Tips for Applying to the Asness and Liew Master in Finance Program

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Get answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the MiF Program application.

Key Takeaways

  • Chicago Booth practices holistic admissions for the Asness and Liew Master in Finance Program.
  • There are no prerequisite courses needed to apply to the Asness and Liew MiF Program. While true, it’s recommended that applicants have taken advanced quantitative coursework and have some exposure to coding.
  • Avoid using heavy industry jargon in your application essays and resume. Keep in mind, not everyone who reviews your application materials will have a finance background.

Applying to a graduate business program is an important step in your professional journey. It can also feel like a daunting one, especially if you’re early on in your career. That’s why our Admissions team wants to help prospective students, like yourself, submit with confidence to Chicago Booth’s Asness and Liew Master in Finance Program.

Application Requirements for the Asness and Liew MiF Program:

  • An online application
  • A resume
  • Two written essays
  • One video essay
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Unofficial transcripts from all postsecondary institutions
  • GRE or GMAT scores (or a waiver if UChicago undergraduate student)
  • English-proficiency test scores (International Applicants Only)

Please keep in mind, Chicago Booth practices a holistic review process, meaning all aspects of your application are evaluated with equal weight. Applications for the MiF program are reviewed on a rolling basis ahead of the deadline on January 7, 2027.

There is no advantage to when you apply, however anyone interested in securing an investment banking internship for summer 2027 is strongly encouraged to apply early. Applicants who decide to apply within the rolling admissions, early review window (starting October 1, 2026) can expect to receive an admissions decision within six weeks of application completion.

Select applicants will then be invited to meet with a Booth staff member for a 20- to 30-minute behavioral interview, which is required for admission. Prior to the online interview, candidates will be required to complete a virtual video simulation exercise, providing recorded responses to prompted questions.

Below, get Master in Finance application advice from the Booth Admissions team.

Is the MiF Program right for me?

The MiF Program is designed for recent graduates and early-career professionals looking to build careers in finance, and offers specializations in asset management, investment banking, and fintech. Generally, applicants have two years or less of professional experience. There are no prerequisite courses or stipulations on work experience to apply.

More experienced individuals interested in the MiF Program may find our other Booth programs are better suited for your background and professional trajectory. If you are unsure if the program is right for you, please email masteradmissions@chicagobooth.edu.

Do I have to take the GRE or GMAT for my MiF application?

Yes, most MiF Program applicants have to take the GRE or GMAT and submit their scores. If you are a UChicago student or graduate you qualify for a test waiver.

For individuals taking the exam, we accept scores from both tests and have no preference for which one you take. While you can send additional test scores after you’ve submitted your application, we can’t guarantee they’ll be evaluated. We recommend submitting when you believe your application components are at their best.

International applicants are also required to submit scores from an English proficiency test such as the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. We make exemptions for students who completed their undergraduate degree in certain English-speaking countries or primarily in English, or who have been living full time in the United States for more than two years.

Are there minimum test score requirements for the MiF Program? What if my scores are lower than average?

No, there are no minimum test score requirements for the MiF Program. Please keep in mind that our Admissions team practices holistic admissions; when evaluating quantitative skills, we also look at your transcripts, resume, letters of recommendation, and essays.

Are there undergraduate course requirements? What if I didn’t major in a quantitative field?

There are no required undergraduate courses or majors to apply for the MiF Program, though we do look for some quantitative experience, including with coding. We generally recommend that applicants have taken math coursework such as multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and statistics. If you didn’t take quantitative courses like these for your undergraduate degree, we also look at community college classes and even coursework from online platforms such as Coursera and Khan Academy. Be sure to include all of your relevant transcripts and records in your application.

Also remember that your transcripts are only one part of your application. We will also consider quantitative experience on your resume, your quantitative scores on the GRE or GMAT, and essays that show a passion for finance and quantitative work. CFA exams can also be used to show quantitative preparation, though it will not waive requirement to submit GRE or GMAT scores.

How can I best represent myself in my application?

One helpful tip is to avoid using heavy industry jargon in your application materials. Not everyone who reviews your application will have a finance background, so it’s best to make sure your essays and resume can be understood by a general audience. That’s especially true for your resume, which will be the only material your interviewer sees before speaking to you. Consider asking a friend or family member from outside the finance industry to review your application before you submit.

If you don’t have extensive experience on your resume, don’t worry! We recognize that this program is for early-career professionals, so we don’t expect lengthy resumes. We’re more so looking for any early exposure to finance through internships, research, experiences in and outside of the classroom, etc. More than anything, though, we want you to clearly articulate your passions and goals in finance, as well as how Booth can help you get there.

When should I apply for the MiF Program?

Applications to begin the MiF Program in Fall 2027 are now open! The deadline to apply is January 7, 2027. Remember, applications for the MiF program are reviewed on a rolling basis and individuals who decide to apply within the early review window (October 1 through mid-December, 2026) can expect to receive an admissions decision earlier. We recommend applying when you feel ready to submit your strongest application. For current college seniors, that might mean waiting until your transcript shows your fall grades and projected spring coursework.

And remember, applicants who are interested in investment banking internships for the following summer are encouraged to apply to the MiF Program early. With rolling evaluations, applicants should expect an interview decision within four weeks of applying and an admission decision within four weeks of interviewing. Keep in mind, receiving an admission offer early can be advantageous during the fall recruitment process.

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Next Steps:

  • Have questions about the Master in Finance Program at Chicago Booth? Send us an email. We are here to help.
  • Want to learn more about Booth in real time? Attend an upcoming virtual or in-person Admissions event, where you can connect with members of the Booth community and ask your questions instantly.
  • Want to receive more information from Chicago Booth before applying? Sign up here to learn more about Chicago Booth, the admissions process, and more as you consider pursuing your Master in Finance degree at Booth.
  • Ready to apply? Start or continue your application journey today.
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