Live Chat with Executive MBA Admissions
Are you planning to start your MBA in the 2012 academic year? Join us for a chat with the admissions directors from the Executive MBA Program at Chicago Booth. The chat will cover the admissions process, tips for application, and other admissions-related questions.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011 - 12:00 PM CDT
Moderator: Thanks for joining us! This chat is scheduled to run for 1 hour. We'll begin the chat promptly in 10 minutes. If you have any questions, please go ahead and ask them now!
Moderator: Thanks for joining us! This chat has now begun. This chat is scheduled to run for 1 hour. If you have any questions, please go ahead and ask them now!
Patricia: Good afternoon, and welcome! I am Patricia Coffey, Associate Director of Admissions. Thanks for joining us.
Toby: Hello everyone and welcome. My name is Toby Cortelyou - I am the Associate Director of Admissions and Marketing. We look forward to answering your questions today.
GB: Hi, is this free flow conversation or there is some sort of presentation that will be made?
Toby: Hi GB. This will be free flow. There is no presentation. Any questions you have regarding the Executive MBA Program are welcome.
GB: Will I get to see other's question or this is just a one-on-one conversation?
Toby: You will see all questions that are asked.
Patty: Hi, Everyone. I am Patty Keegan, associate dean. I look forward to answering your questions.
kbrennan: how much weight does the GMAT score have on admissions decision? I am taking Manhattan prep course now but scores vary each time I take sample test.
Patricia: Thank you for your question. There is no particular score we look at in the Executive MBA Program. The GMAT is an indication that you are prepared to handle the quantitative and analytic rigor of the program.
VDS: what is the typical candidate profile that you seek for the class (# years of work experience, job title, people management experience)
Patricia: Thank you VDS. The typical candidate for the executive program has significant work experience (average 13+ senior management). Those who show evidence of strong logical career progression, career advance potential, and potential contribution to your class.
VDS: What differentiates Chicago EMBA from other top schools offering EMBA programs?
Patty: Hi, VDS. One of the biggest differentiators is our model of one program on 3 campuses. We have Booth students from 40+ countries attending classes in Chicago, London and Singapore. All classes are taught by Booth faculty and students spend 25% of their programs in classrooms with their global colleagues. In addition, our program allows for concentrations in finance, entrepreneurship, marketing or strategy - based on student interest. Of course, I could go on and on about other features of our program, but t
jac one question concerning financing. When the admission is successful how difficult is achieving a scholarship or a loan?
Toby: Hi jac. There are no scholarships or fellowships available in the Executive MBA Program. Any financial aid would come in the form of student or private loans. You will fill out what is called a FAFSA form which will eventually lead to our financial aid office telling you how much you can borrow for the program. Any more detail than that is beyond our expertise and I would encourage you to contact the financial aid office at financial.aid@ChicagoBooth.edu
GB: what percent of students are from cities other than Chicago area?
Patricia: Thank you for your question GB. The percentage of students traveling outside of Chicago can range from 30-45%. We have students come as far as Peru, Argentina, and Canada.
GB: Will you accept a score that is more than 5 years old, ie, I had taken GMAT in 2002, will that score be considered valid for the purposes of application?
Patricia: Hi GB -- We only accept scores 5 years or less.
jac which is a average age in the program? and experience time in years?
Toby: Average age hovers around 37 and average years of work experience is around 13 years. Please keep in mind these are averages. Last year students in the program ranged in age from 28-58.
GB: Is GMAT waiver granted?
Patricia: Hi again GB! GMAT Waiver may be considered for a candidate whose work experience and training indicate a high level of quantitative and analytical skill and an ability to apply those skills to a rigorous and analytical Executive Program.
jac thank you. The FAFSA is also for non-US residents?
Toby: no. We currently have no financial aid available for international students. You may be eligible for a loan with a US co-signer but again any more detail you should contact the financial aid office.
VDS: What changes or additions have been made to the curriculum to teach lessons about the prolonged credit downturn, and how to navigate a department / business function / company through recessions?
Patty: Hi, VDS. This is a common question these days! Chicago Booth is a school that focuses on the importance of fundamentals and enduring education. That means that the frameworks you learn in the program can be applied to your place of work today, 5 years from now and many years into the future. We do not, however, ignore current events. Our faculty incorporate discussion of current events into their course preparation. In addition, we bring in a number of speakers to discuss current events. These speakers may
GB: Does company sponsorship (financially) play a role in the decision making? If yes, how significant?
Toby: Hi GB. If your company is willing to sponsor you that is certainly a strong endorsement that you are highly valued within your organization and is considered when evaluating applications. That said we take a holistic approach to application evaluation and consider all pieces of the application when making admission decisions.
jac which is the mean ratio between applications and final accepted candidates?
Patty: We typically receive 2-3 applications for every seat available in the program. We are fortunate to have a very high yield. In other words, of those we offer admittance, 90% or more accept our offer and attend the program.
GB: I understand that EMBA students often network outside of the class? What does the school do to facilitate the networking of students that come from different cities? I live in Houston, TX and talking to some local EMBA programs such as Rice, they speak a lot of the local aspect and the opportunity to network with students away from school time as well
Toby: Networking with your classmates is vital to success in the program. We have many formal networking opportunities for you to get to know each other well such as creating study groups and rotating them regularly so you have a chance to study with different groups, we also have a number of social events throughout the program for not only you but your spouse/partner/family as well. Friday nights are particularly busy for students creating their own events such dinners and taking advantage of Chicago nightlif
David: Can you provide any guidance on the types of recommendation letters that should be submitted?
Patricia: Your immediate supervisor should provide one of your letters of recommendation. The other two should come from people who know you and your work very well. They should be able to speak on your ability for career advancement or potential.
GB: Unfortunately, the policy at my company does not provide any scholarship or sponsorship (certainly not upfront). They may provide some support (such as a reimbursement or bonus of some sort) on successful completion of a course, would that make me stand at a disadvantage than other candidates?
Toby: no - you are not at a disadvantage. Each applicant is so unique - you aren't really competing for spots in the program with other applicants. If we believe that you can manage the academic rigor of the program and will be able to add value to the experience of your classmates then we want you to be part of the cohort.
Moderator: We're halfway through the chat and we've had lots of great questions so far. Continue submitting those questions!
jac regarding TOEFL, do you have a minimum score for non-English native speakers?
Patricia: Hello Jac. Thank you for your question.
Patricia: A high level of English proficiency is required for the program. We will assess a candidate's English proficiency level from his/her completed application as well as during the in-person interview. Dependent upon these results, a candidate may be requested to take the TOEFL exam.
kbrennan: In the current economic climate...how does the EMBA committee view an applicant who is looking to change careers or is unemployed at time of application?
Toby: We are still going to try to measure you ability to handle the academics and your ability to add value to the experience of your classmates. We will also work to be clear that your reasons for earning and MBA from are are consistent with what we offer so it will be important for you to explain how you hope to leverage what you learn at Booth towards a new career path.
mgree Can you provide any advice on preparing for the interview? How does the interview fit into the overall application process?
Patty: Hi, mgree. We view the interview as an opportunity for you to ask questions about Booth's culture and your potential fit with us. Your interviewer is also looking to see if there is a good fit based on your career history and your future career plans.
jac for example, if I am abroad (Spain) how do you manage interviews?
Patty: If you are invited for an interview, we expect you to come to Chicago. This gives you an opportunity to see our campus and we can often schedule a classroom visit as well. It is also a signal of the commitment you have for attending our program.
GB: When can the waiver for GMAT be requested? Can that be precede the actual application?
Patricia: The GMAT waiver can be requested anytime during the application process. To be considered for a GMAT Waiver you must have completed the “Personal”, Academic Record” and “Work Experience” sections of the application as well as uploaded a resume in the “Resume” section of the application. Your GMAT waiver request will not be processed until all of these sections are complete. You may want to complete the waiver sooner rather then later in the event you need to submit a score.
Susan: How do the professors teach? So they mostly use cases or lecture or something else?
Toby: The faculty use many different teaching styles based both on their preference and the subject matter. You can expect a fairly equal split of case work, lecture as well as group and individual work spread throughout the program.
jac ok, when typically is the visit to Chicago (months range)?
Patricia: Hi Jac. If you're speaking of interviews, we typically host interviews in Chicago from December - April.
Susan: what kind of access to students have to the professors outside of the classroom? Can we email them with questions or is that discouraged?
Toby: The faculty are VERY accessible out side of the classroom. They welcome questions and will often share the answer with the rest of the class. Most also welcome invitations to lunch, dinner and drinks :) The faculty recognize that you are all leaders in your organizations and industries and have valuable insights that they can learn from as well.
jac do you have practical feedback from previous students on the impact in their following path careers?
Patty: jac - I am sharing some statistics from our most recent "Executive MBA Career Impact Survey" (3 years ago). We surveyed 5000 of our EMBA alumni from all 3 of our campuses. Here are some highlights:
Patty: 1. 94% rate the value of their investment in MBA education as excellent or good. The majority reporting excellent.
Patty: 2.Over 75% have achieved the career objective they set for themselves on entering the program.
Patty: 3.57% have attained a C-level or SVP level
Patty: 4.3 out 5 reported that career progression over this period was better than expectations prior to program.
Patty: 5.82% promoted within 2 years of graduation
Patty: We can also put you in touch with some alumni who can speak to their return on investment.
GB: Is there any EMBA road shows in Houston, there is nothing online that I saw? The events mainly seemed concentrated in the North or West side...
Toby: We will be coming to Houston on Monday, January 9th. Registration for late winter/spring events is not available yet. We try to come to the warm states in the winter :)
Moderator: The chat will be closing in 10 minutes. Please submit your final questions.
Patty: My last answer came through a little strange so just to clarify 57% of those answering the survey have attained a C-level or SVP level. 3 out 5 reported that career progression over this period was better than expectations prior to program. 82% were promoted within 2 years of graduation
VDS: how many hours per week do students spend studying outside of classroom?
Patricia: Hi VDS - The amount of time spent outside of class various per student. Most is dependent of their knowledge of the subject matter. If a student is an accountant or CPA, they may spend less time on that subject versus other subjects.
VDS: I am a re-applicant. Could you provide some tips on the re-application?
Patty: The question we ask of re-applicants allows us to see what has changed from your last application and elaborate on your ongoing interest in Chicago Booth. We also ask for one new letter of recommendation. This one letter is best coming from your boss. Ask him/her to talk about your future potential within the organization and what their plans are for you. This is a great way to illustrate your company's support of you and your education.
GB: Patty said about connecting with an alumni in her response to question from jac...can you put me in contact with a current student from Houston?
Toby: Hi GB - we can certainly connect you with an alumni or current student from Houston. Please contact us via email at XP@ChicagoBooth.edu
jac Reading the viewbook, it says there is sharing time in the 3 locations. Could you tell us something on this too?
Toby: We bring in 90 students to each of our campuses in Chicago, London and Singapore. During the program you will spend 4 residential weeks with the students from the other campuses so almost 25% of your class time will be spend with students from all over the world. Students who "home" campus is Chicago will spend 2 residential weeks in Chicago and 1 in London and 1 in Singapore.
GB: How would you rate the program for folks that aspire for general management (with some emphasis on Strategy)?
Patty: GB - The core curriculum is a general management curriculum. It is precisely designed for aspiring general managers or for those who have recently entered the general management ranks. There are 2 specific strategy courses in the core curriculum with the option of taking additional courses as electives and/or to earn a concentration in strategy.
Susan: will we be able to view the answers from the chat after we are done here?
Toby: Yes the chat transcript will be available at http://www.chicagobooth.edu/execmba/chat/archive.aspx by the end of the week.
Moderator: The chat will be closing in 5 minutes. We will answer as many remaining questions as possible.
jac should i use same address too?
Toby: yes jac - that is fine.
Patricia: Thank you for joining us this afternoon. We hope that you received valuable information to help make an informed decision on which MBA program to choose. Feel free to reach out to us via email additional questions at XP@ChicagoBooth.edu
Toby: Thank you everyone for your great questions today. Be sure to visit us on Facebook, Linked In, Twitter and YouTube. And of course don't let any of our online events replace a visit to campus - come sit in a class and meet face to face with the faculty and students if it's at all possible.
Patty: Thank you for joining us today. Please plan on attending one of our road shows, information sessions or webinars in the future!
Moderator: The chat has now ended. The transcript for this live chat will be available online within 48 hours, at www.chicagobooth.edu/execmba/chat/archive.aspx