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The essay prompts for the Chicago Booth MBA application are designed to help the admissions team understand your personal and professional journey, goals, and fit with the program. For the 2024 intake, the application includes the following essay questions:
Essay 1 (Mandatory):
“How will the Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals?” (250-word minimum)
This question focuses on your career plans. You need to clearly explain both your short-term and long-term goals, and how Booth’s unique resources, such as its curriculum, faculty, clubs, and community, will help you achieve them. Be specific about what Booth offers and how it aligns with your ambitions.
Essay 2 (Mandatory):
“Chicago Booth immerses you in a choice-rich environment. How have your interests, leadership experiences, and background shaped who you are and how you will contribute to the Booth community?” (250-word minimum)
Here, Booth wants to understand your personal story beyond academics and work. Discuss experiences that shaped your character, leadership style, and values. Highlight how these will allow you to contribute to Booth’s culture—whether through clubs, classroom discussions, or collaborative projects.
3. Optional Essay:
“Is there any unclear information in your application that you would like to explain?”
This is your chance to address any gaps or red flags, like employment gaps, low grades, or unusual career transitions. Keep it brief, factual, and focused on providing clarity rather than making excuses.
Pls note use simple and clear language, and give specific examples to support your points. Make sure to explain why Booth’s MBA is the right choice for you and how it will help you reach your goals.
To know more in detailed, you can check it out: Chicago Booth MBA Essays
Study Abroad Consultant
Applying to Chicago Booth MBA application essays give candidates a chance to showcase their goals, leadership style, and fit for the program. The prompts help the admissions team understand your experiences, decision-making approach, and career vision. Booth looks for clear, well-structured, and authentic responses that highlight your unique perspective.
- Essay 1: How will the Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (250-word minimum)
Outline your short-term and long-term career goals. Show how your past experiences have prepared you and connect them to Booth’s courses, faculty, and resources that will help you succeed. - Essay 2: An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. Tell us something about who you are outside of work. (250-word minimum)
Share personal aspects not covered elsewhere—hobbies, values, or experiences that shape you. Highlight what makes you unique and how you’ll contribute to the Booth community. - Optional Essay: Clarify any unclear information in your application. (300 words max)
Explain employment gaps, academic issues, or other concerns concisely. Focus on growth and improvement. - Reapplicant Essay: How has your perspective on your future, Booth, and an MBA changed since your last application? (300 words max)
Discuss shifts in your career goals, new experiences, or a deeper understanding of Booth’s offerings. Show personal and professional growth.
Be clear and direct avoid unnecessary details. Connect your goals to Booth’s strengths and show how the program aligns with your career path. Let your personality and self-awareness come through in your writing. Edit and refine your responses to make a strong impact. A well-written essay shows why Booth is the right fit for you and how you will contribute to its community.
Chicago Booth has two required essays and one optional essay:
Essay 1: "How will the Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals?" (250-word minimum)
In this essay, you should outline your short-term and long-term career objectives and explain how obtaining an MBA from Booth will assist you in reaching these goals. It's beneficial to reflect on your past experiences and how they've shaped your aspirations. Additionally, consider highlighting specific aspects of Booth's program such as courses, faculty, or clubs that align with your career plans.
Essay 2: "An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. In addition to sharing your experience and goals in terms of career, we’d like to learn more about you outside of the office. Use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are." (250-word minimum)
This prompt invites you to share personal aspects of your life that aren't directly related to your professional endeavors. You might discuss hobbies, values, or experiences that have been significant to you. The goal is to provide insight into your character and interests beyond the workplace.
Optional Essay: "Is there any unclear information in your application that needs further explanation? If so, please use this section to clarify." (300-word maximum)
This space allows you to address any potential concerns or ambiguities in your application, such as gaps in employment, academic discrepancies, or other unique circumstances. It's an opportunity to provide context to the admissions committee.
When crafting your essays, aim for clarity and authenticity. Booth values genuine insights into applicants' professional ambitions and personal backgrounds. Be sure to thoroughly research the program to effectively convey how it aligns with your goals and how you can contribute to the Booth community.