MBA Admissions Chicago Booth MBA Interview Advice

Advice for In-Person MBA Admissions Interviews:

Tip #1: Relax and Be Yourself
Relax. There is no right or wrong answer to any question during the interview. Just be your authentic self. The purpose of the admissions interview is to further the acquaintance process – you get to know more about Chicago Booth and we get to know more about you. The interview simply helps both parties determine if the fit is right as we discover more about you as a candidate, what you want to accomplish in your future, and how you hope to contribute to the Booth community.

Tip #2: Take Time to Prepare
When preparing for your interview, it helps to get your thoughts together in advance. With that in mind, take time to consider how you want to answer the following questions: What are your future career aspirations? Why is now the right time for you to get your MBA? What about our MBA Program excites you? These questions should sound familiar as you addressed most of them within your admissions essay. The interview is another opportunity for you to express why Chicago Booth is the right MBA Program for you.

Tip #3: Research the Program
The interview will be more advantageous to both parties if you come with a basic understanding of how the program you applied to is structured, whether that be the Full-Time MBA Program, Part-Time MBA Program, or Executive MBA Program. If you’re reading this blog now, you’re already taking one step in the right direction. Continue to explore the Booth website to find out more about what each program has to offer.

Tip #4: Be Succinct Yet Comprehensive
As you answer the interviewer’s questions, do so in a way that’s succinct yet provides full context. Answering questions in a way that’s straightforward and to the point provides more time for the interviewer to ask better questions to get to know you more. The more we know about you, the better we can assess your candidacy.

Tip #5: Ask Questions
The interview process is a two-way exchange. As we find out more about you, you are interviewing us as well. The interview is a great time to ask any questions to someone who is more familiar with Booth and the admissions process. Feel free to jot down your questions so that the ones you truly want answered don’t get lost in the moment. Asking questions is another way to demonstrate that you’ve taken the time to learn about Chicago Booth.

Tip #6: Dress Professionally
Whether your interview is virtual or in-person, the questions and length of the interview are the exact same. With that being said, we ask that you put your best foot forward by dressing professionally in business attire from head to toe (even if you’ll be sitting in front of a computer screen!).

Tip #7: Be Conversational
Be willing to listen and interact. The interview process is meant to be conversational, not a sales pitch. While being prepared is imperative, being comfortable with being in the moment is also important. And remember, we view the interview process as a two-way exchange, meaning you gain as much as you give during the interview.

Tip #8: Share Your Story
We want to hear your story! Every incoming Booth class is filled with bright individuals who are interested in exploring their particular interests in and outside of the classroom. Every story is unique and we want to hear yours. Being able to articulate your story by touching on your experiences, passions, career aspirations, and more is a critical component of the interview process. Interviewers volunteer their time just to hear your story – members of our community want to learn about all of the great things incoming applicants are up to. So, be sure to share with your interviewer what your interests are.