Full-Time MBA Frequently Asked Questions

Please consult the application process page for more information about applying to Booth, including the application deadlines for the three rounds of admission. 

Complete the online application and submit all required materials. Please feel free to learn more about the application process on our website.

You may apply for an application fee waiver if you are…

• A University of Chicago Student

• Enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program (Non University of Chicago)

• A Summer Business Scholars Program Graduate

• Teach For America (Current Instructor or Alumnus)

• United States Military (Active or Veteran)

• A University of Chicago Employee

Chicago Booth does not grant fee waivers based on financial status or any other circumstance outside of the options listed above.

Complete a new application and submit all required materials. Please review our reapplicant guidelines for more information.

All Chicago Booth students in the Full-Time Program MBA are required to complete 21 courses 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 extremely flexible curriculum offers options for fulfilling any required foundation areas. You will not find yourself forced to repeat courses you have already taken. Learn more about our flexible curriculum.

We will send you email messages with important information on a variety of topics related to becoming a Booth student. You will receive printed materials in the mail, and you will also have access to the admitted student website, which will provide you with a detailed overview of what you need to do by the time of matriculation.

An application to Chicago Booth should be submitted for the year in which you intend to enroll. Deferrals are handled on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the associate dean of Admissions, and are rarely granted. This policy does not apply to students who are applying to Chicago Booth through a dual-degree program or the Chicago Booth Scholars Program.

Many applicants have advanced degrees. Chicago Booth's flexible curriculum allows you to build on your existing knowledge and choose more rigorous courses that provide the appropriate level of challenge, rather than repeating classes that you may have already taken. In evaluating candidates, we value individuals who show a strong desire for the Chicago Booth educational experience, so be sure to articulate how a full-time Chicago Booth MBA fits your needs.

You can check the status of your application on our online application system. Log in with the same username and password that you used to submit your application.

Your status can be checked via the online application system. We will notify you via email if anything is missing from your application. This includes, but may not be limited to, exam scores (TOEFL/IELTS/PTE, GMAT, or GRE), letters of recommendation, transcripts, self-reported transcripts, and the application fee. Should your application be incomplete, then materials will be marked as missing on your checklist. Any applications that are incomplete as of the application deadline will shift to the next round of admission. 

Learn more about the application process ».

We do not require a minimum number of years of work experience for consideration of admissions to the Full-Time MBA Program. We invite early-career candidates, as well as candidates with several years of work experience, to apply to Chicago Booth. We seek candidates who can demonstrate a strong record of success and a clear vision for their future. When referencing work experience, applicants should highlight skills developed, contributions they have made to organizations, and leadership roles. For more information, please view our class snapshot or our early career candidates page.

The Admissions Committee evaluates each application in a holistic manner, as we value the diverse experiences and accomplishments each student brings to the Chicago Booth community. Hence, we do not have a minimum requirement for GPA or GMAT/GRE scores. Please feel free to view our class snapshot.

1. You should add Chicago Booth to your list of schools having access to your GMAT scores through Pearson VUE and ACT, Inc. Our school code is H9X-9F-34.
2. Your GMAT or GRE score is just one of the criteria we evaluate. While we don't have a cut-off score for consideration, we do recommend that you try to make all areas of your application as strong as possible.
3. If your score is lower than you were hoping, taking the test again can be a way to strengthen your application. The admissions committee looks favorably on taking the GMAT/GRE more than once, although we do not recommend taking the test more than three times. The highest of your valid scores will be considered the official one.
4. We recommend preparing for the GMAT/GRE well before the test date so that you are not struggling to take the test, write your MBA application, and manage your day-to-day life all at once.
5. The GMAT score is valid if the test was taken less than five years before the date of the application deadline. The test date makes no difference in the assessment of an application, as long as it was within five years of your application date.

The GMAT score is valid if the test was taken less than five years before the date of the application, deadline. The test date makes no difference in the assessment of an application as long as it was within five years of your application date.

No. It is best to apply when all of your paperwork is in order, as we do not review incomplete applications. GMAT test scores are self-reported via the online application for the initial review of your materials. (Note: Self-reported scores are considered unofficial.) Your official scores are required if you are admitted to the MBA program. Chicago Booth can obtain copies of your official GMAT scores only if you have granted our school access.

You can check the status in the online application system. However, it may take a significant amount time for your application to be updated with the verified scores. If we are missing your scores prior to admission, the processing team will contact you directly.

A scanned, unofficial transcript is needed at the time you apply. We require a copy of both sides of your transcript to be attached to your application at the time of submission. An official transcript will be required only if you are admitted to the MBA program.

No. We ask that you refrain from sending any official transcripts until you have been admitted. If you send in an official copy before that time, we will not keep it, and you will need to resend an official copy upon admission.

You should list all institutions that you have attended in the academic background section of the application. If the transcript from the degree-granting institution does not include grades from the courses transferred, we do ask that you include transcripts for those courses.

No. We require official transcripts only upon admission.

You can upload unofficial transcripts in the online application system. Once you enter your educational institution in the "academic record" section, you will be prompted to upload your transcript.

You need to provide unofficial copies of your transcripts from the beginning of your studies up to the time you submit your application. If you receive an offer of admission, your offer would be contingent upon submitting your degree certificate and degree-granting official transcripts in time for orientation activities.

You can scan the document and send it to the admissions email address at admissions@ChicagoBooth.edu or mail your unofficial transcript to our office and we will add it to your file.

Our admissions committee will review your grades within the context that they were awarded. We are familiar with different grading systems around the world. Please do not attempt to convert your grades to the GPA system. We will accept your transcripts in the format that your university issues them. You can send your transcripts, as they are, via scanned .jpg or .pdf version. If these are not in English, please be sure that you provide an English translation.

We will accept official transcripts in English.

We require degree certificates from all universities attended outside of the United States.

We welcome visitors to participate in our Campus Visit Program that is available year-round. We generally ask that you register for a visit in advance. However, we understand that advance registration is not always possible, so we welcome walk-in visitors.

Campus visit program details
Maps and directions

Yes. While the Campus Visit Program runs throughout the entire year, it is not offered every day. During exam periods and breaks, we offer an abbreviated campus visit schedule that includes an information session and building tour led by an Admissions staff. We encourage you to view the campus visit calendar before planning your visit. For more information about visiting campus, please visit our Campus Visit Program page.

Should you participate in the Campus Visit Program, you will have the opportunity to connect with an Admissions director during the information session. Additionally, with the exception of certain exclusion dates, we have a director who is available on a walk-in basis.

We understand the concerns about using a current employer as a reference. Clients or other supervisors can be used as references if you are uncomfortable requesting one from your current employer. Your reference should know you and your work well enough to tell us about your abilities and address the areas indicated on the reference form. If you do not use a current employer, you should comment on the reasons for this in the optional essay.

All recommendations must be submitted in English. Your recommender should seek the help of a translator or use translation software. The translation cannot be done by you. If these options are not possible, you will need to select another recommender.

If you have submitted your application, there is no way to "un-waive" the rights of the recommendation letter. If you have not yet submitted your application, you can change your rights through the online application.

Email the office of admissions at admissions@ChicagoBooth.edu and our admissions coordinators will assist you with the change.

Email the office of admissions at admissions@ChicagoBooth.edu and our admissions coordinators will assist you with the change.

There is a 16 megabyte maximum for the file.

All international applicants are required to hold a college or university degree equivalent to a four-year American baccalaureate degree. In light of the Bologna Accord, Chicago Booth will also accept all three-year international degrees to fulfill the undergraduate prerequisite for application to Chicago Booth.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English (PTE) is required of international applicants whose native language is not English, or who did not earn an undergraduate degree or post-graduate degree from an institution in which English is the language of instruction.

The minimum TOEFL score required for admission depends on whether applicants take the internet-based (iBT) or paper exam. The TOEFL iBT minimum score is 104. The TOEFL paper test minimum score is 600. The minimum IELTS score is 7. The minimum PTE score is 70. Applicants who score below the minimums may still apply, but admission would be contingent upon meeting the minimum scores or other language requirements. While the University of Chicago has specific subscore minimum requirements for each test, Chicago Booth does not strictly enforce subscore minimums since a personal interview is part of our admissions process. Please visit the office of international affairs for more information.

TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE score reports are valid for two years, and scores will be considered expired if the test was taken more than two years prior to submission of the application.

An international applicant is exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS/PTE requirement if he/she has earned an undergraduate degree or post-graduate degree from an institution in which English is the language of instruction. An applicant is also eligible if he/she is a citizen or permanent resident of a country where English is an official language. Applicants should indicate the exemption in the application where appropriate.

Financial aid information is made available to students upon admission to the program via the admitted students website. You will not need to apply for loans until that time.

To attend University of Chicago or Chicago Booth classes, you may enroll in the Graduate Student at Large Program offered through the University of Chicago Graham School of Continuing Education.

Chicago Booth offers a joint MBA/MA degree in international relations or in area studies (choose from South Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, or the Middle East). To apply, candidates must use the online application and answer the additional question for joint-degree applicants.

Chicago Booth students are able to pursue joint professional degrees, where they earn a professional degree from one of the University of Chicago's other graduate schools, while enrolled at Chicago Booth. Options are:

• Harris Graduate School of Public Policy (MBA/MPP) 
• University of Chicago Law School (MBA/JD)
• Pritzker School of Medicine (MBA/MD)
• School of Social Service Administration (MBA/AM)

Applicants must obtain and submit applications separately to both Chicago Booth and to the other professional school, and will receive separate decisions from each school. Contact the appropriate school for application and admissions procedures.

The IMBA program at Chicago Booth is a flexible, yet specialized, degree designed to make you competitive at the global level. The IMBA supplements the strengths of the Full-Time, Evening or Weekend MBA program with coursework focusing on international business issues, proficiency in a regional language, and one academic term abroad through, our International Business Exchange Program (IBEP). Students are admitted to the Full-Time, Evening, or Weekend MBA program, and declare their intent to pursue an IMBA soon after matriculation. Although each IMBA student creates a unique global curriculum, as a group they share goals, skills, and interests that forge a unique esprit de corps and lasting relationships.

Chicago Booth does not offer a one-year MBA.

All of our programs offer the same degree, and courses are taught by the same world-class faculty. Our Evening and Weekend MBA programs feature the same flexible curriculum as the Full-Time MBA, yet allow students to earn their MBA without leaving their jobs for full-time study. Another part-time option is our Executive MBA program designed for managers with 10 years or more of professional experience. The Executive MBA features a fixed, cohort-based curriculum and international exchange sessions among the Chicago, London, and Singapore classes.

The Evening, Weekend, and Executive MBA North America programs are housed at Gleacher Center in downtown Chicago. These programs have their own admissions process and administrative offices.

Our PhD Program is research-oriented and primarily intended to prepare graduates for a career in academics, although some go on to work in the business sector. You should consider your career goals and compare program information carefully.

There is no one profile or path prior to application that guarantees admission - we value a diverse class and are looking for qualified candidates from many different backgrounds.

Yes. Chicago Booth is delighted to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program which is an additional enhancement of the Post 9-11 Veteran's Educational Assistance Act of 2008, which allows institutions of higher learning in the United States to enter into an agreement with the Veterans Administration (VA) to fund tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate. Yellow Ribbon awards are available to all veterans at Chicago Booth who qualify under the VA guidelines. Chicago Booth will offer $10,000 per year in Yellow Ribbon scholarship support and the VA will provide up to $10,000 in additional funding. The Yellow Ribbon awards are in addition to other VA programs. You can find the application through the University Registrar. For additional information, please contact Donna Swinford.

The Armed Forces Group at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business is a student-run organization open to both current and former members of the US and international armed services. Our membership includes students in the Full-Time MBA, Evening MBA, and Weekend MBA programs. One of the group’s goals is to assist prospective military candidates with the Booth application process. Contact the group directly to learn more.

A student who is admitted to Chicago Booth who is called to active duty prior to matriculation will be granted a deferral of her/his admission to the following year. Deferrals will be reviewed/extended on an annual basis.
Chicago Booth financial assistance also will be deferred to the following year and reviewed/extended on an annual basis.

Chicago Booth does not accept transfer credits from other institutions, nor does it grant credit for experiential learning or online courses. An evaluated educational plan will be provided after a student is admitted.

Information about readmission, taking a leave of absence, resuming studies, academic grievance policies, and add/drop requirements may be found in the Chicago Booth Student Handbook.