Executive MBA

Asia

Live Chat with Executive MBA Admissions

Questions about your essays, recommendation letters or the GMAT? Get answers to these questions and more from our Associate Dean and Admission Directors.

Wednesday, February 29, 2012 - 09:36:33 am PST

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Moderator -> EveryoneThe Executive MBA chat will begin in approximately 25 minutes. You may send your questions ahead of time if you wish, and our panelists will start answering them after the chat begins. Thank you.
Moderator -> EveryoneThe Executive MBA chat will begin in approximately 8 minutes. We are looking forward to seeing your questions about the application process, and any other questions you might have about the program.
Patricia -> EveryoneWelcome! Thanks for joining us. I'm Patricia Coffey, associate director of Admissions. I look forward to answer your many questions.
Patty -> EveryoneHello, everyone. Thanks for joining us today. I look forward to answering your questions about our executive MBA program application.
Alexis -> Patricia If I request a GMAT waiver, how long will it take the admissions committee to give a decision?
Patricia -> AlexisHi Alexis-- thank you for your question. If you submit your GMAT waiver on a Monday, you'll get a decision back by that Friday. Hope this helps.
Alexis -> Patricia What is the recommended line spacing for the essays, single, 1.5 or double?
Patricia -> AlexisAlexis- the essay spacing should be single line or 1.5. Your preference.
Sharad-> Patricia Are the faculty the same on all the campuses ? Does an applicant has to specifically apply to one campus ?
Patricia -> SharadHi Sharad -- yes, it's the same faculty teaching on all three campuses. Each campus has their own admissions office. You would need to apply at the campus of your choice.
Sanket-> Patty Hello Sir/Ma'am, I have close to 7 yrs of experience in the IT services and IT consulting industry. I am working here at the US on an assignment for my employer for the last 22 months. As an international candidate, my primary concern is financing an MBA at the US, due to obvious lack of credit/owning property/guarantor etc. Also, I would like to know if I am eligible for some sort of scholarships/grants through the prgm. I have already taken the GMAT with a composite score of 720. Would you encourage me to apply if so, could you please also let me know if there are current students who have to travel to take the prgm ( I am currently located at Los Angeles) ?
Patty -> SanketHi, Sanket. You have many questions! Let me start with your financing questions. We do not offer scholarships for our executive MBA program. We offer loans for U.S. citizens or for those who have U.S. citizen co-signers. In answer to your question about commuting -- 50% of our class in Chicago consists of commuting students from cities including the LA area.
Tim -> Patricia I have 20 years of experience and I am interested in applying for the 2012 school year. I have not take the GMAT. What is entailed in opting out of the GMAT test?
Patricia -> TimHi Tim - Great question. You can apply for a GMAT waiver. If you have the analytical and quantative skills to be successfull in a rigourous MBA program like Chicago Booth, you can state that in your waiver. I can provide additional information for you off line. Simply contact us at XP@ChicagoBooth.edu
Chris_NYC -> Patty Regarding essay 2, can you elaborate on what you are looking for beyond how the specific course work will help with my career objectives and the strategy towards achieving those objectives?
Patty -> Chris_NYCHi, Chris. Our second essay is designed to find out more about your career plans and how the MBA program will help with those plans. There are no hidden agendas in the question -- just a straightforward assessment of how your expectations fit with our MBA program.
Paul_Owens -> Patty If you have four recommenders that you would like to use, can you do so or are we limited to three?
Patty -> Paul_OwensHi, Paul. You can certainly include a fourth recommender - no problem.
Sharad -> Patricia what are the conditions based on which one can request GMAT waiver ? What % of students get GMAT waivers ?
Patricia -> SharadSharad, thank you for your question. Very senior level managers, usually with twelve or more years of management experience may be granted an exemption from the GMAT requirement. Examples might include CEOs, Managing Directors, CFOs, and Division Heads etc. A waiver may also 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 MBA Program. We do not give out numbers of students who receive waivers.
Mike -> Patty If you are a business owner, what do you suggest we do for the recommendation from employer?
Patty -> MikeHi, Mike. For candidates who own their own businesses, we ask that you provide a statement to that effect. We will not then expect to see a recommender from a boss.
Sharad -> Patty How successful is the enterpreneurship class - do you have the number of students from exec MBA program who started their ventures within 2 years of passing/completing the exec MBA program ?
Patty -> SharadHi, Sharad. There are a number of different opportunities to develop business ideas while you are in the program. One is through the entrepreneurial strategy course. Another is through participation in the Global New Venture Challenge competition. We have several alumni who have started ventures while in or after the program, but our students are not all aspiring to be entrepreneurs. Rather, we teach the concepts associated with entrepreneurial ventures and students can apply those to their own personal situations -- whether that is starting their own business or continuing with a current employer.
Mike -> Patricia What are some of the core things you are looking for in our essay?
Patricia -> MikeMike - Essays are very personal. No two essays are the same. I tell candidates that understanding yourself is a critical part of the application process. Take a moment to do a self-assessment. Once you have a good sense of self you can identify what the MBA means to you personally and professionally and how it will help move you forward to the next phase in your career. This is your time to share with us your personal story. Everyone's story is unique to their personal and professional experiences. It's up to you to articulate where the MBA makes since in regards to your personal story. I hope this help. I'm always avalable to speak with you more indepth offline.
Tatiana -> Patricia Hello! Is it possible to get an examption, for example accounting, as I have CPA?
Patricia -> TatianaTatiana: We do not offer an exemptions for prior classes or certifications. The program is a co-hort with a pre-set curriculum. Hope this helps.
Ritwik -> Patty how frequently will students have to be in Chicago during the Exec MBA program?
Patty -> RitwikHi, Ritwick. The calendar for our next entering class -- XP-83 starting in June 2012 -- is posted on our website - http://www.chicagobooth.edu/execmba/docs/XP83-calendar.pdf
Shailesh -> Patricia Patricia, will I be at an disadvantage by applying for the last round?
Patricia -> ShaileshHi Shailesh - We typically get the majority of applications between Feb. 1 and April 2 deadlines. You still have time to submit an application if you're interested in the 2012 class.
yogesh -> Patty What is on campus interview all about ?
Patty -> yogeshHi, Yogesh. Our admissions interview provides more information for us as we determine if you are the right fit for Chicago Booth and our program. We have alumni conduct many of our interviews here at Gleacher Center. My staff and I also conduct admissions interviews. Be prepared to let us know why you are interested in our specific program and what you hope to contribute to your classmates.
Steph_K -> Patty If I get my application in during March, will I be eligible for the class that starts this fall?
Patty -> Steph_KHi, Steph. Our program begins one time per year in June. Yes - if your application is submitted in March, we can assess your candidacy for our June 2012 entering class.
Sharad -> Patricia Apart from the fees we pay, what other expenses should we prepare for to complete the course (assume local candidate to the campus).
Patricia -> SharadSharad: Tuition covers all course materials, hotel accommodations for the residential sessions, and some meals. Travel to London and Singapore and hotel accommodations in Chicago on regular class weekends are not included. If you live outside of IL, you would need expenses for your travel every other weekend, and lodging for the regular class weekends.
Chris_NYC -> Patty What is the average GMAT for the last EMBA class?
Patty -> Chris_NYCHi, Chris. We do not publish average GMAT scores for the executive MBA program. A good, strong GMAT score will generally be around 600.
Matt -> Patricia Hello. With 10 years of post undergrad work experience and a solid GMAT score (700) does a low undergraduate GPA (2.75) greatly hurt my admission chances?
Patricia -> MattMatt: Good question. We take a hoistic approach when reviewing applications. Not one application document outweighs the other.
Kristi -> Patricia Are there any interactions with the students from the other 2 campuses ?
Patricia -> KristiKristi - Yes there is interaction with students from London and Singapore at the very beginning of your program. We host all 280 students in Chicago in June, it's called "Kick off Week". In addition to your interaction during Kick off week, you're assigned an international study group that you can interact with through the entire year, until you meet them again the 2nd year of your program.
Harsha -> Patty What kind of focus does Booth Exec MBA program have on Mergers & Acquisitions. Apart from the general program coursework, can we take additional courses for specialization?
Patty -> HarshaHi, Harsha. Our executive MBA program is a general management program with a well-rounded, broad curriculum. The topic of M & A may be briefly touched upon in a finance course; however, it will not be a stand alone course. If you choose to concentrate in finance, you will likely be exposed to more M & A coverage. As an alumnus, you are able to return to Booth and take up to 3 tuition-free courses with seat availability. You may choose to take an M & A course at that time. In addition, we offer an M & A course in our non-degree executive education portfolio - http://www.chicagoexec.net/
Toby -> EveryoneHi Everyone. My name is Toby Cortelyou, I'm the Associate Director of Marketing and Admissions. I look forward to he answering any questions during the second half of the chat here!
Joy -> Patty Hi Patricia and Patty, I am interested to know how the weight is distributed among the following factors while considering Exec-MBA... 1. GMAT Score; 2. Work Experience; 3. Academic background 4. Any others.How does recommendation leverage (if so) these factors
Patty -> JoyHi, Joy. We do not place specific weights on application pieces. Rather, we look at a candidate's entire profile. Often, one area that could be construed as "weaker" -- such as a low GMAT score -- may be bolstered by a stellar academic background or leadership experience.
Tatyana -> Toby What is acceptance rate for the program?
Toby -> TatyanaHi Tatyana. We don't share acceptance rate numbers. The only thing the numbers would tell you is what you already know - we are a selective institution. You aren't competing against anyone for spots in the program, we encourage you to put your best foot forward, tell us your story and have confidence that we both your and our best interests in mind when making admission decisions.
Laurent_P. -> Patty Hi Patty/Patricia, is there a chance to get an "early" decision eg. before April or this should not be expected ? Thanks. Laurent.
Patty -> Laurent_P.Hello, Laurent. We do our best to make sure our candidates are given their decisions in as timely a manner as possible. If all application pieces have been submitted and the interview has been completed, we need at least 3-4 weeks to get through the reading process and render a final decision.
Sharad -> Patricia On the website - The "program format" says 2 classes per quarter, however there is mention that classes meet every other week. Which one is correct ?
Patricia -> SharadSharad: Contact us at XP@ChicagoBooth.edu for the actual program calendar. The class sessions are every other weekend (2 weekends per month). The morning class is 9:00am-12noon and the afternoon class is 1:30pm-4:30pm. This same schedule repeats on the Saturday session as well.
Sharad -> Patty Is the exec MBA faculty the same as the full time faculty ?
Patty -> SharadHello, Sharad. We use the same Booth faculty in all of our MBA programs - full-time, evening, weekend and executive MBA (including our executive MBA program in London and Singapore).
Rishi -> Toby What is the kind of class profile for the Exec MBA and does the program offers specialization
Toby -> RishiHi Rishi - the class profile looks like this: average age: 37 average years of work experience 13 percent of students from outside of chicagoland: 55% no more than 15% oft he classroom is taken by any particular job industry or function. We offer concentrations in Finance, Marketing, Entrepreneurship and Strategy.
Pooja_Bhatia -> Patricia What is the typical format of an admissions interview?
Patricia -> Pooja_BhatiaHi Pooja - Interviews are conducted by alumni of the program. A typical interview will be conducted in 45 minutes. The questions will be centered around "why are you pursuing an MBA at this time, why Chicago Booth, and specifically, why the Executive MBA program". They'll also ask question regarding group dymanics.
Raj -> Patty Is an eMBA viewed in the same way as a traditional MBA?
Patty -> RajRaj - the degree is an MBA degree. The program format is an executive format -- in other words, a part-time format designed for the working professional so he/ahe does not need to leave an employer.
Ash -> Patricia Hi, is GMAT an absolute requirement, I have a 15 year experience out of which almost 10 years is in managerial position , with a strong statistical / analytical background in my Job, can I talk to someone or interview to confirm this ?
Patricia -> AshHi Ash: The GMAT is a requirement of the program, however you can request a waiver based on your analytical and quant skills. Contact us offline at XP@ChicagoBooth.edu to discuss further.
kishore -> Toby What is the usual participation of teaching assistants in the over all process in E-MBA classes, do students have set online sessions with them during non-class weekends?
Toby -> kishoreHi Kishore. TA participation varies from class to class. Most TAs do have online sessions during the week that are recorded for you to view at your leisure. TAs are to be thought of as simply another resource for you to go to if you are struggling with the material. We also have a director of academic support who is another resource for you and will be with you throughout the duration of the program rather than one particular class.
Anil -> Patty Is campus interview a must ? During that time, can I schedule a class visit also ?
Patty -> AnilAnil - We invite applicants to interview and do not interview all applicants. If you are invited for an interview and it takes place during a class weekend, we can try to coordinate both the interview and the class visit.
Pooja_Bhatia -> Toby Does Booth offer any continuing education programs after graduation?
Toby -> Pooja_BhatiaHi Pooja. We offer a discount to our Executive Education offerings during the first year after you graduate and you are also able to come back to take 3 more Booth classes tuition free after you graduate.
Chris_NYC -> Patricia I have taken the GMAT twice and submitted the scores to you via the GMAT score reporting process, do I need to do anything to let you know they are there? (besides this question! ha!)
Patricia -> Chris_NYCHi Chris - Simply let us know that you have submitted a score. We can go on the official GMAT site and retrieve it.
Sharad -> Patty What chance does a person with speech disability (like stammering) have for the exec MBA program ?
Patty -> SharadSharad - this is a topic that is best discussed off-line, but we do not discriminate based on any type of disability.
Anil -> Patricia Is the class strength for Chicago campus limited to 90 ?Am I reading it right ?
Patricia -> AnilAnil: Yes, we have 90 seats avaialble for the class. It's very competitive so we ask candidates to apply as early as possible, if you're interested in Chicago Booth.
Mike_C. -> Toby does a low gmat and a low gpa from undergrad hinder me from even getting into the interview round? I know i would be a great candidate and can show that in my essays.
Toby -> Mike_C.Hi Mike. No one piece of the application outweighs another. We would hope that essays and recommendation letters make up for the less stellar parts of the application. More than anything we are interested in how you can add value to the experience of your classmates. You have many opportunities to show us that.
Pooja_Bhatia -> Toby Do students have an opportunity to partner with a professor for an independent study to meet your elective requirements?
Toby -> Pooja_BhatiaPooja - no. You are should take 2 of the electives offered to the rest of your classmates to fill that requirement.
Toby -> EveryoneThanks for all of the great questions. This chat session will be available within 48 hours in transcript format at: http://www.chicagobooth.edu/execmba/chat/archive.aspx
Ash -> Patricia Hi, whats the last day for submitting applications for fall this year, I haven't taken my GMAT yet, am I running late ?
Patricia -> AshHi Ash: we accept applications for summer quarter only. There is still time for you to complete an application, and submit a GMAT score to be considered for the June 2012 class. Our final application deadline is April 2. Although the deadline is April 2, we will stil be interviewing in April and admitting students up until May 15.
Rishi -> Toby Does the program requires a mandatory sponsorship from the Employer in term of time off.
Toby -> RishiHi Rishi - yes. We require a letter of company support for your time away from work.
Kristi -> Patty What sets this program apart from the others Executive MBA programs?
Patty -> KristiKristi - the most distinguishing feature/experience in our executive MBA program is our global exposure. We operate our own campuses in London and Singapore and require that our students from all 3 campuses take classes together during strategic points during the 21-month program. The students we draw from around the world are those in mid-upper level management from a variety of different industries and job functions. In essence, we provide our students with an academically enriched global network who participate in classes taught by world-class Chicago Booth faculty.
Alexis -> Patricia Regarding the GMAT waiver, The criteria above are not meant to be exhaustive and candidates who believe they are able to provide evidence of similar quality not listed are encouraged to speak to an admissions representative. If I am not a top executive do you recommend to speak to anyone of you or submit my waiver online only?
Patricia -> AlexisAlexis, feel free to contact us offline at XP@ChicagoBooth.edu to discuss further.
yogesh -> Toby What if we miss a class or two due to unforseen reasons? what is the best way to catch up those missed classes?
Toby -> yogeshHi Yogesh. Missing classes is not unheard of. You have a number of options to help you catch up but the onus is on you to take the initiative to do so. You will be part of a small study group, they are your first resource, then the TA, Director of Academic Support and Professor are all available to help you as well.
Alexis -> Toby The interview is granted after the application is completed or it is done before?
Toby -> AlexisAfter the application is completed.
Venky -> Patty Are career services open for EMBA students ?
Patty -> VenkyHi, Venky. We do provide career services for our executive MBA students. More details can be found here -- http://www.chicagobooth.edu/execmba/career/career-services.aspx
mariaguerrero -> Toby I am so interested to study at Chicago booth, i have couples of questions. I studied my bachelor in Venezuela, I will like to know which are the requisites for international student like me, if you have any specific company for international transcripts that you use, how long could take me to start studying with you at Chicago Booth.
Toby -> mariaguerreroHi Maria. There are no special requirements for international students other than your academic transcripts must be translated to English. We don't support any translation organizations more than any others. Once you are offered a spot in the program we can talk in more detail about Visa issues etc.
Sharad -> Patty Can we request class visit ? If so, how do we do that and what are the restrictions around it ?
Patty -> SharadSharad - here is information on requesting a class visit: http://www.chicagobooth.edu/execmba/campuslocations/chicago/visit.aspx
Chris_NYC -> Patricia Do you publish other information regarding the class? industry breakdown, location, age, etc?
Patricia -> Chris_NYCChris - you can find information regarding the class profile including industry, location, and age on our website at http://www.chicagobooth.edu/execmba/index.aspx
Chris_NYC -> Toby I would be commuting from NYC, what would my commute schedule be like? I tried to look at flight schedules but it seems like I would have to come in Thursday evening and leave Sunday morning.
Toby -> Chris_NYCHi Chris - Coming in Thursday night is probably ideal as class starts at 9:00am sharp Friday mornings. We do have shuttles to the airports after class on Saturday.
Sharad -> Toby Toby - you only require the letter okaying time off on friday or other financial sponsorship from the employer ?
Toby -> SharadThat's right Sharad - only a letter for time off is required.
Ritwik -> Patty I've been an airline pilot for the past 8 years, with an economics degree. I feel that my work experience may be non traditional for the an MBA acceptance. How do you feel my work experience will be weighted in my application?
Patty -> RitwikRitwik - we do not isolate nor weight aspects of the application. Rather, we evaluate a candidate's entire profile. Our program is also a cohort program which means that we look at the profile of the entire class to determine if a candidate will fit with the cohort. In other words, we do not make admission decisions in a vacuum, but have to pay particular attention to the industries, skill sets and backgrounds of the other candidates in the cohort.
Chris_NYC -> Toby do you offer the opportunity to specialize in more than one area?
Toby -> Chris_NYCNo. The curriculum is a general management curriculum designed for people who are leaders in their organizations and industries. To that end most Executive MBA programs don't offer any sort of flexibility in terms of classes you take. At Booth you are allowed to choose only one of the concentrations, Marketing, Strategy, Entrepreneurship or Finance.
Lata -> Patricia I am planning to apply for the GMAT waiver. My day to day job involves extensive quantitative skills. If I don't get the GMAT waiver, and I complete all my appln components, will I have to write the GMAT and get my results published before April 2nd for me to be considered for 2012 pgm.
Patricia -> LataHi Lata: If you are not granted a GMAT waiver, you still have time to take the GMAT and submit the score. We can take the score after the April 2 deadline, but not later than May 1.
yogesh -> Toby This is related to curriculum. Do you offer program similar to what TRIUM MBA offers where you can work on your idea from inception to launch?
Toby -> yogeshI'm not familiar enough with TRIUM but the last class you take at Booth is called Entrepreneurial Strategy where through a series of lectures and case studies you and a small team are given the task of inventing a company and building a business case. You then present the case at the end of the quarter to real life Booth alumni who also have VC experience and connections. Is this what you're talking about?
Rishi -> Toby Whats the process to avail loan for international candidates staying in US for more than 8 yrs and whoose permanent residency (Green card) is in process.
Toby -> RishiHi Rishi - You aren't eligible for any federal student loans until you have a citizen or permanent resident designation. Once admitted to the program you can have more detailed conversations with our financial aid office about private loans that may be available to you.
mariaguerrero -> Toby Toby I don't have visa because i was born in USA, but I studied the university in Venezuela. How long could it take me to begin the admission process, how long do i have to give you my Gmat waiver, Am i to late for Fall 2012?
Toby -> mariaguerreroMaria. Our next class starts in June 2012. The final application deadline is April 2 of this year. GMAT Waiver requests are determined weekly. The short answer is yes, you have time to apply for this year.
Joy -> PattyHi, for a person having 8-9 years of Experience (with a mix of Techno Managerial skill) and having Engineering background would you suggest applying for Executive or Regular MBA course? thanks
Patty -> JoyJoy - at Chicago Booth, we offer 4 different paths to earning your MBA. Each path or program corresponds to individuals at different points in their careers. In addition, your motivation for earning the MBA degree and what you plan to do with the knowledge and experience will also determine which program is right for you.Our executive MBA program is designed for individuals who are preparing to take on general management roles such as CEO, CFO, COO, SVP, etc. Our full-time program is designed for individuals in the early part of their careers who may have 3-5 years of work experience and come to business school to recalibrate and think about where their careers will be heading. Our part-time programs (Evening and Weekend) are designed for individuals who desire to become better functional managers and have, on average, 6-8 years of work experience.
kishore -> Toby With a new dean(just a year with the school) in place, are there any plans on changing the curriculum this year, particularly in e-MBA area
Toby -> kishoreKishore - no plans to change the curriculum. Dean Kumar has focused efforts on alumni development and researching opportunities to leverage our global footprint. I don't want to speak for him but I believe he is happy with the curriculum as it is.
Rishi -> Toby For international candidates, is there a criteria for the co-signer, does the co-signer need to be a US citizen.
Toby -> RishiRishi - we're past my expertise now. I would encourage you to contact the office of financial at at 773.702.3964.
mohit -> Patty how does the part time mba curriculum differ from ful time??
Patty -> mohitMohit - Our full-time, evening and weekend programs offer the same flexible curriculum. In other words, students have few required courses and custom design their own programs based on their personal situations. Our executive MBA is a general management program which is cohort-based and lock step. This means you take the same courses with the same group of people throughout the 21 months. For more information on our programs, please visit our web site -- http://www.chicagobooth.edu/
Moderator -> EveryoneOur chat will be ending in about 5 minutes. Please submit any final questions and we will try to respond before our time is
mariaguerrero -> Toby Do you have an email address that i could reach you later?, and until what date i could submit the GMAT for Fall 2012?
Toby -> mariaguerreroMaria - you can contact me at toby.cortelyou@chicagobooth.edu. We will accept application materials until April 2nd.
Chris_NYC -> Patty Chicago has a reputation as a quantitative based MBA program however your curriculum description stresses general management with a strategy & leadership focus. Can you elaborate on this?
Patty -> Chris_NYCChris - Our MBA programs are based on developing analytical and critical thinking skills. Our executive MBA curriculum is well rounded and focuses on general management. General management means that you are exposed to all aspects of business management - marketing, finance, organizational behavior, leadership , etc. If you look at the courses which are part of the executive MBA program, you will see this illustrated -- http://www.chicagobooth.edu/execmba/academics/curriculum/index.aspx
Sharad -> Patricia Can we request class visit ? If so, how do we do that and what are the restrictions around it ?
Patricia -> SharadSharad - yes, you can request a class visit by going to the website and completing all the required information. After you submit your request, someone will contact you with confirmation and information regarding logistics. We typically ask you to sign up for one class, either in the morning or afternoon. Here is the link: . http://www.chicagobooth.edu/execmba/campuslocations/chicago/visit.aspx
Rishi -> Patty what kind of career service facilities is available for Exec Program.
Patty -> RishiRishi - here is more information regarding career services for the executive MBA program: http://www.chicagobooth.edu/execmba/career/career-services.aspx
Rishi -> Toby Any advice on the recommendation letters .?
Toby -> RishiI recommend a conversation with the people you choose. Talk to them about your reasons for applying, ask if they have any advice on how to leverage your strengths. Choose people who KNOW you not just people with a fancy title.
Patty -> EveryoneGreat session - thank you for joining us!
Patricia -> EveryoneThank you for joining us. We are avaialble to answer most of your questions offiline at XP@ChicagoBooth.edu.
Toby -> EveryoneThanks everyone for your questions today! Don't forget to join us on Facebook, Twitter and Linked In at Considering Booth
Moderator -> EveryoneThe chat is now ending. Please see the chat transcript at http://www.chicagobooth.edu/execmba/chat/archive.aspx in 48 hours. Thanks for your interest and participation.