booth mba essay examples

2024-2025 Chicago Booth MBA Essay Tips and Example Essays

Jul 2, 2024

• Who is Chicago Booth looking for?
• How should I answer the Chicago Booth essay questions?
• Get admitted to Chicago Booth
• Chicago Booth Deadlines

UPDATE : This article was originally posted on August 29, 2018. It has been updated with new information and tips below.

With more Nobel Laureate professors than any other MBA program in the world and its unique flexible curriculum, The University of Chicago Booth School of Business offers those lucky enough to be admitted access to an unparalleled array of academic and extracurricular opportunities. 

However, as data becomes increasingly important in today’s business world, Booth’s data-driven approach to business has become even more sought after , making it more challenging than ever to secure a spot at this world-class business school. 

That’s why we’ve prepared this guide to help you use your Booth admissions essays to stand out. We’ve rounded up our best tips and links to Chicago Booth MBA sample essays to ensure you give your Chicago Booth application your best shot. 

1. Who is Chicago Booth looking for?

Photo courtesy of @chicagobooth on Instagram 

“ Since 1898, we have produced ideas and leaders that shape the world of business. Today, we empower bold thinkers and inquisitive minds to dig deeper, discover more, and shape the future.” Booth Admissions 

Every year, Booth’s admissions team selects just over 600 students for the honor of joining their prestigious MBA program. With a focus on academic and career excellence, Booth admits have an average of 5 years of work experience and tend to have outstanding test scores (the median GMAT score for the Class of 2025 was 730 , and the average GRE score was 163 Quant, 162 Verbal). 

Booth also places an emphasis on diversity, with 36% of the most recent class being international students. The most recent class also contains 42% women, 12% LGBTQ+, and 12% first-generation students. 

Beyond impressive stats, however, Booth also looks for applicants who distinguish themselves in three specific areas: Curriculum, Community, and Career. 

For curriculum, “We look for applicants who have both the ability and desire to thrive within a challenging and stimulating environment. The qualities we seek include academic preparedness, intellectual curiosity, and communication skills.”

For community, “We look for applicants whose unique personal and professional experience will contribute to a strong, congenial community that supports its members and pushes them to be the best they can be. The qualities we seek include leadership, collaboration and teamwork, respect for others, philanthropic tendencies, strong interpersonal skills, fit with Chicago Booth and contribution to school community/culture, and a unique perspective.”

Finally, for career, Booth states, “The qualities that contribute to your future success may be evident early in your career. The qualities we seek include a track record of success, resourcefulness, sense of personal direction, time-management skills, realistic expectations for the MBA.”

In addition, Booth highly values interview performance , specifically focusing on a candidate’s ability to communicate clearly and effectively, as this skill is critical to succeed in Booth’s culture of intellectual debate.

If this sounds like a community in which you’d be right at home, you’ll first have to prove you’ve got what it takes by successfully answering Booth’s open-ended admissions essay question. 

2. How should I answer the Chicago Booth essay questions?

2.1. essay 1 tips.

Instructions: We’d like to hear more about your aspirations, your goals, and the passions and experiences that have and continue to shape you. Please respond to both essay prompts below. We have intentionally only set a word count minimum; we want to allow you the space needed to convey your thoughts, while using your best judgement regarding the length of response.

Essay 1: How will the Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (Minimum 250 words, no maximum.) 

This year, Booth has again maintained its very traditional, straightforward goals essay .

Often overlooked by applicants, goals essays are incredibly important, as they give the admissions committee your most important argument — why do you need an MBA from their school and what are you going to do with it? 

For all goals essays, you should first begin with context , as goals without context often lack clarity or impact. You may want to include one mini-story or several small anecdotes to provide this context. 

Then, after you set the stage, clearly present your goals to the admissions committee . The section on your goals should include clear short-term and long-term goals, meaning you should list your desired job title and industry for each. Furthermore, stating the motivation you have for wanting these goals and the impact you envision generating while pursuing them is an excellent way to take your essay from good to great. 

If you’re not sure exactly what your goals are, it’s a good idea to think through your arguments and define your goals before you sit down to write! 

Finally, end with a section on how Booth’s MBA program can help you continue to grow to reach your goals. You will first need to research the Booth experience in-depth , and considering the flexibility of the Booth experience, we suggest you consider much more than which classes you plan to take. 

Instead, show how you are going to take advantage of Booth’s offerings to become a more high-potential, driven professional who leaves a meaningful legacy behind. Doing this well means connecting how Booth can help you grow with specific outcomes tied to your goals. 

TOP TIP : Though Booth does not specify a word limit, we suggest keeping your essay to around 500 words . 

Need more guidance? 

Our MBA Resource Center has dozens of Chicago Booth MBA essays that worked to get our clients admitted to help you plan out a winning Chicago Booth essay. 

Our library also includes guides for all top global MBA programs, detailed essay brainstorms, interview tips and mocks, CV templates, and recommendation letter guides. 

Click to join ! 

2.2. Essay 2 Tips

An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. In addition to sharing your experience and goals in terms of career, we’d like to learn more about you outside of work. Use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are. (250-word minimum)

One of the hallmarks of Chicago Booth is its flexible curriculum . This format for the Booth MBA means that students are forced to create order out of chaos and make difficult decisions about what to pursue — and what to leave behind — each and every day. 

Booth’s second essay strikes at the core of this ideal, giving candidates the chance to explore who they are beyond their career goals. More importantly, it gives you the chance to show you are a self-aware leader with a clear vision for your future. 

This essay should show Booth who you are and what makes you tick . 

When considering how to approach this essay, first take a look back at your personal and professional experiences to identify the “tipping points” in your life. What has led you to the point you are at now? What has made you YOU ? 

Then, describe not only what these experiences were, but also how they impacted who you are and your life choices. 

This essay allows you to describe your personal and extraprofessional examples (though you can also work in a few professional examples too!) to show Booth a complete view of who you are as a candidate. 

Make sure, however, to choose a single theme and follow it all the way through. Jumping around without logic or connection will cause this essay to miss the mark. 

2.3. Optional Essay Tips

Is there any unclear information in your application that needs further explanation? (Maximum 300 words.)

First of all, Booth has made it very clear that this essay is for extenuating circumstances only .  

This is not a place for you to retell your life story or sum up your interest in Booth or need for an MBA, or copy/paste another strong essay you wrote for a different school. Make sure you focus only on unclear elements of your application such as a low GMAT score, not receiving a recommendation from your current boss, etc. 

Remember, excuses will not get you very far, so make sure to provide sufficient context for the weak spots you mention here. 

2.4. Reapplicant Essay Tips

Upon reflection, how has your perspective regarding your future, Chicago Booth, and/or getting an MBA changed since the time of your last application? (Maximum 300 words.)

Here, make sure you clearly demonstrate how you have improved since your previous application. We have written extensively on the topic of reapplying to business school here. 

Looking for Chicago Booth MBA essay examples? 

Check out our real sample essays that got our clients admitted here .

3. Need help?

Landing a spot at Chicago Booth is no easy task. You’ve spent years building a track record of professional success, dedicated yourself to getting a good GMAT score, and carefully developed your application strategy . 

Now is the time to make sure your accomplishments truly shine, and the only way to do so is to write a clear, compelling admissions essay. 

Ellin Lolis Consulting began with one mission: provide the best possible service to our clients and get them the best possible results . Serving our customers is at the core of our company, and we know that applying for an MBA can be a difficult, long process, but our goal is to take away as much of the stress as possible by acting as your ally in the process. 

So if you need much more than just a few comments on your essay, but instead want focused help shaping how you present your life’s greatest hits to one of the world’s toughest critics, you can count on us. 

In the words of our client Bruno , 

Get in touch and let our award-winning team of writers and storytellers help you make an unforgettable first impression. 

4. Chicago Booth Deadlines

Here are the deadlines for the 2024-2025 season. You can access the Chicago Booth application here .

Chicago Booth Round 1 Deadlines

Application Deadline : September 19, 2024

Interview Notification : TBD

Decisions Released : December 5, 2024

Chicago Booth Round 2 Deadlines

Application Deadline : January 7, 2025

Decisions Released : March 27, 2025

Chicago Booth Round 3 Deadlines

Application Deadline : April 3, 2025

Decisions Released : May 22, 2025

Chicago Booth Scholars Deadlines

Application Deadline : April 29, 2025

Decisions Released : July 1, 2025

Applications are due by 11:59 PM Central Time on the deadline date. Any applications received after this date will be considered for the next round or will not be considered (if you’re applying for the last deadline). 

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Chicago Booth Essay Examples

Read these Chicago Booth MBA essay examples and tips to learn how to write a stellar MBA personal statement for one of the best MBA programs in the US . The Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago is considered one of the best MBA programs in the world and is therefore also extremely selective and competitive to get into. Your admissions essays are an opportunity to stand out from the crowd and give your application a boost. In this blog, we have Booth MBA essay examples, plus tips on how to write an MBA essay for this competitive program.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free initial consultation here <<

Article Contents 8 min read

How to write an mba essay for chicago booth.

MBA acceptance rates in the US are notoriously competitive, and this is true at the Booth School of Business. Your Chicago Booth MBA essays are a chance to distinguish yourself from a competitive crowd and personalize your application for the admissions committee, so they are a very important part of your overall application.

The mission of the Booth School of Business is to “create knowledge with enduring impact, and influence and educate current and future leaders.” The school also pioneered the “Chicago Approach”, an educational philosophy which uses a multidisciplinary approach to business education, challenging students to think about business from a scientific standpoint.

As we’ll see below, the Chicago Booth MBA essays are focused on the seemingly simple question of “ why do you want to pursue an MBA? ” or “why Chicago Booth?” When you’re brainstorming ideas for your essays, consider the values of the Booth School of Business and their unique approach to business education. What about the “Chicago Approach” or the school’s curriculum and unique opportunities appeal to you and why? How will this specific MBA program help you advance your career or achieve your goals?

To ace the Chicago Booth MBA essays, you’ll need to have a strong reason for choosing Booth over any other school.

Chicago Booth offers a variety of MBA admissions streams for those wondering how to choose the right MBA program for their needs. Keep in mind that the MBA essay topics and prompts are different, depending whether you choose a full-time MBA at Booth, an executive MBA program or a weekend and nighttime MBA program. Reapplicants are also asked to respond to an additional essay prompt. ","label":"NOTE","title":"NOTE"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

It’s important to read the prompts carefully and keep your word count in mind. Your essay should be written for maximum impact, so revising your drafts a few times, and getting an expert eye to review your final draft, is a good idea.

The MBA requirements for Chicago Booth include two required MBA essay questions and one optional essay response. There is also an additional required essay for any reapplicants to the Booth MBA program. We’ve included the prompts for all the Chicago Booth MBA programs below:

Full-time MBA Program

The prompts for the full-time Booth MBA program are:

• How will a Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (Minimum 250 words, no maximum.)
• An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. In addition to sharing your experience and goals in terms of career, we’d like to learn more about you outside of the office. Use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are. (Minimum 250 words, no maximum.)

The optional essay prompt is:

• Is there any unclear information in your application that needs further explanation? (Maximum 300 words.)

Reapplicants must answer the following question:

• Upon reflection, how has your perspective regarding your future, Chicago Booth, and/or getting an MBA changed since the time of your last application? (Maximum 300 words)

Chicago Booth boasts one of the best part-time MBA programs in the US. Applicants for this program will have slightly different essay prompts to respond to in their application. These are:

• Required Essay: Why are you seeking an MBA from Chicago Booth, and why is Chicago Booth's Evening MBA or Weekend MBA your program of choice? (Maximum 400 words).
• Optional Essay: If there is any important information relevant to your candidacy you were unable to address elsewhere in the application, please share that information here. (Maximum 500 words).

Executive MBA Program

Chicago Booth offers an Executive MBA stream for more experienced candidates. The essay prompts for this admission stream are:

• Required Essay: Why are you seeking an MBA from Chicago Booth, and what unique knowledge and experiences do you hope to contribute to the program? (Maximum two pages, 12 pt. Times New Roman.)
• Optional Essay: If there is anything else you would like the Admissions Committee to know about you, please share that information. (Maximum one page, 12 pt. Times New Roman.)
• Reapplicants: Please give us an update on your professional, academic, and community activities since your previous application and highlight what you have done to strengthen your application. (Maximum one page, 12 pt. Times New Roman.)

The Booth MBA admissions essays must be entered into a text box in the online application. This means that while there is no maximum word count limit, you should carefully consider the length of your essay and revise it several times. Focus on eliminating any unnecessary details or filler words so your essay is lean and clean. If you want expert help with writing or revising your essays, you can hire an MBA essay writing service or ask for help from an MBA admission consulting service.

Booth MBA Essay Example #1

Prompt: How will a Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (Minimum 250 words, no maximum.)

 An MBA from the Booth School of Business will allow me to step into a new role and achieve long-standing goals. A Booth MBA will enrich my leadership education, give me unparalleled experiential learning opportunities and immerse me in a higher level of international business. Currently, I work for a multinational telecommunications company, and my immediate goal is to accept an exciting promotion to vice president of operations as we expand our company into a new continent and diverse new business cultures. Earning my MBA from Booth will prepare me best for this new venture and new direction in my career, and it will provide me with the tools and education to bring opportunities for growth to untapped economies.

In this new role, I will be working in foreign business cultures and interacting with many diverse individuals. Booth MBA’s international business concentration and its understanding of global business practices is incomparable, and it is my wish to learn from the very best. Booth’s LEAD program would be instrumental in developing my leadership skills further, particularly in the context of working with international teams and within new cultural work environments. Booth’s focus on coursework such as macroeconomics and global finance will also enrich my understanding as I enter new markets and help launch this new division of my company. Lastly, I am intrigued by the chance to learn from incredible business experts around the world through Booth’s Masterclass series and networking opportunities for students.

The Booth MBA program electives, in particular the Global Social Impact Practicum, are of great interest and value to me in achieving my long-term goals. In this new position, my long-term goal is to instigate economic growth through building partnerships, creating jobs and investment opportunities, and of course bringing valuable resources to the communities I will be working in. The practicum would allow me to experience firsthand how remote and rural communities approach problems, offer solutions and work to build them. It will give me a unique window into their perspective and their side of the business equation. I think earning an MBA from Booth will show me how to lead effectively in a global market, how to think creatively about solutions, and will remind me always who is on the other side of our company’s business. 

Working on your MBA resume for Chicago Booth? Here are some items to include:

Booth MBA Essay Example #2

Prompt: An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. In addition to sharing your experience and goals in terms of career, we’d like to learn more about you outside of the office. Use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are. (Minimum 250 words, no maximum.)

 I used to think personal growth and professional development were inextricably linked, and my dedicated focus to my professional development naturally resulted in personal development, as well. I learned the need to separate and individually prioritize the two when a friend of mine broke his leg and asked me to take over coaching his minor league baseball team. I had little experience with sports or working with kids, but as my background was in management, I thought I would have no trouble translating my professional skills to a personal setting.

From the first time I stepped onto the field I knew I would have to make drastic changes in myself. In my professional life, I was well used to coaching teams of adults in high pressure environments. I could rely on my team by now to get the job done and do what was needed. My new team of 20 kids wasn’t interested in my pushing them to be their best, to reach the limits of their potential and find out what they could do. After a frustrating first week, my friend advised me to try a new approach. As someone who was professionally driven, I’d rarely taken time to enjoy simple things like a good baseball game. My professional persona was such a huge part of my identity, but it bled into my out-of-office time too much. If I wanted to be a successful coach for these kids, I needed to be more self-aware of my leadership style, allow myself to be flexible and adjust my expectations. I had to separate my professional side from my personal life.

I started with attending a baseball game with my friend and his son, who was one of the kids I was now coaching. This was a major league game, so the stakes and performance were at a peak. And still, I tried to see the game through the eyes of my friend’s son. He didn’t care that his team lost in the end—he was sure they’d done their best and would do better next time. When I practiced seeing baseball from his perspective, I realized how much I enjoyed the game, which I’d never had an interest in before. At the next minor game he played, when our team lost, I told him I knew he and his teammates had done their best. He smiled and gave every one of his teammates, and me, a high five. When I focused on providing structure and encouragement to my players, I saw an immediate response. They were more engaged, more positive, and more present in the game. Whether they were winning or losing, they were focused on playing more than anything. In doing so, they taught me to leave my professional persona at the office and come to each game with a clear mind.

I have now been coaching minor league teams for the past 8 years, all thanks to this group of kids who showed me how rewarding it can be to help young people grow and learn in a personal sphere. Coaching kids has taught me patience, flexibility, resourcefulness, and positivity. Most of all, I think they have taught me kindness and enjoyment. How to have fun. They’ve shown me my life did not have to center on my professional development and improvement, but also that my own personal development could add to and enrich my workplace skills. Coaching these kids has been incredibly personally rewarding, as it has allowed me a needed separation in my life, and shown me how to tap into personal passions like baseball for the sake of enjoyment, more than anything else.

Yes. The Booth School of Business is considered one of the best MBA programs in the world, and it is quite selective in its admissions processes. The acceptance rate for the Chicago Booth MBA program is around 22%.

There is a minimum word count of 250 for the regular full-time Booth MBA admission essays, and no maximum word count. However, you should carefully consider your word count when submitting your essays and revise them to ensure you’ve removed unnecessary details and keep a strong flow throughout.

The acceptance rate for the Booth School of Business is around 22%.

Yes, your Booth MBA essays allow you to personalize your application, share additional information about your candidacy and make a positive impression on the admissions committee. Since competition to get into Booth is so intense, your MBA essays can help you stand out from a crowd of competitive applicants.

There are 2 required essays for the Chicago Booth full-time MBA program, and space for an optional essay submission. Reapplicants to Chicago Booth must also submit an additional essay.

Full-time MBA applicants must type their essays into a text box in the online application. Executive MBA applicants are asked to format their essays in Times New Roman, 12 point font.

Yes. The Booth School of Business is at the top of MBA rankings and is considered one of the best MBA programs. The MBA programs offered at Booth are all highly ranked and the school’s location in a major US city is an asset for professionals.

To write a strong MBA essay for Chicago Booth, focus on answering the prompt as directly and thoroughly as possible. Be sure to demonstrate why you’ve chose to apply to Booth’s MBA program and how an MBA from Booth will help further your professional goals. Use your word count wisely—don’t make it too long but go above the word count minimum. 

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Chicago Booth MBA Essays: 5 Expert Tips

Tips and tricks to help you write the best essays possible for the Booth MBA Application, including essay and application deadlines as well as Booth coach recommendations.

Posted August 12, 2024

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Table of Contents

What are the booth essay questions.

Arguably the most important part of any MBA application, essays give applicants the chance to present different personal qualities. Unlike resumes, GPAs, and recommendation letters, the essays are purely in your voice and provide a forum for you to showcase your charisma and reasons for applying to Booth. Here are the two Booth essay questions:

1. How will a Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (250 words minimum, no maximum) 2. An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. In addition to sharing your experience and goals in terms of career, we’d like to learn more about you outside of the office. Use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are… (250 words minimum, no maximum)

Both of the Booth essay questions are relatively open-ended, which can be especially difficult because of the unlimited word count. Regarding the essay guidelines, Booth says that it trusts “that you will use your best judgment in determining how long your submission should be, but we recommend that you think strategically about how best to allocate the space.”

Though each applicant is unique, it’s generally recommended that you keep the essay lengths to about 500 words each. You don’t want to bore or waste the AdCom’s time, and you also want to show that you can get to the point clearly and succinctly.

University of Chicago Booth Application Deadlines 2023-2024

Here are the recently released Booth application deadlines for the 2023-2024 application cycle:

• Round 1: September 21, 2023
• Round 2: January 44 2024
• Round 3: April 4, 2024
• Booth Scholars (Deferred MBA): April 4, 2024

See more info on the new deadlines and requirements here: Chicago Booth MBA Application Deadlines (2023-2024)

If you’re interested in the deferred enrollment program at Booth, here is another article to get you started on your application: Chicago Booth Scholars Program .

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Tips for Success on the Booth Essays

1. research booth.

With the first essay prompt, Booth wants to know that you understand the specificities of its MBA program. It also wants to understand why you’d like to attend Booth instead of all the other business schools. Notice that the prompt is not asking how an MBA will help you in your career goals but how a Booth MBA will help them.

As part of this research, we recommend taking an in-person or virtual campus tour, speaking to alumni, watching videos, and/or reading blog posts. Answers to this question may also include specific classes you want to take or professors you want to take them from, or on-campus clubs/groups that you’d like to join.

2. Know Yourself

Pivotal to many parts of the MBA application but especially the essays, Booth wants to understand your dreams and how you’re planning on using an MBA to achieve them. In order to answer this question well, you must have a clear idea of your motivations for pursuing an MBA, and where you see your career going after graduation. Also, reflect on your career journey thus far, including what you have learned in previous roles and what is lacking.

To get started, we recommend that you talk with a peer or mentor to outline this. Have them ask you important questions such as:

• Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years? Twenty years?
• Why do you want to pursue an MBA?
• How do you plan on using your MBA?
• How do you plan on making an impact at your current or future workplace?
• What are your professional and personal goals?

Leland MBA coaches are a great resource to utilize as your brainstorm, outline, and draft your essays.

3. Answer the Question

When the question is so broad, it is difficult to stay on one narrative without straying to irrelevant topics. This difficulty is exacerbated by the lack of a maximum word count. In order to prevent tangential asides, plan the outline of your essay before you begin writing a draft. Having an idea of the overall structure while you write will help you stay on track, improve the structural flow, and remain clear and concise throughout. Before you begin the draft, reread the essay question to make sure that you’ve addressed each part. For example, the first question asks about immediate goals and long-term goals. Have you mentioned both in your outline?

4. Be Unique

The Booth Admissions Committee will read thousands of essays and your job is to make yours stand out. What makes you different from every other MBA applicant? Whatever it is, highlight it. Think about the experiences that have made an impact on you and create a story that leads to Booth. As mentioned earlier, stay on topic. Choose stories that are relevant to the characteristics you’re trying to highlight. You have limited space and you want each part of the essay to build on the last so that the whole thing is fluid and logical.

On its website, Booth says that it wants “ambitious, intellectually curious professionals” and “bold leaders.” While writing your essay, think about how you can show that you possess these traits in the stories. To get started, we recommend answering the following questions:

• What events/experiences/people have shaped you as a person?
• What matters most to you?
• What motivates you?
• What are your values and where did they come from?
• What has challenged you the most and what did you learn from it?

Once you’ve written your answers to these questions, think about the stories that come with them and look for themes that tie the major events together. This will give you a good start on the outline.

5. Start Early

We recommend that you begin outlining and drafting your essays early to give you ample time to review them and receive feedback. Start brainstorming at least three months before the application deadline. Once you have a draft, leave it for a few days so that when you come back to it, you are reading it with a fresh perspective.

After you’ve made edits, have a peer or mentor review it, ideally a Booth alum or someone with extensive writing experience. Leland coaches are uniquely positioned to help you succeed in this aspect. After you’ve received feedback, rewrite it with edits and then leave it again. If, when you have come back to it, you are confident in its caliber, review it one more time with a coach or mentor before submitting it.

Read : How I Got Into Chicago Booth Scholars (Deferred MBA) – An Interview With Bruce Erickson

Get Into Booth With the Help of an Expert

Writing the essays is one of the most difficult parts of the MBA application process for many people. For this reason, there are many essay-related articles in the MBA Hub of our Leland Library. Here are some specific ones to get you started:

• How to Write a Powerful MBA Essay
• 7 MBA Essay Tips to Make You Stand Out
• Chicago Booth-MBA Program and Application Overview

If you would prefer to work one-on-one with a Booth or essay expert, browse all of our vetted coaches here . Below are some of our highest-rated MBA admissions coaches.

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2024-2025 Chicago Booth MBA essay analysis and tips

Admit expert.

• July 23, 2024

Founded in 1898, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business is one of the oldest and most prestigious business schools in the world. The school is known for its rigorous academic programs, cutting-edge research, and its distinguished faculty. Chicago Booth has a long history of intellectual exploration, nonconformity, and innovation. 

The Full-Time MBA Program at Chicago Booth is known for its analytical approach, and many economists teach courses on theory and practice. 

Students have a lot of leeway in choosing courses because there are no major requirements. Chicago Booth’s MBA program is considered one of the most flexible MBA programs in the world. If you are interested in applying for the 2025 intake, please see below for upcoming deadlines as well as Admit Expert’s advice on how to answer the Chicago Booth MBA essays.

Application Deadlines

All applications are due by 11:59 PM CST.

Chicago Booth MBA essay questions

The Chicago Booth essay questions for 2024-2025 applicants have been confirmed. Both questions have remained unchanged this year. There are two MBA essays at Chicago Booth, each with no strict word limit.

All candidates are required to submit responses to the following two questions:

How will a Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (Minimum 250 words, no maximum.)

An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. In addition to sharing your experience and goals in terms of your career, we’d like to learn more about you outside of the office. Use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are… (Minimum 250 words, no maximum.)

Optional question

Is there any unclear information in your application that needs further explanation? (Maximum 300 words.)

Reapplicant essay

Reapplicants must answer the following question:

Upon reflection, how has your perspective regarding your future, Chicago Booth, and/or getting an MBA changed since the time of your last application? (Maximum 300 words.)

These essays emphasize both your personality and your professional objectives. The focus of the first essay is your career objective and the focus of the second essay is your interests. 

Also take note that while most institutions offer a maximum word count for the required essay responses, Chicago sets a minimum word count. Therefore, Chicago Booth requests that you consider your answers to these MBA essays and ensure you have adequate room to do so.

This Booth MBA essay is a straightforward essay about your career objectives, both short-term and long-term.

What should you do before you start writing the essay?

Before you start writing the essay, examine your career accomplishments to date. Ask yourself these questions:

• What did you discover? 
• How did you use your past accomplishments to guide your present endeavors? 
• How can a Booth MBA fill in any gaps after that? 
• What courses will you enroll in? Competitions, placements, location, Professors, etc. who can advance your objectives? 
• How will you interact with your peers and clubs?​​

This question asks for both short and long-term goals, so answer with your long-term path in mind. Ideally, your short-term goal will lead directly to your long-term goal, and an MBA is required for both. Examples from previous roles will help you achieve your goals with the necessary education and experience.

How should you write essay 1?

Start by giving a quick overview of your professional background, highlighting the successes you had and the skills and information you have acquired. Describe how your future job aspirations are influenced by your past professional experiences and personality traits and qualities.

Please keep in mind that a thorough understanding of the Chicago Booth MBA program and its offerings is essential for an effective response to this question. Explain how the skills, knowledge, and experience you will gain at Booth will help you build on your previous knowledge and skills, bringing you closer to your goals.

Share your short-term objectives now. Indicate the role, position, industry, and 1-2 firms that you would like to work for when describing the position that you hope to occupy right after earning your MBA.

Please keep in mind that your post-MBA goal should be a logical extension of your current skill set, personality traits and knowledge gained through an MBA degree.

Your objectives should be both ambitious and realistic. That is, if you want to work in technology or consulting, you must demonstrate that you already have some skills/experience in those areas and are looking to improve them.

Similarly, if you are a career changer, you should demonstrate how your current skill set will aid in this transition.

Then, you’ll want to go over your longer-term (5–10 years) goal, outlining not only the position you intend to hold but also the overall impact you hope to have. Your short-term objectives should naturally lead to your long-term objectives, which may or may not be specific.

The next logical step would be to discuss how an MBA will help you achieve these objectives and why Booth is a particularly wise next step. Give examples of program offerings that are pertinent to these goals to highlight this fit. 

You can maximize the quality of your essay by doing a thorough study on the Booth MBA program—either by visiting an info session or interacting with students and alumni.

To learn more about what Chicago Booth is looking for and how to make your application stand out, get in touch with us at [email protected]

What should be the length of the essay?

Given the open-ended nature of this Booth MBA essay, it could be tempting to incorporate achievements or details that aren’t related to the question or to give extra information about your aspirations, but remember to stay on topic! 

The application instructs you to “use your judgement,” and therefore while deciding the length of your response think about the volume of applications adcom would be receiving. So, your first consideration must be to make their life a little easier.

You can also get an idea about the preferred length from the optional essay’s 300-word word limit. You are certainly welcome to use more words than 300, but make sure they are meaningful. A punchy 400 words would be short and to the point. If you must write more than 500 words, which is pretty common, make sure each word is required to respond to the prompt. 

Chicago Booth is looking for self-aware, purpose-driven leaders. As a result, Booth is interested in learning about your personal life. Are you someone who values personal development? And how would you define purpose?

Consider using personal stories to help you focus on this essay. Have you done anything as a volunteer that demonstrates your personality? Or, does your cultural background influence your personality? What events have had an impact on you?

How to write Essay 2?

You could also try the following steps:

• List the top 10 to 15 moments, achievements, passions, or experiences from your life. Include all aspects of something—good, awful, amazing, ugly, etc.
• How have you spent your free time? 
• What principles did you fight for? 
• What seems to characterize who you are?
• Choose one or two elements from the list to define your approach and begin the writing process for this Booth MBA essay. These items should best reflect any strengths or values that have been provided.

Essay 2 tips

Focus on experiences that have shaped your values and priorities over the years when writing this essay. Do not be afraid to share your difficult life experiences; they often make us stronger and more self-aware. Remember that each of you is an individual with unique experiences, values, and interests that will set you apart from other candidates. This essay is an excellent opportunity to discuss your involvement and passion for volunteer service, as well as your interests.

Connect your passions and interests that occupy your days outside of work hours and are guiding forces in your life to your potential experiences in Booth’s ‘choice rich’ environment.

Also, think about the challenges you faced and how you overcame the challenges, which will give you deeper insights into the personality traits you possess. Also think about any learnings that you got out of your experiences, and how you applied these learnings in your personal and professional journey. 

Your personal statement for the Booth MBA should describe who you are and your motivations. Your overall objective with both essays should be to present the admissions committee with a comprehensive picture of your potential.

Optional Essay

This optional essay is open-ended, so you can provide as much relevant information while keeping in mind the word limit. Consider writing this essay if there are any gaps in your profile that need to be filled. Have you had any academic difficulties or gaps in your work experience? Then this is the place to go into more detail.

Your response shouldn’t come across as you’re trying to cover up a profile weakness; instead, it should be upbeat, honest, and fact-focused. Your character’s strengths should be highlighted by your weaknesses.

For instance, When describing your employment gap you should say that you were doing something productive like traveling, volunteering, or taking care of your family, like dealing with a medical problem in your family at that time.

However, if there are no gaps you can still leverage this essay if you have a compelling personal story that wasn’t covered in the other essays. It’s worth telling if it helps the admissions committee understand you better. You may also have a compelling leadership story or a meaningful extracurricular activity to add context to your MBA application.

You can also choose to skip this question and concentrate solely on the two mandatory essays if your profile is without any flaws or needs any justification or explanation. There is a word limit on this question, unlike the mandatory questions. Do not disrespect it.

This is an intriguing re-applicant question. Because, rather than asking how your candidacy has improved, Booth inquires as to how your perspective has shifted. Better test scores, a promotion, or a new job would still be beneficial information. However, the emphasis is on reflecting on yourself and your goals since applying to Booth.

Consider what has changed since your last application when writing this essay. Have you, for example, learned more about your career path, formed new relationships, or altered your career goals? This is also an excellent essay for demonstrating self-awareness and leadership qualities. Another important aspect is conveying a realistic sense of how the Booth MBA will fit into your future professional plans.

To stay within the word limit, you must be extremely precise in presenting your case and make every word count.

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Booth MBA Essays: Tips, Stats, Strategies, and Examples

Founded in 1898, The University of Chicago Booth School of Business is the second-oldest business school in the United States, following The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business. 

Over the last 120+ years, Booth has established both traditions and practices that make it a sought-after school for undertaking an MBA. However, the school’s reputation doesn’t only stem from its historical relevance. Booth also has more associations with Nobel laureates in the Economic Sciences than any other business school in the world. 

They also offer an incredibly flexible curriculum, as well as a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, to their cohort of MBA students. For these reasons, among many others, Booth ranks high on most prospective MBA applicants’ lists of top-choice schools. 

Maintaining such a high rank and stature for as many years as Booth also comes with high stakes. Each year’s cohort becomes the face of a century-long reputation. Booth wants to maintain the prominent standing that they have earned over the years, and the only way to do that is to sift through each year’s pool of applicants with careful attention to detail when it comes to potential. Every applicant to Booth’s MBA program is held up to rigid standards and expectations. 

However, one opportunity that you have to stand out from the crowd and make a lasting impression is with the Booth MBA essays, which are an integral part of the application process. If you are interested in finding out more of what these essays consist of, or if you’re eager to learn what Booth’s admissions committee is looking for when dissecting your essays, then read on.

Purpose of the Booth MBA Essays

The Booth MBA essays allow applicants to present their qualifications, experiences, and aspirations in a personalized manner. These essays go beyond the confines of resumes and transcripts, allowing candidates to convey their unique stories and demonstrate their fit for the program. 

By delving into applicants' backgrounds and perspectives, the essays enable the admissions committee to make well-rounded evaluations and select individuals who align with the values and objectives of the Booth MBA program.

Booth’s Application Process

Booth’s MBA application process doesn’t differ much from those of other business schools. The necessary documents that they request from their applicants are fairly standard, but gaining a spot at this coveted school requires you to meet some exceptionally high standards. 

Their website describes their approach to MBA applications as “holistic.” To apply, you must submit a professional resume , two letters of recommendation , unofficial educational transcripts, and valid GMAT or GRE scores, as well as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores for international applicants. This portion of your application is what the admissions committee will comb through to assess your academic skills. 

Booth has high expectations when it comes to academic excellence and work experience. On average, their admitted applicants have five years of work experience and have an average GMAT score of around 728. Booth also places interview performance high on their list of priorities regarding applications, so acing your interview will significantly increase your acceptance chances. 

However, before you can crush your interview, you must be invited for one. The application essays are an opportunity to increase your chances of receiving such an invitation. The intent behind them is to create a window for Booth to look “ beyond [your] demonstrated brain power.” 

The open-ended essay prompts allow you to highlight qualities that make you an ideal candidate for Booth’s cohort, which can include your personal and professional goals as well as outstanding qualities and attributes that you may possess.

A Competitive Program

Booth’s admissions committee receives an average of around 4,000 - 6,000 applications for their MBA program, although only about 600-700 spots are available for the taking. Most of the students who enter the program do so with an undergraduate background in business, economics, and engineering. 

Source : Chicago Booth

If you belong to this group, it is easy to be clumped together among a homogenous cluster of other applicants and without highly exceptional academic achievements, you could be easily overlooked. 

However, you may use the essays as a way to set yourself apart from other applicants with similar profiles to your own. Booth values a candidate’s ability to clearly and effectively communicate and the essays are a chance to prove that you possess these skills.

‍What are the Booth MBA Essays?

An Essential Part of Your Application

As part of the application process, all candidates must submit responses to two questions that Booth has posted on the application portal of their website. There is also a third essay prompt that they have posted, which is optional, and a fourth one is only meant for students who are reapplying to the program. 

Along with the topics for the essays, Booth typically states that there is a minimum word count requirement of 250 words. With an approach contrary to most business schools, they’ve also recently added that there is no maximum word count for either essay. Thus, applicants are encouraged to write as much as they feel necessary for their responses.

Essay Topics and Expectations

Booth subtly changes the questions for the essays every few years, but the themes that they are based upon generally remain the same. The essay’s overarching purpose is to allow Booth’s admissions committee to become more acquainted with you. 

To know precisely who you are and why they should be interested in you, Booth typically asks questions that demand self-reflection. The general focus of these essays is your personal and career goals, personality, interests, values, and past experiences that you have had which are relevant to any of these domains. 

Top Tips for Crafting the Booth MBA Essays

Get ahead with these essential tips for crafting your Booth MBA essays to make a strong impression on the admissions committee.

A Fairly Straightforward Essay

It can be a daunting experience to construct an essay that carries as much weight as this one does regarding your future. Knowing that responding in one way versus responding in another could mean the difference between getting accepted into Booth’s program or not is intimidating. 

Yet, the thing to keep in mind here is that there isn’t a cut-and-dry, black-and-white answer that Booth is looking for in applicants’ responses to their questions since there are no truly right or wrong answers to the open-ended questions that they are asking. 

Rick Weiland, who helped form Booth’s Executive MBA program, likes to remind potential Booth applicants that there is “nothing sneaky or mysterious” about the prompts that the school provides; they want you to “[k]eep it simple.” However, some things should be kept in mind when tackling these essay topics, which may help improve your chances of success. 

Weiland also suggests that applicants keep in mind the importance of “remember[ing] to answer the whole question,” as Booth’s essay topics are often two or three-part questions. If you spend most of your essay answering one of these questions, you are doing yourself a disservice rather than balancing your responses amongst all the topics to be covered.

Immediate and Long-Term Goals

One of Booth’s recurring questions for their application essays is centred around how their MBA will “help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals.” You might have the urge to focus your answer primarily on the specifics of your goals themselves, but this question places just as much emphasis on why Booth is going to be an integral stepping stone for reaching these goals. 

To fully answer this question, it would be a good idea to start by mentioning a specific position you hope to hold upon graduating from Booth’s MBA program. This could be as simply put as mentioning a job title, or if there are some organizations that you are eager to work for, this would be the time to reference them. 

From there, you can branch out further and describe your longer-term plan, which could mean mentioning your aspirations for the next 5-10 years. When describing this part of your plan, it is crucial to focus on more than just a mere role you hope to occupy. 

Rather, Booth is interested in knowing what kind of an impact you envision yourself making once you hold the position you hope to have. It is also crucial that the goals that you put forth walk a carefully balanced line between ambition and realism. Setting overly ambitious goals for yourself will only reflect poorly on you, which is not what you want. 

Once you’ve established your goals and your intents, discuss why you feel that Booth’s MBA will help facilitate your progress towards these objectives. This is also an opportunity for you to show the admissions committee how thoroughly you’ve researched the MBA they are offering. 

It is a good idea to speak with current or past Booth MBA students or attend an info session to gather some information on the curriculum, faculty, and extracurricular activities available at Booth. It would be ideal if you could make a relevant connection between what is being offered explicitly at Booth and what you’re looking for to help propel you towards your ultimate goals.

Getting Personal

Booth recognizes that “an MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development,” so they also typically include a question that allows you to dig deep and share some more personal details about who “you [are] outside of the office.” 

These kinds of questions provide you with a chance to let your personality shine through so that the admissions committee can really get to know you and subsequently decide if you will be a good fit for a cohort of MBA students that has been described as “an accomplished, diverse, and occasionally quirky class.” 

As important as work experience is for any MBA applicant, these questions require that you reach beyond your office experiences, go deeper into who you are at your core, and share what makes you tick. 

Think back on any important experiences or accomplishments that may have been defining moments for you. Booth loves to see community involvement, so if you have volunteer experiences, this would be the perfect opportunity to draw upon them. Try not to get caught up in thinking about telling Booth’s admissions committee exactly what you think they might want to hear.

The Optional Essay

The third essay topic, which is the optional one, is the most open-ended of them all. This prompt simply allows applicants to clarify “any unclear information in [their] application that needs further explanation.” Unlike the other two essays, this essay does have a maximum word count of 300 words. 

If you would like to address an element or two of your application that you could see potentially being a cause for concern, you should take this essay as a way to explain this briefly. This explanation may concern a low GMAT or GRE score, lower than average undergraduate grades, or limited work experience, among other things. 

In this way, you can potentially turn things around or simply frame them in a more favorable way, rather than leaving them to be taken at face value by the admissions committee. If you are going to explain something that may be viewed by the admissions committee as a red flag within your application, try to avoid using baseless excuses and instead provide context for the committee to understand these pitfalls of your application in a different light.

An Opportunity to Share More

However, this optional essay doesn’t just have to be used for mere purposes of explaining potential shortcomings. Keep in mind that all of the essays are essentially the first steps towards a dialogue between you and Booth about why you are an ideal candidate for their program. 

As such, this third essay may also be used to stretch your narrative a little further and share some additional anecdotal accomplishments or relevant stories from your past that you would like the admissions committee to know about. You could also draw upon special interests that you have or extracurricular activities you have participated in, which represent who you are as a person and Booth applicant alike. 

Skipping this question will not negatively impact Booth’s decision to admit you into the program or not. Don’t feel as though you must submit an answer to this prompt unless you think that there is something you would like the admissions committee to know, which you haven’t had room to include elsewhere in your application. 

Although there is room for different directions to be taken with this essay, make sure you avoid redundancy and don’t restate information or sentiments that are already present elsewhere in your application.

An Essay for Reapplicants

There is an additional essay topic on Booth’s website that is specifically for people who are reapplying to the program. If you have applied to Booth’s MBA program within the last two academic years and were either not admitted or declined an offer of admission, you are considered a reapplicant. 

However, if you applied to the program more than two years ago, then you must apply as a new applicant. To reapply, you must answer the question: “Upon reflection, how has your perspective regarding your future, Chicago Booth, and/or getting an MBA changed since the time of your last application?” 

This essay also has a maximum word count of 300, so your explanation must be kept short and concise. This means that you should not waste too much time trying to convince the admissions committee that you are now a better candidate for the program, especially since this is not what they are asking for with this prompt. 

If you would like to briefly mention any improvements you may have had since your previous application, such as test scores or promotions, that is okay. However, make sure that you keep the focus of this essay on yourself and your goals. This would be worth mentioning if you have furthered your learning regarding your career path, changed your long or short-term career goals, or forged new working relationships.

Common Mistakes

Crafting a strong MBA essay requires thorough research, clear self-expression, and direct responses. Procrastination and lack of preparation can harm your application, so starting early and planning carefully is crucial. Let’s take a closer look at each of these mistakes. 

Incomplete Essay Question Responses

Beginning your MBA essay without thoroughly researching each school and program can lead to a stumbling start. Rushing into writing without grasping the unique qualities of each institution can result in a generic essay that fails to impress admissions teams. 

Take the time to explore what distinguishes each school, connect with faculty, and utilize campus resources to tailor your essay effectively.

Being Too Wordy

Crafting a compelling MBA admission essay goes beyond simply listing achievements. Failing to establish a clear personal brand leaves admissions teams with a vague impression of who you are and what you bring to the table. 

Take the opportunity to demonstrate your unique strengths and aspirations. Sharing personal anecdotes that demonstrate your skills and values can help create a memorable narrative that resonates with admissions officers.

Waiting Until the Last Minute

It's easy to get caught up in maintaining a consistent narrative throughout your MBA application but overlooking specific aspects of each essay question can be detrimental. Whether it's a traditional written prompt or a creative video submission, ensure you address all components of the question. 

Breaking down the prompt into smaller elements and tailoring your response accordingly demonstrates your ability to follow instructions and provides a comprehensive insight into your candidacy.

Insufficient School and Program Research

Navigating the fine line between brevity and substance is crucial in MBA essay writing. While it's tempting to elaborate on every detail, being overly verbose can dilute the impact of your message. 

Strive for clarity and conciseness in your writing, prioritizing key points that showcase your qualifications and fit for the program. Remember, admissions officers appreciate direct answers that address the heart of the question without unnecessary fluff or tangents.

Weak Personal Presentation

Procrastination is the enemy of a polished MBA application. Waiting until the eleventh hour to tackle your essays limits your ability to produce quality work and increases the risk of overlooking crucial details. 

Effective essay writing requires time for reflection, revision, and refinement. Establishing a timeline with manageable milestones can help you stay organized and ensure you submit your best possible work. Start early, allocate sufficient time for each stage of the process, and give yourself the opportunity for thorough review before submission.

Strategies on How to Approach Booth MBA Essays

To write an effective essay for Booth's MBA program, understand what sets it apart, align your goals with Booth's values, and show how you'll contribute. Make sure to personalize your essays to stand out and demonstrate your fit for the program. To better understand how to ensure your essay stands out, read on. 

Get to Know Booth

Dive deep into understanding what sets Booth apart from other business schools. Familiarize yourself with their mission statement and delve into the core principles of the "Chicago Approach" to business education. 

Consider how these elements resonate with your own career aspirations and values. Reflect on how Booth's emphasis on analytical rigor and interdisciplinary learning aligns with your goals.

Reflect on Your Why

Take ample time to introspect and articulate why pursuing an MBA is essential for your career advancement and personal growth. 

Think about your motivations, both professional and personal, and how they led you to consider Booth as the ideal place to pursue your MBA. Consider specific aspects of Booth's program, such as its flexible curriculum and collaborative environment, that attract you and align with your aspirations.

Show Why Booth Fits

Craft a compelling narrative that demonstrates why Booth is the perfect fit for you. Clearly articulate how Booth's unique offerings, such as its renowned faculty, experiential learning opportunities, and strong alumni network, complement your career goals and aspirations. 

Provide concrete examples of how you plan to leverage these resources to achieve your objectives.

Highlight Your Impact

Showcase your potential to make a meaningful impact within Booth's community and beyond. Discuss how your background, skills, and experiences uniquely position you to contribute to Booth's dynamic learning environment and drive positive change in your chosen field. 

Illustrate your commitment to making a difference by sharing examples of past achievements or projects that demonstrate your leadership abilities and entrepreneurial spirit.

Personalize Your Essays

Tailor each essay to Booth's specific prompts and values. Avoid generic responses by incorporating anecdotes, insights, and reflections that showcase your authentic voice and perspective. 

Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your strengths, resilience, and capacity for growth. By infusing your essays with your individuality, you'll create a compelling narrative that resonates with the admissions committee and sets you apart as a standout candidate.

Following these steps will empower you to approach Booth's MBA essays strategically, effectively communicating why you're a natural fit for their program and poised to thrive as a future business leader.

Booth MBA Essay Examples & Why They Were Successful

Discover some standout examples of Booth MBA essays and learn why they were successful in securing admission to the program.

1. How will the Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (250-word minimum, ~500 words)

Sample introduction:.

My long-term vision is to fundamentally reshape the consumer decision-making process by introducing an additional consideration – corporate stewardship of the brand. Just like how [Firm] is innovating the way investments are evaluated with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics, I want to transform the way products and services are assessed through a scalable, accessible, and effective rating system. 

This sustainability rating attributed to the parent company will be displayed directly on the product packaging to allow consumers to align their sustainability preferences with their purchasing decisions.

Body Paragraphs:

Upon graduation, my short-term career goal is to work at an organization like [Company], a nonprofit pioneering the application of sustainability certifications to for-profit companies. Booth’s flexible and impact-oriented curriculum, along with its rich extracurricular resources, will provide me the tools necessary to develop my proficiency in consumer market behaviors while discovering the incentive structures for funding sustainable projects.

My interest in Booth’s dynamic curriculum stems from my interdisciplinary undergraduate program that allowed me to explore the intersections of sustainability and finance. This juxtaposition was critical to crafting my career ambitions while inspiring me to explore creative solutions to address societal shortcomings. 

I anticipate that my academic journey at Booth will include courses like The Study of Behavioral Economics to discern the underpinnings of consumer motivations; specifically, the psychological implications, of non-pecuniary preferences like sustainability, to economics that often defines rationality solely within the bounds of economics.

Sample Conclusion:

What is clear to me is that we live in a world where action towards a sustainable future is of utmost importance not only to the integrity of the past but also to the well-being of the future. Booth’s rich, dynamic platform will propel my growth and development into a global leader who will work towards changing the trajectory of our world for the better.”

Why This Essay Works?

This essay efficiently summarizes goals that demonstrate the applicant's abilities and skills, as well as their understanding of the business world. 

It does an excellent job of segue into a description of Booth and what the school offers, which shows evidence of previous research. It even references a specific course offered by Booth and briefly describes exactly why this course would be helpful in the pursuit of their goals.

2. An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. In addition to sharing your experience and goals in terms of career, we’d like to learn more about you outside of the office. Use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are. (250-word minimum, ~500 words)

"I had to learn how to navigate the world at a young age. I was born in [Country] to [ethnicity] parents and moved to [Country] at the age of five. I dressed differently, didn’t speak the native tongue well, and didn’t share many interests with my classmates. The first person that genuinely empathized with my struggle was my ESL teacher in elementary school – a mentor I could confide in when I didn’t have anywhere else to go. 

Having gone through similar experiences struggling to fit in, “Miss B” advised me on how I should approach these interpersonal conflicts. I remember thinking to myself, “I want to be just like her.” In retrospect, her warm guidance sparked my passion for mentorship, which has evolved into a desire for broader societal impact.

Sample Body Paragraph:

I took on an opportunity to renovate an empty blacktop space in the heart of a [City] community — [Name of space]. With the approval of the local government, two fellow members and I outlined a blueprint to build five permanent public tennis courts (one full-length court, and four miniature courts) and a classroom space. The total cost was estimated at roughly $5,000. 

Initially, we were planning to reallocate funding from other projects, but I suggested we should host our own fundraiser. I asked my group – why not us? We hosted a [sport] tournament with a fundraising target of $350 per player. Our group recruited 16 players, including me.

For many players, it was their first fundraiser, so I created a fundraising guide that explained how I was running my own fundraiser to optimize outreach and effective messaging. On tournament day, the competition was all the more enjoyable when we all celebrated our hard work of raising over $7,000.

My mindset for proactiveness was rooted in my college experience. I managed the mentorship program for [Club], a student organization that hosted workshops and allocated funding to socially innovative ventures. In matching mentors with these ventures, I became intrigued by [Organization]. 

This organization’s mission was to distribute surplus medical equipment to medical professionals in developing countries worldwide. I was so inspired by their devotion to the cause that I asked myself [Club] slogan, “Why not me?” I had to be the agent for the positive change I want to see in this world. This motto guided me to think of ways to bring positive systematic changes to society, a spirit I hope to bring to the Booth community as I continue to pursue my passion for mentorship.”

This essay does a phenomenal job of establishing a narrative that illustrates the applicant’s personal history, which had led them to a formative moment in their life. The applicant also connects their vocational realization with qualities and driving forces in their life that happen to be in line with values that Booth desires. 

For example, the story about organizing community fundraising for public facilities demonstrates initiative and leadership. The applicant also clearly and effectively mentions what they feel they will bring to the Booth community.

3. Is there any unclear information in your application that needs further explanation? (Maximum 300 words.)

Sample introduction:.

“In reviewing my application for the Chicago Booth MBA program, my goal is to ensure transparency and provide a complete understanding of my qualifications. 

While my resume outlines my experiences, I recognize the importance of offering deeper insights into my career trajectory, personal growth, and academic background. Addressing any unclear information allows me to present a more comprehensive picture of who I am as a candidate.

Sample Body Paragraphs

First, I aim to offer a more comprehensive view of my career by highlighting specific projects and initiatives from each role. 

For example, while my resume outlines my positions and responsibilities, I believe discussing strategic approaches I've used to tackle challenges—like leading a successful market expansion project at IBM—offers deeper insight into my professional growth.

Secondly, I recognize that my listed extracurricular activities may not fully convey the depth of my interests beyond work. Thus, I want to elaborate on how these experiences have shaped both my personal character and leadership style. 

For instance, my volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity demonstrates my commitment to community service and honed my ability to lead diverse teams, fostering adaptability and empathy.

Moreover, I'm committed to addressing any potential gaps or discrepancies in my academic or employment history. While I've aimed for transparency, I understand the importance of providing additional context where needed for a comprehensive understanding of my qualifications. 

For instance, I would like to explain my academic hiatus, which was dedicated to gaining practical experience through an internship at Google, which was an incredibly valuable opportunity. 

In conclusion, by addressing any areas of ambiguity in my application, I demonstrate my commitment to transparency and integrity. I am eager to contribute to the Chicago Booth community and am confident that my diverse experiences will add value to the MBA program.” 

This essay effectively addresses the prompt by showing the applicant's commitment to transparency and offering a thorough look at their qualifications. The introduction sets the tone by stating the applicant's goal of providing deeper insights into their background. 

The body paragraphs discuss specific areas, like career growth and extracurricular activities, with clear examples. The conclusion reiterates the applicant's commitment to transparency and their eagerness to contribute to the Chicago Booth community. Overall, this essay is easy to follow and showcases the applicant's readiness for the admissions process.

Let's dive into some of the most commonly asked questions.

1. How Many Applications Does Booth Receive for Their MBA Program on Average Each Year?

Booth's admissions committee typically receives between 4,000 to 6,000 applicants for their MBA program each year, with the most recent count reported at 4,184 applicants.

2. How Many Spots Are Available in Booth’s MBA Program?

The admissions committee at Booth admits around 600-700 students into their MBA program each year.

3. What Are the Average GMAT/GRE Scores for Students Admitted to Booth?

Those accepted into Booth’s MBA program tend to have an average GMAT score of 728. For the GRE test, the averages are 163 for Quantitative and 162 for Verbal.

4. Are There Word Count Requirements for Booth’s MBA Essays?

Yes, Booth's two main essay questions require applicants' answers to have a minimum word count of 250 words. However, there is no maximum for either of these questions. 

For the optional essay question and the reapplicant question, no minimum word count is mentioned, but there is a maximum word count of 300.

5. What Are the Requirements for International Applicants?

International applicants must have a college or university degree equivalent to a four-year American baccalaureate degree. Booth also accepts candidates with three-year international degrees. 

If English is not your native language, you’ll need to submit proof of English proficiency by taking a TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE exam. Booth has specific grade requirements for each of these exams, which you may find on their website. ‍

6. What Is the Best Way to Connect With Current Students or Alumni?

Although Booth does not individually connect prospective students with alumni or current students, they encourage all applicants to use their Connect with a Current Student feature on their website. There are also a variety of events throughout the year that provide opportunities for networking with alumni and students.

Booth is a fantastic school to complete your MBA at for a plethora of reasons, ranging from its reputation to its extracurricular offerings. However, it can be quite a competitive school to get into given the number of applicants they receive every year and the limited number of spots available for taking. 

They get many prospective students applying with very impressive resumes and transcripts, which raises the level of competition. Booth wants to ensure that each student they admit possesses the skills and experience to keep up with their quick-paced and multi-faceted MBA program.

The Booth MBA Essays allow you to set yourself apart from everyone else and secure a coveted spot amongst the next Booth cohort. The key to being successful when taking on Booth’s essay topics is to keep things concise and to the point, making every word count. 

Stay focused on the essay's ultimate goal: to help Booth’s admission committee get to know you. By showing them your best side through these essays, you can help them to visualize you as a necessary piece of the puzzle that will become their next cohort and their future alumni.

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Chicago Booth Essays: Sample & Writing Tips

The journey to a prestigious MBA program like the Chicago Booth School of Business is filled with numerous challenges and opportunities, with the application essays playing a pivotal role in this process. For students aspiring to study abroad, these essays are not just a requirement but a window through which the admissions committee views your experiences, aspirations, and personality.

The Chicago Booth MBA program, renowned for its rigorous academic environment and diverse student body, offers a unique platform for students from around the globe to catapult their careers to new heights. In this article, we dive deep into the essentials of crafting compelling essays for the Chicago Booth MBA application, guiding you step-by-step to make your candidature stand out.

Understanding Chicago Booth’s Essay Questions

Chicago Booth’s MBA application includes essay questions designed to understand the candidates’ motivations, career goals, and the value they can bring to the Booth community. Each essay question serves a distinct purpose and provides the admissions committee with insights into different facets of your profile.

Essay Question 1: Career Goals

This essay seeks to understand your career aspirations. The key here is not just to state your goals but to also articulate the ‘why’ behind them. How do these goals align with your long-term vision? How will a Chicago Booth MBA specifically help you in achieving these goals? Essay Question 2: Why Booth?

Here, the focus is on your reasons for choosing Chicago Booth. This is where you showcase your knowledge about the program and how its unique features resonate with your academic and professional objectives. Whether it’s Booth’s flexible curriculum, its world-class faculty, or the extensive alumni network, your essay should reflect a thoughtful and well-researched rationale. Optional Essay: Personal Background

The optional essay is your opportunity to address any aspects of your application that you feel need more explanation, such as gaps in employment, academic challenges, or extenuating personal circumstances. It’s also a chance to share unique personal attributes or experiences that haven’t been covered elsewhere in your application. Each of these essays requires a strategic approach, balancing professional insights with personal anecdotes to create a compelling narrative that reflects your suitability and enthusiasm for the Chicago Booth MBA program.

Strategies for Crafting Compelling Essays

Writing essays for the Chicago Booth MBA program involves a strategic approach that blends your professional experiences with your personal growth journey. Here are key strategies to craft compelling essays:

Essay 1 – Career Goals and Booth MBA Alignment:

Start with a brief overview of your professional background, highlighting key successes and skills. Clearly articulate how your past experiences and personality traits influence your future job aspirations. Research and detail how specific aspects of the Chicago Booth MBA program (classes, clubs, networks) will help bridge your skills gap and bring you closer to your goals. Your goals should be both ambitious and realistic, showcasing a logical extension of your current skill set and experiences​​. Essay 2 – Personal Growth:

Reflect on your life experiences, identifying key moments that define who you are. Share stories that demonstrate your values, passions, and interests outside of work. This could include volunteer experiences, cultural background, or personal challenges. Link these personal growth experiences to how you envision contributing to Booth’s community and your future career goals​​​​.

Common Writing Tips for Both Essays:

Maintain a well-structured format with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Be concise and focused. While there’s no strict word limit, around 500 words is a good target for each essay to maintain clarity and brevity​​. Proofread thoroughly to ensure your essays are free from grammatical errors and typos, demonstrating professionalism and attention to detail​​.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid in MBA Essays

Lack of Specificity and Research : Generic statements about Booth’s MBA program without detailed research and specific examples can weaken your essay. Overemphasis on Resume: While highlighting professional achievements is important, avoid turning the essay into a mere extension of your resume. Neglecting Personal Stories: Not including personal anecdotes or failing to showcase your personality can result in a less engaging essay. Ignoring Essay Prompts: Straying away from the essay prompts or not addressing all parts of the question can lead to missing critical points. Exceeding Word Limits Unnecessarily: While Booth essays don’t have strict word limits, overly lengthy essays might lose focus and clarity. Aim for concise and impactful writing.

Chicago Booth MBA Program Highlights and Unique Features

The Chicago Booth School of Business offers a distinct MBA experience, characterized by its rigorous curriculum, diverse student body, and innovative learning environment. Here are some key highlights and unique features of the program:

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Diverse and Accomplished Student Body:

The Chicago Booth MBA Class of 2024 boasts an average undergraduate GPA of 3.6, with 37% international students from 57 countries. The class composition reflects a broad range of academic backgrounds, including business, economics, engineering, and liberal arts​​. Flexible and Comprehensive Curriculum:

The Booth MBA program consists of 20 courses, including one mandatory Leadership Effectiveness and Development course. Students have the flexibility to choose from 13 different concentrations and a variety of elective courses, enabling them to tailor their educational experience according to their career goals and interests​​. Experiential Learning and Research Opportunities:

The program emphasizes hands-on learning through various courses in industry, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Students also have access to research centers like the Center for Decision Research and Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, offering ample opportunities for practical experience and academic exploration​​​​. Global Perspective and Networking:

Booth’s International Study Program offers joint degrees in international relations, study abroad opportunities, and international business concentration courses, fostering a global business perspective. Additionally, students join a powerful, supportive, global network of over 56,000 alumni​​​​. Career Opportunities and Entrepreneurial Support:

Chicago Booth boasts impressive placement rates, with a vast majority of its graduates securing positions in top-tier companies. The school is particularly supportive of entrepreneurial pursuits, providing resources and connections to help turn innovative ideas into successful ventures​​​​.

Writing compelling essays for the Chicago Booth MBA program is a crucial step in your journey to studying abroad. Furthermore, the essays offer you a unique platform to present your story, aspirations, and individuality. Additionally, as you craft your essays, keep in mind the distinct qualities of the Booth MBA program. Moreover, its emphasis on diversity, intellectual curiosity, and a transformative educational experience should be highlighted. Utilizing the strategies and tips outlined in this guide, you can create essays that not only resonate with the admissions committee but also reflect your true self and ambitions. Embrace this opportunity to showcase your potential as a future leader, and remember, the Booth MBA is not just about academic excellence but also about personal growth and making a real-world impact.

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Homepage > MBA Admissions > Chicago Booth MBA Essays Analysis and Tips for 2023 intake

Chicago Booth MBA Essays Analysis and Tips for 2023 intake

Posted by Juhi A | Jan 29, 2023 | Business Schools , MBA Admissions , MBA Application Process

The Chicago Booth,  the world’s most flexible full-time MBA program , evaluates candidates based on the criteria of  academic preparedness, intellectual curiosity, and communication skill s.  It is ‘the destination for ambitious, intellectually curious professionals—bold leaders who want to advance in their careers and earn an MBA degree from the world’s leading academic business school’.

In this article, Poonam Tandon from myEssayReview, who has been helping students with their MBA applications since 2011, shares her tips on the Chicago Booth MBA essay for 2023 intake.

Let’s take a look at the application deadlines first.

Read more about Chicago Booth MBA – Class Profile, Employment Reports, and Notable Alumni

Application Deadlines

The following are the deadlines for the Chicago Booth MBA program’s 2022 intake. You can access the application here .

All applications are due by 11:59 PM CST.

If you are planning to take the GMAT, we can help you with a personalized study plan and give you access to quality online content to prepare. Write to us at  [email protected] . We are the  most reviewed GMAT prep company on gmatclub  with more than 2500 reviews and are the only prep company that has delivered  more than 700+ scores than any other GMAT club partner.  Why don’t you take a free trial and judge for yourself?

Chicago Booth MBA Essay Questions

Like last year, the admission committee requires the applicants to answer two essay questions. The first essay remains unchanged, but the second essay question has been changed this year.

From Booth Admissions Blog :   Our approach to the MBA application and evaluation is holistic. In this way, we can begin to get a sense of who you are both professionally and personally. That is why this year you’ll find that we kept the essay question that provides insights into your post-MBA goals and added a new question that gets at the heart of your motivations.

Read this article to know the importance of MBA Essays in Business School applications

Instead of a maximum word limit, there is a minimum word limit of 250-words. Though there is no maximum word limit for these essays,  the admission committee  asks candidates to use their own judgment in determining how long the submission should be.

From the Booth Website:  We trust that you will use your best judgment in determining how long your submission should be, but we recommend that you think strategically about how to best allocate the space.

I advise my students to include only the essentials and keep their submission within 500 words for each essay.

Apart from these two required essay questions, applicants can also submit an optional essay to address/explain any weaknesses in their profile or any extenuating circumstances. Re-applicants will also submit an essay explaining how their perspective about their future, Booth, and MBA has changed this year.

Let us take a closer look at the essays:

2022-2023 Chicago Booth Full-Time MBA Application Questions

Chicago Booth Essay-1 Analysis

How will the booth mba help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-mba career goals (250-word minimum).

This is a standard goals essay that focuses on your short-term and long-term goals and how an MBA from Booth will help you achieve your goals.

To begin with, provide a brief account of your career history, explaining the skills and knowledge you have gained the accomplishments you have made. Outline how your professional experiences so far have inspired your career plans.

Now share your short-term goals. Identify the position that you hope to hold immediately after your MBA, specifying your role, position, industry, and 1-2 organizations/companies for which you would like to work for.

Articulate your goal and explain why this goal is interesting and important to you. Please note that your post-MBA goal should show a logical progression from your current skill set and knowledge acquired through an MBA degree.

Your goals should be ambitious as well as realistic. That is, if you aim for a technology or a consulting role, you will need to demonstrate that you already possess some skills/experience in that area and are now aiming to enhance those skills.

Likewise, if you are a career changer, you should provide evidence as to how your current skill set would facilitate this transition. Now explain your long-term career vision. Your short-term goals should naturally lead to your long-term goals which may or may not be specific in nature.

After that, discuss the gap in your skillset that you hope to fill through Booth MBA. Connect your goals to the curriculum, career placement, and other resources and offerings of the Booth program, explaining how they can prepare you for a future career.

Please note that thorough research of the Booth MBA program and its offerings is key to an effective response to this question. Be specific about how skills, knowledge, and experience acquired at Booth will help you build on your past knowledge and skills, inching you closer to your goals.

Chicago Booth admission committee looks for individuals who are aware of the direction their decisions will lead them to and their eagerness and undaunted spirit to make an impact. The intent is to see if you can fit into the ethos of Booth’s community.

Read this article to get more tips on how to write ‘Career Goals’ or ‘Why MBA’ Essay.

Chicago Booth MBA Essay 2 Analysis

An mba is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. in addition to sharing your experience and goals in terms of career, we’d like to learn more about you outside of the office. use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are… (minimum 250 words, no maximum.).

Last year, Booth asked about the ‘choices’ that included both personal and professional choices. This year the Booth admission committee expects applicants to reveal their personal side. The purpose of this essay is to show who you are as a person and what motivates you. You will have to do some soul searching and share stories from your personal, academic, and community life that showcase your interests, leadership experiences, and other passions. Give the admission committee a glimpse into what matters most to you, what drives you, motivates you, and has shaped you as a person.

When writing this essay, focus on experiences that have shaped your values and priorities all these years.  Do not shy away from sharing the challenging experiences in life – often tough experiences make us stronger and self-aware. Remember all of you are unique individuals, so your experiences, values, and interests will set you apart from other candidates. Some people have extensive volunteer engagement, while some may have varied interests and hobbies outside of work. This essay is a great place to share your involvement and passion for voluntary service and your interests and hobbies.

Having discussed your passions, and interests that occupy your days outside of your work hours and are the guiding forces in your life, connect them to your potential experiences at the ‘choice rich’ environment of Booth.

Your research of Booth’s resources and offerings will come in handy to address this part of the question.

Explain how you see yourself engaging in the clubs and organizations of Booth based on your interests and passion. This is your chance to show to the Ad com what you will bring to the table as a student and as a valuable alumnus.

For instance, you can talk about how your accomplishments in a specific sport or your passion for volunteer work will enable you to actively engage in specific clubs or organizations at Booth. This is a great way to demonstrate your ‘fit’ with the program. Please note that self-awareness is imperative for acceptance to the MBA program in Chicago Booth.

While the first essay unfolds your professional accomplishments and goals, the second essay unveils your interests, motivation, and values outside of the professional arena. Make sure that these two essays should showcase a well-rounded picture of your professional and personal self.

If you are invited to interview, you will have the opportunity to share even more about who you are, how you think, and why. You will get two short answer questions that allow you to further showcase yourself.

Chicago Booth Optional Essay Analysis

Is there any unclear information in your application that needs further explanation? (300-word maximum)

This  optional essay  asks you for information that will clarify something that is unclear. It is a great place to address any weaknesses in your profile. For example, if you have lower than average GMAT score, any grades below a C on your transcript, academic probation, or a significant employment or education gap, you can explain it in this essay.

Also, if you cannot get your recommendation letter from your current supervisor, please explain that in the optional statement.

To provide context for a weakness in your profile, make sure your reason is genuine to convince the Ad Com that your low grades or employment gap occurred due to unforeseen circumstances beyond your control.

Your response should be positive, straightforward, and fact-focused and should not sound like you are making excuses for a weakness in your profile. Your weakness may also bring out a positive aspect of your personality.

For example, if you are discussing your employment gap, you may explain that you did something productive during that period, such as traveling, volunteering, or handling a family medical emergency.

If you do not have any weakness in your profile or any areas that need justification/explanation, you may skip this question and focus only on the required two essays. This question, unlike the required questions, does have a word limit. Please respect it.

Chicago Booth Reapplicant Essay Analysis

Upon reflection, how has your perspective regarding your future, Chicago Booth, and/ or getting an MBA changed since the time of your last application? (300 words maximum)

The answer to this  re-applicant essay  is vital for the re-applicants since it is asking for your perspective and growth.

Instead of asking how your application has improved this time, Booth wants to assess how failure has altered your outlook and how differently you have geared up this time for the MBA admission.

Take this opportunity to showcase the change in your stance and your maturity to progress towards the goal. Do not forget to mention how you have tailored yourself to meet Booth’s admission criteria.

Though the question doesn’t ask for improvements, you should definitely mention if there are any improvements in your profile, such as, an improved test score, or a promotion at work, or significant community involvement that has resulted in a changed outlook of your future.

Your conscious efforts to strengthen your profile and to work on your weak areas will prove how determined you are about your Booth MBA.

To meet the prescribed word limit, you need to be extremely precise in presenting your case a  make every word count.

For more information about applying to Chicago Booth, please click  here.

Free Resources:

• 10 Key Essay Tips with Examples
• Essay Analysis of Other Top Programs-2020-21
•   MER Students Share their success Stories

Since 2011, MER ( myEssayReview ) has helped many applicants get accepted into the top 20 MBA programs, including Chicago Booth. (Poonam is one of the  top 5 most reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club .)

Do you have questions about your Booth application? E-mail Poonam at  [email protected]  or sign up  here  for a free consultation.

About the author

Poonam, one of the  top 5 most reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club , is a master storyteller with more than three decades of experience in successfully helping students craft compelling stories for undergraduate and graduate school programs.

A Ph.D. in English, with three decades of teaching experience in India and the US, Poonam launched myEssayReview (MER) in 2011 to provide highly personalized and dedicated consulting services to Business School applicants. Since then, she has helped hundreds of students around the world get into top MBA, EMBA, part-time MBA, and specialized graduate programs. A full-time consultant, Poonam is passionate about her work and is highly committed to each of her students’ success.

Do you aspire to pursue an MBA at Chicago Booth School of Business?  A 740+ GMAT score can improve your chances of admission. Kickstart your GMAT preparation by Signing up for our Free Trial!

Here are some additional articles that can help you with your Chicago Booth essays:

• Importance of MBA essays in your B-School application
• Five types of MBA essays  

About The Author

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Tips for Mastering the Chicago Booth Essays

         The structure of Booth’s two main personal statement essays is unusual and difficult. The essay below is a clear enough guideline for building your own essays, especially if you’re already a strong writer. But if you need additional help, Gurufi.com has 17 years of helping MBA applicants get into their dream schools, including five of our seven clients who applied to Booth in the last full cycle. All we do is admissions writing, and we’re expert at it!

         Chicago Booth’s personal statement prompts are a bit different. Rather than having a single longer essay, you’re required to break the essay in two, with one focusing on your career goals and the other asking you to be a bit more personal. For people who are quite adept at weaving together multiple narratives and ideas into a single coherent essay, this can feel like a frustrating lost opportunity… but for the other 99% of people, it seems much simpler and more straightforward. That said, this format requires you to place great emphasis on clarity, precision, and efficiency, and to plan out beforehand what you want each essay to say and how they complement each other. Thus, much like Stanford’s two essays, there is a sense in which you should view these two mini-essays as a single interconnected idea divided over two essays.

         What does that mean? It means that you should begin this exercise by identifying three things: who you were (and stories / examples that demonstrate that), who you are (what are you doing now?), and what you aspire to become. All three should align and make sense as a coherent trajectory. I talked more about this here , but if you don’t want to watch the video, here’s the short version: when you talk about your past, your present, and your future, it needs to feel like they’re all the same person. So, Essay 1 asks you to focus on the future. But, as you plan and write Essay 2, which is asking you to talk about your background and values, think about how your life, background, and values inform, guide, and inspire the person you seek to become. This needs to feel connected, and it’s important that these two essays have that point of tangency.

         A few other big-picture things before we dive into the specifics. As the world's most flexible full-time MBA program, Chicago Booth emphasizes academic preparedness, intellectual curiosity, and communication skills. The program seeks ambitious, intellectually curious professionals—bold leaders eager to advance their careers at a leading academic business school. Try to embody that in your essay.

Essay #1: Career Goals and the Booth MBA

Essay One: How will the Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (250-word minimum)

Understanding the Prompt:

The prompt for Essay #1 focuses on your career goals and how an MBA from Booth will help you achieve them. It requires a blend of professional insight and academic aspiration.

Structure and Content:

• Career Background : Start with a brief account of your career history. Highlight key skills, knowledge, and achievements, setting the stage for your future ambitions. Remember, you can’t credibly talk about what you hope to do unless you can tie that aspiration to what you’ve already done. (again, think in terms of past, present, and future needing to make a straight coherent line)
• Short-Term Goals : Clearly define your immediate post-MBA goals. Include desired roles, industries, and potential organizations. Ensure these goals align logically with your current skill set, indicating a realistic yet ambitious trajectory. The point here is that these should be designed to procure you the final bits of knowledge, skill, experiences, and / or connections you need to attain your long-term goal.
• Long-Term Vision : Articulate your broader career vision. Show how your short-term goals are stepping stones towards these long-term aspirations.
• Identifying Skill Gaps : Reflect on the skills and knowledge you need to acquire to achieve your goals. This introspection is crucial for the next part.
• Booth's Role : Connect your goals and identified gaps with what Booth offers. Dive deep into Booth's curriculum, culture, and resources. Be specific about how these will bridge your gaps and propel you towards your career objectives. DON’T turn it into a brochure for Booth where you simply list off stuff you found on their website; instead, thoughtfully curate one or two key advantages or resources that are unique to Booth and mention those.
• Demonstrating Fit : Convey your understanding of and alignment with Booth's ethos. Show self-awareness and a clear vision of how you'll contribute to and benefit from the Booth community.

Essay #2: Personal Growth and Development

Essay Two: An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. In addition to sharing your experience and goals in terms of career, we’d like to learn more about you outside of the office. Use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are. (250-word minimum)

This essay seeks to uncover who you are beyond your professional life. It's about your personal journey, values, and motivations. As noted above, you should still try to build points of tangency between these essays, though the tone might be a bit different.

Structure and Content :

• Personal Stories : Share meaningful anecdotes from your life outside work. Focus on experiences that shaped your values, priorities, and character. These aren’t random stories, though. They should explain your journey to the role / goal you aspire to achieve.
• Leadership and Passions : Highlight any leadership roles or significant passions. Discuss hobbies, volunteer work, or personal projects that are integral to who you are.
• Challenges and Growth : Don't shy away from discussing difficulties. Show how overcoming challenges has contributed to your personal development.
• Aligning with Booth : Explain how your personal attributes and experiences resonate with Booth's values and offerings. Illustrate how you'll engage with the community and contribute uniquely.

General Tips for Both Essays:

• Self-Awareness : Exhibit a deep understanding of yourself, your motivations, and how your experiences have shaped you. Self-awareness is key to both essays.
• Research and Specificity : Your knowledge of Booth's program should shine through. Avoid generic statements; instead, provide details that show you've done your homework.
• Storytelling : Use stories to bring your essays to life. Whether discussing professional achievements or personal experiences, narratives make your application memorable.
• Alignment with Booth : Demonstrate how your goals and values align with Booth's culture and offerings. Show that you are not just seeking any MBA, but specifically Booth's MBA.
• Reflection and Insight : Go beyond narrating experiences. Reflect on their significance and how they've prepared you for the challenges and opportunities at Booth.
• Balance and Cohesion : Ensure that your essays complement each other, presenting a well-rounded picture of your professional and personal sides.

Crafting your Chicago Booth personal statement is an opportunity to introspect and articulate your career aspirations and personal journey. By thoughtfully responding to the prompts, showcasing your alignment with Booth's ethos, and demonstrating your unique value proposition, you can make a compelling case for your admission. Remember, Booth values intellectually curious and ambitious individuals who are ready to make a significant impact in the business world. Your essays should reflect these qualities, along with a clear understanding of how Booth's MBA will facilitate your goals.

For more help with your personal statement, check us out at Gurufi.com . Our personal statement editors and consultants have decades of experience helping clients get into top Masters and Ph.D. programs in STEM, humanities, fine arts, and social sciences. Our specialty is helping you craft compelling personal statements that move the needle in your admissions process! For questions, shoot us an email at [email protected] . Check us out on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn .

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Chicago Booth Essays: Tips for 2024-2025

At Menlo Coaching, we noticed that most MBA essays will fall into one of a number of categories: personal essays, career goals essays, behavioral essays, etc.. Read ahead for our expert guide on approaching these essays for University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Career Goals Essay

• How will the Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (250-word minimum)
• What is your immediate post-MBA career goal? (250 characters)
• What is your long-term post-MBA career goal? (250 characters)

Personal Essay

• An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. In addition to sharing your experience and goals in terms of career, we’d like to learn more about you outside of the office. Use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are. (250-word minimum)

Optional Essay

• Is there any unclear information in your application that needs further explanation? If so, please use this section to clarify. (300 words)

If you are a reapplicant to Booth, you can also find a section on the reapplicant essay .

The Career Goals Essay

You’re not the only one hoping you’ll have a job after you’ve graduated with your MBA. Admissions committees are looking for students who are motivated and clear in their intentions so that when they get a job post-grad, they’ll be more willing to speak positively of their experience in the program. And, of course, in the hopes that their alumni will earn enough money to become a donor to the school one day.

There are three aspects to the career goals essay: 

• What you want your future profession to look like.
• Why an MBA is necessary to advance your career.
• Particularly, why a degree from Booth will be most beneficial to you and your job plan. 

Your aspirations need to be convincing, ambitious, and realistic. The Booth MBA program is looking for applicants who have meaningful goals grounded in their past experiences, and it’s important that you relate that notion in your Booth MBA essay, however it applies to your experience in life.

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The Personal Statement Essay

Like we touched on earlier, schools are looking for the right fit for their campus community, just as you are searching for the school that aligns best with your goals. In the personal essay, this is your chance to show Chicago Booth the values that drive you both as a person and as a student. These values tell the admissions committee what you prioritize, the moral code you live by, and, most importantly, who you are as a person. 

The Booth MBA program is looking for applicants who are willing to debate and discuss. A core part of the learning experience is learning how to defend your point of view – and just as important is the view of your classmates. Hearing diverse viewpoints encourages you to think outside of your sphere and understand a wider range of lived experiences. 

In these essays, you can talk about almost anything; typically, applicants will write about relationships in their lives, or times when there was a hardship they had to overcome.

Be warned, though: there are some topics to avoid, and we have outlined a few things to watch out for in this article . 

Once you’ve completed your application, the optional Booth essay gives you an additional opportunity to provide the AdCom with any additional information or clarity that you feel would enhance your application.

One trap that MBA applicants fall into is using the additional space provided by this essay to write on another topic. However, this is not always the best idea.

You should only make use of this essay if you what you write will provide context to an element of your application to improve your candidacy—you don’t want to jeopardize your chances by adding unnecessary noise to your application.

Reapplicant Essay

For reapplicants, Booth requires a specific essay in which you can address how your application has improved since your last application.

In this essay, you can address any improvements to your test scores, promotions at work, additional volunteer or community work, or any significant professional development that you have undertaken since you last applied to the program.

Timing is key for reapplicants, and when you’re applying for an MBA program a second time around, you want to be sure that you are a more qualified and desirable client than you were in the past—even if your application was stellar the first time.

Writing strong, coherent, and genuine stories is an essential part of your MBA application. Your Booth essays are meant to help you stand out among many other applicants, so it is worth your time to do the work and write about situations unique to your life and that you truly learned from.

Need support with Booth MBA admissions essays? Our comprehensive MBA admission consulting services are designed to help you navigate the application process with confidence. Connect with us to optimize your application strategy.

Related Articles

• Chicago Booth MBA Program Overview
• Booth MBA Interview Guide
• MBA Essay Tips From 3 Top Admissions Consultants
• How to Get Into MBA Programs at Top Business Schools

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Advice, tips and insights from the admissions dream team., table of contents, chicago booth essays: tips & strategy.

• By Bill Kooser

Every year, as you might expect for a top-ranked school, Chicago Booth receives thousands of applications from great candidates with consulting, finance and accounting backgrounds. However, the school also welcomes applications from candidates with nontraditional backgrounds. Teachers, nonprofit workers, military officers and media professionals all find a home at Booth. As a former Chicago Booth Associate Dean (and Booth alumnus), I can affirm that Booth aims to create a well-rounded, diverse and unique class and is looking for individuals who like to challenge conventional wisdom.

Given that most students enter the program with undergraduate backgrounds in business, economics or engineering, the Chicago Booth MBA Essays represent a valuable opportunity to distinguish yourself from other high achievers with similar profiles.

The Booth application includes two required essay questions, plus an optional opportunity to explain anything on the application form that requires clarification. Those who are invited to interview must also complete a video question.  Read on for Chicago Booth essay tips and advice.

Chicago Booth MBA Essays Decoded

Chicago booth essay 1.

How will the Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (250 word minimum)

The first Chicago Booth essay question cuts to the chase, asking you to connect your compelling and coherent career vision to how the Booth MBA, in particular, positions you to achieve your greatest aspirations. It’s a version of an old favorite essay prompt: “Why an MBA and why this school?” Significant self-reflection is key to delivering an essay that is both persuasive and sincere.

Your ability to articulate clear goals — even if they evolve throughout your MBA journey — shows the Admissions Committee your confidence and maturity. The critical element here is to think deeply about your goals, interests, strengths and passions. Your “story” should indicate both self-awareness and an understanding of where you’ve been, where you are going and they key elements to get you there.

This Chicago Booth essay also requires a deep understanding of Booth’s values, culture and what makes it special. Without a nuanced appreciation of its unique community and program offerings — gained by thorough research, thoughtful networking and, whenever possible, a visit to campus — the admissions committee may not see you as a good fit. Acknowledging the specific things that stand out about the school and why they are important to you is key. Pay particular attention to the school’s overview and the letter from the Dean. Booth prides itself on its distinctive “Chicago Approach” to business education. You’ll want to make sure that you understand that approach and why it is good fit for your own learning style.

Booth is really looking to learn about the skills you have gained in your career thus far and how those will propel you into your MBA program. What specifically about Booth stands out to you? Professors? Classes? Student Organizations? Using your newly minted Booth MBA degree, what are your short and long-term career goals? The important thing here is to clearly identify your long-term goal and describe how your short-term goal will help get you there.

Note that Booth also asks similar short-answer questions in its online application form: 

• What is your immediate post-MBA career goal? (250 characters max)
• What is your long-term post-MBA career goal? (250 characters max)

With a minimum rather than a maximum word limit, this Chicago Booth Essay gives you more room to go deep and explore the “why” behind your goal and tie it firmly to the Booth community and culture. (Although there is no word limit, Fortuna coaches suggest between 500–650 words, and absolutely no more than 1,000.)

Obviously, your answers about your goals in the short-answer application quesstions and this essay must be consistent, but take care not to repeat yourself. Rather, explain clearly: W hat is it you want to do and how is Booth going to get you there? For a question like this, the “why” motivating your the goal is as important as the goal itself. Think of your long-term goal in terms of impact — personal, organizational and community -wide — not just in terms of a position or role. Why is this goal important to you? What led you to it? Think about the legacy you want to leave or the problems you want to solve. How are you going to make a real difference in your organization, industry or community?

View the MBA Admissions Essay Masterclass for more on tackling the MBA Essays for Chicago Booth, CBS, MIT Sloan, and Kellogg. (Booth begins at the  7:20 mark). 

Chicago Booth Essay 2

An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. In addition to sharing your experience and goals in terms of career, we’d like to learn more about you outside of the office. Use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are.   (250-word minimum)

The second Chicago Booth essay question is an appeal to share something much more personal, beyond your professional achievements, test scores and transcripts. Booth is mining for a glimpse of who you are, above and beyond a shining track record of excellence. Booth admissions can glean your professional journey and goals from your resume, letters and first essay. Now, in this essay, they are looking to find out about what motivates you outside the workplace. They really want to get a sense of what makes you “interesting.” There is no right or wrong answer here and it is a mistake to try to provide an answer that you think the committee is looking for.

Think of it this way: Similar to  Wharton’s MBA essay pairing , the first Booth question wants to know what you’ll get out of Booth, while the second asks what Booth and its community stands to get from you. Booth has always been the home of “interesting” students with wide and varied interests. This Chicago Booth essay question seeks to learn what makes you “you” and how that has led to the decisions you’ve made and the directions you’ve chosen. It also seeks to understand what would make you a fun and engaging member of the community. Again, the “why” behind your answer is often more important than the particular interest itself.

Chicago Booth recognizes that we are not linear people and both our work and personal lives inform who we are. Try to focus on an overall theme in your personal life and how that has led to your pursuit of extracurricular activities. Perhaps you had a unique upbringing? Or you have volunteered at a particular organization with a mission that resonates with you? These stories will help color in the areas of your application and help the admissions committee understand who you are and what makes you tick.

This is a chance to talk about something that is of real importance to you. Your essay should not only provide an insight into what motivates or interests you but also make the admissions committee say, “Wow” or “Interesting!” The first Chicago Booth Essay is designed to assess whether you have a well-thought-out career plan and a solid sense of what Booth is and does, However, it doesn’t provide a lot of opportunity for you to showcase how you are different from other candidates. Chicago Booth Essay 2 is your chance to make the admissions committee want to know you better.

It can be tricky to know where to start, and the question can be intimidating if you think that your story isn’t unique. Start by reflecting on milestones and moments that defined your personal journey and get introspective about what might set you apart from others — even if it doesn’t seem relevant at first.

You should also think about what gets you most excited, where you spend your time, or what you talk about when you aren’t talking about work. Travel, hobbies, sports? Your favorite band or your current TV binge? Why are those things important to you? How did you get involved? Booth isn’t looking for anything in particular here; they really do want to get to know you. Therefore, if it’s important to you, it will be a relevant topic for your essay. It’s a chance for your personality to shine through and demonstrate that you would be a great addition to what is sure to be an accomplished, diverse, and occasionally quirky class.

To reiterate, do not try to anticipate and respond with what you think the Admissions Committee wants to hear. Be yourself and show your enthusiasm. Authenticity is essential.

7 Tips to Get Started with Your Booth Essays

• Get introspective.
• Link future goals with past experiences and
• Explore all facets of the business school experience. Understand Booth’s culture and vocabulary as well as the programs, faculty and experiences that are particularly relevant and interesting to you.
• Convey what you bring to Booth and its community.
• Tap into your passion and share your enthusiasm.
• Remember that in both essays, you are telling a story. Your essays need to capture the interest of the committee and keep them engaged. Essay editing and polishing are critical.

“Booth looks for candidates that know what they want and will make the most of their two years there,” says Fortuna’s  Julie Ferguson , former Chicago Booth Senior Associate Director of Admissions. “The essays give applicants the opportunity to show that they’ve thought through this major life step and that Booth is the perfect place for them.”

Let’s Get You In.

Fortuna Admissions is a dream team of former MBA admissions directors and officers from top business schools. With our unparalleled collective expertise, we can help you develop a clear vision of your goals for business school and beyond. We work closely with you throughout the application process and provide expert guidance at every stage to maximize your chances of admission to a top school.

Our free consultations are consistently rated as the best in the industry. To learn more about Fortuna and get a candid assessment of your chances of admission to Wharton and other top programs, book your consultation session now .

Want More Advice?

Check out our team’s latest articles, videos, and analysis related to how to get into Wharton:

• Chicago Booth Video Questions & How to Craft Your Response
• Chicago Booth MBA Interview: What to Expect & How to Prepare
• MBA Admissions Essays Masterclass : Columbia, MIT Sloan, Chicago Booth and Kellogg
• Business School Profile on Chicago Booth

• Posted on July 31, 2024

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Everything you need to know to get Accepted

July 19, 2024

Chicago Booth MBA Essay Tips and Deadlines [2024 – 2025]

Chicago Booth’s two required essay questions have 250-word minimums . While specifying a minimum length for an MBA essay is very unusual, it fits with Booth’s history of breaking the mold. At the same time, don’t infer that the absence of a maximum is a license to be verbose. As Booth says, “We trust that you will use your best judgment in determining how long your submission should be.” Do use your best judgement; otherwise, you will be showing a different kind of judgement. And you really don’t want to do that.

Ready to get to work on your Chicago Booth application? Here is some expert advice to help you get accepted:

Chicago Booth application essay tips

Chicago booth application deadlines.

• Chicago Booth class profile

Chicago Booth Essay #1

How will a Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (Minimum 250 words, no maximum.)

To answer this question, you need to know three things:

• Your immediate post-MBA goal: You should be able to define this in terms of function (what you want to do after you earn your MBA, not what you want to study during the MBA) and industry or type of company. Sometimes, location can play a role, and if so, provide that information, too.
• Your longer-term professional aspirations: These don’t have to be as specific as your short-term goal, but the two should be related.
• The Chicago Booth program: Specifically, how do you intend to use distinctive Booth strengths to build on your past and realize your goals? If it’s not obvious how your previous education and experience will help you achieve your goals when combined with the Booth MBA, clarify.

In your essay, you can start by presenting a seminal experience, preferably an achievement that shaped your goals and aspirations. Tell a story about this experience and describe what you learned from it and how it has influenced you and your short- and long-term goals .

Then, talk about Booth. Look at the school’s curriculum, strengths, career placement record, and extracurricular activities that support your ambitions.

Alternatively, start with the achievement of your goal – you can try using a day-in-the-life approach – and then flash back and tell the story of that seminal experience and how it and Booth prepared you for the future day that started your essay.

A few years ago, I attended the AIGAC conference, which was hosted for one morning by Chicago Booth. During the school’s information sessions, the admissions committee members made clear that they look for individuals who demonstrate self-awareness and direction. They want to read your application and see, based on what you’ve done, that you’re going to make a mark on the world .

Write this essay so that it shows both self-awareness and your ability to make that mark.

Chicago Booth Essay #2

An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. In addition to sharing your experience and goals in terms of career, we’d like to learn more about you outside of the office. Use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are. (Minimum 250 words, no maximum.)

This question was added a couple of years ago and is a real getting-to-know-you kind of question. What do you like to do in your spare time? Why does this activity appeal to you? Introduce yourself outside the office. And if you can show yourself in a growth mode, do so.

You could approach this essay with a goal that you’re trying to achieve and the steps you’re taking to achieve it. The possibilities are endless: running a marathon, painting a certain painting, learning a musical instrument, acquiring fluency in a foreign language prior to international travel, contributing to a cause you believe in, and so on. You could approach this essay by starting with your motivation for assuming this challenge or simply you doing what you enjoy doing. Tell a story about the experience, and then explore why it’s significant to you. What does it say about you? 

Chicago Booth Optional Essay

Is there any unclear information in your application that needs further explanation? (Maximum 300 words.)

This is a restrictive optional question . Booth is really asking only for information that will clarify something that is unclear, such as a drop in grades one semester or a period of unemployment, or why your current supervisor is not writing your letter of recommendation.

This question, unlike the required questions, does have a word limit. Respect it.

Chicago Booth Reapplicant Essay

Upon reflection, how has your perspective regarding your future, Chicago Booth, and/or getting an MBA changed since the time of your last application? (Maximum 300 words.)

The answer to this question is critical for MBA reapplicants, and it’s different from most reapplication essays in that it’s more about your perspective than what you’ve done. Chicago wants to see growth and development. 

Let this brief essay show a maturation and evolution of your goals and of your reasons for wanting to attend Chicago Booth. Let it also reveal that you meet Chicago’s criteria better this year than last.

You’ve just made a smart investment of time in reading this blog post. Now you’re one step closer to submitting the kind of application that can lead to acceptance at one of the most prestigious programs in the country. Why not make the next smart investment and consider one of our consulting packages? We have helped thousands of qualified applicants get to “yes” from the adcoms. Schedule a free consultation with an Accepted expert today!

Source: Chicago Booth website

***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with Chicago Booth directly to verify its essay questions, instructions, and deadlines.***

Chicago Booth MBA class profile

Here’s a look at the Chicago Booth Class of 2025 (data taken from the Chicago Booth website ):

Full-Time MBA Students: 637

Applications Submitted: 4,184

JD/MBA Accelerated Students: 20

Chicago Booth Global Footprint:

• United States: 64% 
• Asia: 17% 
• Central/South America and Mexico: 11%
• Africa: 3% 
• Canada: 1% 
• Middle East: 1%
• Other: <1%

Countries Represented: 54

Students Born Outside of the United States: 49%

First-Generation Students: 12%

International: 36% 

Veterans: 11% 

LGBTQ+: 12% 

U.S. Race/Ethnicity (Federal guidelines reporting)

• Asian American: 28%
• Hispanic/Latinx: 11%
• Black/African American: 7%
• Did Not Report: 5%
• Multi-Race: 3%
• American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Other Pacific Islander: 0.2%

Average Age: 28

Average Years of Work Experience: 5

Pre-Booth Industries

• Financial Services: 19%
• Consulting: 18%
• Technology: 15%
• Non-profit/Government: 14%
• Healthcare: 7%
• Consumer Products: 3%
• Manufacturing: 2%
• Accounting: 1%

Undergraduate Majors Represented

• Business: 26%
• Engineering: 25%
• Economics: 20%
• Liberal Arts: 14%
• Physical Sciences: 8%

Undergraduate Institutions: 277

Average GPA: 3.6

GPA Range: 2.4-4

Hold Graduate-Level Degrees: 19%

GMAT Average: 728

GMAT Median: 730

GMAT Range: 600-780

GRE Quantitative Average: 163

GRE Quantitative Range: 148-170

GRE Verbal Average: 162

GRE Verbal Range: 149-170

More resources for Chicago Booth applicants

Are you considering applying to business school? We have the resources to help you navigate your options and make the right choice for you:

• M7 MBA Programs: Everything You Need to Know in 2024
• GMAT, GPA, and MBA Acceptance Rates: The Selectivity Index
• Deferred MBA Programs and Other Options for MBA Hopefuls with No Work Experience

Do you need help gaining admission to Chicago Booth or any other top MBA program? That’s what we do! Schedule a free consultation with an experienced admissions adviser who will help you get accepted !

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Tuesday Tips: Booth MBA Essay Tips for the Class of 2027

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business ranks as a top choice for many MBA students and is tied for third place in the latest US News Best Business Schools ranking. Chicago Booth has a tradition of intellectual inquiry, non-conformity, and innovation. Along with solid academics, Chicago will look for leadership, team-building skills, and community involvement. Review our Booth MBA essay tips to strengthen your application.

Booth MBA Essay Tips

This set of essays focuses on both your career goals and your personality. The second essay is about your interests. Also, note that Chicago sets a word minimum for the required essay responses, while most schools list a maximum. Therefore, Chicago Booth asks you to be thoughtful in your responses to these MBA essays and ensure you have enough space to answer the question.

Do as much school research as possible before brainstorming for the Booth MBA essay questions. Start by attending virtual or in-person admissions events, and visit the campus if you can. Speak to alumni and read the excellent Booth admissions blog for an insider view. Do what you can to experience the community for yourself before starting your application. This research will be invaluable as you set pen to paper for the Booth MBA essays.

Essay Questions

The Chicago MBA admissions committee can see your academic skills from your GPA/GMAT, transcripts, and other fixed data points. You should cover your personal qualities, leadership, and career goals in these essays.

Essay One: How will the Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (250-word minimum)

This Chicago Booth career goals essay is the ideal way to describe your track record of success. Also, you can show that you have realistic expectations for your Booth MBA. For example, while career goals should be aspirational, they should also be possible.

Think about what you have done so far in your career. What have you learned? How can you use your experiences to inform your future goals? Then, think about how a Booth MBA can fill in any gaps. What classes will you take? Professors that can help you advance your goals? How will you engage with clubs and peers?

This question asks for short- and long-term goals, so keep your long-term path in mind as you answer. Ideally, your short-term goal job leads directly to your long-term goal position, and an MBA education is necessary for both paths. Examples from your prior roles will support achieving your goals with the required education and experience.

Finally, the essay asks why Booth is the right place for you to pursue your MBA. Make sure to learn all you can about Chicago Booth, specifically. Thorough research into your career path and the myriad options at Booth will allow you to answer this question fully and with conviction.

Curious about your chances of getting into a top B-school?  Contact us  to talk strategy with a free 15-minute advising session with an SBC Principal Consultant. 

Essay Two: An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. In addition to sharing your experience and goals in terms of career, we’d like to learn more about you outside of the office. Use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are. (250-word minimum)

Chicago Booth is looking for self-aware leaders with a sense of purpose. Therefore, Booth wants to understand your personal life. Do you embrace personal growth? What is your definition of purpose?

To focus this essay, consider using stories about your life. Have you done something in a volunteer capacity that shows who you are? Or does your cultural background have an impact on your personality? What experiences have made an impact on you?

For example, one of our clients used a personal story about a family crisis to explain how she prioritizes relationships. That aspect of her personality led her to be a particularly effective leader at work and in volunteer activities.

Think about a similar story you may have. After you tell the story, reflect on the meaning. How did these experiences help you grow as a person? And what does that tell you about your capacity for growth at Booth? This Booth MBA essay should communicate who you are and what motivates you. Overall, your goal with both essays is to give the admissions committee a holistic sense of your potential.

Optional Essay: Is there any unclear information in your application that needs further explanation? (300-word maximum)

This optional essay is flexible, allowing you to provide as much information as you need. Consider writing this essay if you have any areas in your profile that require further explanation. Have you had academic issues or gaps in work experience? Then this is the ideal place to add more detail.

Because the essay is open-ended, you can also use it to add any additional information. Think about what you would like to add to your application. Perhaps you have a compelling personal story that didn’t fit within the other essays. If it helps the admissions committee understand you better, it’s worth telling. Also, you might have a strong leadership story or a meaningful extracurricular to add context to your MBA application.

For inspo, check out B-Schooled Podcast Episode #83 : Spotlight on Booth

Reapplicant Essay: Upon reflection, how has your perspective regarding your future, Chicago Booth, and/or getting an MBA changed since the time of your last application? (Maximum 300 words.)

This is an interesting re-applicant question because instead of asking how your candidacy has improved, Booth asks how your perspective has changed. Improvements such as better test scores, a promotion, or a new job would still be helpful information. However, the focus is on reflecting on yourself and your goals since you applied to Booth.

When writing this essay, consider what has changed since your last application. For example, have you learned more about your career path, formed new relationships, or changed your career goals? Also, this is an ideal essay to demonstrate self-awareness and leadership qualities. Another essential angle is communicating a realistic sense of how the Booth MBA fits your future professional plans.

For more information on applying, visit the Chicago Booth admissions website. To talk to Stacy Blackman Consulting about your MBA plans, don’t hesitate to contact us!   We offer multiple services to meet your MBA application needs, from our  All-In Partnership  to hourly help reviewing your MBA resume.  Contact SBC today for a  free 15-minute advising session to talk strategy with a Principal SBC consultant.

Here’s a snapshot of the caliber of expertise on our SBC team .

HBS Admissions Board at Harvard Business School HBS MBA

HBS Admissions Board at Harvard Business School Kellogg MBA

Director HBS Admissions at Harvard Business School MBA, the Wharton School

HBS Admissions Board at Harvard Business School

Director HBS Admissions at Harvard Business School HBS MBA

Admissions Officer at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB) MBA, Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB)

Asst Director MBA Admissions at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB) Director MBA Admissions at Berkeley’s Haas School of Business

MBA, Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB) Minority Admissions, the GSB Diversity Programs, the GSB

Associate Director MBA Admissions at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania

Associate Director MBA Admissions and Marketing at the Wharton MBA’s Lauder Institute

Director, the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania Professional Writer

Assistant Director MBA Admissions at Columbia Business School (CBS) NYU Admissions

Assistant Director MBA Admissions at Columbia Business School (CBS) M.S.Ed, Higher Education, U of Pennsylvania

Associate Director MBA Admissions at Columbia Business School (CBS)

Ashley is a former MBA Admissions Board Member for Harvard Business School (HBS), where she interviewed and evaluated thousands of business school applicants for over a six year tenure.  Ashley  holds an MBA from HBS. During her HBS years,  Ashley  was the Sports Editor for the Harbus and a member of the B-School Blades Ice Hockey Team. After HBS, she worked in Marketing at the Gillette Company on Male and Female shaving ...

Kerry is a former member of the Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS). During her 5+ year tenure at HBS, she read and evaluated hundreds of applications and interviewed MBA candidates from a wide range of backgrounds across the globe. She also led marketing and outreach efforts focused on increasing diversity and inclusion, ran the Summer Venture in Management Program (SVMP), and launched the 2+2 Program during her time in Admissions. Kerry holds a B.A. from Bates College and  ...

A former associate director of admissions at Harvard Business School, Pauline served on the HBS MBA Admissions Board full-time for four years. She evaluated and interviewed HBS applicants, both on-campus and globally.  Pauline's career has included sales and marketing management roles with Coca-Cola, Gillette, Procter & Gamble, and IBM.  For over 10 years, Pauline has expertly guided MBA applicants, and her clients h ...

Geri is a former member of the Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS).  In her 7 year tenure in HBS Admissions, she read and evaluated hundreds of applications and interviewed MBA candidates from a diverse set of academic, geographic, and employment backgrounds.  Geri also traveled globally representing the school at outreach events in order to raise awareness for women and international students.  In additio ...

Laura comes from the MBA Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS) and is an HBS MBA alumnus. In her HBS Admissions role, she evaluated and interviewed hundreds of business school candidates, including internationals, women, military and other applicant pools, for five years.  Prior to her time as a student at HBS, Laura began her career in advertising and marketing in Chicago at Leo Burnett where she worked on th ...

Andrea served as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at Harvard Business School (HBS) for over five years.  In this role, she provided strategic direction for student yield-management activities and also served as a full member of the admissions committee. In 2007, Andrea launched the new 2+2 Program at Harvard Business School – a program targeted at college junior applicants to Harvard Business School.  Andrea has also served as a Career Coach for Harvard Business School for both cu ...

Jennifer served as Admissions Officer at the Stanford (GSB) for five years. She holds an MBA from Stanford (GSB) and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Jennifer has over 15 years experience in guiding applicants through the increasingly competitive admissions process into top MBA programs. Having read thousands and thousands of essays and applications while at Stanford (GSB) Admiss ...

Erin served in key roles in MBA Admissions--as Director at Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley and Assistant Director at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB). Erin served on the admissions committee at each school and has read thousands of applications in her career. At Haas, she served for seven years in roles that encompassed evaluation, outreach, and diversity and inclusion. During her tenure in Admissions at GSB, she was responsible for candidate evaluation, applicant outreach, ...

Susie comes from the Admissions Office of the Stanford Graduate School of Business where she reviewed and evaluated hundreds of prospective students’ applications.  She holds an MBA from Stanford’s GSB and a BA from Stanford in Economics. Prior to advising MBA applicants, Susie held a variety of roles over a 15-year period in capital markets, finance, and real estate, including as partner in one of the nation’s most innovative finance and real estate investment organizations. In that r ...

Dione holds an MBA degree from Stanford Business School (GSB) and a BA degree from Stanford University, where she double majored in Economics and Communication with concentrations in journalism and sociology. Dione has served as an Admissions reader and member of the Minority Admissions Advisory Committee at Stanford.   Dione is an accomplished and respected advocate and thought leader on education and diversity. She is ...

Anthony served as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he dedicated over 10 years of expertise. During his time as a Wharton Admissions Officer, he read and reviewed thousands of applications and helped bring in a class of 800+ students a year.   Anthony has traveled both domestically and internationally to recruit a ...

Meghan served as the Associate Director of Admissions and Marketing at the Wharton MBA’s Lauder Institute, a joint degree program combining the Wharton MBA with an MA in International Studies. In her role on the Wharton MBA admissions committee, Meghan advised domestic and international applicants; conducted interviews and information sessions domestically and overseas in Asia, Central and South America, and Europe; and evaluated applicants for admission to the program. Meghan also managed ...

Amy comes from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania where she was Associate Director. Amy devoted 12 years at the Wharton School, working closely with MBA students and supporting the admissions team.  During her tenure at Wharton, Amy served as a trusted adviser to prospective applicants as well as admitted and matriculated students.  She conducted admissions chats with applicants early in the admissions ...

Ally brings six years of admissions experience to the SBC team, most recently as an Assistant Director of Admission for the full-time MBA program at Columbia Business School (CBS).  During her time at Columbia, Ally was responsible for reviewing applications, planning recruitment events, and interviewing candidates for both the full-time MBA program and the Executive MBA program. She traveled both internationally and dome ...

Erin has over seven years of experience working across major institutions, including University of Pennsylvania, Columbia Business School, and NYU's Stern School of Business. At Columbia Business School, Erin was an Assistant Director of Admissions where she evaluated applications for both the full time and executive MBA programs, sat on the admissions and merit scholarship committees and advised applicants on which program might be the best fit for them based on their work experience and pro ...

Emma comes from the MBA Admissions Office at Columbia Business School (CBS), where she was Associate Director.  Emma conducted dozens of interviews each cycle for the MBA and EMBA programs, as well as coordinating the alumni ambassador interview program. She read and evaluated hundreds of applications each cycle, delivered information sessions to audiences across the globe, and advised countless waitlisted applicants.

SBC’s star-studded consultant team is unparalleled. Our clients benefit from current intelligence that we receive from the former MBA Admissions Officers from Kellogg, Booth and every elite business program in the US and Europe.  These MBA Admissions Officers have chosen to work exclusively with SBC.

Just two of the many superstars on the SBC team: Meet Beth who held the position of Director of Admissions for Kellogg’s Full Time MBA program selecting candidates for the 2-year, 1-year, MMM and JD MBA programs.

Meet Kim , who was an Senior Associate Director of Admissions at Chicago Booth.

Tap into this inside knowledge for your MBA applications by requesting a consultation .

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Chicago Booth MBA Essay Analysis 2023-2024

If you’re considering pursuing an MBA at Chicago Booth, you’ve made a significant step toward advancing your career. However, the application process can be daunting. To help you navigate it successfully, we’ve put together this in-depth analysis of the Chicago Booth MBA essay for 2023-2024. This guide will provide you with expert insights, practical tips, and answers to frequently asked questions to ensure your application stands out.

If you want to read more about the MBA at Chicago Booth you can read our detailed blog  here .

When applying for an MBA at Chicago Booth, one of the most critical components of your application is the essay. This essay gives you the opportunity to showcase your personality, values, and motivations. Let’s dive into a detailed analysis of what the admissions committee is looking for.

Understanding the Essays-

Essay #1: how will a booth mba help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-mba career goals.

This essay prompt is a crucial part of your application because it allows the admissions committee to understand your career aspirations and how an MBA from Chicago Booth specifically aligns with your goals. Here’s a breakdown of how to approach this essay:

• Begin by introducing yourself briefly.
• Mention your current career stage and the industry you’re in.
• State your immediate and long-term career goals.
• Discuss your short-term objectives, typically for the first few years after completing your MBA.
• Explain how a Booth MBA will equip you with the skills, knowledge, and network to achieve these goals.
• Be specific about the aspects of Booth’s program that are particularly appealing to you.
• Elaborate on your long-term aspirations, which may span 5-10 years post-MBA.
• Connect these goals with your immediate ones, showing a clear progression in your career.
• Highlight why a Booth MBA is essential for achieving these long-term objectives.
• Discuss what makes the University of Chicago Booth School of Business uniquely suited to help you reach your goals.
• Mention specific resources, programs, or aspects of Booth’s curriculum that align with your career objectives.
• Summarize your essay and reiterate your enthusiasm for joining the Booth MBA program.
• Convey your readiness and determination to contribute to the Booth community.

Remember the following tips:

• Be clear, concise, and specific.
• Showcase your passion for your chosen career path.
• Explain how Booth’s offerings align with your goals.
• Emphasize how you can contribute to the Booth community.

Essay #2: An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. In addition to sharing your experience and goals in terms of career, we’d like to learn more about you outside of the office. Use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are… (Minimum 250 words, no maximum.)

• Understanding the Prompt:  The essay prompt asks applicants to share something about themselves beyond their professional lives. It emphasizes the holistic nature of the MBA program at Chicago Booth, which values both personal and professional growth.
• Personal and Professional Balance:  The prompt highlights the idea that an MBA isn’t solely about career advancement; it’s also an opportunity for personal development. This is a crucial message, as Chicago Booth seeks to understand how applicants perceive this balance.
• Word Limit:  The essay has a minimum word requirement of 250 words but no maximum, allowing applicants to be as concise or elaborate as necessary. This flexibility gives applicants the freedom to share meaningful insights.
• Content and Approach:  In responding to this prompt, applicants should choose a topic that reflects their unique experiences and values. It could be related to personal achievements, hobbies, passions, challenges overcome, or a significant life event.
• Connection to the Applicant:  The essay should reveal a deeper layer of the applicant’s personality, values, or character. It’s an opportunity to show how their personal attributes align with the culture and values of Chicago Booth.
• Tone and Style:  The tone should be authentic and personal. Applicants should aim for a genuine and engaging narrative that showcases their unique qualities.
• Structure and Organization:  While there is no strict format requirement, essays should be well-structured, starting with an engaging introduction, developing the main point or story, and concluding with a reflection or insight.
• Proofreading and Editing:  Ensure that the essay is free from grammatical errors and typos. A well-edited essay demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism.

Remember that this essay is your chance to distinguish yourself, so choose a topic that genuinely represents who you are and how you will contribute to the MBA program at Chicago Booth. Use concrete examples and personal anecdotes to make your essay memorable and compelling. It’s also a good idea to link your personal growth experiences to your future goals and how they align with the MBA program.

Optional Essay question’s analysis: Is there any unclear information in your application that needs further explanation? (Maximum 300 words.)

The optional essay prompt from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business is an opportunity for applicants to address any unclear or potentially concerning aspects of their application. In this essay, it’s crucial to be concise and transparent. Here’s an analysis of how you can approach this essay:

• Understanding the Purpose : This essay serves as a chance to explain any inconsistencies or gaps in your application. You should use it if, and only if, there is something in your application that needs clarification.
• Transparency and Honesty : The admissions committee values honesty and transparency. If you have a low GPA, employment gaps, or other application weaknesses, it’s best to acknowledge them here. Don’t make excuses; instead, provide context and demonstrate how you’ve addressed these issues.
• Brevity : The word limit is 300 words, so be concise. Focus on the most important points. Admissions officers review a large number of applications, so clarity and conciseness are key.
• Highlight Personal Growth : If you’ve overcome challenges, discuss how these experiences have positively shaped your character, values, and goals. This can demonstrate resilience and self-awareness.
• Relevance : Ensure that the information you provide in this essay is directly related to your application. If you had a rough semester due to personal issues or you changed careers and have a gap in your resume, these are appropriate topics.
• Avoid Repetition : Don’t repeat information from other parts of your application unless it’s necessary for clarification. Use this essay to add new, relevant information.
• Future Focus : Conclude by emphasizing how you’re better prepared for the MBA program and how it aligns with your career goals. Show that you’ve learned from your past experiences.

Here’s a brief example response for an applicant who experienced a significant dip in their GPA:

“My undergraduate GPA experienced a temporary dip in my sophomore year due to a family medical crisis that required my full attention and support. During this time, I struggled to balance my academic responsibilities and personal life. I wanted to ensure my family’s well-being, which impacted my grades.

However, I’ve learned invaluable lessons in resilience, adaptability, and time management. I took on part-time internships during this period and consistently improved my academic performance in subsequent semesters. 

These experiences reinforced my commitment to pursuing an MBA, where I believe I can leverage these skills to excel both academically and professionally. I am fully committed to this program and confident that I can make a meaningful contribution……….”

Remember, the optional essay should only be used if there’s a genuine need for clarification or context in your application. Be sincere, concise, and forward-looking in your response.

Reapplicant Essay question: Upon reflection, how has your perspective regarding your future, Chicago Booth, and/or getting an MBA changed since the time of your last application? (Maximum 300 words.)

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business is asking reapplicants to reflect on how their perspective has evolved since their last application. They are seeking a concise response within a maximum limit of 300 words. This essay prompt serves several purposes:

• Reflection and Growth:  It encourages applicants to introspect and demonstrate personal and professional development since their previous application. It is an opportunity to showcase how they have evolved as individuals.
• Demonstrating Fit:  By asking applicants to specifically mention “Chicago Booth,” the prompt seeks to assess if applicants have developed a stronger affinity for the school or have a better understanding of how it aligns with their goals.
• MBA Rationale:  The question also aims to evaluate if applicants have a clearer understanding of why they are pursuing an MBA and how it fits into their long-term aspirations.

Key Points to Consider:

• Demonstrate Change:  The heart of this essay is to show change and growth. Discuss specific instances or experiences that have altered your perspective, whether in terms of career goals, understanding of Chicago Booth, or the MBA itself.
• Be Concise:  With a strict word limit, every word counts. Keep your response clear and to the point. Avoid unnecessary details or filler content.
• Show Enthusiasm:  If your perspective has shifted towards Chicago Booth, express your enthusiasm for the school and how you see it as the right fit for your MBA journey.
• Highlight Self-Awareness:  Reflect on the lessons learned from your previous application and how you’ve improved your candidacy.

Sample Essay Response (within 300 words):

Since my last application, my perspective on my future, Chicago Booth, and pursuing an MBA has evolved significantly. Professionally, I undertook a project that exposed me to the intricacies of cross-border business, leading to a deep appreciation of global strategy. This experience fueled my desire to expand my global business knowledge, making an MBA even more crucial to my career goals.

My understanding of Chicago Booth has also grown. I have connected with alumni who shared their Booth experiences and impact. This not only confirmed my belief in Booth’s strong network but also made me more excited about the possibility of contributing to this community. I now see Booth as the ideal place to foster my leadership skills.

This journey has not only strengthened my candidacy but has also deepened my commitment to excel during the MBA program……

Please keep in mind that this is just a sample response, and you should personalize it to reflect your own experiences and insights. Use this as a guide to structure your essay and convey your growth and renewed commitment effectively within the word limit.

Crafting Your Essay

When writing your Chicago Booth MBA essay, it’s essential to make your response engaging and memorable.

• Use real-life anecdotes to illustrate your points.
• Write in a clear, concise, and organized manner.
• Showcase your unique personality and experiences.
• Avoid generic statements or clichés.
• Edit and proofread your essay thoroughly.

Tips for Success

1. Research Extensively

To effectively answer “Why Chicago Booth?” you must know the school inside out. Visit the campus if possible, attend information sessions, and connect with current students or alumni to gather valuable insights.

2. Be Authentic

Don’t write what you think the admissions committee wants to hear. Be genuine and honest about your aspirations and why Chicago Booth is the right place for you.

3. Demonstrate Your Fit

Highlight specific aspects of Chicago Booth that align with your career goals. Discuss unique programs, classes, or faculty members that resonate with your aspirations.

4. Contribute to the Community

In the second prompt, emphasize how you’ll actively participate in the Booth community. Share your ideas for clubs, initiatives, or events you’d like to lead or join.

5. Revise and Seek Feedback

Writing a stellar essay takes time. Revise multiple drafts, and don’t hesitate to seek feedback from peers, mentors, or admissions consultants.

Crafting a compelling Chicago Booth MBA essay is your opportunity to make a lasting impression on the admissions committee. Through extensive research, authenticity, and a focus on how you’ll contribute to the community, you can increase your chances of securing a spot in the 2023-2024 cohort. If you need any help with crafting your essay feel free to contact us at –  [email protected]  / (+91) 8766202047 , (+91) 9990493487

Q:  How long should my Chicago Booth MBA essay be? 

A:  The essay should be approximately 500 words.

Q:  Can I use the same essay for other schools? 

A:  While you can use some content, it’s crucial to tailor each essay to the specific school’s prompts.

Q:  What should I do if I’m unsure about my fit with Chicago Booth? 

A:  Reach out to current students or alumni for insights. They can provide valuable guidance.

Q:  Is it essential to visit the Chicago Booth campus? 

A:  While it’s not mandatory, visiting the campus can give you a deeper understanding of the school’s culture.

Q:  How can I make my essay stand out? 

A:  Use vivid storytelling, specific examples, and a compelling narrative to capture the admissions committee’s attention.

Q:  Can I mention my weaknesses in the essay? 

A:  It’s okay to discuss challenges you’ve overcome, but focus on how they’ve helped you grow and develop.

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Chicago Booth 2022-2023 MBA Application Essays

Jun, 24, 2022

Categories: Admissions Consulting | Chicago | Essays

This post is on the University of Chicago Booth’s MBA application essays for 2022-2023 admission to the Class of 2025 . The University of Chicago is a very intellectually serious place.  Booth reflects that culture. Not everyone who goes there is an intellectual, but most are quite smart.  Your objective is to show you understand yourself, understand what you want to do in the future, and understand why Booth is right school for you.  You can find testimonials from my 62 clients admitted to Booth here .

Overview: Booth is, like the University of Chicago as whole, a school that values intelligence and independence. Many consider the University of Chicago to be the single most academically rigorous school in the US (even compared to Harvard, Stanford, Yale, and MIT).  Beyond its reputation in finance and economics, it is strong in analytics (including quantitative marketing, which it has long been dominant in) and entrepreneurship. Regarding entrepreneurship, the school is extremely well resourced. Most students live in downtown Chicago in the same buildings and commute to Hyde Park. Beyond taking classes on campus in Hyde Park, they can also take the same exact classes downtown with evening MBA program students, which is unique amongst the M7.

The Booth app form contains short questions related to goals:

What is your immediate post-MBA career goal? (250 characters)

What is your long-term post-MBA career goal? (250 characters)

-In the two short answer questions state your goals as clearly possible. You can fully leverage the essay to explain your motivations in depth and elaborate further on such details as potential employers for your immediate goal.

Immediate (Short-term)

• Be clear on your industry and job function.
• Provide specific examples of potential employers.

Be ambitious!

Think about your wider impact beyond a short-term post-MBA role.

Response Guidelines:

• Length: There is no maximum length, only a 250 word minimum. We trust that you will use your best judgment in determining how long your submission should be, but we recommend that you think strategically about how to best allocate the space.

Adam’s Comment:  My admitted clients typically write from 500-800 words for each essay.

• Acceptable Formats:  Submissions must be entered into the text box provided in the application

Adam’s Comment:  With text boxes, use simple formatting. For example, you can’t put anything in italics or bold.

 Essay 1: How will the Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (250-word minimum)

If you have already written Columbia Essay 1 and 2, Stanford Essay B, and/or Wharton 1, answering Booth’s question should be easy because you will be making the same and/or similar kind of argument.  For those whose first school is Booth or who have written a “Why MBA/What your goals?” essay before,  read my blog posts cited above.

• You need to explain to Booth what your professional objectives and learning needs are.  As I discuss in my CBS, Stanford, and Wharton posts, you need to explain what your learning needs are. Refer to the links above for further discussion of this issue.
• Given that Essay 2 cannot focus on professional experience and there is no specific word limit, discussing past professional experience that relates directly to your goals and/or learning needs can work here. Such past professional experience can be used to make a better argument but just keep in mind that it means providing a short analytical summary of an experience, not telling detailed stories. Caution: I know this advice will not always result in the 30-60 words  I have in mind but rather be misinterpreted to result in longer stories of 100 or more words that are likely to be ineffective in the context of this question.
• Given that Booth has great online sources available for this purpose, even if you don’t visit, you can learn about it. Start  here . In particular take a good look at  Chicago Booth Dean’s Student Admissions Committee (DSAC) blog.  To learn more about the GSB’s research, see  University of Chicago Booth’s Working Papers  and  The University of Chicago’s Capital Ideas . Remember that Booth is not just for finance! Just go explore Booth and you will see that goes way beyond finance. For instance, it is  a great school for those with entrepreneurial goals .  It is also incredibly strong in analytics.   This is not exhaustive list by any means.
• Booth has the most flexible curriculum of any MBA program: LEAD  (Leadership Effectiveness and Development) is the only required course at Booth and one that involves becoming aware of one’s leadership style in an attempt to eventually improve it. You can conceive of this essay as a pre-LEAD exercise. You may also want to consider why your future goals  will fit with Booth’s mission: “ We are the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Since 1898, we have produced ideas and leaders that shape the world of business. Our rigorous, discipline-based approach to business education transforms our students into confident, effective, respected business leaders prepared to face the toughest challenges. “

ESSAY 2: An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. In addition to sharing your experience and goals in terms of career, we’d like to learn more about you outside of the office. Use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are… (250-word minimum)

This is an open-ended essay with only two requirements:

• Don’t write about work.
• Tell them something about who you are as a person.

General Advice Tell them about you, but don’t focus on what they can find elsewhere in the application.  I think they are looking for a meaningful assessment of your personality and/or values .

Some Questions to get you brainstorming:

1. What do you want Booth to know about you that would positively impact your chances for admission?

2. What major positive aspects of your life have not been effectively INTERPRETED to the admissions committee in other parts of the application?

3. If you were going to tell admissions 3-5 things about you that would not be obvious from rest of the application, what would they be? Why should Booth care?

4.  What story or stories about yourself would really help admissions understand you and want to admit you?

5. Are there aspects of your values or personality that relate to the goals you discussed in Essay 1? If so, make the connection.

6.  What makes you unique as a person?

7. How have you demonstrated leadership or teamwork outside of your professional work?

8.  Are you driven intellectual curiosity and how has that effected your life decisions? University of Chicago is a place where intellectual ability is highly valued.

9. How will your past non-professional experiences or personal qualities make you an effective contributor at Booth?  You don’t have to write about contributions in this essay, but some of my admitted clients do make the connection.

For those who have written essays for HBS or Stanford, it is likely to be relatively easy to make this essay depending on the amount of non-professional content in those applications.  For more ways of thinking about yourself, please see both my HBS and Stanford essay analysis.

Re-applicant Essay:  Upon reflection, how has your perspective regarding your future, Chicago Booth, and/or getting an MBA changed since the time of your last application?  (300 words maximum)

Unlike some schools, the reapplicant essay and optional essay are different.   (Note: You will not see the Reapplicant Essay online on the essay page unless you have already clicked that you are a reapplicant on the “Chicago Booth and You” page).   Booth wants all reapplicants to write this essay regardless of the number of years ago that someone applied.  Use this space to specifically explain what has improved about you since you last applied. You can certainly mention improved test scores, but I would not use every much of your word count for that. Typical topics include the development of a new skill, promotions that demonstrate your potential for future success, involvement in an extracurricular activity, learning significantly more about Booth, and why your goals discussed in Essay 1 now are better than the ones you presented last time.

Optional Question:

• Is there any unclear information in your application that needs further explanation? (300 word maximum)

The MBA application process is confusing, arbitrary, and shitty.  Adam is the man for the job. He brings focus, clarity, and insight - to help you navigate the muddy waters.

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Chicago Booth MBA Essays & Analysis 2024 - 2025

Chicago Booth has released its MBA Essay Questions for the 2024 - 2025 application cycle. The essays are unchanged from last year's application cycle.

Here are the Chicago Booth MBA Essays for 2024 - 2025.

Chicago Booth MBA Essay 1

How will the Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (Minimum 250-words, no maximum)

To write this essay, first figure out your main reason for pursuing an MBA. Reflect on why it's the right time in your career to go for an MBA. How do you think an MBA will open the door for the roles you're targeting, especially the Chicago Booth MBA? How is Booth MBA going to help you create an impact? Lastly, think of a story that demonstrates your passion and is indicative of your future goals.

Once you've penned down these points, structure them into an essay that connects what you’ve done in the past to your short term and long term goals. 

A strong essay might follow this structure: 

A story that demonstrates your career progression thus far

Your career goals and why you need an MBA 

Why Booth in particular

There’s no upper limit on the word count, but you can’t go far wrong if it’s around 500 words, which is the word limit of other schools’ career goal essays with very similar prompts, such as Columbia and Wharton.

Chicago Booth MBA Essay 2

An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. In addition to sharing your experience and goals in terms of your career, we'd like to learn more about you outside of the office. Use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are…  (Minimum 250-words, no maximum)

A solid essay structure here is: 50% story, 50% analysis. 

Brainstorm different meaningful moments and achievements in your life outside of the office. Think about projects, conferences, extracurriculars, volunteer activities, time abroad, accomplishments, interests, and events that have impacted you. Find the common thread between all or some of these things that can potentially reveal something integral to you or your personality. It could be a common value that has been your guiding principle in life or one of your key strengths. 

Then, check out the Booth value system & mission , and community to identify and establish how the Booth leadership values resonate with yours.

Again, there's no upper word limit. However, other similar M7 business schools with similar prompts have 400-500 word limits, so that's a sensible guide.

Chicago Booth Optional Additional Information Essay

Is there any unclear information in your application that needs further explanation? (Maximum 300 words)

It is crucial that your overall story adds up. Your resume, the stories in your essays, and your letters of recommendation should be well aligned. Use this essay to connect them together.

Also, if you’ve taken an unconventional path that might be unclear to a reader, address it in the additional information section. 

Unconventional aspects of your business school application might include: 

A low GPA in a particular academic semester or overall

A gap in your CV due to Covid-19

Some overlapping work/academic experiences

Note: Don’t be tempted to use the entire word count! Instead, be as concise as possible in explaining your exceptional circumstances, and close the essay with a constructive outcome, such as what you learned from the experience.

Chicago Booth Reapplicant Essay

Upon reflection, how has your perspective regarding your future, Chicago Booth, and/or getting an MBA changed since the time of your last application? (Maximum 300 words)

As the question directly asks, discuss any new academic credentials or promotions or changes of the role that have added to your experiences since the last time you applied to Chicago Booth. 

Consider discussing:

New managerial experience

Improved GMAT score

Promotions at work

Certificates and awards

Delve into how these experiences have helped you learn and grow further and prepared you to tackle challenges at business school.

Check out our Chicago Booth MBA Interview Guide   for in-depth insights into Booth's interview process, what they're looking for in prospective candidates, interview questions, and tips to ace your interview. 

For the full FREE Chicago Booth MBA application course with example essays  based on real essays by previous applicants, check out the Chicago Booth application program on MBAconsultant.com.  

We help determined applicants get admitted to top business schools. Get in touch if you think we can help you with your MBA application. Book a free   20 mins chat  now.  

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How to Approach the Top MBA Essays

While there are an increasing number of compelling MBA programs around the world, with impressive rankings and strong alumni networks, the M7 schools continue to be attractive choices for MBA hopefuls.

For those planning to apply to one or more of the M7 schools this winter, Personal MBA Coach is here to help you navigate the essay-writing process.

Accessible to all Personal MBA Coach newsletter subscribers, our free  M7 Essay Analysis e-book features our exclusive guidance on how to approach the 2023-2024 application essays for each of the M7 business schools.

Below, Personal MBA Coach shares the required essay questions for all of the M7 schools, as well as some quick tips for how to respond successfully to these top MBA program essays!

Stanford GSB Essays

Number of Required Essays: 2

Essay 1:  What matters most to you, and why? (650 words suggested) 

Personal MBA Coach’s Quick Tips: Take considerable time to reflect upon what you are most passionate about. In an ideal scenario, you have acted on this passion, and it is reflected in more than one aspect of your life. Think carefully about why this passion is important to you, and do not forget the WHAT here. At the end of the day, a cause or passion that you have done nothing with will not resonate strongly with the admissions committee (or be very believable).

Essay 2:  Why Stanford? (400 words suggested)

Personal MBA Coach’s Quick Tips: For this second Stanford GSB essay, start by setting up why you want an MBA, including your goals and the skills needed to make these goals a reality. Then, make it clear how Stanford specifically will help you fill these skill gaps, mentioning classes, clubs, and programs that interest you. Do not forget to detail what draws you to Stanford’s culture as well!

For more Stanford GSB essay advice, check out Personal MBA Coach’s full blog here .

Wharton Essays

Personal MBA Coach suggests that you consider each Wharton essay individually while also making sure that your two responses complement one another.

Essay 1:  How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short- and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words)

Personal MBA Coach’s Quick Tips: The first Wharton essay gives applicants the opportunity to reflect on their high-level aspirations. As you consider your future, think about your skill gaps and how attending Wharton will enable you to close these gaps. Cover the opportunities you want to avail yourself of on campus and be sure to demonstrate a clear understanding of Wharton’s culture.

Essay 2:  Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)

Personal MBA Coach’s Quick Tips: This second MBA essay question gives candidates a chance to showcase previous accomplishments and potential contributions to the Wharton community. Applicants can choose from impressive extracurricular accomplishments, specific talents, and/or distinct professional skills. A powerful response will highlight multiple contributions that clearly unite your personal story , career goals, and passions!

Get Personal MBA Coach’s detailed guidance on Wharton essays 1 and 2 here .

Harvard Business School Essay

Number of Required Essays: 1

Essay:  As we review your application, what more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Harvard Business School MBA Program? (900 words maximum)

Personal MBA Coach’s Quick Tips: The HBS essay is an invitation to reveal what is truly interesting about you and let the admissions committee “meet” the person behind your MBA application.

That said, responses will vary significantly for everyone. Do not try to write what you think the admissions committee wants to read. Instead, consider the unique value that you will add to the HBS community.

Strong essays often share a detailed personal story, or at least some kind of personal anecdote, which is usually tied to a recurring theme within your HBS essay. However, be wary of trying too hard – you do not need to describe a super traumatic personal experience to impress the admissions directors.

Looking for more HBS essay advice? Visit our full blog here .

MIT Sloan Cover Letter

Rather than asking applicants to submit a standard MBA essay, MIT Sloan requests that candidates submit a cover letter.

Cover Letter:  MIT Sloan seeks students whose personal characteristics demonstrate that they will make the most of the incredible opportunities at MIT, both academic and non-academic. We are on a quest to find those whose presence will enhance the experience of other students. We seek thoughtful leaders with exceptional intellectual abilities and the drive and determination to put their stamp on the world. We welcome people who are independent, authentic, and fearlessly creative — true doers. We want people who can redefine solutions to conventional problems, and strive to preempt unconventional dilemmas with cutting-edge ideas. We demand integrity and respect passion.

Taking the above into consideration, please submit a cover letter seeking a place in the MIT Sloan MBA program. Your letter should conform to a standard business correspondence, include one or more professional examples that illustrate why you meet the desired criteria above, and be addressed to the Admissions Committee (300 words or fewer, excluding address and salutation).

Personal MBA Coach’s Quick Tips: Here, applicants must think about their most noteworthy accomplishments, making it clear what they will bring to the Sloan community. Approach the MIT Sloan cover letter as you would approach any other professional cover letter. This means that you must tell the reader who you are and specifically ask for a place in the MIT Sloan class.

Get more of Personal MBA Coach’s MIT Sloan cover letter advice here .

Chicago Booth Essays

Essay 1:  How will the Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (250 words minimum)

Personal MBA Coach’s Quick Tips: This first Chicago Booth essay is a standard goals question (for more tips on how to approach this as well as other types of application essays , check out our How to Write Winning MBA Essays blog ). Think about your short- and long-term goals, highlighting how you developed these goals and identifying your higher-level aspirations. Do not forget to think about your skill gaps and how a Booth MBA will help you achieve your post-MBA goals. You will want to detail the classes, programs, or clubs that you hope to take advantage of.

Essay 2:  An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. In addition to sharing your experience and goals in terms of career, we’d like to learn more about you outside of the office. Use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are… (250 words minimum)

Personal MBA Coach’s Quick Tips: This MBA essay prompt encourages candidates to reflect upon the personal aspects of their profile. Use this as your opportunity to show what differentiates you from other applicants. Possible topics to cover include values, passions, extracurricular activities, and hobbies.

Learn more about tackling the Chicago Booth essays here .

Kellogg Essays

Essay 1: Kellogg Leaders are primed to tackle today’s pressing concerns everywhere, from the boardroom to their neighborhoods. Tell us about a time in your life where you’ve needed a combination of skills to solve a problem or overcome a challenge. Which skills did you use? What did you accomplish? (450 words)

Personal MBA Coach’s Quick Tips: While most share a professional story for this first question, leadership examples in your extracurriculars could also work here. A successful response for this Kellogg essay will showcase your strengths and specific skillsets.

Essay 2: At Kellogg, our values are based on research that concludes organizations comprised of leaders with varied backgrounds and perspectives outperform homogeneous ones. How do you believe your personal and professional experiences to date will help to enrich the Kellogg community? (450 words)

Personal MBA Coach’s Quick Tips: This second Kellogg MBA essay is new, replacing Kellogg’s longstanding “values” essay. When answering this prompt, ask yourself what makes you special— and tell the admissions committee how you will bring your unique traits to Kellogg.

For more information, visit Personal MBA Coach’s full Kellogg essay analysis blog here .

Columbia Business School Essays

Number of Required Essays: 3

Essay 1:  Through your resume and recommendation, we have a clear sense of your professional path to date. What are your career goals over the next three to five years and what is your long-term dream job?  (500 words)

Personal MBA Coach’s Quick Tips: This Columbia Business School essay prompt enables you to show how you envision your career unfolding. The school asks for a short- and long-term dream job so make sure you include both. Although candidates should have lofty goals here, these goals should also align with their short-term goals and story as a whole.

Essay 2: The Phillips Pathway for Inclusive Leadership (PPIL) is a co-curricular program designed to ensure that every CBS student develops the skills to become an ethical and inclusive leader. Through PPIL, students attend programming focused on five essential diversity, equity, and inclusion skills: Creating an Inclusive Environment, Mitigating Bias and Prejudice, Managing Intercultural Dialogue, Addressing Systemic Inequity, and Understanding Identity and Perspective Taking.

Tell us about a time when you were challenged around one of these five skills. Describe the situation, the actions you took, and the outcome. (250 words)

Personal MBA Coach’s Quick Tips: This question directly addresses a topic that is continually top of mind for admissions directors at most business schools: DEI. It is ok to think about DEI broadly here. As you write this essay, be direct and authentic and of course avoid being preachy or judgmental.

Essay 3: Why do you feel Columbia Business School is a good fit for you academically, culturally, and professionally? (250 words)

Personal MBA Coach’s Quick Tips: CBS’s third MBA essay gives applicants a chance to share what attracts them to CBS. This is the perfect opportunity to talk about the classes, clubs, and additional programs that interest you, such as speaker series and immersion seminars. Be sure to cover classes and programs that are specifically unique to Columbia Business School!

Columbia Business School applicants can access our additional CBS essay advice here .

Ready to get started? Check out our Comprehensive Packages to see how Personal MBA Coach can help you craft your MBA application essay to any of these schools!

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Full-Time MBA Recorded Admissions Events

Gather program information and application tips directly from admissions., full-time mba information session.

Watch a concise overview of our two-year Full-Time MBA Program.

Video Transcript

Nicole Chen: Hi everyone. My name is Nicole Chen and I'm here today with Chicago Booth's full-time MBA program. I'm really excited to be here to talk with you all and hopefully help provide a little bit of a better understanding of our MBA program and really what makes being a part of the Chicago Booth community so special. As you're considering an MBA, there are chances that you have a certain list of criteria that you're using to distinguish which schools to put onto your consideration list. We have the benefit of meeting thousands of candidates and applicants each year. So today we're going to operate under the basic assumption that you care about joining an MBA experience that's tailored to deliver in at least three key areas of impact. That's your community, your career, and your curriculum. I'm going to get started with talking about those three. Nicole: So one of the most powerful and universal themes that we continue to hear from our students and alumni about their MBA experience is that it really delivers the greatest impact when you feel fully supported by the community around you. And the way that your community comes together at Booth is quite unique. So first, let's talk about cohorts. When you come into Booth, all of our students are joined by about 60 of their peers in one of 10 distinct leadership development cohorts. From there, you get the benefits of an immediate built-in friend base, but unlike a traditional cohorted structure, you then have the autonomy to branch out and build relationships around shared interests with other first and second year students through experience that include but are not limited to some of the ones listed here. For example, some of our student groups, global competitions and recruiting activities, pre MBA random walk trips, weekly student get togethers and events on and off campus. So if you think about it, at that rate, you're probably pretty good on friends. But what about the support to navigate the logistics and day-to-day of the program? At Booth there are extensive formal resources in place to help you with course selection, recruiting, health and wellness, general student life, pretty much you name it. You'll also benefit from the informal actions of students, alumni, faculty, mentors, and staff. Like lending a helping class, taking leadership roles, offering startup advice, or doing interview prep. Our culture is really to have a responsibility to one another, to pay it forward to the next generation of Boothies. Nicole: So after talking about our community, I'm going to switch now to talking about another key impact area that any business program should be giving you, which relates to career. At a basic level, you're hopefully wanting to join an influential MBA network that includes top talent and will open doors for you. And so while a lot of schools can offer that, what's distinct about career impact at Chicago Booth? For starters, Booth has one of the largest career services teams of all MBA programs. Each year, they facilitate at least 5,000 interviews for full-time jobs and internships. You also get to benefit from one-on-one relationships with career coaches, including second year career advisors that can give you individual feedback and as well as coaches with an international focus that can connect students with companies that offer Visa sponsorship or companies in other countries if students want to work abroad. And our career services office sees really highly effective results. For example, in the class of 2023, 96% of students who were seeking jobs had offers within three months of graduation, and nearly 69% were hired through Booth facilitated channels. So as you're continuing to think about what your long-term career success might look like, as you know, industries continue to evolve, new opportunities present themselves to you, and you really progress in your career. You might be wondering how Booth will prepare you and continue to support you through all of that. First of all, at Booth, career services is for life. All alumni have access to job postings, advisors, and programming throughout their careers. Students also have access to professional student groups. Pretty much any industry you could be interested in, like consulting, tech, healthcare, et cetera, offers skills workshops, company visits, and so much more to support students throughout their recruiting process. Also, we have a number of industry and function research centers that offer dedicated resources, workshops, mentorship, and so much more also to our students in areas such as healthcare, entrepreneurship, social impact, and AI, and all of these are also built into your MBA experience. Nicole: So we've talked about community, and we talked about career, but finally, you're probably looking to pursue an MBA because you want to build on your existing knowledge and leadership skills, and that's really where a curriculum with a significant impact can become a differentiating factor as well. So at Booth, you're going to take 21 courses total with only one required leadership development course or LEAD for short. The rest of your two years is really spent on your particular academic path. We get asked all the time, what's the true benefit of Booth's curriculum flexibility? Well, really being able to select courses that you want to take is essential if you want to get the most out of this relatively short MBA experience. We don't have time here for redundant learning. You know, all of our students have different backgrounds, skillset, and have different ideas of where they want to go and what their goals are. So we want you to be able to dive into topics that are really going to be additive to your experience and applicable to your specific career path. I also want to note here that during your MBA program, you can take up to six courses outside of Booth at the Greater University of Chicago. So that gives you a little bit more added flexibility to specialize and explore different areas depending on what your ultimate career goals are. Ultimately at Booth, we want to provide all of our students with a well-rounded academic experience. We want to ensure that you have the right mix of electives, but also a mastery of fundamental business disciplines, like the behavioral sciences, economics, statistics, and accounting. So all of this might sound really great in terms of flexibility, but how do you know what classes to take? Well, all of our students get the benefit of working directly with academic advisors, student groups, and their peers to really identify the specific courses that are going to meet your needs. And all of these resources can provide guidance to really map, help you map out your course sequences in your curriculum. Regardless of the path that you take, in all of our courses, you're ultimately going to learn how to develop different frameworks and ask different questions to get to the best solutions. You're going to learn how to make decisions based on data, figure out how to uncover patterns, and provide persuasive evidence to either support or perhaps challenge different solutions as well. Nicole: Okay, so now that I've shared a bit about the Booth experience, let's talk about the next step in the MBA process, which is your application. These are the general timelines of when our applications typically occur for our three rounds of applications each year. As you prepare your application, I want you to know that we evaluate our applications holistically. So that means that every piece of the application is truly important and plays a part in our evaluation process. So to start, we ask for a professional resume, and that really helps us to understand what your career progression has been like so far to date. We ask for two letters of recommendation. These are really to help us understand how you've impacted your workplaces, colleagues, and those around you in a professional setting. And we ask for at least one of these to come from either current or former supervisor. We ask for academic transcripts. This lets us see your past performance in a classroom setting, and we'll ask you to submit these from the different institutions where you might have taken coursework previously. We also require a GMAT or GRE test score. We accept both of those test formats, and we have no preference between the two. For some of our candidates, we will also ask for an English language proficiency test score as well. And that helps us to really evaluate your ability to fully take advantage of the classroom. Next, we have a few brief essays that are really an opportunity for you to let your personality and story shine. We want to learn more about you and how Booth can really help play a part in where you're looking to go in the future. Nicole: Finally, we do invite a number of candidates to interview. They are by invitation only, and they are required to be admitted. If you are invited to interview, that's another great chance for us to get to know more about you off paper and in person. So as you're thinking about the admissions process itself, there really is no advantage to submitting before the deadline. We don't evaluate on a rolling basis, and we don't really look at applications until after the round deadline has passed. For a little bit of context, all of our applications go through multiple readers who review the application in its entirety. Like I said earlier, each section of the application is as important as the next. No one particular section is weighted any more than any other. After all of our readers review an application, the evaluations are looked at to make a decision of whether or not to interview. Those who move on to the interview stage, also submit a short video response, and all of that information, the interview, short video response, is taken with the application as it's reviewed in its entirety again, and an ultimate recommendation is made on whether or not to admit a candidate. On the day of our decision release, all of our candidates will receive their decisions at the same time. Above all, as you're putting together your application, just really think about how you can show off your true self. That's really what the admissions committee wants to see. Thanks so much for taking the time to listen. I hope this presentation was helpful as you're starting to think about your Booth application and hopefully joining us in the future. We look forward to seeing your application soon.

Full-Time MBA Application Tips

Watch expert tips from Admissions on crafting your best application.

Anna Young: Hi, I'm Anna Young. I work in Booth Admissions. And today, we're going to spend some time talking about strategies and tips for creating your best full-time application. Alright, let's get right into it. Let's take a step back to look at the entirety of Booth's application process. Once you submit your application, it's going to go to initial review with our admissions committee, followed by a second review from someone on the admissions committee. Then, we decide if an interview should be extended. And following that interview, there'll be a third review and a final review, which leads to the final decision. So as you can see, there's a lot of eyes on your application throughout the entire review process. Our application requirements are straightforward. They include the completed online application, your essays, resume, two letters of recommendation, transcripts, test score, and your interview, which is, again, extended by invitation only.  Anna: Now, when we think about your professional resume, think of this as a snapshot of your professional and educational background. Focus on the content. Keep it concise. One page is preferred over two pages or longer. And a few tips to keep in mind. Spell check. You should definitely have someone else take a look over your resume to make sure not only that things are looking correct, but that it emphasizes all the accomplishments that you've achieved. Make sure that all the dates, titles, degrees that you are noting in your resume match what you're also submitting in other parts of your application. And avoid jargon and acronyms, but also remember you can add some fun personal notes in your resume. What are some hobbies you enjoy? What are places that you've enjoyed traveling to, things like that. For academic transcripts, we do require transcripts for all post-secondary education that you've completed. And a quick tip here is that we only need the unofficial transcripts from those institutions. The transcripts must include the courses you took, the grades you received, the degree you earned with the year conferred. And if your post-secondary education was completed at an institution where English was not the primary language, we do require an English translation of your transcript.  Anna: Admissions essays. This is one of my favorite parts of the application because other than the interview, it's the opportunity for you to let your personality shine, to be able to tell your story, to explain why you're excited about attending Chicago Booth over any institution. We have two required essays and re-applicants will complete an additional essay. But remember, in all of these essay opportunities, be genuine in your essays. Let your personality shine through as you tell your story. But remember to adhere to the prompt. Letters of recommendation. We require two letters of recommendation. And a note here is that while we strongly recommend one of those letters come from your current supervisor, we do understand if there are circumstances as to why your current supervisor can't provide that letter. And there's also space in the application for you to note why it can't be your current supervisor. So when you are selecting your recommenders, make sure to select people who know you well, who can tell your story. Try to select someone who can provide that well-rounded and in-depth picture of you rather than their status at the organization that you know them from. And allow recommenders ample time to submit their letter to Booth.  Anna: Test scores. Now, they are a required application component because they help us assess MBA readiness across a diverse applicant pool. We do not have a minimum score requirement. And you can look online to see our public test score ranges and averages. And you might be thinking, well, what if my score is higher or lower than the average? Remember, your test score is just one piece of the puzzle, one piece of the application. Booth has a holistic application review process where the test score is only one component that adds to the full picture, the full story of you. So, select the test that's right for you. Alright, you've been invited to interview. And remember, interviews at Chicago Booth are granted on an invitation-only basis. Our interviews take place in different formats. They can be conducted virtually, on-campus in-person, or in-person in your location if you're not in Chicago. The interviews are conducted by our current students at Booth, Booth alumni, or an admission staff member. And they last about 40 to 60 minutes. A tip here, is to think of your interview as a conversation where you're getting to know your interviewer and you're getting to know us. You're getting to learn if Booth truly is that fit for you and the MBA experience that you are seeking. Alright, so to wrap it all up, what are we looking for in our applications? We want to see evidence of strong, logical career progression, where you've been, where you'd like to go, and where your career could advance to. What's the potential that an MBA from Chicago Booth could provide you? We'd like to see the strength of your academic record and the potential for you to contribute to the classroom. Booth is a community where you are not just learning from the content that's provided by your professors, but from one another. So thinking about how your past experience in school and at work could lead to positive discussion in the classroom. Last, but not least, we're looking for your interest and passion for Chicago Booth. Why do you want to spend the next two years advancing your career with us? We really are looking for those that are interested and passionate about Chicago Booth for your MBA.  Anna: Our application deadlines for the full-time MBA program typically occur around the same time every year. Round one applications are due in mid-September, round two applications in early January, and round three applications are due in early April. Be sure to check our website for specific deadlines every year. But a few notes here are that applications are not reviewed until after the deadline, so there's no benefit of early application submission. And apply for the round in which you're ready. Practice that test to improve your test scores, to really find that recommender. Maybe apply for a later round than rushing to complete by the nearest deadline. Well, thanks so much for spending the time to review. We hope that this information will help you put your best foot forward in your application and we look forward to receiving your application soon.

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