What’s Your Advice for Those Applying to Chicago Booth?

“The application process required significant time and introspection—I had to truly consider why I wanted to be at Booth, and where I hoped the MBA experience could take me. Start crafting your story early on, and leverage your friends, family, professors, and mentors to help you iterate.” – Jeff Tse, ‘24, and Chicago Booth Scholar

“To those considering Booth, my advice is simple: Dare to jump in. Approach this journey with a candid acknowledgment of the areas you wish to develop. Prepare to be challenged, to wade through discomfort, and to broaden your horizons. There's no better place to embark on this transformative educational adventure than at Booth, where every step is an opportunity for growth. So, go for it—with honesty, openness to risk, and an eagerness to discover new depths of knowledge.” – Jason Coleman, Class of 2025, and co-chair of the Coalition of Minorities in Business

“There are two pieces of advice I would give to any aspiring Booth applicant…

The first: Engage with the Booth community during your application process! Booth does a FANTASTIC job of encouraging aspiring candidates to experience the culture firsthand. I was able to attend classes (both virtually and in-person), connect with current students and alumni at various admissions events, and have my resume reviewed individually by Adcom—the level of attention given to every applicant made me doubly certain Booth was the school for me—which reflected in my application as well. Try it!

The second piece of advice: Believe in yourself! The hardest part of the application was convincing myself that I actually belonged in this world-class community. It is extremely easy to feel discouraged by comparing test scores and LinkedIn profiles of current students. However, I would ask that you focus on living to your strengths, while recognizing that everyone has weaknesses. Do not let self-confidence be a barrier to your success!” – Ananth Sriram, ‘24, and Chicago Business Fellow

“Lean on your support system, whether it's your partner, family members, friends, or fellow student parents, and don't hesitate to communicate your needs to your professors and classmates. Be proactive in managing your time, setting clear priorities, and making use of available resources. Most importantly, be kind to yourself, celebrate your accomplishments along the way, and know that with determination and a strong support system, you can absolutely thrive as a mother and an MBA student.” – Temi Idiaghe, Class of 2025 and Parents of Little Ones co-chair

“There was a lot of reflection about why I wanted to get my MBA especially at this point in my career. The best advice I continue to give to people looking to apply is: understand precisely why you want to get an MBA now and fully reveal that answer in your application. Being true to yourself and your values, especially when it comes to the application and interviews, makes the process a lot easier. At the end of the day, I wouldn’t want to work or go to school where the people don’t like and appreciate the true me, so I treated the application process with that in mind. It helps keep a peace of mind regardless of the outcome.” – Enrique Palomo, Class of 2025 and Chicago Business Fellow

“My advice would be to embrace originality and stay true to your personal journey. While it might be tempting to craft your application to fit a mold, remember that your unique experiences, passions, and aspirations are what set you apart. The admissions team truly values and respects applicants who present their authentic selves.

So, as you prepare your application, focus on the experiences that have truly shaped you and the ambitions that genuinely drive you. Reflect on your journey and envision how Chicago Booth can complement and elevate your aspirations. Your authenticity will not only resonate with the admissions team but also guide you to a program that truly aligns with your goals.” – Akindamola Akinola, Class of 2025 and Poets&Quants Meet the Class of 2025

“Be true to you! I loved that one of the admissions questions explicitly asked you to reflect on life outside of school and work. I think it’s awesome that you can showcase yourself in a way that feels less contained by what you do vs who you are.” – Caitlyn Mason, Class of 2025 and Poets&Quants Meet the Class of 2025

“Anyone applying should take time for self-reflection to understand why they want to join the program and what they hope to gain from the experience. Write about where you see yourself in five and ten years, and really dig into what that vision means for you and your future. I did this before I applied, and it was eye-opening. I also recommend talking to current Boothies to get a better sense of the community, expectations, and people in the program. These steps really helped build my confidence and solidified my reasons for wanting to go to Booth.” – Brian Montana, Class of 2026 and Armed Forces Group co-chair

“The best way to know if Booth is a good fit is by talking to people. Reach out to alumni and current students, engage in online webinars, and dig deep into the school’s website to find the things and people that resonate with you. If you do that, half the job is done, and you will realize more clearly which aspects of your journey are worth sharing with the admissions team. This will allow you to truly be yourself throughout this journey.” – Lorena Prates, Class of 2026

“Authenticity is crucial in the application process. Chicago Booth looks for candidates who are not only capable and driven but also genuine in their aspirations and reflections. Let your true self shine through in your essays, interviews, and interactions. This authenticity will help the admissions committee understand who you are beyond your resume, and see the unique contributions you can make to the Booth community.

To understand if Chicago Booth is the right fit for you, I recommend connecting with alumni. Discussing your own goals and aspirations can also help you gauge how well Booth could support your ambitions. This interaction not only aids in making an informed decision but also shows the admissions committee your proactive engagement.” – Rianna Zhou, Class of 2026