Breaking Down the MiM Application

Admissions Essay Prompts

You are required to submit two written essays and one video essay as part of your application. For each response, we’re looking for your genuine side and to learn more about who you really are. We want to know what motivates you and how those things will influence your journey in the program. It’s also important to adhere to the essay instructions and prompts:

• Essay 1: How will Booth’s Master in Management Program help you achieve your immediate and long-term career goals? (Maximum 300 words.)
• Essay 2: Graduate management education is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. We’d like to learn more about you outside of the classroom and work environments. Use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are. (Maximum 400 words.)

• Video Essay: Take a moment to introduce yourself to your future classmates. Then share an activity or pursuit you enjoy simply for its own sake (not for career or academic reasons), and tell us what makes it meaningful or fun for you.

Letters of Recommendation

Your application requires two letters of recommendation. The first letter must be academic related, ideally coming from a professor or advisor who can speak to your skills, accomplishments, and contributions in the classroom.

The second letter can be either an academic or professional contact, for instance, a past or current supervisor or colleague from your internship or full-time job. Ask someone who knows you well and can offer additional examples of your achievements—either inside or outside the classroom. Consider how their perspective will offer new dimensions to your candidacy for the program. These insights are much more important than the individual’s title or status.

Be sure to allow recommenders as much time as possible to submit. We recommend at least six weeks, but two months is even better. This gives them ample opportunity to ask you any questions they have and craft a thoughtful letter on your behalf. You can also use this time to share your goals for pursuing a Master in Management at Chicago Booth, and to remind them of your accomplishments along with any challenges you’ve overcome. Please keep in mind, recommendation letters must be submitted to Booth directly from your recommender. References submitted directly by applicants will not be considered.

Test Scores

Whether you take the GMAT or the GRE, your test scores will help us assess your academic readiness for the Master in Management Program, particularly regarding your quantitative abilities. There is no minimum score requirement and we do not have a preference between the two tests. We recommend you take the one you feel you’ll do best on. Try a practice test for each to see which you’re more comfortable with.

Each exam includes verbal, quantitative, and integrated reasoning questions. The GRE is slightly shorter (1 hour and 58 minutes vs 2 hours and 15 minutes) and is a little less expensive. The GMAT is oriented solely toward business school applicants and can sometimes have post-grad benefits; nonetheless, if you’re also applying to non-business school programs, the GRE probably makes more sense for you.

Please note: Individuals who meet certain criteria may qualify for a test waiver. You can find more information about eligibility here.

The Resume

The resume is an important piece  of the application, as it provides a snapshot of your professional and educational background.

Keep your resume short and to the point—we recommend a single page with a maximum of two pages. Providing superfluous information could hinder rather than help your application. Focus on the most important aspects of each experience, and avoid using jargon or acronyms that a reviewer wouldn’t understand at a glance. Make sure all dates, titles, and degrees match what’s on your application, and be sure to spell-check!

With being early in your career, especially if you’re straight out of undergrad, you may have limited work experience. That’s ok! You can highlight any internships, part-time jobs, volunteer experience, or extracurriculars on your resume; these are all experiences that you will draw on in the program.

Transcripts

You’re required to submit all postsecondary transcripts for your application. Transcripts give the admissions committee a full view of all your courses taken, grades received, and degree(s) conferred.

Unofficial electronic transcripts are acceptable when submitting your application; should you be admitted to the Master in Management Program, we will then ask you to submit your official transcripts.

Please note: Your transcripts must be in English. If your original transcript is not in English, you will need to submit a translated copy. Also, please do not send an original copy of your transcript if it cannot be replaced.

The Interview

A virtual interview with Booth staff is granted on an invitation-only basis and lasts about 30 minutes. The dress code is business casual.

Interviewers only view your resume, not your transcript, test score, essays, etc. This means it’s important your resume helps the interviewer get a good idea of who you are and what you’ve been doing the past several years.

During the interview, be yourself! We want to get to know the real you, including what you want to accomplish and how you hope to contribute to the Booth community. Here are some additional tips for acing your interview:

• Review your resume beforehand so you’re prepared to answer any questions about it.

• Know your story and how to clearly articulate why you want a Master in Management from Booth.

• Be ready to discuss concrete examples of leadership, problem-solving, and other skills relevant to the program, including instances when you’ve learned from your mistakes.

• Prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewer. Asking questions demonstrates you’ve taken the time to learn about Booth and the program.

• Participate in a mock interview first. College career services teams are a good resource and may be able to facilitate interview practice. If this isn’t available to you, have a friend or family member ask you questions prompted by what you include on your resume. The important thing is getting comfortable with answering questions extemporaneously.

Brief Video Simulation

Applicants invited to the interview stage still will also be asked to complete a brief video simulation exercise designed to complement the conversation and provide another perspective on your candidacy. You’ll utilize our video platform to respond to a series of questions that will be recorded and added as part of your application details. If invited to interview, more information will be shared with your interview invitation.

Application Deadlines

• Round One: October 8, 2026

• Round Two: January 7, 2027

• Round Three: March 4, 2027

• Round Four: April 29, 2027