Rose Martinelli revealed in today's chat that application volume at Chicago is up "solidly" this year. Here is the relevant dialogue:

Linda Abraham (Nov 14, 2005 10:11:25 AM)
How did Chicago's first round application volume this year compare to last year's volume?

RoseMartinelliGSB (Nov 14, 2005 10:12:02 AM)
Our application volume is up this year. Early indicators from GMAT test registrations had predicted this, so we are pleased.

Linda Abraham (Nov 14, 2005 10:12:35 AM)
Up a lot or a little?

RoseMartinelliGSB (Nov 14, 2005 10:12:59 AM)
Up solidly :-)

She also shared her view (now that she's at Chicago) of the differences between Wharton and Chicago:

RoseMartinelliGSB (Nov 14, 2005 10:38:41 AM)
Wharton and Chicago are two highly respected institutions for their academic rigor, power of finance, marketing, strategy and entrepreneurship and are know for great faculty.

RoseMartinelliGSB (Nov 14, 2005 10:40:00 AM)
What sets the two institutions apart is the delivery of the core curriculum. At Chicago, we allow the student to design a curriculum based on their abilities and interests. At Wharton, the curriculum is fairly rigid with students spending the first year together taking the same coursework (except for students who waiver courses).

Linda Abraham (Nov 14, 2005 10:40:28 AM)
Is the emphasis on teamwork different at the two schools?

RoseMartinelliGSB (Nov 14, 2005 10:41:14 AM)
Poets and finance experts were in the same courses together, which made it difficult for both. At Chicago, poets and experts can take courses that are meaningful and at the appropriate level. You will be mixing with first and second year students in group work from day one.

RoseMartinelliGSB (Nov 14, 2005 10:41:58 AM)
The concept of teamwork is important for both schools. At Wharton, the team is fixed for the first year. At Chicago, you will work with different teams in each of your classes (which helps you to build a larger network much more quickly).

Linda Abraham (Nov 14, 2005 10:42:20 AM)
Thanks. That really clarifies some of the differences. In a very meaningful and concrete way.

RoseMartinelliGSB (Nov 14, 2005 10:43:03 AM)
The size of the two programs is also a driver of the differences -- Wharton - 800; Chicago 550. Our facilities and faculty are completely committed to the MBA and not shared with an undergraduate population. So our resources can be more directed.

 The full transcript should be available by early next week at our MBA Admissions Transcript page.

Don't miss tomorrow's MIT chat at 10:00 AM PT/1:00 PM ET/6:00 PM GMT