The two required questions have 250-word minimums. While specifying MBA essay length minimums 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 for verbosity. 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.
Chicago Booth MBA application question #1
How will the Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (Minimum 250 word minimum, no maximum.)
In order to answer this question you need to know three things:
- Your immediate post-MBA goal, which you should be able to define in terms of function (what you want to do after you earn your MBA — not 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 realize your goals? If it’s not obvious how your previous education and experience when combined with the Booth MBA will help you achieve both goals, clarify.
To answer the question, you can start with 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 curriculum, strengths, career placement, 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 — 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, hosted for one morning by Chicago Booth. During the informative sessions at Booth, the admissions committee members made clear that they are looking for students 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 MBA application question #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 new last year and is a real getting to know you kind of question. What do you like to do in your spare time? Why does it 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, etc.
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 MBA additional information question
Is there any unclear information in your application that needs further explanation? If so, please use this section to clarify. (Maximum 300 words.)
This is a restrictive optional question. Booth is really asking only for information that will clarify something that is unclear, like 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 MBA reapplicant 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 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. Same old, same old got you a ding last time and probably will again this time.
Let this brief essay show a maturation and evolution of your goals and reasons for wanting to attend Chicago Booth. Let it also reveal that you meet Chicago’s criteria better this year than last.
Chicago Booth at a glance
Booth average GMAT score: 724
Booth average GPA: 3.56
Booth acceptance rate: 27.6%
U.S. News ranked Booth #3 in 2022.
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. Click here to learn about how we can be there for you, too.
Chicago Booth 2021-22 MBA application deadlines
| Submission Deadline | Decision Notification Date | |
| Round 1 | September 23, 2021 11:59 p.m. CST | December 2, 2021 |
| Round 2 | January 6, 2022 11:59 p.m. CST | March 24, 2022 |
| Round 3 | April 7, 2022 11:59 p.m. CST | May 26, 2022 |
| Chicago Booth Scholars | April 7, 2022 11:59 p.m. CST | June 9, 2022 |
Source: Chicago Booth website
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***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with individual programs to verify the essay questions, instructions and deadlines.***
By Linda Abraham, president and founder of Accepted. Linda earned her bachelors and MBA at UCLA, and has been advising applicants since 1994 when she founded Accepted. Linda is the co-founder and first president of AIGAC. She has written or co-authored 13 e-books on the admissions process, and has been quoted by The Wall Street Journal, U.S. News, Poets & Quants, Bloomberg Businessweek, CBS News, and others. Linda is the host of Admissions Straight Talk, a podcast for graduate school applicants. Want an admissions expert help you get accepted? Click here to get in touch!
Related Resources:
- Why MBA?, a free guide to writing about MBA goals
- School-Specific MBA Application Essay Tips
- Finding and Articulating Fit with the Booth MBA
