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The University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business

How to Approach Chicago Booth’s MBA Essays

The University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business ranked number two in Poets&Quants’ latest Top Business Schools ranking.

The school seeks out applicants who can demonstrate leadership potential, team-building skills, and community involvement. Its 2021-2022 MBA essays are designed to gauge an applicant’s qualities and aspirations outside of the academic numbers. Stacy Blackman, founder of Stacy Blackman Consulting, recently broke down this year’s Booth essays and how applicants can set themselves apart.

ESSAY 1 

The first essay prompt asks applicants the following:

How will a Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (Minimum 250 words, no maximum.)

The word minimum is of important note, Blackman says, given that many B-schools often have a word maximum. With its 250 word minimum, Booth admission officers are “asking you to be thoughtful in your responses to these MBA essays and make sure you have enough space to answer the question.”

When it comes to essay one, Blackman recommends thinking about realistic career expectations that you have and demonstrating how the Booth MBA fits into those goals.

“Think about what you have done so far in your career,” Blackman writes. “What have you learned? How can you use your experiences to inform your future goals? Then, think about how a Booth MBA can fill in any gaps. What classes will you take? Professors that can help you advance your goals? How will you engage with clubs and peers?”

ESSAY 2

The second essay prompt asks applicants the following:

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)

While essay one focuses on professional goals, essay two is more about self-awareness. Blackman suggests applicants to think about their own sense of purpose.

“To focus this essay, consider using stories about your life,” Blackman writes. “Have you done something in a volunteer capacity that shows who you are? Or, does your cultural background have an impact on your personality? What experiences have made an impact on you?”

Together, your essays should demonstrate who you are and where you’re going.

“Overall, your goal with both essays is to give the admissions committee a holistic sense of your potential,” Blackman writes.

Sources: Stacy Blackman Consulting, P&Q, Chicago Booth

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