it will be updated on the application website.
INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
Q: What are your requirements for international applicants?
A: All international applicants are required to hold a college or university degree equivalent to a four-year American baccalaureate degree. In light of the Bologna Accord, Chicago Booth will also accept all three-year international degrees to fulfill the undergraduate prerequisite for application to Chicago Booth.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required of international applicants whose native language is not English, or who did not earn an undergraduate degree or post-graduate degree from an institution in which English is the language of instruction.
The minimum TOEFL score required for admission depends on whether applicants take the computerized, Internet-based (iBT), or paper exam. The TOEFL iBT minimum score is 104. The TOEFL computer test minimum score is 250. The TOEFL paper test minimum score is 600. The minimum IELTS score is 7. Applicants who score below the minimums may still apply, but admission would be contingent upon meeting the minimum scores or other language requirements. While the University of Chicago has specific subscore minimum requirements for each test, Chicago Booth does not strictly enforce subscore minimums since a personal interview is part of our admissions process. Please visit the Office of International Affairs for more information.
TOEFL or IELTS score reports are valid for two years, and scores will be considered expired if the test was taken more than two years prior to submission of the application.
Q: Can I have the TOEFL or IELTS waived?
A: An international applicant is exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement if he/she has earned an undergraduate degree or post-graduate degree from an institution in which English is the language of instruction. An applicant is also eligible if he/she is a citizen or permanent resident of a country where English is an official language. Applicants should indicate the exemption in the application where appropriate.
Q: Do you offer financial aid to international students?
A: Financial aid information is made available students upon admission to the program via the admitted students website. You will not need to apply for loans until that time.
Q: What is the TOEFL test code for Chicago Booth?
A: Booth's TOEFL test code is 1832-02.
FINANCIAL AID
Q: Where can I learn more about financial aid.
A: All admitted students will receive financial aid information via the admitted students website. For more information, view our financial aid website.
DEGREE ALTERNATIVES
Q: I am interested in taking a few graduate-level business classes, but not necessarily in completing an MBA. What do I need to do?
A: To attend classes in this way, you may enroll in the Graduate Student at Large Program offered through the University of Chicago Graham School of Continuing Education.
Q: Tell me about your joint degree programs.
A: Chicago Booth offers a joint MBA/MA degree in international relations or in area studies (choose from South Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, or the Middle East). To apply, candidates must use the online application and answer the additional question for joint-degree applicants. You will receive one admissions decision.
Chicago Booth students are able to pursue joint professional degrees, where they earn a professional degree from one of the University of Chicago's other graduate schools while enrolled at Chicago Booth. Options are:
Applicants must obtain and submit applications separately to both Chicago Booth and to the other professional school, and will receive separate decisions from each school. Contact the school for an application and admissions procedures.
Q: Please tell me more about your International MBA (IMBA).
A: The IMBA program at Chicago Booth is a flexible, yet specialized, degree designed to make you competitive at the global level. The IMBA supplements the strengths of the Full-Time, Evening or Weekend MBA program with coursework focusing on international business issues, proficiency in a regional language, and one academic term abroad through our International Business Exchange Program (IBEP). Students are admitted to the Full-Time, Evening or Weekend MBA program, and declare their intent to pursue an IMBA soon after matriculation. Although each IMBA student creates a unique global curriculum, as a group they share goals, skills, and interests that forge a unique esprit de corps and lasting relationships.
Q: Do you offer a one-year program?
A: Chicago Booth does not offer a one-year MBA. The University of Chicago does offer a one-year master's degree in financial mathematics. However, this is an intensive quantitative program designed for people who want to develop financial models or work in derivatives.
Q: Do you have an online distance-learning program?
A. We do not offer our degrees online through distance learning. At this time we believe technology-mediated courses cannot match the stimulating learning experience you’ll find here in face-to-face interactions in and out of the classroom.
Q: How is the part-time program different from the full-time program?
A: All of our programs offer the same degree, and courses taught by the same world-class faculty. Our Evening and Weekend MBA programs feature the same flexible curriculum as the Full-Time MBA, yet allow students to earn their MBA without leaving their jobs for full-time study. Another part-time option is our Executive MBA program designed for managers with 10 years or more of professional experience. The Executive MBA features a fixed, cohort-based curriculum and international exchange sessions among the Chicago, London, and Singapore classes.
The Evening, Weekend, and Executive MBA North America programs are housed at Gleacher Center in downtown Chicago. These programs have their own admissions process and administrative offices.
Q: What if I am not sure if I want an MBA or PhD?
A: Our PhD Program is research-oriented and primarily intended to prepare graduates for a career in academics, although some go on to work in the business sector. You should consider your career goals and compare program information carefully.
Q: May I apply for more than one program?
A: No, you may apply only to one Chicago Booth program at a time. We ask that you wait two academic quarters before you apply to another program.
CAREER SERVICES
Q: Tell me more about the career services available.
A: Our Career Services office offers a wide range of services to help you refine your career goals and plan an effective job search. These include individual coaching sessions, resume reviews, interview practice, and much more. Career Services actively seeks job postings and arranges extensive on-campus interviewing for both permanent positions and internships. Each year more than 300 recruiters actively recruit students from Chicago Booth. Our recruiter base is diverse, representing numerous industries and functional areas of business.
Our most recent employment report is available on our website. This report includes a list of recruiters who visited campus and who hired from the graduating and intern classes.
General
Q:When’s the best time to apply?
A: There is no one profile or path prior to applying that guarantees admission - we value a diverse class and are looking for qualified candidates from many different backgrounds.
Q:Where can I list my internship experience?
A: You can list your internship experience in your resume. The committee will review the information from that document.
