Part-Time MBA Admission Requirements

Applying to Chicago Booth’s Evening or Weekend MBA is more straightforward than you might think—and more flexible. Here’s what you need to know.

To be considered for admission to the Evening MBA Program or the Weekend MBA Program, you’ll need an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.

Undergraduate degrees earned outside of the US need to be equivalent to a 4-year US degree, and if you do not qualify for a test waiver, a test score from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), or Executive Assessment (EA) is required.

Applicants may qualify for a standardized test waiver. Learn more about our standardized test waiver. For those who do not qualify for the waiver, we accept the GMAT, GRE, or EA and have no test preference.

Booth evaluates every application holistically. For more information about our current Evening and Weekend MBA student body, see our Class Profile data.

Requirements at a Glance

Evening MBA requirements and Weekend MBA requirements are identical. Whichever program you choose, here’s what you’ll need to qualify:

An undergraduate degree from an accredited US college or university, or its equivalent in another country.
If you do not qualify for a test waiver, a valid test score from the GRE (or shortened GRE), GMAT (or GMAT Focus Edition), or EA. GMAT and GRE scores are valid for five years.
Proof of English proficiency via the TOEFL (or enhanced TOEFL iBT) or IELTS, if English is not your native language. This can be waived if you:
- Are a citizen or permanent resident of a country where English is an official language.
- Have earned an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from an institution in which English is the language of instruction.
- Have been living and working full time in the United States for two or more years.

See International Applicants for more information on the English proficiency waiver and student visa limitations. For the full list of application materials (essays, résumé, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and application fee), see How to Apply.

English Proficiency Requirements

If English is not your native language, you’ll also need to submit proof of English proficiency by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL or enhanced TOEFL iBT) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

For English proficiency, we accept the TOEFL (or enhanced TOEFL iBT) or the IELTS.

This English proficiency requirement can be waived if you:

Are a citizen or permanent resident of a country where English is an official language.
Have earned an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from an institution in which English is the language of instruction.
Have been living and working full time in the United States for two or more years.

Please note this exemption in your application. For more information, see International Applicants.

How Does Booth Evaluate Applicants?

For Part-Time MBA admission, we take a holistic approach in evaluating your candidacy, taking into account every component of your application. We look at your application through three broad lenses:

Academic Preparedness

We look for applicants who have both the ability and the desire to thrive within a challenging and stimulating environment. The qualities we seek include:

Academic preparedness
Intellectual curiosity
Interpersonal skills

The Admissions Committee looks for evidence of these qualities in the following application elements, among others:

GPA, GMAT, GRE, or EA (or test waiver eligibility), and TOEFL/IELTS (if applicable)
Academics recognition (awards, Dean’s list, class rank, etc.)
Professional certifications
Strong verbal and written communication
Listening skills
An interest in areas outside of your immediate environment
Willingness to engage in debate and to ask questions

Community

We look for applicants whose unique personal and professional experience will contribute to a strong, congenial community that supports its members and pushes them to be the best they can be. The qualities we seek include:

Leadership
Team-building skills
Respect for others
Philanthropic tendencies
Fit with Chicago Booth
A unique perspective

The Admissions Committee looks for evidence of these qualities in the following application elements, among others:

Responses to application questions and essays
Interview
Letter of recommendation
Community involvement
Continued involvement with undergraduate or other postgraduate institutions
Evidence of a sense of passion regarding social, community, or political issues

Career

The qualities that contribute to your future success may be evident early in your career. The qualities we seek include:

A track record of success
Resourcefulness
Sense of personal direction
Time-management skills
Realistic expectations for the MBA

The Admissions Committee looks for evidence of these qualities in the following application elements, among others:

Letter of recommendation
Résumé
Professional recognition or certifications
Application essays
Examples communicated during the interview

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment?

The GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment (EA) is required unless you qualify for a test waiver.

Test Waiver Eligibility: You automatically qualify for a test waiver if you have obtained an undergraduate degree or equivalent and meet at least one of the following conditions:

You are a current University of Chicago student or graduate (any degree level, major, or program).
You earned a GPA of 3.4 or higher* in an undergraduate or masters degree program with a degree in business, economics, or an approved STEM-related field from an accredited institution.
You hold a PhD, MD, or JD from an accredited institution.
You hold a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), or equivalent international credential (if this is the only eligibility condition met, you will be required to provide documentation verifying the credential).

Can English proficiency requirements be waived?

Yes, proof of English proficiency can be waived if you meet one of these requirements:

Are a citizen or permanent resident of a country where English is an official language
Have earned an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from an institution in which English is the language of instruction
Have been living and working full time in the United States for two or more years

For documentation requirements and additional guidance on the waiver process, see International Applicants.

Do I need a business degree to apply?

No, you do not need a business degree to apply for Booth’s Part-Time MBA Programs. Our students have degrees from all disciplines and come from a variety of industries. Explore our Class Profile for more.

How does Booth evaluate applicants?

Booth evaluates applicants holistically, meaning we consider all of your materials together. There are no minimum GPA, test score, or work experience requirements. We look at applicants through three lenses: academic preparedness, community fit, and career.

Are waivers available for standardized tests for Part-Time MBA applicants?

Applicants may qualify for a standardized test waiver. See How to Apply for details. For those who do not qualify for the waiver, we accept the GMAT, GRE, or EA and have no test preference.

Still have questions? Visit the full list of our frequently asked questions.

Begin Your MBA Journey

The first step toward a life-changing Booth experience is to apply for admission to our Evening MBA or Weekend MBA Program.

Start Your Application

Contact Us

Questions about the Evening MBA and Weekend MBA Programs? Contact our admissions team. We look forward to hearing from you!

Phone: 312.464.8700
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