booth mba essay prompts

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.

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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 May 9, 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.

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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Chicago Booth’s Class of 2027 Application is Now Live

Ready to take the next step towards advancing your career goals start an application with chicago booth today to join our future class of business leaders..

• By FT Admissions
• July 02, 2024
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We launched our Full-Time application for the Class of 2027! You can now apply to join our future class of business leaders and intellectually curious thinkers. It’s no question an MBA from Chicago Booth equips you with the desired resources, skill set, and networking opportunities to succeed from the moment you become a Boothie. Ready to build connections and take your career to new heights? We encourage you to take a look at the information listed below as you prepare to start your application:

Application Requirements:

As part of the application process, we require you to submit your two essays, two letters of recommendation, professional resume, academic transcript(s), and standardized test score(s). We encourage you to take a look at our full list of application requirements  as you begin your application. Keep in mind that our entire evaluation process is holistic and centered around getting to know the person behind the app. *We accept the GMAT and GRE exams. There is no preference on which exam you should take.

Essay Prompts:

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

2024-25 Application Deadlines:

Round One: September 19, 2024 Round Two: January 7, 2025 Round Three: April 3, 2025

With Chicago Booth, your dream career is within reach. As you begin the admissions process, we recommend that you attend an upcoming admissions event , check out our student run blog , and browse over our most recent class profile  to learn more about what it means to become part of our diverse community of Boothies. Take the first step towards making those dreams a reality today by starting your application.

Start Your Application Today

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Harvard Business School’s NEW 2024-2025 MBA Application Essays

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After over a decade of using the same application essay prompt, Harvard Business School has just announced brand new essay prompts for its 2024-2025 MBA application! In this video, Gatehouse Admissions Founder Liza Weale gives her tips for writing your very best HBS essays.

Questions about this article? Email us or leave a comment below.

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Booth EMBA Application Deadlines and Essay Tips: 2023-2024

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business has shared its Executive MBA application essays for the 2023-2024 application cycle. This year, the school’s application features one required essay and three optional short-answer essays.

For those interested in the Chicago Booth EMBA Program , take a look at the latest class profile to assess whether the school may be a good fit for you.

The Chicago Booth EMBA class of 2025 is made up of 209 students representing 45 nationalities. Of these students, 112 have advanced degrees, and a quarter identify as women. Class of 2025 Booth EMBA students had an average of 14 years of work experience and an average age of 38.

Twenty-six industries are represented in the Booth EMBA class. Top pre-EMBA industries include technology (18.7%), investment banking/brokerage (8.6%), and investment management/research (8.1%). Top pre-EMBA functions were general management, engineering, and investment management/research.

Below please find the upcoming application deadlines and our analysis of the Booth EMBA application essays.  

The 2023-2024 Chicago Booth Application Deadlines

Round 1:  Oct. 30, 2023

Round 2:  Jan. 15, 2024

Round 3:  April 8, 2024

Round 4:  June 10, 2024  

2023-2024 Chicago Booth EMBA Application Essay

Chicago booth emba essay 1.

Why are you seeking an MBA from Chicago Booth and what unique knowledge and experiences do you hope to contribute to the program?  (2 page maximum, single-spaced, 12 pt. font, Times New Roman)

At two single-spaced pages, this can amount to a very long essay. That said, admissions committees appreciate concise writing, so do not feel compelled to write for writing’s sake (the same writing tips apply to writing full-time and executive MBA essays; check out this blog for more). This essay has a few key foundational parts: Once you have satisfied those, do not add unneeded generalities or fluff.

Personal MBA Coach suggests approaching the Chicago Booth EMBA essay by first establishing where you are today professionally. In this introduction, you should briefly discuss the skills and expertise you have mastered.

Next, you want to make clear why you are seeking an MBA now. To do this, discuss what skills it will give you, generally speaking, and how these specific skills will help you to reach your future ambitions.

Finally, devote the remainder of the essay to the EMBA program at Booth—courses you will take, programs you will follow—citing specifically the know-how that Booth will edify.

This discussion should include not only what you will learn from the program but also what you will bring to Chicago Booth. Think about where you are in your career, special expertise you possess, unique perspectives and experiences you can share, and cite specific ways in which you will funnel/share those to contribute. This final part gives you an opportunity to go a bit beyond the professional arena to share something more personal about you, for example, your involvement in nonprofits, or talents or activities you cultivate. Whatever they are, make sure you show how you will share them specifically through the Booth program and how you will improve the school community as a whole.

Personal MBA Coach always recommends that applicants research the school’s particular culture and priorities. While they should, of course, be part of your reason for applying there, it is helpful to keep them in mind while writing about what you will get from a Chicago Booth EMBA and what you will give back to Chicago Booth.

Chicago Booth EMBA Optional Short-Answer Essays (250 words maximum each):

Chicago Booth has added three optional short answer essays. As with all optional essays, less is more. Do not feel compelled to answer these questions if they do not apply to you. If, however, you have something valuable to add here, this can be valuable real estate to leverage as you discuss why you are a good fit for the Chicago Booth EMBA program.

1. Academics and Career

The Executive MBA Program at Chicago Booth is an academically rigorous course of study that focuses on the fundamental tools of business. As a student, you will draw upon key learnings from coursework and your professional background to make valuable contributions to the classroom. If there is anything else you would like the admissions committee to know about your academic background or professional experience, please share that information here. You may wish to respond to the following prompts: Do you believe your previous academic performance is indicative of your academic potential? If not, please provide specific reasons for your underperformance. Do you have a gap in your professional experience? Are there additional insights that might be useful for the Admissions Committee to know?

2. Commitment to Diversity

At the University of Chicago, diversity is not only an ideal to which we strive, but a core institutional value. The Executive MBA Program at Chicago Booth seeks a population of students across different industries, functions, cultures, and geographies. How will your life experiences help you contribute to and participate in this diverse learning environment?

3. Scholarship Consideration

Each year, we award a limited number of merit-based scholarships to incoming Executive MBA students at all three program locations. Merit scholarships are awarded based on academic and professional achievement. All candidates are automatically considered, and no additional application is required. However, if you’d like to provide one to two reasons why you should receive a merit-based scholarship, please do so here.

Need Help with Your Chicago Booth EMBA application including essay editing support ? Check out Personal MBA Coach’s Comprehensive EMBA Packages  today.

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The Chicago Booth Interview – What to Expect + Sample Questions

Sep 26, 2023

How the Chicago Booth Interview Works 

Who is chicago booth looking for, how can you prepare for your interview, what to do if you get a question you weren’t prepared for, effectively tell your story during your chicago booth interview.

UPDATE : This article was originally posted on February 15, 2019. 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 Chicago Booth interview to stand out. We’ve rounded up not only our best tips but have also included sample interview questions to ensure you give your Chicago Booth application your best shot. 

As one of the most elite business schools in the world, landing an interview with Chicago Booth is no easy task. 

Thus, if you have passed to the interview phase of the Booth application process, congratulations! This is already an exceptional achievement. 

Booth interviews, since they are conducted by current students and alumni, tend to be slightly friendlier than interviews conducted by the admissions committee . Nonetheless, the interviewer is still trying to gauge how solid your motivations for wanting to pursue an MBA are, how interested you seem in the Booth program, and if you fit well with the program’s flexible format. 

Interviewers often ask many standard MBA interview questions, as well as questions designed to test your intellectual horsepower. You can also expect numerous follow-up questions. 

Our clients who have interviewed with Booth in the past say that the interviewer was very friendly and demonstrated a genuine interest in their answers. For some clients, questions were far more personal in nature, covering topics like their childhood and family upbringing. Other clients reported their interview was strictly professional, so make sure you’re ready for anything when you interview with Booth. 

Who will interview you?

Chicago Booth has a rich tradition of alumni and second-year students conducting admissions interviews. This year, you have the option of completing your interview in person on Chicago Booth’s campus, off-campus with a Booth alumnus in a city near you, or virtually. 

Completing your interview virtually will not disadvantage your application in any way. 

Will the interviewer have read my application?

No. The Chicago Booth interview is blind, meaning the interviewer will only have access to your CV. 

How long will the Booth interview last?

45-60 minutes.

The Interview Video Essay

Booth expects candidates who are called to interview to complete a video essay. 

*NOTE – these questions refer to the 2022-2023 questions and may change after the publication date. We will update this post with the most recent information as it becomes available. 

Though there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach, we suggest that you choose a single topic that allows the admissions committee to learn something new about your profile. Especially considering the open-ended nature (and word count!) of the Booth admissions essays, it’s important to try not to repeat content. 

For example, perhaps you’re a consultant who started a secondment after submitting your application and would like to use this space to talk about a new achievement of yours. Or perhaps you recently started an international project that’s allowed you to enhance your ability to work on diverse teams. 

TOP TIP : Since you’ve only got a minute, that means you’ve got space for about 170-175 words. As such, we suggest you focus on a single, powerful story, rather than listing accomplishments or trying to fit in several, weaker stories. 

“ 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 2024 was 730 , down from 732 last year, and the average GRE score was 164 Quant, 163 Verbal). 

Booth also places an emphasis on diversity, admitting students from 57 countries (totaling 37% international students overall). The most recent class also contains 40% women, 7% LGBTQ+, and 11% 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 succeeding in Booth’s culture of intellectual debate.

Though no interview is 100% predictable, Chicago Booth interviews do tend to center around a fairly standard list of MBA interview questions. As such, we have prepared some model questions below that previous candidates have received in their past Chicago Booth interviews. 

SAMPLE BOOTH INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

The questions below are drawn from our clients’ interview reports, as well as from sites like clearadmit.com . Though these are not all the potential questions you could possibly receive during your Chicago Booth interview, preparing for these (and any follow-up questions you think you might be asked) should give you a very solid foundation for your interview. 

STARTING UP QUESTIONS

• Explain your career path. / Take me through your resume / Tell me about yourself
• What are your short-term and long-term career plans?
• Have you considered other career alternatives?
• Why are you seeking an MBA?
• What do you need to learn from an MBA program that you can’t learn working?
• What courses will you take at Booth?
• Where else did you apply?
• How will you decide which program to attend?
• What will you do if you do not pass in any business school this year?
• What is your impression of Chicago Booth’s culture?
• What would you contribute to Booth both academically and in the community?
• Tell me about your undergraduate experience.
• Looking back, would you do anything differently?
• Would you choose the same school and major?
• What are you currently reading?
• What has this taught you about yourself?
• Does this experience inform your professional life in any way?

GENERAL BEHAVIORAL QUESTIONS

• Tell me about a time you dealt with a challenge.
• Discuss a time you solved a problem creatively. 
• Tell me three adjectives your friends would use to describe you.
• Why are the adjectives your co-workers and friends would use different?
• What are some of the most important moments in your life?
• What are some of your strengths? Weaknesses?
• What kind of value set do you look for in your peers?
• How would your potential Booth classmates describe you?
• How do you handle conflict?
• Tell me about a time when you had to convince people to follow a plan you created. 
• What is the thing that motivates you most in life/what inspires you?

LEADERSHIP & TEAMWORK

• Can you describe a situation where your leadership style has been successful?
• Can you describe a situation that highlighted a weakness in your leadership style?
• Please name someone whose leadership style you admire. 
• Did you experience any challenges?
• What did you learn from this experience?
• How has this shaped your views on teamwork?
• What role do you typically take within a team?
• What main strengths and weaknesses do you think you bring to teams?
• Tell us about an experience you have working with a diverse team. 
• Is there anything else that you haven’t mentioned in your application that you would like to add?
• Any questions for me?

We have found that answering real interview questions on the spot is a much better means of preparation than reading lists of interview questions for most candidates.

We highly suggest you take a look at mock interview questions and sample interview responses before your interview . 

Our MBA Resource Center has dozens of real interview mocks from Booth, as well as detailed guides to help you prepare for questions ranging from “Why our MBA program?” to “Tell us about a time you failed.”

The Ellin Lolis Consulting MBA Resource Center is your one-stop shop to interview success. Click to join !

If you’re still not quite confident with your interview skills, our interview experts can help you craft your answers or prepare you for the Chicago Booth interview through mock interviews tailored to your profile. 

Despite your most diligent preparation, you will almost always receive a question you had not prepared. 

First, stay calm and take a deep breath. You have already made it this far in the process, and one question will not trip you up!

Second, make sure you directly answer the question the interviewer asked you. For example, if the interviewer asks you about a time you had to deal with a difficult manager, make sure to tell a story about a difficult manager and how you handled the situation. 

If you’re having trouble thinking of an answer or an example to support your answer , however, take a drink of water to give yourself a few more minutes to think. If you really can’t think of an example from your personal or professional experience, you can use a hypothetical answer about how you would act in a certain situation. 

Finally, assume that the interviewer is testing how you think on your feet and respond to questions you didn’t prepare in advance . Though your answer might not be as polished as if you’d had weeks to rehearse it, smile and confidently give your answer to show you can respond to any question they throw at you. 

One of the most common mistakes we see in MBA interviews is that candidates fail to tell compelling, well-constructed stories about their profiles while also nailing the basics. 

Striking this balance between sharing STAR-format examples that show off your background while also presenting strong answers to questions like “Why do you want an MBA?” is a challenging task that requires significant thought and preparation. 

Because of this, it’s no surprise that, on average, 50% of interviewed applicants walk away without an offer . 

This is why our interview preparation process here at Ellin Lolis Consulting is known as the best in the industry. We offer customized 1:1 support that ensures you’re able to turn your application’s strengths into compelling answers that show fit and sell your profile in any type of interview. That’s why 98.9% of our complete consulting clients get into at least one of their target schools. 

Our tailored approach was critical to helping our client Bruno secure a spot at Chicago Booth. 

“Anyone who wants to have a solid application should work with Ellin Lolis Consulting.  I really think it would be extremely difficult for me to have had such a strong application to Booth without Ellin’s support. So, I always recommend Ellin to my friends who are applying for an MBA, because I have seen in practice the difference that Ellin makes.”

Forget simulation platforms or long lists of tips – our 1:1 preparation focuses on playing to your strengths and overcoming your weaknesses to turn you into an interview expert . Hire our interview services here. VIP packages that allow you to work directly with Ellin sell out quickly, so make sure you sign up today !

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Chicago Booth MBA Essay Samples

“Booth wants to understand what about Booth’s culture resonates with them, their viewpoints, and their aspirations,” shared a representative of Booth’s MBA program. One of the former Booth Admissions Officers on the Stacy Blackman Consulting team clarified that nuance is important with its applications. “If the why now, why an MBA, and why Booth questions don’t organically come out in the application or interview, the candidate isn’t a strong candidate.”

SBC has former Chicago Booth Admissions Officers and several additional Chicago Booth experts on our team. We know the nuances of applying to Chicago Booth successfully. If you’d like to speak with one of our Principals about your candidacy, please request a free analysis here.

Successful Examples of Chicago Booth Essays

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.

As the decedent of two generations of Air Force fighter pilots, you could say that adventure and challenge have been core drivers throughout my life. My grandfather was a decorated two-star general praised for his thoughtful leadership and dedication to success. He was on the path to become one of our nation’s top military leaders until a fatal plane crash, and his gifts as a leader were never fully realized. I inherited my grandfather’s driven, adventurous spirit, and this has shaped my decisions as a student, athlete, professional, and member of society.

Beginning in high school, I achieved academic and athletic success that bore many collegiate options. I chose to attend College Z because I desired a challenging academic environment away from the familiarity of home. By my senior year, I earned captainship, chaired charity events with my sorority, and secured a management consulting job.

Treasured childhood memories of camping and hiking through our country’s beautiful National Parks created a lasting influence on me. I moved from City A to City B seeking a cultural change from the east coast and the convenience of outdoor recreation like snow skiing and hiking. The mountains have provided the best avenue to push myself physically and for meeting others who also share an adventurous spirit and love of nature.

During a bold solo trip to Peru, I trekked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Traveling alone enabled deep observation and self-reflection. It encouraged me to connect with other travelers and locals in meaningful ways. One night at camp, I jumped into a soccer-juggling contest with some Peruvian porters. My rusty Spanish and soccer skills were laughable, but we all shared a common love for the sport that created a level of understanding, despite the language and cultural barriers between us.

When considering ways to volunteer within my community, I wanted to focus on women who lack the resources and choices that I had growing up. This past year, I have led experiential workshops at correctional facilities throughout the state. I was overcome with nerves and discomfort my first day at prison. Within minutes of conversing with “offenders,” I realized they, too, have stories, pain, happiness, and regret, which are not too different from my own. Despite my facilitation role, I find myself learning through the different experiences and perspectives shared. They leave with new skills for life post-incarceration, and I leave with a more empathetic understanding of others.

My journey has been built upon taking risks and putting myself in uncomfortable situations. Channeling this mindset, I will enthusiastically contribute to Booth’s community while learning from others’ experiences. The flexible curriculum and choice-rich environment at Booth may be daunting for some, but I view it as a unique opportunity to steer my own development as a thoughtful and inclusive business leader.

The most rewarding part of management consulting is the ability to help companies and clients realize their full potential. However, as each engagement closes, I never feel full ownership of the transformative work I’ve implemented. Consulting does not provide the opportunity of truly owning a profit and loss statement, steering a business unit, or executing a multi-year growth plan. I began exploring other ways to pursue my passion for growing and scaling companies.

That’s when Booth’s pay-it-forward community stepped in.

I connected with a Booth alumna and she enthusiastically recommended me for an internship. Next thing I know, I was identifying acquisition targets, analyzing market risk, valuating companies, and developing growth strategies – all foundational skills necessary to acquire and grow a private small to middle-market enterprise (SME). I was experiencing the value of a Booth MBA, first-hand. Alumni go above and beyond to help one another, and they openly welcome young professionals, like myself, seeking new opportunities. I was both impressed and inspired.

Chicago Booth is the ideal program due to its flexible curriculum and rich resources aligned to these goals. Having no cohort or fixed curriculum is extremely appealing, as I have already gained broad business experience through consulting. With this flexibility, I will focus on courses and labs that will strengthen my financial and entrepreneurial skills – in particular, the New Venture and Small Enterprise Lab and the popular Entrepreneurship through Acquisition class with Professor XXX.

To start my own fund, I need a strong network of investors and advisors. I will seek a leadership position in the Entrepreneurship through Acquisition Club to cultivate resources for capital acquisition, technology innovation, and general enterprise management for myself and other students.

After gaining experience strategically growing a company, I aim to move onto more challenging transformations as each comes to a natural end. Private-sector SMEs offer tremendous untapped opportunity, as they represent close to one third of the United States’ GDP and contribute heavily to job creation and innovation.

Once I have built a brand as a mid-market growth leader, I plan to earn the seat of a C-suite leader in a mid-market company where I can continue the rewarding work of helping organizations and people realize their full potential.

Booth’s supportive community has already begun to arm me with the growth-minded skills necessary to lead a profitable business. Attending Booth will allow me to contribute back to this community and ultimately, contribute much more to organizations I lead in the future.

My dream is to invest in and support companies that push the healthcare industry forward and to help them grow and achieve their goals. This is high order work that will require an intimate knowledge of the fundamentals of business and adept problem solving skills. A Booth MBA is the ideal next step in preparing me to accomplish my dream. At Booth, I will gain a formal education in finance, economics, accounting, and other core business proficiencies; areas where my learning thus far has been mostly through experience. Booth offers everything that I am looking for, and has the added benefit of being in Chicago, where I call home.

Initially, I was attracted to Booth because of its strong emphasis on analysis and critical thinking. I consider these skills to be personal strengths, but I want to continue developing them throughout my career. The Booth curriculum, which focuses on analytical problem-solving, has countless opportunities to prepare me for a career in private equity or venture capital. The lab courses are especially exciting for me, since I learn faster and more deeply when I have the chance to apply what I’ve learned in class or on the job. If I were to be accepted to Booth, I would hope to participate at least three lab courses:

• The Private Equity/Venture Capital lab, which would be invaluable in bridging the gap between my experiences. The work experience, skills, and the Booth network would provide a significant jumpstart to my career.

• The Healthcare Analytics Lab, because data, insights, and action are crucial to every business model. This class would continue to develop the skills that I have built, while broadening my understanding of the challenges and opportunities in healthcare analytics.

• The New Venture/Small Enterprise Lab, which would provide exposure as to what goes into building a startup. This is pivotal in becoming an enlightened investor and advisor to startups and small companies.

Also, the curriculum at Booth is taught by world renowned faculty, with professors like ZZZ and XXX. XXXs publication “Private Equity Performance: Returns, Persistence, and Capital Flows” was part of my early self-education in private equity, and I look forward to continuing that in his class “Entrepreneurial Finance and Private Equity.”

Beyond the world-class education I would receive at Booth, Chicago is my home; my family is here, and I have already begun to build my career here. The University of Chicago is woven into the fabric of the city, and at Booth I will have the opportunity to study and work with individuals who will be changing the city and the world. That is the kind of network that I want to build.

The extensive alumni network and affiliate organizations provide an immediate connection to thousands of capable people and organizations throughout the city, especially in healthcare through the University of Chicago Hospital system. I plan to be an active member of the University of Chicago network, particularly through the XXX Center. The XXX Center is an incredible hub for entrepreneurship and is a gateway to the Chicago startup industry. It is critical to keep a pulse of the startup scene, and I plan to participate in as many XXX events and programs as possible.

Booth provides a clear stepping stone toward accomplishing my goals. At Booth, I will get a world-class business education and the opportunity to gain hands-on industry experience in venture capital. I will learn from professors who are active leaders in their fields and the extraordinary students around me; students who will be future leaders in their own fields, and will be friends and allies in my mission to help people live healthier lives.

On February 13, 2014, I was nervous for two reasons: I was stuck in the library due to a snowstorm and I was scheduled to talk with the CIO of XXX about analytics. We met through mutual connections as I was pursuing my masters in business analytics. The CIO discussed how analytics was transforming every aspect of XXX’s business from engineering to compliance and how I was entering one of the most in demand job roles for the next decade. After the call, I trudged across campus with excitement and confidence knowing that I wanted a career on the front lines of data science.

In 2016, I was placed on my first analytics project at XXX. My team and I developed predictive models for a commercial aircraft engine manufacturer for their aftermarket leasing business line. Engine failures cost millions of dollars each year due to flight delays, passengers missing connections, and maintenance. We had over 1000 engine sensors available across five flight phases and trained our models using 4 years of data. One of the challenges with this endeavor was missing and incomplete data. We overcame this obstacle by only training on engines with consistent data across multiple months. We also harnessed external data from a NASA satellite that captures concentrations of particles in the atmosphere. As aircraft fly across the globe, we found engines deteriorate faster when flying within one region than others. I led development of the data cleaning and enhancement routines for all the engine parameters and the business documentation once the project ended. These models would likely prolong engine life by 1 additional year and reduce maintenance costs by $1,000,000 per engine.

Immediately after my first analytics project, I was asked to work on a project overseas in France with a major commercial aircraft manufacturer. My team and I developed predictive models that forecast critical pneumatic system failures for a commercial aircraft, which control air conditioning and pressurization of passenger cabin. I led development of the data preparation routines, model building, and model evaluation for accuracy and business impact. These models correctly flagged 86% of flights – before failure against a simulation of 50 aircraft, which would save the airline over $2,000,000 a year.

A year later, I was asked to attend a workshop in Abu Dhabi, UAE to discuss my experience on the previous two aircraft projects with one of XXX’s newer airline clients. I was asked to attend by XXX innovation executives who sell and lead XXX’s most innovative and technologically advanced engagements that IBM hopes will generate new revenue streams. I led a data workshop where I developed a data ecosystem diagram of the client’s data infrastructure to understand the availability and location of all the necessary data assets required to conduct analytics. The diagram was presented at the end of the workshop to the airline and XXX executives as outcomes of the workshop.

With XXX, I’ve had the opportunity to work with clients in the Middle East and Europe. The focus of the work is the same, but it’s been rewarding to develop my communication skills and apply my knowledge in different contexts. These experiences have fueled my passion for data science and its impacts globally.

I am generally dissatisfied, and I have been for the majority of my life. At a young age, my grandfather, a single father of three daughters — and a first-generation immigrant to the U.S. — instilled in me the value of challenging the limits of perception. During my childhood visits to my grandfather’s home in New Mexico, we often perused the stalls of a local market for that evening’s dinner ingredients, and my grandfather would press me to haggle with vendors for a lower price. As a young girl, speaking in broken Spanish, I certainly did not always succeed, but my grandfather displayed a satisfied look on his face regardless of the outcome. As I matured, I understood he had been pushing me to test the perception of my naivety, while also readying me to challenge forthcoming apparent limitations. As I have developed both personally and professionally, my grandfather’s preparation has continued to drive my choices.

Personally, I am dissatisfied with limiting my perspective to that of my own culture. In a first attempt to address this after my first year in college, I chose to complete a summer study-abroad program in Spain, during which I lived with a local woman, Selena. This intimate experience showed me that Selena’s daily joys and concerns made us more alike than different and developed my affinity for experiencing culture through food. I also realized immersing myself in foreign cultures and challenging the limits of my own perception energizes me. I am excited to further engage this passion at Booth through leading a Random Walk and leveraging my love of culture to enhance the experience for first-year students.

Professionally, I am dissatisfied with accepting there are limits to my potential impact, particularly those stemming from being a woman in financial services. As an undergraduate at [College], I was surrounded predominantly by men in my finance classes. I was also reminded frequently that securing my dream job in investment banking would be made even more difficult coming from a “non-target” school. Faced with two potentially hindering factors, I decided to set out on my first professional endeavor to address my dissatisfaction, and secured an analyst position at [Company].

Despite this personal success, I continued to be dissatisfied with the opportunity for [College] students on an ongoing basis. Therefore, post-graduation I have chosen to work actively with [College]’s Career Services department to coordinate biannual trips for students to visit financial institutions in New York and connect with alumni. In recognition of my contribution to the program, I was recently honored as the alumni speaker at the annual celebratory dinner for graduating seniors in the undergraduate business school.

As I entered my second year as an analyst, I was dissatisfied to learn many of my female peers were exiting the firm due to lack of internal mentors and career support resources, so I applied to be a member of the firm’s inaugural women’s initiative committee. In monthly meetings I highlighted topics that made sustaining a career in financial services difficult for women. The reports from these sessions were compiled for C-suite management review, and changes did phase in marginally. With Booth’s flexible curriculum, I will continue to prioritize impact and apply to the PE/VC Lab during my first semester. The course will provide me with the opportunity to intern at a Chicago-based PE fund during the semester and apply my classroom learnings “in the field.”

Ultimately dissatisfied with the transactional nature of my investment banking role and the lack of opportunity for profound impact on clients and other constituents, I chose to transition to an investment associate role at [Company]. [Company] is a middle-market, operationally focused private equity fund where I have already been making a difference working directly with the CEO and CFO of a portfolio company to implement operational improvement programs.

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.

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Master of Business Administration (MBA) Programs - Admissions | Essays

Our Stern essay questions give you the opportunity to more fully present yourself to the Admissions Committee and to provide insight into your experiences, goals, and thought processes.

Your essays must be written entirely by you. An offer of admission will be rescinded if you did not write your essays.  

• Short Answer: Professional Aspirations
• Essay 1: Change: _____ it
• Essay 2: Personal Expression (a.k.a. "Pick Six")
• Essay 3: Additional Information (optional)

Short Answer: Professional Aspirations (150 word maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font)

• What are your short-term career goals?

Essay 1: Change: _________ it (350 word maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font) In today’s global business environment, the only constant is change. Using NYU Stern’s brand call to action, we want to know how you view change. Change: _____ it. Fill in the blank with a word of your choice. Why does this word resonate with you? How will you embrace your own personal tagline while at Stern? Examples:

• Change: Dare it.
• Change: Dream it.
• Change: Drive it.
• Change: Empower it.
• Change: Manifest it.
• Change: [Any word of your choice] it.

Essay 2: Personal Expression (a.k.a. "Pick Six") Introduce yourself to the Admissions Committee and to your future classmates using six images and corresponding captions. The Pick Six is a way to share more about the qualities you will bring to the Stern community, beyond your professional and academic achievements.   Your uploaded PDF should contain all of the following elements:

• A brief introduction or overview of your "Pick Six" (no more than 3 sentences).
• Six images that help illustrate your interests, values, motivations, perspective and/or personality.
• A one-sentence caption for each of the six images that helps explain why they were selected and are significant to you.

Note: Your visuals may include photos, infographics, drawings, or any other images. Your document must be uploaded as a single PDF. The essay cannot be sent in physical form or be linked to a website. Essay 3: Additional Information (optional) (500 word maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font) Please provide any additional information that you would like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee and/or give context to your application. This may include important aspects of yourself not otherwise apparent in your application, including but not limited to: hardships you have encountered, current or past gaps in employment, further explanation of your undergraduate record or self-reported academic transcript(s), plans to retake the GMAT, GRE, Executive Assessment, IELTS or TOEFL, or any other relevant information.  

Admissions Blog Insights

Conquering the Pick 6

Nedjee Corriolan, Assistant Director at NYU Stern, shares her tips for the Pick 6 essay on our full-time MBA blog.

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NYU Stern MBA Essays 2024-2025: Frameworks, Tips & Insights!

Question banks.

• State Your Goal: Clearly define your short-term career goal. For example, “Post-MBA, I aim to transition into a product management role within the fintech sector.”
• Provide Context: Share why this goal is meaningful, highlighting personal insights or experiences that shaped your aspirations.
• Connect to Stern: Highlight specific Stern resources that align with your career objectives.
• Touch on Long-Term Vision: Briefly mention how these short-term goals fit into your broader career trajectory.
• Be concise and direct.
• Show alignment with your past experiences and future goals.
• Research Stern and mention relevant offerings.
• Infuse your personality and passion.
• Proofread for clarity and coherence.
• Reflect on Change: Think about how change has impacted your journey. Choose a word that genuinely reflects your beliefs.
• Share an Experience: Provide an anecdote that illustrates why this word defines your approach to change.
• Relate to Stern: Research Stern’s values and offerings. Explain how your tagline will contribute to the Stern community.
• Outline Actions: Describe 3-4 steps you plan to take at Stern that embody your tagline.
• Choose a word that genuinely reflects your experiences.
• Show thorough research on Stern’s program.
• Balance creativity with clarity.
• Seek feedback to refine your narrative.
• A brief introduction or overview of your “Pick Six” (no more than 3 sentences).
• Six images that help illustrate your interests, values, motivations, perspective and/or personality.
• A one-sentence caption for each of the six images that helps explain why they were selected and are significant to you.
• Reflect: Identify what makes you unique beyond your career.
• Select Images: Choose meaningful images that represent different facets of your identity.
• Diversify: Ensure a mix of images that highlight various dimensions of your life.
• Craft Captions: Write one-sentence captions explaining the significance of each image.
• Ensure Cohesion: Make sure the images and captions together paint a comprehensive picture of you.
• Be authentic and genuine.
• Show the breadth of your interests and experiences.
• Highlight the impact of each image on your outlook or character.
• Align with Stern’s culture of emotional intelligence and community engagement.
• Avoid introducing new, unrelated topics.
• Address weaknesses or provide additional context where necessary.
• Do not feel pressured to fill this space; leaving it blank will not count against you.
• Avoid repurposing essays from other schools.

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Tuck Launches MBA Application for the Class of 2027

Aspiring tuck mba students will have three opportunities to apply., tuck will conduct admissions interviews virtually this year, with a limited number of on-campus interviews also offered. all interviews are valued equally in the evaluation process, whether guaranteed or invitational, in-person or virtual., by tuck communications jul 09, 2024.

The admissions cycle for the Tuck class of 2027 is officially underway with today’s launch of the 2024–2025 Tuck MBA application. This year’s application returns many of the enhancements introduced for the 2023–2024 cycle , including refined essay questions and more opportunities to connect with Tuck in-person. 

“We could not be more excited to open the 2024–2025 Tuck MBA application and to meet the tremendous candidates who will comprise the Tuck class of 2027 in the weeks and months to come,” says Lawrence Mur’ray, executive director of admissions and financial aid. “Thanks to the many enhancements we have made in recent years, the Tuck MBA application is in great shape and ready to help identify the next cohort of Tuck students.”

Aspiring Tuck MBA students will have three opportunities to apply. Round 1 applications are due on September 26, 2024, with decisions to be shared on December 12. Rounds 2 and 3 have respective deadlines of January 6 and March 26, 2025. Applicants will be notified of decisions for those rounds on March 13 and May 1, 2025.

Applicants will be guaranteed an admissions interview if they submit their completed application by certain dates for Rounds 1 and 2. For Round 1, applicants must submit their completed application—including test scores and Letters of Reference—by September 3, 2024. For Round 2, applicants must submit by December 2 to guarantee an interview. For those that do not submit their application by the guaranteed interview deadlines, the chance to interview will be offered on an invitational basis.

Thanks to the many enhancements we have made in recent years, the Tuck MBA application is in great shape and ready to help identify the next cohort of Tuck students. — Lawrence Mur’ray, executive director of admissions and financial aid

This year, interviews will be conducted virtually with a limited number of on-campus interviews also offered. All interviews are valued equally in the evaluation process, whether guaranteed or invitational, in-person or virtual.

“Admissions interviews are a fantastic opportunity for applicants to tell us, in their own voice, why Tuck is the right place for them,” Mur’ray says. “They provide invaluable information on who an applicant is, what they have done, where they want to go, and how they plan to get there. Because interviews are such an insightful component of the application, we strive to interview as many viable applicants as possible, whether it be virtual or in-person.”

Tuck will accept all versions of the GMAT and the GRE General Test, including the GMAT Focus Edition and Shorter GRE General Test exams. Tuck does not prefer one test over another. Like last year, those who demonstrate strong quantitative and analytical competency may be eligible for test waivers in the 2024-2025 admissions cycle. More information regarding how to request a test waiver can be found in the admissions FAQs on the Tuck website.

Smart, accomplished, aware, and encouraging remain Tuck’s four primary admissions criteria and the essay questions once again offer applicants the space to illustrate in detail how they embody the criteria. Applicants can expect three required essay questions, one optional, and one specifically for reapplicants. More insight on this year’s essay questions can be found on the Tuck360 blog where Pat Harrison, director of admissions, evaluation and yield, takes a closer look. 

2024-2025 Tuck Essay Questions

• Why are you pursuing an MBA and why now? How will the distinctive Tuck MBA contribute to achieving your goals and aspirations? (300 words)
• Tell us who you are. How have your values and experiences shaped your identity and character? How will your background contribute to the diverse Tuck culture and community? (300 words)
• Describe a time you meaningfully contributed to someone else’s sense of inclusion in your professional or personal community. (300 words)
• (Optional) Please provide any additional insight or information that you have not addressed elsewhere (e.g., atypical choice of references, factors affecting academic performance, unexplained job gaps or changes). Complete this question only if you feel your candidacy is not fully represented by this application. (300 words)
• (To be completed by all reapplicants) How have you strengthened your candidacy since you last applied? Please reflect on how you have grown personally and professionally. (300 words)

Letter of Reference questions remain the same, aligning with GMAC’s Common Letter of Recommendation Questions.

Letter of Reference Questions

• Please provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant’s role in your organization.
• How does the applicant’s performance compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? Provide specific examples.
• Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response.
• (Optional) Is there anything else we should know?

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Duke Fuqua School of Business MBA Essay Analysis 2024 - 2025

Duke Fuqua has released their MBA application questions for 2024 - 2025. The essays are unchanged.

Duke’s written application consists of 2 mandatory essays - “25 Random Things About Yourself” and “The Fuqua Community and You”. There is also 1 optional essay. 

Here are the Duke Fuqua MBA application essays for 2024 - 2025.

Essay Instructions 

The admissions essays are checked for plagiarism. Any cheating violations under the Honor Code will not be tolerated in the application process. 

Don’t add the essay questions, as they might flag your essays for plagiarism. 

Font size: 10 point minimum & Line spacing: 1.5

Duke Fuqua MBA Required Short-Answer Essay Question

What are your post-MBA career goals? Share with us your first-choice career plan and your alternate plan. (100 words)

You need to keep a few things in mind while writing this essay:  

First, reflect on your career trajectory, understand the post-MBA recruitment opportunities available to you, and write about your career goals with this in mind. Ensure your goals are realistic given your experience.

Evaluate the gap between your current role, your short-term goals and long-term goals to identify which classes to take, clubs to be a part of, and the faculty you wish to network with.

You may want to touch on your long-term goal. 

Alternatively, if you’re looking at an MBA as an exploration period, you can discuss this. Perhaps there is a start-up idea that you’re toying with or an inclination to explore some other passion as a career option - you can discuss that too.

Be specific: If you’re planning to go for management consulting post-MBA, explain which organizations you are targeting and why. 

Given the tight word limit, revise your drafts and review them for repetition especially.  

Duke Fuqua MBA Essay 1: 25 Random Things About Me

The ‘Team Fuqua’ spirit and community is one of the things that sets the MBA experience apart, and it is a concept that extends beyond the student body to include faculty, staff, and administration. Please share with us “25 Random Things” about you. The Admissions Committee wants to get to know YOU - beyond the professional and academic achievements listed in your resume and transcript. Share with us important life experiences, your hobbies, achievements, fun facts, or anything that helps us understand what makes you who you are.

Your list will be limited to 2 pages (750 words maximum). Please present your response in list form, numbered 1 to 25. Some points may be brief, while others may be longer.

This essay calls for creativity! Duke Fuqua has been asking for this essay consistently for several years now. This essay attempts to get to know the candidates beyond the traditional professional achievement or highlights. To gauge a candidate’s self-reflection and analysis, this essay puts their character and personality to the test and evaluates how these candidates will fit in the Duke Fuqua cohort. Being one of the longest business school essays, let your thoughts wander while writing your draft and worry about cutting words out later.

Generally, the more random the better. If you’re struggling, here's some inspiration for activities to discuss in this essay:

First times doing things 

I am a sucker for...

Things I like...

Nicknames and why...

Food: Everybody likes food but make sure you go deeper than your favourite food & make sure it is significant… 

Travel, but don’t just list countries. Explain how this affected you.

I’m scared of... 

Hopes and dreams

Retirement plan 

Hurdles or challenges 

My dearest wish 

Hustle: I once made a quick buck by...

My superpower is...

Childhood obsessions 

Inspirations 

I’m proud of...

For an in-depth analysis of each point and example answers based on successful past applicants to Fuqua, read our 25 Random Things About Me blog. 

The point of this essay is to bear your soul. Each point says something about your inner being and reflects what you’re made up of. 

For example, the fact that your favorite food is pizza says absolutely nothing about your character. So, make sure that every point you write has relevance to your personality and character. 

"I want to be an astronaut" shows ambition. Whereas discussing your terrible handwriting or fear of heights shows your humility. These random things need to demonstrate something about you and let the admissions committee get a well-rounded view of who you are . 

Duke Fuqua Essay 2: The Fuqua Community and You

Fuqua prides itself on cultivating a culture of engagement. Our students enjoy a wide range of student-led organizations that provide opportunities for leadership development and personal fulfillment, as well as an outlet for contributing to society. Our student-led government, clubs, centers, and events are an integral part of the student culture and to the development of leaders. Based on your understanding of the Fuqua culture, what are 3 ways you expect to contribute at Fuqua?

Your response will be limited to 1 page (500 words maximum).

Fuqua wants to see how you'll fit in “Team Fuqua”. By asking about community engagement, Fuqua wants to know why you want to study at their school, why you'd pick this school over the others, and ultimately how you’ll give back to the community 

Being a community-focused school, Fuqua prides itself on its leadership development and personal fulfilment opportunities. These activities are an integral part of leadership development, and Team Fuqua wants to understand exactly which activities you’ll pursue during your MBA. 

One way to structure this answer would be to pick up your school research notes and review the reasons that drove you towards Duke Fuqua. Then, write about the extracurricular opportunities that you find interesting. Often, candidates talk about clubs & societies, sports activities, events or tournaments, and centers for research and development. 

Discuss how your values or interests resonate with a particular club or what you’re passionate about. How you’ll make use of this opportunity and your plans for the future. Explain exactly which role you’ll take up within a certain club and what you’ll do in this role. For example, as fundraising chair, I’ll host engagement events similar to those I hosted in my previous role.

Make an effort to network with the current students and alumni extensively. Gauge how involved the current students are within specific communities you’re interested in and how the alumni add value after leaving the campus. Gather enough information to write with conviction. Be precise while adding the rationale behind picking up certain activities. Discuss the leadership roles that excite you and how you will use your voice on campus. 

Duke Fuqua Optional Essay: Tell Us More

If you feel there are circumstances of which the admissions committee should be aware, please explain them here (e.g. unexplained gaps in work, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance). Note that you should NOT upload additional essays nor additional recommendations in this area. The Optional Information section is intended to provide the admissions committee with insight into your circumstances only.

Remember, this isn’t “free” space. It’s space for you to explain exceptional circumstances that can potentially harm your candidacy. For example, you could discuss why you scored low during your undergrad if there was a particular reason for that or discuss if you have/had job gaps. 

While you address the spaces or loopholes, briefly discuss what you’ve learnt from the situation and how you will tackle similar problems in the future. 

Don’t write at length. Be succinct, and don’t be tempted to fill up the word limit. 

Next:  Check out our in-depth analysis of Duke Fuqua's most popular question: 25 Random Things About Me.

You might also want to check out our Duke Fuqua MBA Interview Guide for in-depth insights into Fuqua's interview process, what they're looking for in prospective candidates, interview schedule and questions for 2024, and tips to ace your interview.

For the full Duke Fuqua MBA application course with example essays  based on real essays by previous applicants, check out the Duke Fuqua Business School 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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Hi all, I recently submitted my application for the Booth deferred MBA program. For those who have applied to Booth in the past, is there a way to view your essays after you have submitted? Strangely enough, the essays aren't included in the application proof.

I made some last minute edits to my essay after I copied a draft from a Word document. Now I can't remember what I changed...