From Essay to GPA: Breaking Down the Chicago Booth MBA Application

This information reflects the 2026-2027 admissions cycle.

Crafting the perfect MBA application doesn't need to be complicated. At Booth, we believe the best way to determine a fit for the program is through a comprehensive and genuine profile of who you are and how you plan to maximize your MBA experience to support your career aspirations.

Essay/Short Response Questions

Utilize this section of the application to tell us more about yourself, and reflect on your accomplishments, career, and personal and professional life. This reflection will help you create a solid narrative about your professional journey and goals. Forming cohesive responses about yourself and how you plan to utilize a Booth MBA will help the admissions committee to better understand you and evaluate your candidacy. 

Professional Resume

Create a concise, effective snapshot of your career and the progression of your professional experiences and acumen. We prefer a 1-2 page resume for readability, so be sure to highlight the aspects of your career, volunteer work, and other accomplishments that are most relevant to you and your professional goals. 

Letter of Recommendation

We require every applicant to provide one letter of recommendation. This letter should come from your current supervisor, who can assess both your strengths and your areas for growth. If it's not feasible to ask your current supervisor, we recommend picking a recommender not based on the weight of their title, but by their professional insights on you and your career.

Academic Transcripts

You’ll need to submit transcripts from all postsecondary educational institutions that you have attended. We ask that you submit your unofficial transcripts during the application process, and if you are admitted, we will require the official transcripts to be sent directly from the institutions from which they were conferred. 

Test Score

Your test score from the GMAT or GRE (or EA in the case of the Evening and Weekend MBA Programs) helps us gauge your readiness for our classes. These scores form an understanding of your academic performance and capabilities. We do not have a preference with regards to which test you choose to take, but we do recommend doing a bit of research beforehand so you can choose the test on which you think you will perform the best. 

*Individuals applying to the Evening or Weekend MBA Program who meet specific criteria may be considered for a test waiver. You can find more information about eligibility here.

English Assessment Scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo)

We require an English proficiency test for those who are not native speakers in order to ensure your ability to participate fully in class and make the most effective use of your experience at Booth. From lectures and classroom discussions to student groups and other extracurricular activities, the Booth MBA requires a high degree of involvement. For the Full-Time MBA Program, you can see if you qualify for an English assessment waiver using our checklist here under the International Prospective Students section. For the Part-Time MBA Program, click here to see if you qualify for an English assessment waiver.

Overall

We evaluate applications holistically, giving equal weight to each aspect, from your undergraduate GPA to your essay responses. When creating your MBA application, remember to craft a submission that is genuine and reflective of you and your accomplishments. At its core, the Booth MBA admissions process is intended as a method of getting to know you, so don’t shy away from being your most authentic self as you create your application.