Chicago Booth Debuts Bold New MBA Essay Format
The Chicago Booth School of Business is breaking ground with its Fall 2016 MBA essay prompt, which asks applicants to choose one of 16 photos depicting various aspects of Booth student life, and to write “How it resonates with your own viewpoint on why the Booth community is the right fit for you.”
Within the variety of images, you’ll see team-building exercises, adventure treks, classroom shots, cultural events, commencement celebration, and even a captivating image of architecture at Chicago Booth.
In the latest Booth Insider blog post, Kurt Ahlm, Associate Dean of Student Recruitment and Admissions, explains that the admissions team wants to share with applicants more complete picture of what the Booth community is all about.
This new format, Ahlm writes, was conceived “In the spirit of diverse perspectives and challenging the status quo—even our own status quo,” and the team is excited about prompting applicants to think in a different way.
In the instructions, applicants are urged to select whatever format is right for them—a traditional essay, a slide presentation, or any format that best captures your response. There is no set size limit to this response, though candidates should use good judgement in how best to allocate the space.
There is also a required essay for re-applicants: Upon reflection, how has your perspective regarding your future, Chicago Booth, and/or getting an MBA changed since the time of your last application? (300 words maximum)
The Fall 2016 application is now live on the website, and we’ll be bringing you tips on how to approach this exciting new essay format very soon. Until then, good luck and have fun!
