Coronavirus Updates

A Note from Associate Dean of Student Recruitment and Admissions, Donna Swinford, on COVID-19

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As the world changes around us in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s hard not to feel a collective sense of uncertainty for what the weeks ahead might have in store. 

The most basic priority for each of us in this current moment is to practice social distancing and do our best to ensure the health of our family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors.

Though that certainly doesn’t mean that our big picture goals for ourselves—which for many of you include pursuing an MBA—should stop. Instead, I invite you to join me in focusing on the opportunities for connection and pursuit of our goals in these challenging times—even if the approach is a little different than originally anticipated.

In times like this, I find myself looking toward those teams and individuals who are doing everything they can to adjust to a rapidly changing climate and find answers in the midst of many questions. More broadly, I see that in the health and medical professionals on the front lines, though locally I’m witnessing it each and every day within our Booth community. Our faculty, staff, and current students are just as committed as they always have been to delivering rich academic experiences and opportunities to connect and learn about our program offerings. I hope you’ll take advantage of some of the following ways to engage with Chicago Booth and our incredible community.

  • Register for a virtual event. Join our admissions directors, staff, and current students for virtual Live Chats to ask questions about a range of topics. Unable to make it at the scheduled time? Go ahead and register so that we can share the transcript with you following the event.
  • Create your own virtual visit experience. While our campus is currently closed to outside visitors, that doesn’t mean that you can’t still explore. Join us every Tuesday and Friday for a "virtual visit" with an admissions director. Or, consider taking our Virtual Tour and connecting with a current student—all of the elements that you’d experience during a visit to the Harper Center.
  • Continue preparing your application materials. Our Round Three deadline for Full-Time is approaching on April 2. If you are unable to submit test scores at that time because of global test center closures, please note we will accept scores by an extended deadline of July 1, 2020 for anyone who has submitted all other application materials by the April 2, 2020 deadline. (Chicago Booth Scholars applicants can find the latest updates to application deadlines here.)
  • Read about the student experience. Take a break from the 24/7 news cycle to read about the classroom experience, life in Chicago, leadership, and career/recruiting experiences from The Booth Experience student bloggers. Their stories bring this institution to life from the comforts of your couch.

I’ve always felt that the Booth community is a special one—committed to driving deeper insights, paying it forward, and making a big impact on the world around us. Now, as I watch us come together and double down on our commitment to deliver engaging content, community, and academics in new digital formats, I know it to be true. Please connect with us, and we hope to one day welcome you into this unique environment as well.

Please stay safe and healthy.

Wishing you all the best,

Donna Swinford
Associate Dean for Student Recruitment and Admissions
MBA Programs

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