August 3, 2021 Live Admissions Chat
Admissions Live Chat 08/03/2021
Admissions Questions:
Chat Participant: Do candidates with an international undergraduate degree (not on a 4.0 scale) count towards the class average GPA?
Kara Northcutt | Senior Director, Employer Engagement and Admissions: Since GPAs from schools outside of the US vary widely, the reported GPAs typically reflect those on a 4.0 scale. When evaluating candidates, we will look close at their courses taken, grades earned, and GPA based on your school’s scale.
Chat Participant: Hello! If I were to apply in round 2 for Full-Time (Application due ~Jan 1 2022) and receive a denial. When would be the earliest time I could apply and start for the part-time program?
Patrick McHale | Associate Director of Admissions: We typically ask denied candidates to wait at least 6 months before submitting a new application. However, you are welcome to connect with our team if that situation arises. If an applicant is able to develop a plan to submit a strong part-time application within 6 months and receives approval from admissions, the 6 month requirement can be waived.
Chat Participant: Hi! Do you know when applications are due for quarter fall 2022?
Kara Northcutt | Senior Director, Employer Engagement and Admissions: 9/27/21; link to deadlines: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/mba/part-time/admissions/how-to-apply
Chat Participant: Hello! Thank you putting this event together, among so many other. For the part-time program, are components of the application weighted any different for those with ~4 years of professional experience? Are there certain early-career milestones that your team might look for, which could be indicative of continued success? Thanks in advance!
Sarah Palomo | Associate Director of Admissions: Great question. We take a holistic look at the application - so not one piece is weighed heavier than any other piece. We look at it all super closely. As far as work experience, we require a professional resume, and we do look to see if your career has progressed - evident sometimes by promotions, but also increased responsibility over time. There is no specific formula we look for as it varies by job and industry.
Chat Participant: I am planning to visit Chicago in October. Will there be any in-person tours I can sign up for?
Sarah Palomo | Associate Director of Admissions: This is a great question. At this time we do not have any in-person tours to sign-up for, but we do hope to begin to allow visitors back on campus for events in late Autumn. I would encourage you to keep an eye on our events page here: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/mba/part-time/admissions/events
Chat Participant: Hi, and thank you for taking the time! One of my recommenders, my former supervisor, is a Chinese national, and though he speaks English, his written English is a bit lacking. He would be able to put together a rec in English, but it would probably be much more detailed and nuanced if written in Chinese, and then translated. Would you suggest for him to write it in English or in Chinese (and then have it translated)?
Patrick McHale | Associate Director of Admissions: Great question! Your recommender can write the letter in Chinese, but it would need to be translated on his end, as we do not offer translation services.
Chat Participant: Does securing an admission also confirms some promise for scholarship or scholarships are just case-by-case basis?
Sarah Palomo | Associate Director of Admissions: Excellent question. At Booth, you are only considered for merit scholarships once you are admitted. Typically you will hear if you have been awarded a merit scholarship about 2-3 weeks after you were admitted. There is no additional application, we will use your MBA application. Our merit scholarships are competitive, and they are awarded on a case by case basis. I hope that answers your question.
Chat Participant: I believe every candidate has a unique portfolio in terms of strengths and weakness. What are key pointers that makes an applicant a strong candidate? Maybe some examples to share?!
Patrick McHale | Associate Director of Admissions: Every successful applicant, regardless of their background, is expected to present strong reasoning on why they are applying to Booth, why they are applying to the part-time program, and why they are applying now. The application is an individual experience, giving you the opportunity to authentically share your passions, goals, and what you are looking for in an MBA program and Booth specifically. Of course, academics, recommendation letter, etc are important, but focusing on your core story and message is crucial to having a successful application.
Chat Participant: I wanted to check to see if there is anyone on the admission team who leads diversity recruitment who could connect me with current or former weekend students who identify as Hispanic? Would love to hear from them about their experience going through the program.
Sarah Palomo | Associate Director of Admissions: I would be happy to connect you and please feel free to email me sarah.palomo@chicagobooth.edu. I would also encourage you to check out the part-time student club: Coalition of Minorities in Business here: https://groups.chicagobooth.edu/cmb/home/. Feel free to reach out to the co-chairs directly too as they are great resources!
Chat Participant: I cannot take recommendation letter from my current employer (it will affect my job). Is it OK to take both recommendations from previous employer?
Kayla Anderson | Office Manager: We prefer to hear from a current supervisor, although we understand that this may not be possible. If you are unable to ask your current supervisor, please explain the circumstances in the optional essay. In this case - you can ask previous employers for their recommendations.
Chat Participant: How critical is it to have a current supervisor / employer provide a recommendation? That seems like a lot of leverage to hand to someone who may or may not be supportive of your intent to pursue higher learning.
Sarah Palomo | Associate Director of Admissions: We prefer a current supervisor to write a letter of recommendation, but we also understand that is not always possible. If that is the case, that is okay, but we will ask for a short explanation on why that is. We often see examples of why a current supervisor is not an ideal choice to write a letter and that is completely okay as long as you explain it in the application. I hope that helps!
Chat Participant: Do you offer merit scholarships for Weekend MBA program?
Stephanie Gunn | Director of Admissions: We offer our Chicago booth Merit based scholarships for our Weekend and Evening Programs! If you are admitted to the program, you are automatically considered for one of these scholarships and there is no additional application to be reviewed! You can find out more about financial aid and scholarship on this page of our website! https://www.chicagobooth.edu/mba/part-time/admissions/scholarships-and-aid. There's information about both financial aid and scholarship there. Hope this helps!
Chat Participant: With regards to the minimum GPA, does that apply to undergrad or a most recent degree? My undergrad GPA was fairly low but I am now in a Master's program with a much higher GPA. Further do I need to finish my current Master's program before applying or can I apply before I finish?
Sarah Palomo | Associate Director of Admissions: We do not have a minimum GPA. Our average GPA is a 3.38 and our range is 2.8-4.0. This is for undergrad GPA. However, 34% of our students do hold graduate level degrees. If you have a graduate degree - we will also look closely at those transcripts. You can apply while you are still in the graduate program, but keep in mind we may ask for an updated transcript if you are admitted.
Chat Participant: Is it important to be hold active employment throughout the duration of the program? I believe Executive MBA has that requirement but wasn't sure about the weekend ones
Stephanie Gunn | Director of Admissions: The Evening and Weekend Programs are designed for full-time working professionals so the intent is that you remain employed throughout the duration of the program. While this is certainly the expectation, it is not a requirement. Keep mind there is so much value in concurrently pursuing the degree while working full-time. You are refining ideas in a safe space at Booth and employing them in real time to the work you are doing.
Chat Participant: For the second letter of recommendation, do you have any tips on who it should come from?
Sarah Palomo | Associate Director of Admissions: We do not have any specific recommendations here, but ideally someone who is familiar with your work performance and contributions. We look at the content closely, so it is important to pick someone who is familiar with you and can speak to your abilities. Who this is can vary based on your own personal experiences. We see letters from former supervisors, colleagues, clients, etc. There is no right answer, but again the content of the letter is key!
Chat Participant: If I am currently doing work as a freelancer as I complete my MBA applications, and intend on getting full-time employment upon completing my applications, would that be seen as a "weakness" in my application?
Stephanie Gunn | Director of Admissions: We take a holistic look at your application including your past work experiences. I wouldn't say it would be considered a weakness, but you should use the optional essay to lay out your plan for pursuing full-time employment.
Chat Participant: Are scholarship opportunities available for weekend/evening MBA applicants?
Patrick McHale | Associate Director of Admissions: Yes! The Evening/Weekend programs offer a limited and competitive number of merit based scholarships for admitted students. These scholarships range from $10,000-30,000. Scholarships decisions are typically released a few weeks after the admission decision is released.
Chat Participant: What is the fees for each courses?
Sarah Palomo | Associate Director of Admissions: Hello! The fees are per course and they are the same for both Evening MBA and Weekend MBA. You can find the part-time fees here https://www.chicagobooth.edu/mba/part-time/admissions/cost. For the full-time program, you can view fees here https://www.chicagobooth.edu/mba/full-time/admissions/cost.
Chat Participant: I am planning to apply for Weekend MBA for Winter 2022 term. I see that the deadline is Sept 27, 2021. Are there any admission rounds? Does applying early increase my chances of getting admitted?
Stephanie Gunn | Director of Admissions: We offer rolling admissions and about 80% of our applicants submit the week of the deadline. Unlike rounds, we begin reviewing your application once it is received and complete and typically process within 4-6 weeks. We do not wait until the deadline to begin our application review. Be sure to submit your application when you feel it is at its strongest. Applying early does not increase your chances of admission. We look forward to receiving your application when the time is right for you.
Chat Participant: I'm based out of Toronto, Canada. My employer has a branch in US and I can relocate to Chicago. My question is: Do I need to be present in US to apply for the program or I can apply now and once I get accepted, relocate?
Patrick McHale | Associate Director of Admissions: Yes, you can apply to the program if you have plans to live and work in the US upon your matriculation to the program. If you are admitted to the program, your admission will be contingent that you take this steps prior to matriculation.
Chat Participant: Do I need to present ALL my academic certificates/transcript or just the recent?
Kayla Anderson | Office Manager: As part of your application, please submit unofficial scans of your transcripts from every university, college, or graduate institution from which you have received a degree, taking care to submit both sides of every one. Upon accepting our offer of admission, you must submit an official transcript from every university, college, or graduate institution from which you have received a degree. If you received transfer credits, we only need the transfer school transcript if the courses and grades earned do not appear on your degree-granting school’s transcripts.
Chat Participant: I am planning to apply in 1-2 years. What advice would you have for an applicant who will have 3 years of experience at the time of application? Any particular skillsets you are looking for in the application? And how can we bring those forth in our application documents?
Patrick McHale | Associate Director of Admissions: That's great to hear! We actually have an early career candidate program called the Chicago Business Fellows program for Evening/Weekend students with under 3 years of full-time work experience. This program offers the same opportunities and degrees as the general E/W program with additional professional development and social opportunities. The main thing we expect from candidates earlier in their career is a strong reasoning on why they are looking to start a part-time MBA at Booth at this point in their career (e.g. Why not Full-Time MBA, Why now and not in 2-3 years?
Chat Participant: Hi! Is there a separate application for the Chicago Business Fellows Program?
Kayla Anderson | Office Manager: No - you will apply to either the Weekend or Evening program and in the application it will ask if you are interested to the Chicago Business Fellows Program which you will then mark. There are no extra essays or applications to apply to CBF.
Chat Participant: If someone has 10 years of Full time work experience, would you still say that EWMBA is a good fit for them v/s EMBA?
Kara Northcutt | Senior Director, Employer Engagement and Admissions: With ten years of experience, you could easily fit into either program. If you are looking for a structured, co-horted program, EMBA is the way to go. If you seek flexibility in pace of the program & course selection, then Evening/Weekend is the better fit. The Evening/Weekend Program allows you to customize your academic and extracurricular experience to best fit your personal and professional goals.
Chat Participant: When is the next date to apply to the evening program?
Kayla Anderson | Office Manager: The next deadline for the Evening program is for our Winter Quarter. The deadline is on September 27th. You can view deadlines here: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/mba/part-time/admissions/how-to-apply.
Chat Participant: I understand this is specifically weekend/part time but is there any distinct difference in application process or requirements between this program and the EMBA? (I didn’t see a live chat offered for the latter).
Kara Northcutt | Senior Director, Employer Engagement and Admissions: Correct, the EMBA is a separate program with a separate admissions team. You can reach them at XP@chicagobooth.edu to learn more about their application process. See this link as well: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/mba/executive/admissions. If you are looking for a structured, cohorted program, EMBA is the wat to go. If you seek flexibility in pace of the program & course selection, then Evening/Weekend is the better option.
Chat Participant: Hello, Can admissions be deferred?
Patrick McHale | Associate Director of Admissions: Deferral requests are considered on a case by case basis. If approved, deferrals are typically extended by only one quarter. We highly encourage applicants to apply for the quarter they plan to start taking classes.
Testing Questions:
Chat Participant: Hello! Does Booth require that you submit all GRE or GMAT scores or can you just submit your best?
Patrick McHale | Associate Director of Admissions: You are welcome to submit all of your previous test scores, but we will only consider your highest score in the application review.
Chat Participant: Do you have a current range for E.A. exams? (Yes I understand this is not precisely for the weekend / evening programs)
Sarah Palomo | Associate Director of Admissions The Evening MBA and Weekend MBA do accept the EA exam, and our average is a 153. You can see that data and our class profile here https://www.chicagobooth.edu/mba/part-time/admissions/class-profile.
Chat Participant: I believe I saw that the average combined total score for the GRE is 320 - just wanted to ask whether that is the most updated average score you have available to share?
Kara Northcutt | Senior Director, Employer Engagement and Admissions: See this link for our most up to date profile stats (exam info toward the bottom of the page): https://www.chicagobooth.edu/mba/part-time/admissions/class-profile. We will post our 2021 incoming student data in December 2021 after the Autumn 2021 classes are set.
Chat Participant: Is there a minimum GRE score required for Weekend MBA program? May I ask what was the range of GRE score for students who were accepted recently?
Patrick McHale | Associate Director of Admissions: We do not have a minimum GPA or test score requirement in the application process. In the past year of incoming students, the average GRE verbal score is 159 and the average quantitative score is 160
Chat Participant: When looking at GRE scores, do you only consider them after converting to their GMAT equivalent with the converter tool on ETS, or do you consider them as their own category?
Patrick McHale | Associate Director of Admissions: Since the converter tool through ETS is available, we use it when evaluating GRE scores. However, we view the GMAT, GRE, and Executive Assessment as equals in the application review process.
Academic Questions:
Chat Participant: Are there any classes that are mandatory to the program?
Kayla Anderson | Office Manager: The only required component in our curriculum is our LEAD course, which is a hands-on, experiential program designed to build your skills in negotiation, team building, interpersonal communication, and other key management areas. You will be asked to choose a course from our three foundation areas: financial accounting, microeconomics, and statistics as well. You can learn more specifics regarding our curriculum here: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/mba/academics/curriculum.
Chat Participant: I understand Booth's Full Time MBA is AACSB accredited. Is this true for Weekend and Evening MBA?
Kara Northcutt | Senior Director, Employer Engagement and Admissions: Yes
Chat Participant: Booth has a huge courses catalog! However, I have noticed there may be some requirements and a "points system". Can you please confirm or correct?
Stephanie Gunn | Director of Admissions: Yes! We have a bidding registration system. It's similar to an open market, consistent with supply and demand principles of economics (sound like Booth right?). It's actually quite simple and our Academic Advisors help with navigating the strategy for bidding on classes. Essentially you earn points for every course you complete and get to decide when to spend them. As a new student, you get a certain number of points to start out. When the registration period opens you bid on a class/professor you want. If you really want to take a specific professor then you'll bid more points.
Chat Participant: Hi! Given the flexibility, are there advisors that students can work with to plan/tailor coursework? Just seems like there's a lot of classes to choose from!
Patrick McHale | Associate Director of Admissions: Absolutely! Booth has an academic services department that works with full-time and part-time students when it comes to course selection and academics. Students can meet with advisors 1:1 throughout their time in the program as needed.
Chat Participant: How many concentrations/tracks can we choose? Is there a limit?
Kara Northcutt | Senior Director, Employer Engagement and Admissions: We offer 13 concentrations, and most students earn 3-4. It is technically possible to earn more with proper planning, and the Academic Services team will guide you through. See this link for more info: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/mba/academics/curriculum/concentrations
Chat Participant: Can EWMBA students also enroll in Full Time MBA classes that are offered in Hyde Park?
Sarah Palomo | Associate Director of Admissions: Yes, Evening MBA and Weekend MBA students can enroll in full-time MBA courses. You can take courses across the full-time, evening, and weekend MBA programs.
Chat Participant: Are you anticipating any broader changes in the EWMBA program post COVID besides the remote learning capability?
Stephanie Gunn | Director of Admissions: Our faculty, senior leadership, and administrators are currently involved in a holistic curricular review process, so it's possible some broader changes might be coming down the pipeline. Luckily, Booth is always at the forefront of curricular changes.
Chat Participant: Is there any virtual option that can be requested if travel requirement for work comes up?
Kara Northcutt | Senior Director, Employer Engagement and Admissions: Generally speaking, no. If you need to miss a class here & there, you should connect with the faculty & your classmates for notes, etc. If you happen to be in a dual modality course, which we are temporarily offering a limited number of, you can then attend virtually as needed. We are unsure how long dual modality course will be offered. More to come on that in the next few months.
Chat Participant: What is the standard yearly schedule for weekend MBA? For example, 10 weeks in Fall/Spring with a number of weeks in Summer?
Sarah Palomo | Associate Director of Admissions: Hello! Great question. At Booth we are on quarters, and typically each quarter is 10 weeks. You can view the academic calendar here - typically every year follows the same pattern: https://intranet.chicagobooth.edu/pub/academics/cdr/course-related-information/calendar
Chat Participant: I see from one of your answers that there would be option to take classes online for Weekend MBA. Is there a plan to offer 100% remote weekend MBA program? I was planning to apply for Winter 2022 term. Will there be an option to attend remotely at that time?
Sarah Palomo | Associate Director of Admissions: Due to the ongoing pandemic, we will offer a limited number of remote and dual modality courses for Autumn 2021 quarter. However, our plan is to return to fully in-person learning as soon as we can this academic year. It is best to plan to be in Chicago each weekend for classes during the quarter. Having said all of that, we are in the process of analyzing some long-term virtual options for the Evening and Weekend MBA Programs. We've certainly learned a lot from this pandemic. More to coming on that in the new couple of months!
Chat Participant: Will the Weekend MBA Program be remote only or both remote and live classes on campus?
Patrick McHale | Associate Director of Admissions: Starting this Autumn quarter, most students in the Evening MBA and Weekend MBA programs will be taking classes in-person. However, there will be 100% remote classes offered. There will also be classes in a dual-modality format, where students have the option to attend virtually or in-person. Students will be able to filter the class format when selecting classes.
Chat Participant: Hello! Two questions here, can you transfer into the weekend or full time program? If so, what does the transfer process look like?
Kayla Anderson | Office Manager: Students are unable to transfer from the Part-time programs into the Full time programs and vice versa. Students in the part-time programs are able to transfer once between the Evening and Weekend programs though. In order to transfer, you would fill out a form through Academic Services. Each transfer is determined on a case by case basis.
Chat Participant: I am already taking MBA from one university, I am looking to transfer my credentials and Grades. Is this something possible?
Kayla Anderson | Office Manager: All Part-Time MBA students are required to complete 20 courses, in addition to LEAD, in order to graduate. Chicago Booth does not accept transfer credits from other institutions. We also do not waive any of the total number of courses required. However, our flexible curriculum offers options for fulfilling the 20 courses without having to repeat courses you have already mastered.
Chat Participant: Does Booth offer any accelerated option for the program? Are you able to pass out of any courses by having taken similar ones during undergrad?
Stephanie Gunn | Director of Admissions: All students are required to take 20 courses at Booth regardless of background or prior coursework taken. However, with the flexibility of our program and the fact that there is no required or core curriculum, you can take your knowledge and apply it to more advanced courses and electives of interest to you. You would never be repeating coursework you've already taken and you would continue to be challenged.
Chat Participant: Are there a minimum of credits that you have to take each semester? Are you able to take a semester off and continue with the program?
Stephanie Gunn | Director of Admissions: Flexibility is the hallmark of the Chicago Booth MBA and that includes flexibility in how you pace yourself as well. The average completion time in the Evening MBA and Weekend MBA programs is 2.5-3 years. Students will take on average 2 classes a quarter, but can take anywhere between 0-3 classes in a quarter (more than 3 is possible, but difficult for Evening and Weekend students). Students must complete 20 classes in order to graduate. They have up to 5 years to complete the 20 classes.
Student Life/Career Development Questions:
Chat Participant: Does the Part Time MBA Program offer similar opportunities for career change to full time, even if it's not the main purpose for many students?
Patrick McHale | Associate Director of Admissions: Yes! Many students in the Evening MBA and Weekend MBA programs are career explorers if not active career changers. Internship recruiting is only available to Full-Time MBA students. Otherwise, career services resources, including recruiting for full-time positions, is available for E/W students to take advantage of.
Chat Participant: Do the part time programs have study abroad options?
Kayla Anderson | Office Manager: Yes - Evening and Weekend students are able to study abroad during their time at Booth. We also offer short-term programs to accommodate the work schedules of Evening and Weekend MBA students. Each short-term program lasts two to three weeks and counts as one full course toward your degree requirements. You can learn more about study abroad opportunities here: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/mba/international-programs-and-study-abroad.
Chat Participant: Hi, as an aspiring entrepreneur, particular in ETA, can you tell me about the opportunities Booth offers for prospective PT students interested in ETA (entrepreneurship through acquisition), clubs, associations, etc.. Also, would it be possible to get connected with a current student or past students that had leveraged Booth Part Time that had built a search fund and gone through an ETA?
Patrick McHale | Associate Director of Admissions: Great question! I recommend taking a look at our Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. This center is a great place to bolster your entrepreneurial skillset and network. Booth's entrepreneurship concentration in the curriculum is also the most popular concentration acquired among E/W students. There is also an E/W ETA club for any students interested in that space. After this session, you are welcome to email me at patrick.mchale@chicagobooth.edu and I am happy to connect you with some students and alumni who share a similar background/interest.
Chat Participant: Booth is known to have a diverse class to promote holistic development. I looked at the 2020 class profile. I was interested to know if the splits in terms of industry/ major have changed over time? Have high growth industries seen an increasing share (For example: Technology)?
Kara Northcutt | Senior Director, Employer Engagement and Admissions: Generally speaking, they have remain fairly stable (consulting, financial services, etc.), but we have seen recent increases in healthcare and tech. Product Management for example is an area we see increasing interest for post-MBA careers, and more companies in these industries seem to be seeking MBAs.
Chat Participant: Is a Part Time MBA applicable for someone who's looking to change career paths?
Kara Northcutt | Senior Director, Employer Engagement and Admissions: Many Evening/Weekend (EW) students make career changes during or post MBA. However, if you are seeking a significant change (say product manager to investment banker), you would be better served in a full-time MBA program. You can view EW career data here (we await the more recent report, but I assure you the data changes very little year over year): https://www.chicagobooth.edu/mba/part-time/career-impact
Chat Participant: What are your current and future plans for extracurricular social events? Are those currently live and do you plan for them to be live?
Kara Northcutt | Senior Director, Employer Engagement and Admissions: Most student activities have been in-person this summer, and that is the plan for the fall. Having said that, we had many positive experiences with virtual events (ie greater accessibly to more people, ability to bring in guest speakers from all over), so I expect some virtual engagements will continue.
General MBA Questions:
Chat Participant: How do people outside of the more traditional industries such as finance and consulting find the Booth MBA experience?
Patrick McHale | Associate Director of Admissions: We see many students enter the program and find success coming from a perhaps more technical, non-profit, or non-business background. Booth offers a number of courses to satisfy the goals of students in these populations as well as extracurricular opportunities. If you are interested, I would be happy to connect you with a few students and alumni who share a similar background as you. Feel free to send me an email at patrick.mchale@chicagobooth.edu.
Chat Participant: Hello! For the weekend MBA program, is each weekend session mandatory in-person or is there flexibility for those that may be traveling from out of town?
Kara Northcutt | Senior Director, Employer Engagement and Admissions: Due to the ongoing pandemic, we will offer a limited number of remote and dual modality courses for Autumn 2021 quarter. However, our plan is to return to fully in-person learning as soon as we can this academic year. It is best to plan to be in Chicago each weekend for classes during the quarter. Having said all of that, we are in the process of analyzing some long-term virtual options for the Evening and Weekend MBA Programs. More to come on that in the new couple of months!
Generally speaking, no. If you need to miss a class, you should connect with your faculty and classmates for notes, etc. If you are taking a dual modality course (which we are temporarily offering a limited number of), yes, you can be virtual when needed.
Chat Participant: For veterans using CH 31 benefits, who is your VSO or primary point of contact?
Stephanie Gunn | Director of Admissions: JoAnn Creviston - jcreviston@uchicago.edu. She works in enrollment services at the University Registrar, with a focus on Veteran Services. If you've not done so already, I encourage you to check out the resources available through the Office for Military-Affiliated Communities (OMAC) here: https://veterans.uchicago.edu/about
Chat Participant: Is there a program geared towards military members
Patrick McHale | Associate Director of Admissions: Yes! Chicago Booth is a proud participant of the Yellow Ribbon financial assistance program for military veterans. The Evening MBA and Weekend MBA programs also have an Armed Forces Group for students to connect with one another from various military branches/experiences.
Chat Participant: Hello, thank you for taking the time to answer questions. What differentiates Booth from other top tier MBAs?
Kara Northcutt | Senior Director, Employer Engagement and Admissions: Flexibility! The Booth MBA allows you to customize your academic and extracurricular experience to best fit your personal and professional goals. You have up to 5 years to complete the degree, so you can manage the pace as you see fit. Also, we do not have a core curriculum, meaning that you are able to select courses most relevant to your educational and professional background. You will take classes under certain foundation and function areas, but there is flexibility within such. See this link to learn more: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/mba/academics
Chat Participant: Can I ask questions around E-MBA As well?
Stephanie Gunn | Director of Admissions: This chat focuses on the Evening MBA and Weekend MBA Program. The EMBA Program is a lock step co-horted program that is completed in 21 months so the format is different than that of Evening and Weekend. It is also designed for those with significantly more work experience. It really comes down to choosing the program format and structure that is right for you and engaging with both. I encourage you to learn more about our Executive MBA Program by attending events that they have as well so you can learn about the differences.
Chat Participant: Hi team, I'm located in Rochester, NY. I'm planning for Weekends MBA. Can you refer someone (maybe current student or alum) who did travel from Rochester or Upstate New York (North East area) and share experience or any learning opportunities from travel/logistics perspective?
Patrick McHale | Associate Director of Admissions: I would be happy to help connect you with students and alumni who share a similar experience. After this session, you can send me an email at patrick.mchale@chicagobooth.edu and we can discuss this further.