February 26, 2020 | Noon - 1 PM CST Live Chat with Chicago Booth Full-Time MBA Admissions

Guest: GMAT and GRE cut off score.

* Alex DeCamp: We do not have a GMAT or GRE cut off score.  We provide a GMAT score range, which from last year's admitted class was 610-790.  We also convert all GRE scores to a GMAT score.

Guest: how many years of work experience is preferred?

* Carlos Gooden: Great question! There are no "preferred" years of work experience as there are a diversity of factors that can impact what type of experiences bring into the classroom. While the average of the current class is about 5 years, we have students who have experience with a range as low as two year plus.

Guest: Good Afternoon, Thank you for having this Q & A. I have a question about recommenders. My longest internship experience has been at a defense company which has a strict rule against letters of recommendation in order to protect confidential information. Would it be okay to submit a letter from another older internship? Do I need to specify in my application why I haven't submitted one from my longer internship? Thanks!

* Eddie Pulliam: If you aren’t able to send one from your direct manager you can use another one with an explanation included in the application.

Guest: What is the average percentage of students that are accepted to the full time MBA that applied in round 3 of the application process?

* John Lim: Thanks for your question! Our percentage of admits varies from year to year, as well as between rounds. In general, you should seek to apply when you feel you can put your best foot forward, and when you believe you'd most benefit from the MBA experience!

Guest: What do you look for from applicants from a liberal arts background? Do you have different admissions requirements for these students in order to prove their quantitative skills?

* Lizzie Seidenstricker: Chicago Booth values students coming from all different backgrounds and types of experiences. Someone who hasn’t studied in a “traditional” business field is not at a disadvantage in the application process. Your work experience, GMAT or GRE scores, and continued education experiences can provide admissions an indication of your quantitative success.

Guest: Hi. Thanks for doing this chat. What new & upcoming changes to the full time MBA program are you most excited about?

* Sena Agawu: The faculty and administration are always updating the curriculum and programming available to reflect the new and innovate changes in various industries.

Guest: Could you please talk about the application process for GPHAP? Are some of the courses considered carryover as credit for general Booth requirements?

* Eddie Pulliam: If you are admitted to the full time program you'll take classes towards a certificate at the Harris School for Public Policy.  This all go towards your MBA degree.

Guest: Hi and thank you for hosting this event. As an international (applying round 1 next cycle), I was wondering how my undergrad which doesn't use a 4 point scale translates to a GPA and how that affects my profile. Thank you!

* Carlos Gooden: Hi! Thank you for your question. Being is fortunate to receive applications from a global pool each year. As such, having a different gpa scale does not affect your profile as we lean heavily into the grading scale to assess. I hope this is helpful.

Guest: Hi everyone! Will there be any admission events or information sessions scheduled in California?

* Alex DeCamp: We do not have any Los Angeles info sessions scheduled at this time.  However, we typically host one during the summer.  Feel free to use the link below to visit our Admissions Events page for all information sessions taking place in the future:  https://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/full-time/admissions/events

Guest: Good morning! Thank you for the opportunity of this Q&A on Booth's MBA program. Due to Booth's strong focus on data and evidence, how would you say business cases studied at Booth reflect this?

* Lizzie Seidenstricker: The case method can be a useful way to teach a management education, but our faculty work on building comfort with evidence and data across multiple teaching styles. From lab courses, to lectures, to cases, and to small group discussions, a reliance of evidence and data permeates each classroom. You’ll see it reflected in the research faculty bring into the classroom, in the real-time experiences shared by students with internships, and in historical case discussion. Your experience will vary with each faculty member and subject!

Guest: I'm interested in using BSchool as a way to transition careers. How can I structure my application to present my experience and strengths, while having no experience in the industry I would like to transition towards?

* Sena Agawu: Many applicants go through the MBA program with the intention to pivot industries. Highlight your professional experiences and accomplishments, but make sure to clearly indicate why you are earning the MBA and how it will help you transition into a new career.

Guest: Thanks for your time! Can you speak to some of the experiential learning opportunities at Booth?

* John Lim: Booth students benefit from experiential learning opportunities at Booth, where students get the opportunity to work on real-world business problems and apply lessons they've learned in the classroom. For example, in some of our marketing lab course projects, students work on a company sponsored projects and create real marketing strategies solutions. Check out more information here: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/corp/access-booth/experiental-learning

Guest: Hi. Thanks for doing this chat. Could you please throw some light on recruiting opportunities in FinTech please?

* Lizzie Seidenstricker: I’d recommend reaching out directly to our FinTech Student Group co-chairs. They’ll be able to provide a better picture of what the specifics of that process are like. https://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/full-time/student-experience/beyond-classroom/groups/chicago-booth-fintech

Guest: What are useful tips for studying for the GMAT and how long in advance would you recommend studying?

* Carlos Gooden: Hi there, there are a variety of resource and guides out there! Unfortunately, there is no one method or tip that is endorsed by Booth. As you can imagine, this (along with time to study) really depend on the individual applicant and will vary based on your experiences, strengths, and needs.

Guest: Hello everyone, thank you so much or setting this up. What would you say is the most important thing for applicants to remember during the application process?

* John Lim: The most important thing to remember during the application process is to...apply! It sounds simple, but some qualified applicants count themselves out too early by deciding not to submit their application. In the end, trust that you've put everything that you can into your application (the more time you give yourself the better)!

Guest: Hi. I am starting to gear up for the Fall 2020 application deadlines - what is the best way to familiarize myself with Booth virtually ahead of a campus visit?  Will there be any virtual info sessions in the near future?

* Sena Agawu: Participating in chats, such as this one, is a great way to familiarize yourself with Booth prior to visiting. You are also welcome to peruse our website, or connect with a current student to learn more about their experiences: https://apply.chicagobooth.edu/portal/studentvolunteer

Guest: Hi thanks for taking the time to do this chat! For waitlisted candidates, if we have a material update, are those best conveyed through the "additional documents" in the application portal, or just emailed to the regular admission email or is either ok?

* Eddie Pulliam: You should be able to upload documents directly into the additional documents section.

Guest: Hello guys, thanks for hosting this event. I have great interest in Private Equity, I've learned there is a PE Lab Course in Booth. What do most of the students in this Lab course? Can we find intern/full time opportunity through lab course?

* Carlos Gooden: Hi there! If I may direct you to the Polsky Center for practical experiences students pull in PE and how the PE lab connects students to opportunities, I think you will find that helpful. Also, check out the connect with a student tool. Here you will be able to ask actual students in PE on their experiences: https://apply.chicagobooth.edu/portal/studentvolunteer

Guest: Hi! How does the admissions committee view additional letters of support for candidates on the waitlist? The Waitlist FAQ suggests only updated resumes and test scores be uploaded. Thank you!

* Carlos Gooden: Hi there, I highly encourage candidates on the waitlist to adhere to the recommendations on the Waitlist FAQ and follow those instructions. Often times the information in that document is all we need, so I would not recommend sending additional letters.

Guest: Good afternoon, I'm curious about the Booth Scholars Program. How many candidates did apply this program last years?

* Alex DeCamp: Thanks for your question!  We unfortunately do not make application data public.  However, I am happy to answer any other Booth Scholar related questions. 

Guest: What does Booth look for from applicants also applying to UChicago Law School? Is the decision a joint one between the two schools, or could you be admitted to one and not the other?

* Lizzie Seidenstricker: The review process for the accelerated 3-year JD/MBA is a joint review process between Chicago Booth and the Law School. However, you may still be admitted into one program and not the other.

Guest: Hello and thank you for hosting this chat session. I am an active duty Air force pilot looking to transition to the corporate world. My question is also with regard to Rec letters - how many months should one have ideally worked with a firm for the Rec to carry sufficient weight? In my case I'll be joining a venture startup post my separation in July and that gives me less than 2 months until R1. Thanks

* Eddie Pulliam: There really isn't a specific length of time.  We just encourage you t0 find someone who can give us the best perspective of your professional skill set.

Guest: I have a question. How many times one must take the GMAT?

* Carlos Gooden: Booth accepts both the GMAT or the GRE. As part of the application process, we only require at least one; however, feel free to check the GRE and GMAT testing agencies for additional information on taking multiple tests (should you choose to go that route). Thank you.

Guest: What does a campus visit typically entail?

* Sena Agawu: Our CVPs include a chance to visit a class, an information session, a Q&A with current students, and a tour of the Harper Center.

Guest: Hi so I've been researching boots and I think it's a great fit. I'm wondering how well does Booth recruit International students into investment banking given the current visa issues?

* Carlos Gooden: Currently, in regards to travel bans, Booth is operating under a "business as usual" model as in students have been working with the Office of International Affairs: https://internationalaffairs.uchicago.edu/. In essence, students have been minimally impacted.

Guest: What are the best ways to show interest in Booth for someone unable to visit in person or meet current students in person (e.g. an international applicant)?

* Lizzie Seidenstricker: A great way to get involved with the Booth community if you are unable to visit campus is to use our Connect With a Student Tool. It connects you directly to a current student who can give you their perspective and answer your questions. https://apply.chicagobooth.edu/portal/studentvolunteer

Guest: What are some of the most popular extracurricular for students on campus?

* Alex DeCamp: With over 70 student groups at Booth, we have a wide variety of extracurricular you can be involved in.  Feel free to take a look at all of our full-time MBA student group offerings via the following link: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/full-time/student-experience/beyond-classroom/groups

Guest: Hi, thanks for taking the time to answer questions.  For my second letter of recommendation (first being from my direct manager), do you believe a direct manager from a previous role (over 2+ years ago) or a different key stakeholder in my current role would be more valuable?  

* John Lim: For letters of recommendation, both a direct manager from a previous role or a different key stakeholder in a current role are both valid. Whoever can speak more strongly to your working style, goals, and opportunities for growth is best! Think about what additional information each potential recommender might be able to provide about you and your growth. Who can provide new perspectives not already covered in your application? Who can reinforce aspects of your application that you want to highlight?

Guest: Thank you for having this chat. For students who might not be able to travel to US for their interview, because of long VISA issue times in the current administration, will there be alternatives? Thank you!

* Carlos Gooden: Yes indeed. The admissions team is constantly evaluating travel advisories and reacting in real time as developments occur around the world. We pride ourselves on thinking ahead to make sure student have the best possible experience. With recent travel bans, we have made accommodations to make sure students can still conduct a quality interview. Those students impacted have been contacted, but if you have an individual scenario please feel free to reach out with us regarding your concerns. Thanks!

Guest: Also, if Booth is holding a student led session in India anytime in the near future?

* Eddie Pulliam: You can always check our website for that type of information.  Spring break is coming right up and some students could be hosting coffee chats that you can join.

Guest: Greetings from Bhopal, India, My question was regarding the work experience. Even though I have leadership experience of only two years (In a company other than the family business), I have a lot of experience in Family business where I have led meetings with clients, employees, where could I mention those skills in the application? Also if I am engaged other than in helping a start-up where I am the strategist should I mention that in the work experience or extracurricular activities?

* Sena Agawu: If you consider your experience with your family business professional experience, it should go on your resume. The same goes for your work with the start-up.

Guest: Hi there. It is likely going to be difficult to secure a recommendation from my manager as I work at an employee owned boutique and the founder he is quite elderly and emotional who may view it as more of a betrayal if I tell him I'm applying for an MBA. To what extent will you be excused not to have a reference from your manager on these grounds?

* Eddie Pulliam: You are free to find someone else who can give us the information we seek.  You'll need to explain this in your application why this person was chosen.

Guest: Hi, thanks for the session. Are there any scholarships specifically for women candidates from developing nations?

* Lizzie Seidenstricker: All of our scholarships and fellowships are merit-based, and the decisions are based solely on the original application. You can see a selection of our specific awards here: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/full-time/admissions/scholarships

Students are also encouraged to look for outside scholarships and fellowships if available.

Guest: How does the admissions committee use Shape The Class submissions to evaluate a candidate's profile?

* Carlos Gooden: Since Booth is holistic admission, there are a variety of factors considered in the admissions process and Shape the Class simply provides additional information.

Guest: Hi, one additional question: There was a particularly good event to meet Booth students during winter break in NYC (amongst other regions), and I was hoping to ask if you expect to have more of these events during this admissions cycle or will they resume at a later date?

* Sena Agawu: Our admissions events are posted online as soon as they are scheduled. This includes alumni and student hosted events, such as pop-ups or coffee chats.

Guest: Hello. Thank you for holding this session! What advice do you have for waitlisted candidates who have already submitted the video, attended an off-campus event and visited campus? Are there any other great ways to stay connected besides reading student blogs on the Booth Experience? Thank you!

* Lizzie Seidenstricker: It sounds like you’re doing a lot of great things to stay engage with the Booth Community. If you have not already, you may want to form connections with some current students. The Connect With a Student Tool is a great way to start those connections. https://apply.chicagobooth.edu/portal/studentvolunteer

Guest: Hi! Thank you for your time. I will be applying to Booth as an over 30 applicant, looking for a career transition. Will I be at a disadvantage, given my age?

* Sena Agawu: We accept applications from a wide variety of people from various ages. We do not have a cut off on either end of the spectrum, nor is an applicant’s age a disadvantage or advantage.

Guest: Can the students submit the Executive assessment scores?

* Carlos Gooden: At this time, only the Executive MBA program accepts EA scores.

Guest: For applicants who are transiting from accounting to investment/finance, what qualities and characteristics are you looking for to consider one a strong applicant?

* Eddie Pulliam: Of course, your quantitative skills will be important.  Also, your familiarity with that industry helps us determine if you feel the transition is realistic.

Guest: Is there any other way to connect with the booth community in London

* Alex DeCamp: Feel free to use our connect with a current student tool online via the link below.  You can filter this by region:  https://apply.chicagobooth.edu/portal/studentvolunteer.  Also, feel free to take a look at our London Campus and the events that are hosted through the Executive MBA program: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/exec-mba/admissions/events/europe

Guest: Hi! Thanks for your time. Is there anything you recommend students do in the summer prior to matriculation, in order to hit the ground running?

* John Lim: For students planning to make the most of their time prior to matriculation, you have quite a few options! Many students choose to continue working with their company or organization, while other students choose to take a little time off before they start the coursework. If you are interested in the startup space, Chicago Booth offers the Startup Summer experience, where students can gain experience working with a startup during the summer prior to beginning classes. Learn more here: https://polsky.uchicago.edu/programs-events/start-up-summer/

Guest: Hi Team. Thanks for hosting this chat. Could you please suggest a little bit about scholarships at Booth?

* Sena Agawu: Financial awards are merit based, not need based and are communicated to students at the time an offer is extended. The majority of students use a combination of financial awards, personal finances, and loans to pay for their time at Booth.

Guest: Will there be summer events for admissions?

* John Lim: For prospective applicants interested in attending admissions events over the summer, we have many events both on campus and throughout the world! Check here frequently to see the most up to date events that Chicago Booth has planned for prospective students: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/full-time/admissions/visit

Guest: Does being a UChicago graduate offer any competitive advantage when applying for a Full-Time MBA or is it recommended to apply or the Chicago Booth Scholars Program?

* Alex DeCamp: We evaluate all applications through a holistic review process with the intention of admitting a diverse group of students from varied academic backgrounds. 

Guest: Hello team, thanks for hosting this chat! Would it be possible to request an early decision on an R2 application? Have received an offer from a competing program and the deposit deadline is before Booth's decision date. But since Booth is my first preference, would prefer knowing the decision before making a commitment elsewhere.

* Eddie Pulliam: We don't encourage asking for an early decision.  All decisions are released on the same day.

Guest: Hi there, I am really worried about my GMAT score being the only hurdle for my application. How much does Chicago Booth values a high GMAT Score (Eg: 700+) ? Note: I am from India.

* Eddie Pulliam: The GMAT is only one data point we use.  Our process is a holistic one and every part of your application is important to the committee.

Guest: are all students allowed to intern during the school year or are there exceptions?

* John Lim: Students are allowed to intern during the school year. However, it can be difficult to juggle a full course load along with an internship, so plan your coursework schedule carefully!

Guest: Hi, One question with respect to experience. I currently have work experience of close to 10 years in addition to a Master’s Degree. Should I apply for the 2 years Full Time MBA or should i pursue a Professional MBA?

* Lizzie Seidenstricker: The Full-Time MBA Program has no work experience maximums so it’s up to you which program you see as the best fit. Our Executive MBA Program is designed for people with 10+ years of experience so you might like looking into the structure of their program.

Guest: Are round 3 applicants at a disadvantage compared to the round 1,2 candidates? Is high GMAT score a requisite for students from over represented pool?

* Carlos Gooden: Every application and every round is reviewed equally throughout the year. While most of our applications come in round 1 and round 2, student who apply in round 3 are not disadvantaged. Also, under holistic admission there are no requisites as we consider a variety of factors and experiences when making admissions decision.

Guest: Hi, thanks for hosting this session. What are the characteristics of a successful student at Booth?

* Eddie Pulliam: Good communication skills!  The ability to share your information in group settings is important for the rest of the community to learn from you as well.  Taking the curriculum seriously is important.  In study groups students really want to hear your opinion. 

Guest: What would be the right place to show off the soft skills learnt that would contribute to the class? Also, what kind of a student would add value to the class at Booth?

* Sena Agawu: We would suggest weaving examples through various components of the application, specifically where you feel like the question provides you with the opportunity to showcase these skills. We are not looking for one particular type of student, all Boothies add value to the class in their own way.

Guest: I'm currently waitlisted but also interested in applying for Startup Summer. When are the applications due - does the decision date conflict with the Startup Summer application date?

* Nicole Chen: Applications for Startup Summer will be evaluated by companies on a rolling basis starting in mid-March. Candidates currently waitlisted should have ample time to apply to internship opportunities should they be admitted in Round 2.

Guest: Does the Executive MBA have a GMAT prerequisite?

* Carlos Gooden: Hi there, the Executive MBA program is in a different office. Please feel free to email them directly at xp@chicagobooth.edu.

Guest: HI! Thanks for holding up this informative session. I am currently working with a buldge bracket investment bank in India. After studying from Booth, I want to pursue a career in Investment Management/Asset Management domain. From where can I particularly know about things that booth can provide me to achieve my dream? (Ex: Courses, Club activities, etc.)

* Eddie Pulliam: Take a look at our students groups.  We do have one that deals with investment management.  You'll see co-chairs and the activities that the groups host.  A strong faculty and curriculum.  These are just a few ways to find information about the industry you want to enter.

Guest: Hi Eddie, what kind of materials do waitlisted students generally submit?

* Eddie Pulliam: Once you're placed on the waitlist you can update your resume and we do ask you to submit a video to further convey your reasons for wanting to join the Booth community.

Guest: Are applications done on a rolling basis or is each way given a certain number of slots

* Lizzie Seidenstricker: We do not evaluate on a rolling basis.

Guest: Hi. What is Booth's perspective on applicants seeking to develop additional skills (without a specific industry in mind) vs applicants targeting a specific industry post-graduation?

* Alex DeCamp: Chicago Booth has a diverse set of students that are looking to either advance in their current industry or make a pivot to an entirely new sector.  We're looking for students that have a strong understanding of how a Chicago Booth MBA will play a key role in supporting their career trajectory regardless of which direction they want to go in

Guest: Any interview tips for applicants?

* John Lim: One of the best ways to prepare for interviews is to make sure you can articulate "Why Booth, and why now?" The more you can articulate your own goals and how an MBA at Chicago Booth can help you get there, the more clarity your interview will have. Also, feel free to ask questions during your interview! Each interview is conducted by a second year Booth student, so the interview is also a great opportunity to hear more about the student experience firsthand!

Guest: For those coming from industries without real opportunities for leadership, e.g. data science, programming, how do you recommend showing leadership skills and experience in the application?

* Sena Agawu: We recommend applicants highlight their professional experiences, regardless of whether you have had the chance to directly manage/supervise staff. Examples of leadership can also come from extracurricular activities, not solely from one's professional background.

Guest: Thanks Team. Can you shed some light on the options available for applying to scholarships in Year 2 at Booth. Any additional thoughts on TA's would also help very much.

* Carlos Gooden: Hi there, the office of admissions only awards scholarships to incoming students. In terms of scholarship opportunities for 2nd year students, questions may be best presented to the Financial Aid Office: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/full-time/admissions/tuition-financial-aid

Guest: What other parameters does the admissions committee take into account other than the GMAT, Essay and work experience to make a decision?

* Carlos Gooden: Hi there! Great question, there are a variety of factors. Essentially I encourage you to evaluate the application online that you're submitting to capture the areas we observe. For example, one of the things you did not mention is letters of recommendation. There are a variety of factors we consider under holistic review.

Guest: Following up on the school year internship question, is it common for students to take advantage of those opportunities? Are the roles typically in less structured industries (e.g. nonprofits) or are structured industries like consulting offering academic year internships as well?

* Eddie Pulliam: They really do vary.  Once you're here and work with the administration you'll find out those opportunities.

Guest: Thanks for all the helpful tips! Additional question: how is the MBA program involved in the students' post-MBA recruiting process? Will the program be hosting the meet-the-firm events with various employers?

* Lizzie Seidenstricker: There will be endless events and opportunities like the one you are describing throughout your two years at Booth. Career Services and the student groups play an extremely active role in secure post-MBA employment.

Guest: Is Booth considering re-evaluating its global study programs in the near future given COVID-19 concerns?

* Carlos Gooden: Booth is very fortunate to be the only MBA program on three continents while also having a diverse and global student body. We are constantly monitoring updates and advisories as they are made in real-time while also remaining proactive to ensure our students' safety. If you have any specific questions please feel to send us an email directly and we will be more than happy to help you navigate.

Guest: Hi everyone, I'm planning to apply in round 3 for the Fall 2020 intake. As an international students, could I have some disadvantages in applying in round 3 compared with rounds 1 and 2 (e.g. fewer slots available, visa)?

* Sena Agawu: All applicants are evaluated in their own right. There are no advantages or disadvantages to applying in rounds 1, 2, or 3.

Guest: Hi, do you have any suggestions on how to know more about impact investing in Booth? Such as Impact Investing Club, conference, courses, other related activities, etc. Thanks a lot!

* John Lim: Impact investing is becoming an increasingly popular arena, and Chicago Booth has a plethora of resources for students seeking to learn from experts, take workshops, and build their network. Our Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation has impact investors in residence that are available to mentor students and answer questions during office hours. We also have an impact investment fund that supports Booth MBA students looking to gain real-world experience in impact investing. Chicago Booth also hosts regular impact investing seminars and funding awards to students seeking to gain experience in impact investing roles. Find impact investing events and other social sector events that we host here: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/research/rustandy/events. Some events are even open to the public!

Guest: What would you say is the biggest draw of Booth vs other top level schools?

* Lizzie Seidenstricker: Chicago Booth prides itself on The Chicago Approach which says a supportive, flexible, multi-disciplined environment is what allows our students to make their MBA have an impact of their lives, in the way that is uniquely necessary for them. There is no set path through our program because every student needs something different to take their career to the next level. Booth is a place for people who are ready to take advantage of that agency and challenge themselves to make the most of their experience.

Guest: Hi! Thanks for this event. I was wondering, if there is a club I would like to start at Booth, now likely is it possible for me to create it? Is it something common to do? Thanks!

* Alex DeCamp: Thanks for your question!  Each year our student life team has an application process for any students wanting to create a new student group at Booth.  After the application deadline they will interview all student group candidates and make final decisions from there.

Guest: Thanks for hosting! As a prospective student, how important it is to show the ability to contribute to Chicago Booth? What advice / tips can you give prospective students to better articulate this on the application process?

* Sena Agawu: We recommend applicants share with us the different extracurricular activities they are involved with, as that provides us insight into the different ways that you engage with multiple communities.

Guest: What opportunities are available for aspiring Entrepreneurs at Booth? I have spoken with a few students over LinkedIn, they all had multitude of experiences.

* Eddie Pulliam: The opportunities really happen in a lot of industries.  You should visit the Polsky Center on our website to get a better picture of all the different areas that are available to you.

Guest: What advice would you give to candidates to construct a compelling application?

* Carlos Gooden: My best advice is to visit campus.... if you aren't able you can always connect with a student online: https://apply.chicagobooth.edu/portal/studentvolunteer also monitor our events page to identify opportunities to learn and connect with Booth in your region.

Guest: Hi here from India. For someone with a low work experience (say 3 years at time of applying), what qualities does Chicago Booth looks for in the candidate? Is low work experience an overall negative?

* Sena Agawu: Applicants are welcome to apply with a variety of work experience/duration of time. Less or more experience than our average of 5 years will not be a disadvantage.

Guest: Will a transcript of this session be made available?

* Nicole Chen: Yes, a transcript of this chat will be available on our website within four business days.

Guest: Could the prospective students connect with the faculties whose work we admire, e.g scholarly articles, publications?

* Eddie Pulliam: Sure.  All of our faulty members have office hours and /or email addresses that our students use to connect with them. 

Guest: How does industry and place of work effect your decision in the application process?

* Carlos Gooden: There are a variety of factors that we consider in the application process. Under holistic admission, there are no defined ways to convey how industry and place of work impact decision. If I may, I advise you to put together your application with your accurate information.

Guest: Do we have ample opportunities at Booth for getting job in the social service sector?

* Sena Agawu: I encourage you to connect with the Rustandy Center https://www.chicagobooth.edu/research/rustandy

Guest: Hi guys, can we see QA answer again after this event? Do you provide records of past Q&A?

* Nicole Chen: A transcript of this chat will be made available on our website within four business days.

Guest: Thank you sir Gooden, sir Pulliam and madam Agawu for the answers. I only had one last question, would you like give any advice to an aspiring entrepreneur who wishes to pursue two sectors, Real Estate development and Social sector (Child Rights)?

* Carlos Gooden: I think a cross interest in those industries is a great fit for Booth's flexible curriculum. Here at Booth we do not have a lock-step curriculum of required courses; rather, students can chart their own academic journey. I suggest looking at courses and student groups to determine how to structure interviews to develop a 2-year path that is meaningful to you and your future goals. I hope this is helpful.

Guest: As I understand that the class room would require us to project on our past leadership experiences, how could we convincingly display that we can add value to the class?

* Eddie Pulliam: When you are honest about your work experience and what you actually contributed or learned from that experience we get a good perspective of your passion and knowledge about a particular industry.  This helps us capture the value that you would bring to the community.

Guest: how exactly do Booth stem certifications help International students with employers during recruiting season?

* Alex DeCamp: Thanks for your question!  Please feel free to take a look at our STEM certification article on our Booth Experience page via the following link: http://theboothexp.com/2019/11/stem-certification-what-it-says-about-booth-and-what-it-means-for-international-students/

Guest: Hi team! I was wondering what are some things someone can do between the interview and the decision date to show continued strong interest in Booth?

* John Lim: There are plenty of ways to show not only your interest in Booth, but also to learn more about the student experience and resources we have at Booth. You can visit us on campus for our regular campus visit days, and can speak to admissions officers on site to ask any questions you have about your own trajectory and how Booth can best position you for a successful career! We also recommend reaching out to current students to learn from their perspectives: https://apply.chicagobooth.edu/portal/studentvolunteer

Guest: What is the best way to know when Booth is visiting locations that are not yet posted on your website?  For example, are there newsletters we can subscribe to?

* Carlos Gooden: Many summer events will begin posting online at https://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/full-time/admissions/events. As events are scheduled they are shared here.

Guest: Thanks again for all the wonderful answers! Under the diversity program, how does Booth contribute to promoting female leadership in the finance world?

* Alex DeCamp: Thanks for your question.  At Chicago Booth we make concerted efforts to support women interested in finance.  In fact, the Chicago Women in Business organizations a Chicago Booth student organization working to advance professional opportunities and cultivate a supportive community for women. CWiB also actively promotes an attitude of inclusivity and seeks to inspire future business leaders. Feel free to take a look at more information via the following link:  https://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/full-time/student-experience/beyond-classroom/groups/women-in-business

Guest: Hi All! I was wondering if the Booth "Shape the Class" recommendations hold a similar weight to an applications to the formal recommendation letters required in the application.

* Nicole Chen: Shape the Class gives an opportunity for Booth affiliates to speak to an applicant's candidacy. They are not required as part of the application.

Guest: Thank you very much for allowing us to ask questions! Can I ask how often students establish a new Group/Club? Is there collaboration with/support by school officers?

* Eddie Pulliam: You can petition your idea about a new club to the Student Life office.  They try to decide if there is a similar club or understand how many students might be interested with your idea.

Guest: Hello, thanks for organizing this chat during your lunch hour. I wanted to follow up on another person's question regarding impact investing. Is Booth considering adding coursework in social impact investing to round out the other opportunities you mentioned in the response?

* John Lim: Booth is consistently creating and developing new coursework to ensure that students are on the cutting edge of impact investing, including Impact Investing, Scaling Social Innovation Search Lab, New Social Ventures, and Social Enterprise Lab. Additional courses will continue to be added based on student demand and the business landscape.

Guest: Hi, you just mentioned speaking to admissions officers directly.  Is this available only through campus visits, or are other opportunities?

* Carlos Gooden: A campus visit is one way but we are always available to connect via phone or email, Monday through Friday 8:30am-5:00pm Central Time. Admissions Directors can be reached at 773.702.7369 or admissions@chicagobooth.edu. We are looking forward to speaking with you

Guest: Hi! One really interesting part about Booth to me is the entirely flexible curriculum offered, and the array of substitutes available for Basic Courses. Do many classes usually have prerequisites (especially for the advanced courses) or can students pick and choose based on their goals? Thank you!

* Nicole Chen: Some classes do have prerequisites, but students can work with academic and career advisors to design a curriculum that will help them towards their learning and career goals.