Meet The Chicago Booth MBA Class of 2017

Katharine Wurzbach -Chicago-PoetsAndQuants-Classof2017

Katharine Wurzbach

University of Chicago, Booth School of Business

Hometown: Cortlandt Manor, NY

Undergraduate School and Major: United States Military Academy – BS in Engineering Management

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation: United States Army – Route Clearance Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer, Assistant Battalion Operations Officer, Operations Officer – Army Community Service

Recalling your own experience, what advice do you have for applicants who are preparing for either the GMAT or the GRE? I began studying for the GMAT approximately 12 months prior to when I planned to apply to business school (September 2013) with the goal of taking the test in December 2013.  I was deployed at the time and our testing center on base stopped offering the GMAT, so I postponed my test taking until re-deployment. Upon return to the States, I learned that nearly all b-schools were taking GRE test scores and began to look into the GRE as an alternative to the GMAT. I ended up choosing the GRE as it played more to my strengths and I knew I would be able to submit a score that better represented my abilities.  I would advise applicants to consider and research both tests before committing to one over the other. All top business schools take GRE scores and it may be a better choice for some applicants given their strengths and weaknesses.

Based on your own selection process, what advice do you have for applicants who are trying to draw up a list of target schools to which to apply? Applicants should first decide what their main goal is from attending business school. Is it to earn a specific job after graduation (investment banking or marketing?)? Is it to change careers?  Are they looking to take the next progressive step in their career path? These questions will drive which schools that applicants should consider as each school has their specialties and strengths. Additionally, applicants should reach out to current students, alumni, and friends who have attended schools they are interested in.  Speaking with these individuals will allow applicants to get a feel for the culture of the school, which is very important when compiling the “short list” of schools. Last, applicants should ensure they are realistic about their options. If GMAT scores and undergrad GPAs don’t quite match up to the general range of their desired schools, it doesn’t mean they shouldn’t apply. It just means they should have a back up plan (i.e. “safety” schools) that they are applying to as well if the goal is to start business school by a certain date. Applying to business school is time- consuming and can be expensive if the list is long.  Applicants need to only apply to schools they would actually attend. 

What advice do you have for applicants in actually applying to a school, writing essays, doing admission interviews, and getting recommenders to write letters on your behalf?

Having a clear plan and timeline will do wonders for your sanity and organization. Decide which round you are applying for each school and backwards plan when essays need to be completed (factor in time for review by friends, co-workers, etc). Start conversations with your recommenders plenty of time in advance of when you will ask for their help. Ensure that they will be willing to help and set them up for success by providing them a quick overview of why you want to go to that school/what you can offer that school and a rundown of what you accomplished while working for/with them. For the essays – be authentic and keep it concise.  Adcoms read hundreds, even thousands, of essays per year and can spot the ones that aren’t from the heart.  Additionally, busting the word limit will only irritate them. Keep to the recommended/strict limits and consolidate your story. Interviews at most schools are not meant to be an interrogation; they are truly meant to get a better feel for you as an individual and whether you would fit in at the school. The questions asked should not be extremely difficult or “gotcha” questions. Know yourself, have a few vignettes ready for the behavioral type questions, and act natural – it’s your time to shine!

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? I had a chance to speak with current students at Chicago Booth before my interview and had a good feeling about the school, its culture, and the types of people who attended. As soon as I arrived for my interview I knew it was home.  The pay-it-forward culture was evident in every aspect of my trip and interactions with the students. Everyone I met wanted to know how they could help, offered to speak to me about post-MBA plans, picking a school, etc.  Students were not just happy but overjoyed to be a part of the Booth community. That spoke volumes to me and made my decision to attend Chicago Booth an easy one.

What would you ultimately like to achieve before you graduate? I want to obtain the business skills necessary to be successful in the private sector given my background in the military (and no business exposure!) I know Chicago’s curriculum and reputation for academic excellence will ensure that. Additionally, and more on a personal note, I want to push outside of my comfort zone, academically and socially.  I want to try things I would have never had an opportunity to do as an officer or undergrad and not be afraid to challenge myself. I know Booth is the place to do just that.

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