November 25, 2019 Noon - 1 PM CST Live Chat with Full-Time MBA Admissions Team

Guest: What percentage of students in the program are veterans, and what is the number one mistake veteran applicants make?

* Carlos Gooden: Hi there! Welcome! Approximately 10-15% of students are Veterans here at Booth. Two weeks ago we had a weekend of Admissions Outreach in partner with the Armed Forces Group. For more information on AFG, please visit: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/full-time/student-experience/beyond-classroom/groups/armed-forces-group

Guest: Hello, thanks in advance for hosting. My question is about GRE vs GMAT. First, does Booth admissions have a preference? Second, under class profile online I found that 13% of Booth class of 2021 took the GRE. Do you know what was the average admitted GRE score? I’m asking because I'm planning on applying as a GRE applicant. Thanks.

* Cat Goodin: Thank you for your question! We have no preference whether you take the GRE or GMAT nor do we have a minimum required score.

Guest: Hello everyone. What is the average GMAT Score in class?

* Sena Agawu: For the class of 2021 the average GMAT was 730, however the range was between 610-790.

Guest: For those who have applied and interviewed, and are awaiting final decisions: How does the review process change between pre and post interview stage?

* Nicole Chen: Applications are evaluated by the Admissions Committee in a holistic review process both before and after interviews.

Guest: Hello, can you please tell me what opportunities may be available to folks interested in real estate? Specifically, RE PE or REITs?

* John Lim: For students interested in real estate, Chicago Booth has a real estate student group that not only hosts various Real Estate industry events and conferences throughout the year, they also highlight industry-specific courses at Booth and information on which real estate companies have hired Booth talent. Check out their website here: https://groups.chicagobooth.edu/ftreg/home/

Guest: what do you think surprises the students the most when they start at Booth?

* Kimberly Epps: Hi! Speaking from an admissions officer and not a student, I've heard 1YR students comment on the level of high support they receive from 2YR students. 

Guest: I'm interested in the flexibility of the Booth curriculum, but are there any courses specialized in the family business? (Succession/Family Office, etc.)

* Carlos Gooden: This is a great question and a primary benefit of the flexible curriculum--the ability to create your specialization. We do have the Family Business Group here at Booth that I encourage you to explore. There are constant updates to the course offerings, a full list of courses at Booth can be found here in real time: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/taking-courses-at-booth/faculty-courses

Guest: Wondering how is work experience calculated? By time of application or time of class start?

* Kimberly Epps: Hi! Thank you for joining our chat today. Work experience is calculated by the time of matriculation.

Guest: Hi! Thank you for setting aside time for a Q&A. Will this be a portal for me to ask questions, or is there a group chat element?

* Sena Agawu: This webinar is meant to give prospective students a space to ask questions from Admissions Counselors.

Guest: I understand Booth has a strong focus on analytics, can you discuss how you've seen this in your coursework across different disciplines?

* Nicole Chen: Booth believes in taking a data-driven approach to business education, and working to understand how data can be analyzed and used as evidence when applied to real-world situations and business problems. This approach is used across classes and disciplines at Booth. More information on Academics can be found on our website: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/full-time/academics

Guest: Hi All! How long is too long for the two essays?  Thanks.

* John Lim: Thanks for your question. While we do not have a cutoff for how long the two essays are, we encourage applicants to focus on the most relevant information to make sure that the most important elements of your story and answers don't get lost in other details.

Guest: Hello! I have a question about the LEAD course as I couldn't find much information about it online. Can someone summarize the experience and the various modules offered through that program?

* Nicole Chen: LEAD provides students with the opportunity to develop and more deeply understand their leadership style at the beginning of their MBA experience. LEAD allows them to take this information with them throughout their two years in the program and into their career beyond. More information on LEAD can be found on our website: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/full-time/academics/lead. We would also recommend reaching out to current students who are LEAD facilitators to learn more about the experience. Here is a blog post written by a former facilitator: http://theboothexp.com/2018/10/why-i-became-a-lead-facilitator/

Guest: Good afternoon, I noticed on the campus visit website it said Abbreviated campus visits will occur every Monday: December 9 - January 6. However I have not seen any visits released for those days yet. Do you know when they will be available for sign up? Thanks!

* Sena Agawu: Please check back next week to sign up for the abbreviated campus visit registrations.

Guest: Hi Booth Admissions team, could you speak a bit about leadership development opportunities through the program?

* Carlos Gooden: Hi there! A core function of the Chicago Approach is the LEAD program that all first-year students take it as soon as you arrive to Booth. It's a 6-week retreat style program that helps students identify and develop their leadership style in cohorts. Many students find this to be helpful throughout their time at Booth and their career. Also, Booth has a strong "pay it forward" culture where students are actively leading many initiatives in the business school including student groups, LEAD facilitators, career services mentors, admissions fellows, etc. In addition to the courses you can choose, Leadership is the cornerstone of the Booth experience.

Guest: If there are any additional Booth's activity related to Family Business, please let me know. (on top of the Family Business Group.)

* John Lim: On top of the Family Business Group, coursework and resources at the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation help position students for their roles in family business, whether that be for their own family business or specializing with other family businesses.

Guest: Would you be able to discuss some of the unique aspects that helps Booth stand apart from some of its peers?

* Nicole Chen: Our website highlights many aspects of the Booth Full-Time MBA Program that make it unique: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/full-time. These include a highly flexible curriculum, incredibly supportive community, and data-driven approach to business education among many others.

Guest: As someone who works in asset management and looks to continue to do so, I am very interested in opportunities to contribute to university finance activities. Which of the many available options would you look to highlight? Investment clubs, opportunities to work with professors or the schools research labs (like the one focusing on behavioral finance), contributing to endowment thought leadership, and potentially assisting postgraduate students in their research pursuits.

* Sena Agawu: Since Booth has over 70 student-led groups, and multiple centers, including the Rustandy Center and the Polsky center, we encourage applicants to identify groups and centers that really speak to their interests, both professionally, personally, and academically. We highlight the variety of opportunities to explore both new and old areas of interest.

Guest: Hello, can you share a little bit more about the Business Analytics concentration? I was wondering if there is anything else we don't see online that may be helpful?

* Sena Agawu: In order to gain more insight into each concentration, we encourage you to Connect with Student. This portal allows you to indicate what you would like to learn more about and provides you the chance to talk with a current student within that field/concentration/affinity group/etc. https://apply.chicagobooth.edu/portal/studentvolunteer

Guest: After submitting an application, how soon after will you hear back if you have been offered an interview?

* Nicole Chen: Invitations to interview are typically released within a month of the application deadline.

Guest: Is it required to choose one of the 13 concentrations available at Booth, and is a concentration something that will appear on the Booth MBA diploma?

* Sena Agawu: You are not required to choose any number of concentrations in order to graduate. Some students leave with 1-2, some leave with as many as 4, and some don't leave with any concentration. It just depends on the combination of which courses you choose to take while here. The concentrations will show up on their transcripts, but not the diploma.

Guest: Have you participated in any experiential learning programs? If so, which were your favorites?

* Nicole Chen: We encourage you to reach out to current students to learn about their favorite lab course experiences. An example from a former student is written about in this blog post: http://theboothexp.com/2016/04/booth-lab-courses-the-best-of-both-worlds/

Guest: Hi, What do you think is the most important skill for a person to be part of Chicago Booth?

* John Lim: One skill we encourage all our students to have is a willingness to be curious and expose yourself to new ideas and perspectives. Our Chicago Booth community benefits from the diversity of perspectives in the same room, across students, faculty, and staff. It is this exchange and testing of ideas and perspectives that contribute to the Chicago Approach, where students learn how to think, and not necessarily just what to think.

Guest: How would you say Chicago Booth promotes diversity?

* Sena Agawu: Chicago Booth is committed to promoting diversity through a multitude of ways. One way is through partnering with organizations such as MLT and Forte to facilitate diversity in the class. Another way is through the office of Diversity, which is dedicated to supporting students from a multitude of backgrounds. Also, through fostering an inclusive community that is meant to allow all students a space to grow.

Guest: Which do you think is the most important part of the application?

* Cat Goodin: Hi, thank you for your question! Every part of the application is important! We evaluate the applications holistically so when completing your application, focus on showing the admissions committee who you are and why Chicago Booth is the correct fit for you.

Guest: Would someone be able to speak about the internal support structure at Booth to assist students in off-campus recruiting (e.g., career services, culture of second-year students assisting first-year students, etc.)?

* Nicole Chen: Students looking to recruit off-campus receive support from a number of resources while at Booth. This includes our Career Services team (which includes student support and employer relations staff members), professional student-led groups, industry-focused centers, and more.

Guest: What majors/ concentrations are STEM eligible?

* John Lim: Chicago Booth MBA students have access to 13 concentrations at Booth. Our concentrations in Analytics Finances and Business Analytics are both STEM eligible. You can find additional information on all our concentrations here: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/full-time/academics/curriculum#concentrations

Guest: Hi everyone, I am joining the chat late night from China. Thank you for hosting the Webinar! Could you please speak a little about the career services? I am interested in the education sector. What kind of career services does Booth provide in the education sector in particular? Does Booth have a strong alumni network in the education sector?

* John Lim: Thanks for your question! Our BoothEd Student Group on campus is one of our most involved student groups, that connects our students with education-industry treks, hosting education conferences, and career opportunities in the education industry. For example, our BoothEd Group has organized a BoothEd recruiting checkpoint, for next week, for MBA candidates recruiting specifically for education to learn about the recruiting process and best practices. Learn more about BoothEd and the different resources for students interested in education here: https://groups.chicagobooth.edu/boothed/home/

Guest: Hi. Thanks for this platform. My manager, from my previous work, who I worked closely with has left that firm to work with a bank. Can I still use that individual as one of my referees?

* Nicole Chen: Yes, you may still ask a previous supervisor to write you a letter of recommendation. Please explain why you are choosing this recommender in your application.

Guest: Hello everyone. My question is what advice would you have for reapplicants?

* Nicole Chen: Reapplicants have the opportunity to share with the Admissions Committee in an additional essay how their application has changed since the last time they applied. We encourage you to reflect on your last application and think about some areas where the Admissions Committee might have had questions, and work to address those.

Guest: Hi, could you also speak about global healthcare opportunities that students have at Booth?

* Carlos Gooden: Hi there! We find our current students drive the culture and are currently navigating unique experiences such as global healthcare. I would like to connect you to the Healthcare Club who will be able to provide insight to the ways they tap into the global healthcare opportunities: https://groups.chicagobooth.edu/healthcare/home/

Guest: Thanks for the answer. Next, how important is to have very high GPA? I mean if I have 700+ GMAT score and 3-5 years of work experience from one of the top firms, do I have a chance to get into to Booth? Does the GPA plays an important role in the admission process?

* Sena Agawu: We do not have a minimum GPA in order to apply as the application process is conducted holistically.

Guest: Hi! If I have previously applied for the Weekend Program, and now I am applying for the Full-Time, would I be considered a re-applicant?

* Nicole Chen: Please apply as a new applicant if you previously applied to another Booth program besides the Full-Time MBA Program.

Guest: Can you please tell me about the opportunities and resources at Booth for those interested in the sports industry (classes, faculty, MESG, etc.)?

* John Lim: Thank you for your question. The Media, Entertainment, and Sports Group (MESG) is a great resource at Chicago Booth for students looking to launch successful careers in those industries. This group helps and prepares students for career opportunities in the sports industry, while connects students with alumni and corporate sponsors during and after their MBA experience. Check out more information on MESG here: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/full-time/student-experience/beyond-classroom/groups/media-entertainment-and-sports-group

Guest: Hi, I am taking the GMAT a few days before the application deadline and most likely will not have my official score by the deadline.

* Carlos Gooden: Hi there! Thank you for your question. That is absolutely okay. In fact, most students will be in your same position. We accept your unofficial, self-reported test scores at the time of application. So, feel free to proceed with your current plan.

Guest: Hey. What's the age range for the program?

* Kimberly Epps: Hi! The age average for the Full-Time MBA program is 28.

Guest: Hi! For the class of 2021, what was the average GRE score and the range of it?

* Cat Goodin: Hi and thank you for your question! We do not post the average GRE range, but you can use an online conversion tool to see how Chicago Booth's GMAT range compares.

Guest: Hi! Thank you for hosting this Chat. Are people with Non-Finance background considered seriously? I want to know how open Booth is regarding applicants coming from Family business/Social entrepreneurship background, especially from India. Most Booth Indian candidates that I met came from finance background. I just want to understand the criteria.

* Carlos Gooden: Absolutely! We have students that come from a wide range of backgrounds and academic disciplines. Currently, entrepreneurship tends to be the top concentration here at Booth. Social impact and entrepreneurship students have found a home in the Rustandy center. Actually, only 29% of students come to Booth with an undergraduate degree in Business. I hope this is helpful!

Guest: Which consulting firms are recruiting on campus this year? are sponsoring Int'l students for H1B visa?

* Nicole Chen: The Chicago Booth Employment Report provides information on students' internship and post-graduation job placements: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/employmentreport.

Guest: Hello! For the application questions there is only a minimum word count requested. Are there any general tips / guidelines on the appropriate lengths for the application essays?

* Sena Agawu: The minimum word count is 250, however we do not have a maximum. We encourage applicants to clearly articulate how their experiences have prepared them for business school, and what they plan to take advantage of while on campus.

Guest: Hello, thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. For the recommendation letters, is there a preference for whether the second one is professional in nature or from an activity outside of work? Any tips for selecting a good recommender?

* Nicole Chen: Your second letter of recommendation can be professional in nature or come from an individual who has worked with you in an organization, club, or on a volunteer project. There is no preference on who supplies your second letter of recommendation, our only guideline is that it should add new and valuable insight to your candidacy.

Guest: Hi! If students are interested in international exchange program, do they typically pursue it in their 2nd year? Or is it possible to also pursue it in your 1st year? How does it impact graduation and recruiting?

* Nicole Chen: Students interested in an international exchange program typically pursue this opportunity in their second year. Our Academic Services and Career Services offices would work with you to help ensure you are on track for graduation and recruiting.

Guest: Hi, thank you for your time! What sets admitted applicants with less work experience than usual apart?

* Carlos Gooden: Hi there! Thank you for your question! We review applications holistically and within the context of their own unique experience and background. With that said, if you feel that you have less work experience, I would use the application to highlight some other strengths that you may bring to Booth. Students come with a wide range of work experiences, so there's not one thing that sets students apart. I would encourage applicants to focus on their goals and how an MBA/Booth plays into their goals. I hope this is helpful!

Guest: Thanks for this opportunity to ask questions from admissions counselors. I work at a 501(c)3 in New York focused on environmental policy and would like to apply to the Civic Scholars Program. However, I am also interested in pursuing a dual JD/MBA at the University of Chicago. Is the only way to apply to Civic Scholars and the JD/MBA to do it separately, rather than through the joint application for the accelerated JD/MBA? Is a Civic Scholar able to join the accelerated three-year track if they apply to the JD in the fall of their first year?

* Cat Goodin: Hi thank you for your question! In order to pursue both Civic Scholars Program and the JD/MBA program, you would apply to the Civic Scholars program through the Chicago Booth application and then apply to JD separately. At this time, those interested in Civic Scholars will have to apply to the 4 year JD/MBA program. With that being said, if you are specifically interested in doing the JD/MBA accelerated program and being a Civic Scholar, please email admissions@chicagobooth.edu directly to discuss your situation with an admissions representative directly.

Guest: How would you define Booth's student culture?

* Nicole Chen: We recommend connecting with current students to hear about Booth's unique culture and community first-hand. In addition, the Booth Experience blog is an excellent resource: http://theboothexp.com/

Guest: Hi, would it be possible to waive some of the required courses if I already have a degree in Stats and ECON?

* Sena Agawu: All students are required to take the 20 courses, however, if your background is in statistics and economy, we would encourage you to take courses in one of our 13 concentrations that may be new to you and address any professional developmental goals that prompted you to apply to business school in the first place.  

Guest: Regarding the "labs" courses offered. Based on what you have seen how difficult are those courses to enroll in? Are they extremely high demand with few spots or do students typically get the courses if they're interested?

* Nicole Chen: Lab courses are popular among students, but we do not tend to hear that students are not able to enroll in classes they are interested in. Lab classes are application-based, so most importantly, you will need to demonstrate to the course professor why you are interested in the course.

Guest: Hello. I would like to ask if non-European students find post-Booth career in Europe. Thanks

* John Lim: With over 54,000 alumni globally, Chicago Booth prepares MBA students for not just their first job after graduating, but for the entirety of their professional careers. This includes international careers, with many Booth alumni communities in Europe and elsewhere abroad.

Guest: What are some international opportunities at Booth?

* Carlos Gooden: Thank you for your question! The international opportunities at Booth are abundant. We are the only MBA program currently on three continents which places the world at your fingertips. In addition to the blog here http://theboothexp.com/tag/study-abroad/ I also encourage you to look up "Random Walks at Booth," "Career Treks at Booth," and imagine the ways our Quarter System can support your interest in traveling throughout the year.

Guest: This question is for Nicole: Do you encourage re-applicants with advanced degrees (ex: PhD) and work experience (but with no managerial experience) to apply to your program and would Booth be a good choice? (I am in the life sciences industry.)

* Nicole Chen: Every year, we have students with advanced degrees who apply to the Full-Time MBA Program. The Admissions Committee will want to know why you are interested in the program given your past academic and professional experiences, and how you feel the program will help you achieve your academic and career goals.

Guest: Hi everyone! Thank you for taking the time to chat with us. I am a reapplicant and had a question about the process. Do reapplicants go through the interview again even if they were interviewed the last time?

* Nicole Chen: If you are a reapplicant, whether or not you were invited to interview in the last application cycle, does not have any bearing on your current application. Reapplicants may or may not be invited to interview, and if they are invited, they will need to go through the interview process again.

Guest: How many students have internships when classes are in session?

* Sena Agawu: A good number of our students do have internships. There are some courses where an internship is built into it, there are some students who run their own companies while in classes, and some who's internships run throughout a portion of the quarter. It really depends on an individual's ability to multitask and manage time/responsibilities.

Guest: What are some resources for those who are interested in entrepreneurship or working at an early-stage startup?

* Sena Agawu: The Polsky Center at Chicago Booth exists to support students who are interested in entrepreneurship. This includes the New Venture Challenge, which allows students to pitch ideas to investors. Please find more information on it here: https://polsky.uchicago.edu/

Guest: Can you also talk a little about Booth's resources and supports for students interested to become future entrepreneurs and how does the New Venture Challenge (NVC) work? Thank you.

* John Lim: Out of all of the concentrations at Chicago Booth, our concentration in Entrepreneurship is one of our most popular. With the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, students have access to courses intended for not only for future entrepreneurs looking to take their first steps into running their own businesses, but also courses for students who are already currently running their own startups. The Polsky Center also houses our New Venture Challenge, which provides funding to startups through an annual competition. Find out more about the New Venture Challenge and the Polsky center here: https://polsky.uchicago.edu/programs-events/new-venture-challenge/nvc/

Guest: Hello, thank you for your time and hosting this Q&A session. Could you please talk more about the education technology related curriculums or school activities at Booth?

* Carlos Gooden: Hi there! Thank you for your question! I am happy to connect you with industry related answers through our connect with a student feature. It allows you to research students by industry and career background. Since our current students are currently living the experience, I highly encourage you to walk through the offerings in education (groups, courses, network, resources, etc.) by searching here: https://apply.chicagobooth.edu/portal/studentvolunteer

Guest: Hello! Thank you for this space. Is there a minimum requirement of work experience in order to be considered for the MBA program?

* Sena Agawu: We do not require applicants to have a minimum amount of work experience, however our average is about 4-5 years.

Guest: Hello, what percentage of students switch careers while at Booth? And how does the Career Services team help us make the transition? Thanks!

* Nicole Chen: Every year, about half of our students are looking to switch career industries or functions after finishing their MBA. Career Services can help you to tailor your application materials based on your prior experience and future career goals. They can prepare you for recruiting events and interviews, and help you in your career search by connecting you with alumni and companies of interest. They can also work in conjunction with Academic Services to help you plan your curriculum as well.

Guest: The 6 "functions, management, and business environment" courses, can you choose a majority of the 6 courses from just 1 of the 7 buckets? Or does it have to be 1 from each of the buckets?

* Sena Agawu: You can choose any of the courses from our 13 concentrations during your time here. There are some that may require prerequisite courses, however that information will be communicated up front during course registration.

Guest: Hello! Would you please comment on the role that Chicago plays in student life as well as the internship/job search? Do most students stay in the Midwest after graduation?

* Cat Goodin: Thank you for your question! Chicago plays a big role in the student life here at Chicago Booth! Students typically live in the loop, which is the center of downtown Chicago near the Gleacher Center (home of Chicago Booth's Evening and Weekend Program). Additionally, internships can take place in Chicago through some of our Lab courses and student groups organize activities around Chicago throughout the year. I would advise reaching out to a current student to learn more about student life through the connect with a student tool here: https://apply.chicagobooth.edu/portal/studentvolunteer. You can also view the employment report to see where students end up after graduation: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/employmentreport/

Guest: Hi all! Thanks for putting this on. Can you tell me something unique about the healthcare specialization at Booth?

* Carlos Gooden: Fun fact: The Booth Healthcare Club just hosted a conference at Booth last weekend. It brought industry leaders, current students, and alumni in the interest of healthcare together to discuss current trends, preparing for careers in healthcare, and the future of healthcare. There were some prospective students that attended the event as well. For more information on the Booth Healthcare Club and the next opportunity to interact with the conference, feel free to check out the club here: https://groups.chicagobooth.edu/healthcare/home/

Guest: I have read on several blogs that round 2 applicants are at a disadvantage at Booth; How true is that?

* Carlos Gooden: Hello! This is not true at all. Round 1 and Round 2 are our largest rounds of receiving applications. It is typically by Round 3 that most of the classes are filled. However, each application receives a full review and consideration no matter which round.

Guest: Good afternoon. For those applying for deferred MBA admissions, would you have any specific advice for tackling the application process?

* John Lim: For students interested in the Chicago Booth Scholars deferred MBA program, one important piece of advice, when tackling the application process, is to make sure you have clarity. How have your experiences driven you to make the decision to get an MBA? How will you take advantage of Chicago Booth's resources, and how will you contribute to our community?

Guest: Hi, when should we start looking for financial aid?

* Sena Agawu: You are welcome to begin this process as early as you would like. If you are admitted and awarded some aid, this will be communicated to you as part of your offer. If you're looking at ways to finance your degree, please find more information here: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/full-time/admissions/tuition-financial-aid

Guest: Hi all! Thanks for hosting this! What are the forums that Boothies usually use to work on their own businesses, outside of the Polsky Center? Are there any classes/independent study/projects/etc. that allow for this work?

* Sena Agawu: There are multiple courses within the Entrepreneurship concentration that allow for this type of exploration. In order to learn more about these courses, I encourage you to connect with a student to gain some insight into the Booth experience: https://apply.chicagobooth.edu/portal/studentvolunteer

Guest: Hi Booth. I haven't won many awards during my college or at work. What should I post in the awards section? And how does that effect my candidacy?

* Carlos Gooden: HI there! That is absolutely okay. If no awards are there, please feel free to spend more time looking at any activities you may have engaged in throughout your academic and professional career as well as any additional skills you have to highlight. While the awards section allows you to place information, it is not required.

Guest: Hi! Thanks so much for doing this! I heard that Booth has made significant efforts to grow its tech scene. Could anyone share their experiences with tech at Booth and tech recruiting?

* Nicole Chen: We are excited to have a growing number of students with prior experience in the technology industry and/or future goals in technology at Booth. We would recommend connecting with a co-chair of the Booth Technology Group to hear more from the student perspective: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/full-time/student-experience/beyond-classroom/groups/booth-technology-group

Guest: Hi. Are there any activities organized by the school or any of the student groups that can help someone positively impact the immediate Hyde Park environment (e.g., volunteering to visit elementary schools, donating books to the pupils, etc.)?

* Nicole Chen: As a Booth student, there are many opportunities to get involved in initiatives taking place around Hyde Park. To learn about some of these opportunities, we would recommend connecting with the co-chairs of the Giving Something Back Student Group, https://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/full-time/student-experience/beyond-classroom/groups/giving-something-back.

Guest: Do we have to send official GRE/GMAT (from ETS/GMAC) scores before the deadline or only after an offer of admission?

* Carlos Gooden: Hi there! The official test scores are not due at the time of application. In fact, we only use the unofficial, self-reported test scores at the time of application. Official test scores are sent after an offer of admission.

Guest: Would you know what the usual post-MBA paths are for those taking the Analytic Finance concentration?

* Nicole Chen: The Chicago Booth employment report details the internship and full-time job placements of students, and highlights the wide variety of career paths our students pursue: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/employmentreport/. The flexibility of Booth's curriculum allows students to pursue various concentrations without necessarily needing to follow a particular post-MBA path. We would recommend connecting with current students to learn how they utilized their concentrations to reach their desired goal: https://apply.chicagobooth.edu/portal/studentvolunteer

Guest: Do you see the program evolving in any way over the next few years?

* Carlos Gooden: Thank you for this question! Historically, Booth has been the lead of any evolving changes as a result of our flexible curriculum and embracing of academic freedom. We find as markets change, our faculty and curriculum are at the crossroads of innovation in business. Most recently, we have designated a few concentrations as STEM, created an accelerated three-year JD/MBA program, and expanded our reach into promoting business education into the non-profit sector with the Civic Scholars Program. It is truly an exciting time to be at Booth and we continue to evolve and welcome change. This is a great question!

Guest: Would the admissions team encourage people from Family business background to apply? Especially if the candidate has never worked for a fortune 500 company before?

* Carlos Gooden: Yes, we accept students from a variety of backgrounds and industries. The strength of the Booth experience is built on this diversity of thought and background as it enriches the dialogue in the classroom and provides perspective to exploring the various facets of business. Some statistics on students at Booth can be found here: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/full-time

Guest: Applying to the Booth Scholars Program, should the letters of recommendation be from academic or professional sources?

* John Lim: For the Chicago Booth Scholars Deferred MBA Program, at least one of the letters of recommendation should be from a professional source. Someone that can speak to your performance and goals in the context outside of the classroom. The second recommendation letter may also be from a professional source or may be from an academic source.

Guest: For candidates that have a GMAT score below the average, but still within the range, what are the best ways to show that we can handle the quantitative coursework?

* Cat Goodin: Hi, thank you for your question. There is no GMAT/GRE minimum score to be accepted into the program so please refer to the GMAT range as a point of reference when completing your application. We look at all applications holistically and review every element of the application.

Guest: How would a candidate decide whether an MBA or EMBA is more appropriate?

* Sena Agawu: The EMBA is intended for students who are more advanced in their careers (think C-Suite), have more experience, aren't trying to pivot into another career, and tend to be a little older. It is also about 13 weeks and less flexible. If you are early on in your career and are either pivoting industries or looking to fill your educational/ professional gaps, then the MBA would be a good choice to explore, especially since it has a much more flexible curriculum.

Guest: Hi! For reapplicants, apart from the optional essay, can we rewrite the original essays as well?

* Nicole Chen: For reapplicants, you will need to submit a completely new application, which will include answering the essay questions once again.

Guest: When would the interviews be for round 2 applications?

* Nicole Chen: Interviews for Round 2 will take place in February-March.

Guest: Can students choose any concentration they want?

* Carlos Gooden: Hi there! It's the great benefit of flexible curriculum. Yes! In fact, it is not uncommon for students to graduate with multiple concentrations based on the overlap and crossover in some of the courses.

Guest: How many concentrations is a student allowed to take in Full-Time MBA course? What is the average number of concentrations that the students earn?

* Carlos Gooden: Hi there! There is no "rule" around limiting concentrations. It truly depends on how students structure their flexible curriculum. While most students can create their courses to earn three concentrations, we have seen some students strategically curate 4 or 5 concentrations with careful (an advanced) planning.

Guest: Hello! Do you have any recommendations for on campus visitors? Is there anything a prospective student should check out that is not specifically on the itinerary?

* Carlos Gooden: Hi there! This is a great question, I highly encourage students to explore the UChicago network broadly (law school, Harris School of Policy, etc.).  Also, the Hyde Park area offers some quaint restaurants, bookstores, coffee shops and museums. Lastly, the city of Chicago has endless opportunities! See a show in the theatre district, architecture tours, seeing a concert, visiting the Shedd Aquarium, or going up the elevator on Willis Tower after walking the Magnificent Mile. There's so much to do and explore, so definitely plan ahead.

Guest: I am interested in the Civic Scholars Program but would also like to be considered for the Full-Time MBA Program. Should I apply to the Full-Time MBA Program or the Civic Scholars Program?

* John Lim: Students interested in applying to our Civic Scholars Program, for applicants in the nonprofit or government sectors, Chicago Booth has Full-Time and Evening/Weekend MBA options. Students interested in applying to the Civic Scholars Program can fill out the Full-Time Civic Scholars Application or the Evening or Weekend Civic Scholars Application. Both Civic Scholars Applications are similar to the traditional Full-Time MBA application or Evening or Weekend MBA applications, with additional essay questions regarding the applicants' goals in the public sector.

Guest: Thanks for the answer John, just one follow-up for you regarding deferred application. Can we discuss in the essays where we will be working full-time after the graduation, and tie that into the application? Thanks.

* John Lim: Hi! Yes, you absolutely can!

Guest: Hi, it’s a pleasure to meet you all and thank you for your time. I understand that the MBA curriculum is very much self-structured and there is no mandatory core curriculum. Can you please tell us more about the benefits of Booth's flexible program structure?

* Sena Agawu: The flexible curriculum allows applicants to take courses that directly address their self-identified areas of professional and academic growth. No student is required to have a certain number of concentrations when they leave. However, you'll often seen students graduating with 2-3 concentrations, some of which may have been intentionally obtained, and some which may be obtained by 'accident' when they took enough courses of interest in one concentration to receive a focus in it.

Guest: I appreciate that one of Booth's key advantages is the flexible curriculum that would allow me to dive right into my interests. I have two questions related to this: 1) Is there an option to take exemption exams for prerequisites/ introductory classes with topics that I’m already familiar with so that I can begin in the more advance courses? 2) Given that there’s only one required course and a less structured cohort system, how does Booth help facilitate networking between students?

* Nicole Chen: A benefit of the flexible curriculum is that students are able to take courses based on their interests and skill-level from the beginning of their time at Booth. Because of this, students are taking classes with peers who are similarly invested in the course material. Outside of the classroom, there are a myriad of ways that students meet with each other and create communities, such as through student-led groups, recruiting, extracurricular activities, experiential learning opportunities, LEAD cohorts, and more.

Guest: If I am applying to resume 2021, what should I look out for?

* Sena Agawu: Please keep an eye out for the year 2021 deadlines.

Guest: does the admissions committee have a preference as to where does the interview is taking place (i.e., on-campus vs off-campus)?

* Nicole Chen: On-campus and off-campus interviews are evaluated the same way by the Admissions Committee.

Guest: Can you retake the GMAT post the deadline date? If you receive a higher score will the admissions team factor that into the application?

* Carlos Gooden: Hi there! Yes, you are able to send an additional GMAT score for additional consideration as long as it is BEFORE the admissions decision. If additional test scores are sent after the decision is made, it is not guaranteed to be reviewed.

Guest: Hi! Thank you for setting aside time for a Q&A. Can you please tell me what opportunities may be available to students interested in technology and entrepreneur?

* Cat Goodin: Hi, thank you for your question! If you are interested in technology and entrepreneurship, I encourage you to check out the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation site here: https://polsky.uchicago.edu/

Guest: Hi, does Booth conduct rolling admissions? Is there a way for current Booth students to provide endorsement for an applicant?

* Nicole Chen: Booth does not conduct rolling admissions. If there is a current student who would like to speak to an applicant's candidacy, they may submit a Shape the Class form.

Guest: Is the minimum TOEFL score of 104 a solid requirement? If I submit TOEFL score that is lower than 104, will you review my application?

* Sena Agawu: The minimum required scored is 104. We cannot guarantee that we would review your application if you submitted it with score lower than 104.

Guest: How easy and frequent do students take classes cross-listed with other graduate programs?

* Carlos Gooden: I love this question! Booth students are allowed to take up to six courses outside of Booth. Many students choose to take these courses at the Law School, Harris School of Policy, or Computer Science but true to the flexible curriculum, you have the opportunity to create your own path.

Guest: how are partners integrated into the MBA experience? are they allowed to take courses too?

* John Lim: Chicago Booth has an involved Booth Partners group that allows significant others of all types to have a positive and memorable experience in Chicago. The Booth Partners Group hosts over 75 events each year for partners to explore Chicago, meet and make new friends, and sharpen their professional skills. For specific classes, partners are able to audit depending on the discretion of individual professors.

Guest: I have a specific interest in getting into impact investing after graduating. I already have a background in finance, so I am looking for a more tailored / focused experience in MBA. Given that it has become an incredibly multidisciplinary and competitive field, could it potentially hurt my application if I exhibit a primary focus on a certain industry?

* Carlos Gooden: Hi there. Absolutely not. Having a specific interest will not hurt an applicant throughout the admission process.

Guest: Can you provide some information on how Booth students involve themselves in the community?

* John Lim: Chicago Booth as a robust student group community, with over 70 student groups spanning different professional and social interests. Many Booth students get more involved through the community through these groups, on top of their experiences in the classroom and outreach efforts to the greater University of Chicago and Hyde Park community. Learn more about Chicago Booth Student Groups here: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/full-time/student-experience/beyond-classroom/groups

Guest: Will candidates submitting GRE scores in lieu of GMAT be relatively disadvantageous situations? What is the average GRE score in your last cohort?

* Cat Goodin: Hi, candidates submitting GRE scores will not be at a disadvantage to those taking the GMAT. We accept either score and have no preference. Although we do not have the average GRE score posted, you can take the GMAT range and use an online conversion tool to see a comparable GRE range.

Guest: Is Startup Summer available for all students who are interested, or is there a selection process?

* Nicole Chen: Students who are interested in Startup Summer will apply to available positions that they are interested in, and hiring is done directly by the company.

Guest: Thank you all for answering the questions. Also, how does the culture impact the learning experience of your students?

* Nicole Chen: We strongly recommend connecting with current students to learn about their unique experiences, the culture, and community of Booth: https://apply.chicagobooth.edu/portal/studentvolunteer.

Guest: how are partners included in the whole MBA experience? are they allowed to attend classes too?

* Carlos Gooden: Partners are integrated into the Booth experience. Not only do we have a tightly integrated partners group that meets often, but partners are able to join any Booth student group on their own. Also, with our Random Walks, there is usually a "partner trek" where couples travel together. As an added bonus, we also have POLO which is our "Parents of Little Ones” Group for children of Booth students to connect.

Guest: There are a lot of good questions here. I'm wondering if these questions will be archived and made available after this Q&A session?

* Kimberly Epps: Hi! Thank you for joining our chat today.  Yes, the transcript of this live chat will be available on our website within 4 business days.

Guest: How can we make sure that having a flexible program does not affect the content that one should gain during MBA?

* Sena Agawu: It is up to the individual to choose what courses they take, what experiences they engage in, and what resources they take advantage to. We present students with a flexible curriculum confident in the fact that they will be empowered to chart their own path while on campus.

Guest: Can International candidates apply for Civic scholar program if they have started their own NGO or have worked with a registered NGO in India before?

* John Lim: We encourage international applicants involved in the public sector (including NGOs) to apply to the Civic Scholars Program, as our Civic Scholars Program is not limited to US domestic applicants.

Guest: Hi everyone! I'm potentially interested in pursuing a dual degree but am still on the fence. Can first-year MBA students apply to other degree programs and technically start their dual degree in the second year?

* Cat Goodin: Hi, thank you for your question! Yes, this is possible for some dual degree programs (depending on the one you are interested in) to apply after entering Booth.

Guest: How favorably are career switchers seen? Or is one expected to pivot into related fields only? (Asking as someone from a non-consulting background wishing to pivot to the strategy consulting.)

* Sena Agawu: There are many people who go through the program as career-switchers. Some come with a background tangentially related to their future industry, and some come with a background that has less of a direct correlation to their future industry. What you make of the experience at Booth is up to you, from a professional and academic development standpoint.

Guest: Hi. What strengths would you say an Accountant pivoting to Finance would need to exhibit to be handle the core finance curriculum?

* Carlos Gooden: For those looking to go into finance, feel free to use the "connect with a student" feature where you can find similar students who are currently pivoting from accounting to finance: https://apply.chicagobooth.edu/portal/studentvolunteer

Guest: Hi All, I am grateful to you for today's session. My question is whether I can apply for Joint degree, MBA and Computer Science, after getting admissions of Full-Time MBA.

* John Lim: For students interested in applying to the joint MBA and Computer Science programs, you would apply to each program separately in the same cycle. For students who already have admissions to our Full-Time MBA Program, we encourage applicants to apply to the Computer Science Program as early as possible to ensure that they can complete both programs within the designed timeframe.

Guest: I schooled in Nigeria and my Undergraduate was taught wholly in English. Could the TOEFL be waived for me?

* Cat Goodin: Hi, if you have earned an undergraduate degree or post-graduate degree from an institution in which English is the language of instruction then you are exempt from the TOEFL exam.

Guest: Does Booth waive TOEFL requirement for those who have graduate degree (e. g., MS in US universities)?

* Sena Agawu: Yes, if you have received a degree from a US institution, the TOEFL requirement is waived.

Guest: I'm an international applicant and my medium of instruction during my undergraduate program was English. Do I still have to take the TOEFL?

* Sena Agawu: Only students who have obtained a degree from an institution in the US can have their TOEFL requirements waived. To find out more about the requirements for a waiver, please follow this link: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/phd/admissions/international

Guest: Can you give an example of a project completed by a small group of students that impacted the entire student population at Booth or their class?

* Kimberly Epps: Hi! Thank you for joining our chat today. Yes, Launched in 1996, the Edward L. Kaplan, ’71, New Venture Challenge (NVC) is recognized as one of the top-ranked accelerator programs in the nation. Through the NVC, the Polsky Center has graduated more than 330 startup companies and created thousands of jobs for the economy. NVC startups have raised more than $1 billion in funding and achieved more than $7.5 billion in mergers and exits. Companies launched through the NVC include household names such as Grubhub, Braintree/Venmo, and Simple Mills. For more information, visit here: https://polsky.uchicago.edu/programs-events/new-venture-challenge/nvc/

Guest: Hi team, when do applications for Round 2 begin to be reviewed? Is it right after the deadline day or are applications submitted prior to the deadline reviewed earlier?

* Nicole Chen: Chicago Booth does not conduct rolling admissions. All applications submitted by the deadline are given equal consideration.

Guest: Is the Booth analytics program STEM eligible?

* Sena Agawu: Yes: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/full-time/academics/curriculum/business-analytics

Guest: Sena has just mentioned above that only US degree's are exempt from TOEFL waiver . Is that the case?

* Sena Agawu: Yes: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/full-time/admissions/international

Guest: I've started an application for Fall 2020 but have recently decided to put a hold on applying for an additional a year to build my resume personally and professionally. Would removing this initial application harm a future application?

* Nicole Chen: It will not negatively affect a future application that you have started an application this year, even if you choose not to submit it.

Guest: John, you did your undergrad at Chicago, and have worked locally thereafter. What is your favorite thing about the campus and about the city?

* John Lim: Hi! One of the best things that I love about Chicago is the sheer diversity of people, experiences, and neighborhoods. After being here for almost 10 years now, I still meet new people and have new experiences that push my understanding of the world. It's hard to get bored here, and there's something for all interests, passions, and professions here in Chicago!

Guest: Does Rustandy Center play an important role in the overall MBA experience?

* Sena Agawu: For those students who are interested in taking advantage of the resources available through the Rustandy Center, it can definitely play an important role in their experience at Booth.

Guest: How many internships can we take up during a Full-Time MBA Program?

* Kimberly Epps: Hi! Thank you for joining our chat today. Students will complete one internship, during the summer of their first year.

Guest: Is it common for Booth students to intern in Chicago during the school semester (fall/spring)? Or do academics and difference clubs take up most of a student’s time?

* Cat Goodin: Hi, it is common! Due to the flexible curriculum, you have the freedom to explore a number of different options during your time at Chicago Booth. Student-led groups can take up time, but we see many students complete internships during the school year through lab courses or completely separate from their course work at the time.

Guest: Hi thanks again for answering our questions! I know Law students are able to enroll in courses at Booth but couldn't find out if the reverse is true.

* John Lim: One of the best things about Chicago Booth is that students are able to take classes at other University of Chicago Institutions including the Law School or the Harris School of Public Policy as part of their MBA experience.

Guest: If we are waitlisted as part of the process, how specific will the admissions committee be on why we were waitlisted (i.e., higher GMAT score, more work experience, etc.)?

* Nicole Chen: The Admissions Committee does not provide feedback on specific applications.

Guest: Quick follow up regarding sending retake of GMAT post deadline. Is the Admissions Decision March 19th for Round 2? or does the "Decision" happen before notification?

* Sena Agawu: You are always welcome to submit an updated test score after the deadline and before the decision release however there is no guarantee that it will be reviewed.

Guest: When will the spring campus visit dates be posted on the website?

* Kimberly Epps: Hi! Thank you for joining our chat. The spring dates will be posted in early March 2020.

Guest: Great session. Do we have employment stats on international students to share with? How do their numbers (tenure to get employment, salary figures, etc.) compare to domestic students?

* Kimberly Epps: Hi! Yes, please review the Chicago Booth Employment Report here: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/employmentreport/

Guest: Is someone working for a startup involved in education space (social enterprise) considered eligible to apply for Civic Scholar Program?

* Kimberly Epps: Hi! Yes! We review these applications on a case-by-case basis. Please email admissions@chicagobooth.edu for further clarification.

Guest: Hello! Does Booth have treks to other cities?

* Nicole Chen: Booth conducts a number of professional and social treks to cities worldwide. The Booth Experience blog highlights some examples: http://theboothexp.com/category/trips-and-treks/

Guest: Social impact by nature is an interdisciplinary field. Could you please talk a little bit about interdisciplinary courses or resources available at Booth (either through or outside the Rustandy Center)?

* John Lim: Students interested in social impact do have specific courses available, many of which are offered in partnership with our Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation. Many of our students looking more interdisciplinary lenses bolster their MBA curriculum at Booth with courses from the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, the Law School, or the Social Sector Administration School at UChicago as a part of their MBA experience. https://www.chicagobooth.edu/research/rustandy/what-we-do/curriculum-courses.

Guest: @cat, ma'am https://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/full-time/admissions/international/english-exams.

* Cat Goodin: Hi, international students whose native language is not English are required to take the TOEFL exam unless that applicant earned an undergraduate degree or post-graduate degree from an institution in which English is the language of instruction.

Guest: Are study groups assigned by Booth? Or students will build up groups on their own?

* Kimberly Epps: Hi! Thank you for joining our chat today. Students build study groups on their own.

Guest: I'm interested in more classes than the required 20 classes + LEAD. Is there an opportunity to audit classes?

* Cat Goodin: Hi, if you are interested in taking more than the 21 courses required, you have the flexibility to do so during the year or during the summer quarter during your internship.

Guest: What does Booth Look for in applicants for the Booth Scholars Program? Is there any bias towards International applicants in this program?

* John Lim: The Chicago Booth Scholars Program is looking for undergraduates of any major wanting to accelerate their career (regardless of industry) early on and get a head start in their careers. We accept students from all countries and educational backgrounds. There are currently 25% international, which mirrors our Full-Time MBA enrollment as well.

Guest: Also, have there been cases where you have provided an admit to a candidate with a low undergraduate GPA? If so, could you advise us on how we can offset a low GPA score?

* Nicole Chen: The GPA range for the Class of 2021 was 2.7-4.0. The Admissions Committee evaluates all applications in a holistic review process, which takes into consideration all elements of an application.

Guest: will the chat be available as a transcript?

* Sena Agawu: Yes, you will be able to access the transcript of this chat once it is posted online.