Like most B-Schools , Chicago Booth has also gone on a diet this year. While last year’s two required essay questions (excluding PPT presentation and re-applicant essay) allowed applicants to use 1350 words, this year they are allowed just 900 words. Apart from the standard ‘Goals’ essay, Booth asks its applicants to write two short -answer essays about their biggest challenge and about something that has changed their thinking or perception. Also, Booth’s unique PPT slide presentation question comes with a choice this year. You may either prepare a 4-slide presentation or write an essay of 600 words about other unique aspects of your personality that have not been revealed in other parts of the application.
1. What are your short- and long-term goals, and how will a Chicago Booth MBA help you reach them? (500 words)
This question remains unchanged from last year except that you are allowed to use 500 words instead of 600 words. A Goals Essay connects past, present and future i.e. your past work- experience (past), your goals,(future), and the need of an MBA from a particular school to achieve your goals (present). The Schools want to see that you have a clear plan/ vision for future and you have the ability to convince them of the same by telling your story in an engaging manner.
Past: Begin your essay with a story/ event/ life experience that reflects passion for your chosen field ( eg. marketing or finance) leading to your Bachelors degree .Continue your story about your past experience and provide details about how you have pursued your interest/passion and progressed along your career path all these years. Make sure your story showcases your personal and professional attributes. (approximately 100 words )
Future: Then relate your short term and long term goals to real life experiences that have helped you shape your goals. Explain why you believe that an MBA is the next logical step in your career path? How an MBA will bring you closer to the fulfillment of your goals? . Also, discuss why it makes sense to do MBA NOW and not after 1-2 years?
Short term goals: Be clear and quite decisive for short term goals (even if you are not 100% sure.) Show that you have put some thought into it.
Long Term Goals: It’s ok to be more broad and idealistic for long term goals, but explain steps (A to B to C) Show sincerity and passion in talking about your dreams. When discussing your long term goals, please make sure there is a logical connection between short term and long term goals. (approximately 200-words)
Present: Once you have justified the need to do an MBA , explain how an MBA from Chicago is your best bet at this time? How it will help you achieve your goals? Discuss how you will use their resources to achieve your goals? Be specific in answering the second part of the question -'Why Chicago Booth'? Go online, visit campus, classes, talk to professors, students, and alumni. Discuss experiences you have had visiting classes, programs, professors, if you can. Make sure there is a connection between your goals and the offerings of Chicago (approximately 200 words)
Lastly, even though the essay prompt doesn't ask you about your contribution to Chicago, include a brief statement about how you are a good match for Chicago Booth’s program?
1. What are your short- and long-term goals, and how will a Chicago Booth MBA help you reach them? (500 words)
This question remains unchanged from last year except that you are allowed to use 500 words instead of 600 words. A Goals Essay connects past, present and future i.e. your past work- experience (past), your goals,(future), and the need of an MBA from a particular school to achieve your goals (present). The Schools want to see that you have a clear plan/ vision for future and you have the ability to convince them of the same by telling your story in an engaging manner.
Past: Begin your essay with a story/ event/ life experience that reflects passion for your chosen field ( eg. marketing or finance) leading to your Bachelors degree .Continue your story about your past experience and provide details about how you have pursued your interest/passion and progressed along your career path all these years. Make sure your story showcases your personal and professional attributes. (approximately 100 words )
Future: Then relate your short term and long term goals to real life experiences that have helped you shape your goals. Explain why you believe that an MBA is the next logical step in your career path? How an MBA will bring you closer to the fulfillment of your goals? . Also, discuss why it makes sense to do MBA NOW and not after 1-2 years?
Short term goals: Be clear and quite decisive for short term goals (even if you are not 100% sure.) Show that you have put some thought into it.
Long Term Goals: It’s ok to be more broad and idealistic for long term goals, but explain steps (A to B to C) Show sincerity and passion in talking about your dreams. When discussing your long term goals, please make sure there is a logical connection between short term and long term goals. (approximately 200-words)
Present: Once you have justified the need to do an MBA , explain how an MBA from Chicago is your best bet at this time? How it will help you achieve your goals? Discuss how you will use their resources to achieve your goals? Be specific in answering the second part of the question -'Why Chicago Booth'? Go online, visit campus, classes, talk to professors, students, and alumni. Discuss experiences you have had visiting classes, programs, professors, if you can. Make sure there is a connection between your goals and the offerings of Chicago (approximately 200 words)
Lastly, even though the essay prompt doesn't ask you about your contribution to Chicago, include a brief statement about how you are a good match for Chicago Booth’s program?
