You have questions - we have answers. Executive MBA Directors will be on hand to address anything you want to know about the program. Do you have questions about the application, curriculum, student life, or international travel? Come spend an hour with us as we answer these questions and more during this highly interactive chat.
| From -> To | Message |
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| Moderator -> Everyone | Hello everyone! Thank you for joining us today. Our chat will begin promptly at 12:00 p.m. CDT. Feel free to begin submitting your questions now so we can start providing answers at noon. |
| Moderator -> Everyone | Hello everyone. Welcome to our live chat! Thank you for joining us today. We are eager to answer all your questions, so please submit them now. |
| Patricia -> Everyone | Hello Everyone - Thanks for joining us on the chat. I hope to answer many of your questions today. |
| Toby -> Everyone | Hi Everyone - I look forward to our conversation today! |
| Melissa -> Everyone | Thank you for joining us today! I am looking forward to answering any questions you may have. |
| Shaina_Walter -> Toby | Will students have any input into or be able to express a preference for which international section they'll be in? |
| Toby -> Shaina_Walter | Hi Shaina - thank you for your question. Yes. Once you have accepted our offer of admission you will be assigned an international section so be sure to let us know as soon as possible which section you prefer. |
| Sherry -> Patricia | If I didn't get good grades in my undergraduate course but have been doing reasonably well in my career, will it have any bearing on my application? I'll be bewildered if my grades from more than ten years ago have a significant impact on my application. Thanks! |
| Patricia -> Sherry | Hi Sherry -- good question. We look at all the pieces of the application to ensure students have the ability to manage the academic rigors of the program. So although you may not have done well in your undergrad program, it's what you've done between that time and now that's important. What's also important is, what value can you bring to the program based on your experience? |
| Stan -> Toby | Here are a couple of questions: 1) Please explain the "Becker / Fogel / Miller" sections 2) To what extent is technology used in the classroom? |
| Toby -> Stan | Hi Stan. Gary Becker, Bob Fogel and Merton Miller are 3 of our Nobel Prize winning Business School faculty. Each of our 3 campuses (North America, Europe and Asia) are divided in to thirds and placed into one of these three sections (Becker, Fogel, Miller). This section determines when you will be traveling to London and Hong Kong.
Technology is used at varying levels by different faculty members. Some courses lend themselves to the use of technology more than others. In general we are equipped to serve just about any technology needs a professor or student might have. |
| Ryan_Elmer -> Patricia | What are plausible reasons you would consider waiving the GMAT? |
| Patricia -> Ryan_Elmer | Hi Ryan - Senior level managers, usually with twelve or more years of management experience may be granted an exemption from the GMAT/GRE 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 demonstrate a high level of business acumen, quantitative and analytical skill and an ability to apply those skills to a rigorous and analytical program of business studies. This information can be found in the online application. |
| Krishna -> Melissa | Hi, I need more help to identofy if I am eligible for executive MBA |
| Melissa -> Krishna | Krishna, thank you for your question. We'd be pleased to help you determine whether the Chicago Booth Executive MBA is the right fit for you. The Executive MBA program offers the opportunity for you to submit your CV for review by someone on our admissions team. |
| hvo -> Toby | Regarding the recommendation letters, I have only had two bosses, My father and me. My father, since we own and operate one of Mexicos cable companies, an me since in 2010 I was elected mayor of my home town, 4th largest city in Zapopan. The question is, who from should I get my recommendation letter from a supervisor? |
| Toby -> hvo | Hi hvo - this is a common question - thank you for bringing it up. If your father is your direct supervisor we will still want a letter from him. Once you tell us WHO you want to send us recommendations we reach out to them and give them a handful of very specific areas to focus on. This way a person doesn't have to come up with a letter from scratch and we are sure to have the areas of interest addressed in the recommendations we receive. |
| cn -> Toby | All, I have a question with regard to the GMAT. Not sure if its requireed for admission. I took the test over 10 years ago. Grades wre good in undergrad. I have an undergrad in business and am a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) holder. May I obtain a waiver on the GMAT? |
| Toby -> cn | Hi cn - Patricia outlines the GMAT Waiver criteria in one of her answers above. The process is to start an application to the program - then in the "GMAT Scores" section of the application you will see a space to apply for the waiver. Waiver decisions are made every few days so you will have a response quick quickly. |
| mahesh -> Patricia | hi Melissa, Toby and Patricia -- how are you all doing? I submitted my application Mon night. When can I expect to hear about scheduling my interview? |
| Patricia -> mahesh | Hi Mahesh - we're glad you submitted your application. It typically takes a few days for us to review and extend an interview invitation. Please contact me offline for additional information. patricia.coffey@chicagobooth.edu |
| Abhishek -> Melissa | Hi Toby, Patricia, Melissa and good afternoon. I apprecciate the oppurtunity here to ask some questions. The question I have is this - is the waiver for GMAT assessed at the time the application as a whole is submitted ? |
| Melissa -> Abhishek | Abhishek, you can submit the request for a GMAT waiver prior to submitting your entire application. To submit the request for GMAT waiver, please upload your resume and your transcripts as well as complete the first three sections of the application (personal, education, and professional information). |
| GBK -> Toby | Hi, I have 10+ years of work experience. Can I opt for regular MBA instead of Executive MBA. Is there any possibility of waiving of GMAT. Generally what is the score you expect in GMAT for admission. |
| Toby -> GBK | Hi GBK - There is no age limit or restriction when applying to any of the 4 MBA programs at Booth. However, the GMAT is required without exception for the Evening, Weekend and Fulltime MBA Programs.
In terms of score we don't have a minimum score expected. We don't even report an average because of the waivers that we give out. We use the GMAT as one piece of the evaluation process so regardless of the score there is no guarantee of admission on denial. |
| Toby -> Everyone | hello hvo - we do not need to speak with your father. If he is submitting a recommendation on your behalf it will all happen online. |
| SG -> Patricia | What can I expect in the other students? (Background, etc) |
| Patricia -> SG | SG: You can expect students from very diverse backgrounds. The diversity includes, job function and industry. You could potentially be in classroom with students from consulting, healthcare, construction, law, non-profit, as well as entertainment/leisure. |
| Julia -> Toby | Can a GMAT score be submitted after April 1? |
| Toby -> Julia | Hi Julia - Yes! Please let us know when we can expect the score though. The sooner the better obviously. |
| hvo -> Melissa | To whom should I send the GMAT waiver petition? |
| Melissa -> hvo | hvo, as I mentioned previously, you will work through the application to complete the GMAT waiver request. Once you submit the request for GMAT waiver, it is automatically submitted to our review team through the application system. |
| Shaina_Walter -> Patricia | I saw in the transcript of the last chat that many students stay at the Sheraton or Club Quarters for the Chicago weekends. Are there negotiated rates at those or other hotels? |
| Patricia -> Shaina_Walter | Hi Shaina - Yes, students stay at the Sheraton or Club Quarters during the regular class weekends. There is an optional hotel program offered to students every quarter. You can sign up, pay in advance and your space will be there for you every other weekend. For additional information, please contact us at xp@chicagobooth.edu |
| Adam_L -> Toby | I used to live in Chicago and have visited the campus, but I don't feel this fully represents the "student experience" at U of C. Now I live in New York which limits my ability to come to the University for a campus visit. Can you suggest a good alternative for for getting a representative feel for the "student experience" at U of C? |
| Toby -> Adam_L | Hi Adam - there is no substitute for visiting campus and attending a class. There are a number of alumni events and speaker series events in New York each year. Send us an email offline and we can be sure you are made aware of anything upcoming. Specifically regarding the Executive MBA program I'm in the process of planning a faculty talk in July of this year as well. |
| Sherrie -> Melissa | If I'm looking to start my EMBA in 2015.. when do you thikn I should kickstart my application process? |
| Melissa -> Sherrie | Sherrie, the application for the June 2015 start will be available by May 1 so you can definitely start working on your application at that time. |
| jinishans -> Patricia | Hi, this is Sankar. just want to check on the LETTER OF COMPANY SUPPORT. Is that mandatory. |
| Patricia -> jinishans | Hi Jinishans: Yes, the Letter of support is mandatory. If you're admitted to the program, you're required to provide the letter. |
| Julia -> Toby | If not accepted into EMBA program, can the same reference letters be used when applying for a different MBA program or do you need to start from scratch? |
| Toby -> Julia | Hi Julia - sometimes. we decide on a case by case basis. In my experience most of the time we will ask for new letters of recommendations. |
| Moderator -> Everyone | We are almost half way through the chat and have had great questions so far. Please continue to submit your questions! We will try to answer all of them today. |
| SG -> Melissa | When is your final deadline and do I need to have all the requirements by then? I am concerned about the recommendation letter timing |
| Melissa -> SG | SG, great question! Our final application deadline for the June 2014 start is April 1. Occasionally, there are a few items that may need to be submitted after the deadline such as a letter of recommendation or an official GMAT score. This is fine as long as you have completed the bulk of the application and submitted it by April 1. Please let us know offline when to expect any missing items within your application. |
| hvo -> Toby | The same problem applies to the other recommendation letters, business partners or collegues? In my case, business partners could be, clients, or executives from other companies I do business with? And collegues? |
| Toby -> hvo | yes - we want to hear from people that can talk intelligently about you from a professional perspective. We get recommendations from clients, colleagues, etc all the time. |
| jinishans -> Patricia | If i'm not planning to get a sponsor from my Employer, why would this letter required from the employer. |
| Patricia -> jinishans | Jinishans: The sponsorship/support letter is for the time committment. All applicants must submit a letter of sponsorship/support. |
| SG -> Toby | the international portion of the program sounds very interesting. do we all travel to London and Hong Kong? is the faculty based in those cities? |
| Toby -> SG | The international portion of the program IS very interesting! Yes - you will travel to London and Hong Kong - both in the first quarter of the program. The faculty are all University of Chicago faculty. They travel from Chicago to London and Hong Kong to teach. |
| Mina -> Melissa | Good Day everyone, Can you me an idea of the weekly agenda for the EMBA program? Im looking to find out what the work life balance will be. |
| Melissa -> Mina | Mina, thank you for your question. First, I want to provide you a link to the actual 21 month calendar for the cohort that will start in June 2014. This provides a good overview of the schedule for class weeks / weekends.
When you are on campus for class weekends, the days are very full. You will have class from 9:00am - 12:00pm and 1:30pm - 4:30pm both Friday and Saturday. During those two days on campus, it is also likely that you may have a review session and / or a study group meeting. You will also have studying to do and assignments to complete between the classroom sessions. |
| Abhishek -> Patricia | Hi,is there any weight given to international work experience while evaluating an application for executive MBA |
| Patricia -> Abhishek | Hi Abhishek: We weigh the complete application. There is not one piece that out weighs the other. Your international experience can certainly add some value to an MBA program. |
| Sherrie -> Toby | If a person sends you his CV for you to feedback if he's suitable for the EMBA course.. and the reply is that he could be a competitive candidate for the programme.. what could possibly derail this person's application? |
| Toby -> Sherrie | Hi Sherrie - any number of things but at the end of the day we are looking for three things:
1.) Can you manage the academic rigor of the program
2.) Do your goals in earning an MBA match up with the experience we provide
3.) Can you add value to the experience of your classmates.
We obviously can't answer all of these questions using only the CV. So your essays, rec letters and interview help us fill in the blanks. |
| Julia -> Patricia | Whom and how should I notified about the date of my expected GMAT score. Is it done by e-mail or is there a place in the online system to indicate that? |
| Patricia -> Julia | Hi Julia: You can notify me by email with your expected date for the GMAT score. patricia.coffey@chicagobooth.edu |
| SG -> Toby | Is the degree from an Executive MBA any different from a full time or Evening or weekend MBA at Chicago Booth? |
| Toby -> SG | not at all. Everyone - regardless of program (Fulltime, Evening, Weekend, Executive) earns an MBA from the University of Chicago. There is no distinction on your diploma as to which program you were in. |
| Julia -> Melissa | What is the acceptance ratio for the EMBA program? |
| Melissa -> Julia | Julia, thank you for your question. We don't actually publish that information. As you would expect, it is a highly selective program. In addition, the admissions team works diligently to put together a diverse cohort with no one industry or functional area being overly represented. |
| Julia -> Patricia | How long will it take from April 1st to find out if you have been accepted or not. If a previously accepted student withdraws, can his space be filled by someone from the waiting list? |
| Patricia -> Julia | Julia: Decisions are turned around pretty quickly as we get closer to the program start date (June 14, 2014). You can expect a decision within 3-4 weeks, after your interview. There is a possiblity of filling a seat, however it depends of your job function. We want to make sure the classroom is represented with no more than 15% of any job function. |
| Taha -> Toby | What is your acceptance ratio and roughly how many seats are still open for the June 2014 program? |
| Toby -> Taha | Hi Taha - we don't share this information. Basically we are a highly competitive program. At the same time we work very hard on the admissions front to put together a very diverse (industry and job function) cohort of about 90 people.
We currently have plenty of space left for the 2014 start. That said if a qualified person applies this year and we are full we will offer them a seat in the 2015 class rather than deny their application outright. |
| Michael -> Patricia | What is the average age and work experience of your EMBA candidates? |
| Patricia -> Michael | Hi Michael - The average age is 37, and work experience is 13 years. Please note, these are average numbers. If you're not around 37 or have less than 13 years, it doesn't mean that you would not be a good fit for the program. |
| Julia -> Toby | You have been collecting application for this summer EMBA for a while now, how many open spots do you still have? |
| Toby -> Julia | Hi Julia - We still have plenty of spots for the June start. It is in a persons best interest to apply this year regardless though. If we do "fill up" and still have qualified applicants we will offer them a seat for the 2015 class. There is also the chance someone may ask to defer from starting in 2014 at which time we would ask you to join this year. |
| Ryan_Elmer -> Melissa | Do you have any specific elective courses focused on issues relating to "family business"? |
| Melissa -> Ryan_Elmer | Ryan, our curriculum is a lock step, general management curriculum. During the 21-month program, you will take 17 courses together with your colleagues in a pre-selected format. Each student then selects electives to complete their course of study. You can use your electives to specialize in one of six course tracks: capital markets, corporate finance, entrepreneurship, marketing, strategy, or leadership and management. So, while we have an relatively extensive list of elective offerings including study in the area of entrepreneurship, it is not likely we will have one class specifically focused on a family business. |
| Julia -> Toby | Where in the process do the interviews get scheduled? Does every applicant go through the interview? |
| Toby -> Julia | After we have received ALL of your application materials (including GMAT scores, transcripts and recommendation letters) we determine whether or not to invite you for an interview. No - not everyone gets an interview. |
| hvo -> Patricia | Are there electives that could be taking in Harris School for Public Policy? |
| Patricia -> hvo | Hi hvo: The elective courses that you chose during the program are taken at the business school (Chicago Booth). You can, however take elective classes in the Harris School of Public Policy through their MPP program. |
| Ryan_Elmer -> Melissa | Does the in person interview have to occur before April 1? Or as long as it is scheduled, will it still meet the deadline? |
| Melissa -> Ryan_Elmer | Ryan, great question! Your interview does not need to occur before the April 1 deadline. In fact, we expect to be conducting in person interviews throughout the month of April. |
| Ryan_Elmer -> Melissa | This was briefly touched on. Are sleep accomodations included in the tuition? |
| Melissa -> Ryan_Elmer | Ryan, your tuition includes lodging for the five residency weeks that are part of the 21 month program (three in Chicago, one in London and one in Hong Kong). Lodging for the remaining program weekends is not included in your tuition. However, our Student Services teams works with area hotels to negotiate rates for our students for the class weekends. |
| Toby -> Everyone | Remember everyone - there is still plenty of time to begin and submit your application before April 1st. It is in your best interest to apply this year!
Scenario 1: You start the program this June
Scenario 2: We are full for 2014 and we offer you a spot for 2015
Scenario 3: We deny your application for 2014 and then have time to talk with you about ways to improve for 2015.
Apply now! |
| Moderator -> Everyone | Our chat will be ending in 15 minutes. Please submit your final questions so we can answer all of them! |
| Sherrie -> Toby | Scenario 3: We deny your application for 2014 and then have time to talk with you about ways to improve for 2015 - who should we reach out to improve the application? |
| Toby -> Sherrie | any member of the admissions team. We don't start these meetings until after we have the 2014 cohort off and running but in July we are happy to meet with anyone interested in re-applying for 2015. |
| Sherrie -> Melissa | Who will conduct the interviews? |
| Melissa -> Sherrie | Sherrie, an alumni of the program or a member of our admissions team will conduct the interview. |
| SG -> Melissa | Would it be possible to get the contact information of an alum in my area who has gone through the program? I will be traveling to the campus and want to learn about the advantages/disadvantages. |
| Melissa -> SG | SG, we would be happy to connect you with an alumn of our program so you can learn more about the Chicago Booth Executive MBA program. You can contact one of us offline so we can gain more information from you in order to match you with an alum. Another great way to gain more information is to schedule a class visit. |
| Shaina_Walter -> Patricia | Do all interviews happen in Chicago or is there a possibility of having an interview closer to home (Boston)? |
| Patricia -> Shaina_Walter | Hi Shaina: Interviews are conducted in person, in Chicago. Since the program is in Chicago, it's important that candidates come in to meet the staff and a few alumni. We as admission staff want to understand your motiviation for pursuing your MBA. |
| Sherrie -> Toby | What should we expect in the interview and what would you be looking out for in an interview? |
| Toby -> Sherrie | Thanks Sherrie - the interview is an extension of the rest of the application. You will talk about why you want to be here and what you hope to contribute. You will also get a chance to ask any more questions you might have of the alum or staff member you meet with. |
| MRC -> Toby | How does Chicago Booth differentiate itself from other top business schools? |
| Toby -> MRC | Hi MRC - Well this could be a pretty long list. I would start with the people. I believe our faculty are the best around because of the combination of amazing accomplishments combined with an incredibly high level of student accessibility. The other "people" are the students of course. I'm impressed year after year by the quality of the people that join us. The professional accomplishments and the fact that they are just "good people".
Other than that I think few schools offer the international experience that we do, few schools offer the diversity of student body that we do and few schools offer as accomplished and geographically diverse alumni network that we do.
I hope this helps! |
| Sumanth -> Toby | I am working with my organizational on the financial aid, that is causing a delay in the process. If I cant make it before the deadline, what are the options I have ? |
| Toby -> Sumanth | Hi Sumath - apply anyway. We don't need you to have financial assistance to apply to the program. The admissions process take a while. Worst case scenario you don't get financial assistance and decide to turn down our offer of admission. Best case scenario you apply now and continue to work on the financial side with your employer and everything works out by June 2014. |
| Sherrie -> Patricia | If I'm applying from Asia, I reckon the interview would be in Hong Kong? |
| Patricia -> Sherrie | Hi Sherry: Yes, if you're applying to the Asia program, your interview will be in HK. We have, however interviewed candidates from Asia or Europe who may be in the US for business. So we make an exception in those cases. Please note, those are perhaps 1 or 2 per year. |
| Moderator -> Everyone | We have a few more questions to answer but did want to let you know that the chat transcript will be posted by March 22nd, on the following page. |
| SG -> Melissa | Thank you this has been very helpful. Do you encourage applicants to visit a class? I will be in Chicago for business and would like to know is there is a scheduled visit day |
| Melissa -> SG | SG, yes! We definitely encourage a class visit. Sitting in the classroom with a Chicago Booth professor and current students is a great way to learn more about the program and gain a better sense of the environment of our program. You can schedule a class visit through our website. |
| Sumanth -> Patricia | I have taken GRE in 1997/98 timeperiod |
| Patricia -> Sumanth | Hi Sumanth: We only accept GRE/GMAT scores within a 5 year window. You may have to retake the exam. Feel free to contact us offline for additional information. |
| chigete -> Toby | in terms of ranking what position Chicago got the last year |
| Toby -> chigete | Hi Chigete - it depends on what ranking you are looking at. We are going to be ranked in the top tier of MBA program globally regardless. Almost always in the top 10 and usually in the top 3.
A quick word about rankings - whenever you see rankings be sure to read about the methodology used to determine the rankings. there are many different forms and some may make more sense to you specifically than others. |
| Krishna -> Melissa | Hi..Since I am working professional, do I need to appear for GMAT for Executive MBA course? |
| Melissa -> Krishna | Krishna, the GMAT or GRE is required as part of the admissions process to our program. However, we do offer the opportunity to request a GMAT waiver. Very senior level managers, usually with twelve or more years of management experience may be granted an exemption from the GMAT/GRE 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. Examples might include: Treasurer or Chief Accounting Officer, or a CFA, or a candidate possessing another advanced degree or diploma in a quantitative field. 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. To be considered for a waiver, you must have completed the "personal," "academic record," and "work experience" sections of the application, and have uploaded a copy of your resume and transcripts. Your waiver request will not be processed until all of these sections are complete. Once these sections have been completed, please fill out the Waiver Request Form found in the application section "GMAT/GRE Scores." We will review your request and notify you of the decision on your waiver as soon as possible. |
| Sherrie -> Toby | What if there are many Booth alumni in my country.. would it be possible to schedule for an interview in my country (Singapore)? Cos' the programme will be moving out to HK next year.. and I'm looking to apply for next year's intake... |
| Toby -> Sherrie | Sherrie - I don't know the answer to that. Connect with my counterpart in Hong Kong Sherring Ng Sherring.Ng@chicagobooth.edu to find out what (if any) options you might have. |
| Manuel_Carrera -> Toby | I want to start the MBA program in June of 2015. Can I apply now?, how long could take the admission decision? |
| Toby -> Manuel_Carrera | Hi Manuel - the application for 2015 will be available online on May 1. The process generally takes 4-5 weeks. |
| Toby -> Everyone | THANK YOU!! Great questions everyone. If you have any follow up questions please send them to us at xp@chicagobooth.edu. Have a great day! |
| Moderator -> Everyone | Thank you for joining us today. The chat session has now ended. Please visit our blog at blogs.chicagobooth.edu/embaevolution to read about what is happening in our Executive MBA program |
| Patricia -> Everyone | Thank you for joining us. We hope that many of your questions were answered today. If you have additional questions or need more information, please feel free to reach out to us. patricia.coffey@chicagobooth.edu |
| Melissa -> Everyone | Thank you all for joining us today. There were many great questions! Please feel free to reach me at melissa.patterson@chicagobooth.edu if I can be of further assistance. Have a good day! |