The Admissions Committee at Chicago Booth School of Business has passed along the Top Ten Admissions Myths they would like to see banished from every applicant’s mind.
Myth 1: The GMAT is the most important part of the application.
The GMAT score is not a “make or break” item. The application process is a holistic one in which the Admissions Committee attempts to learn all about you in order to determine a fit between you and Chicago that goes above and beyond your GMAT score.
Myth 2: A campus visit is a must if you expect to be admitted.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to visit campus at some point, but not visiting won’t negatively affect your application.
Myth 3: It’s impossible to be admitted during Round 3.
Booth does in fact accept students in Round 3. Since spots in the program are filled as the Rounds progress, there will naturally be fewer spots left for Round 3 applicants. International students should consider applying by Round 2 in an attempt to avoid potential hassles in obtaining a student visa prior to the start of classes.
Myth 4: You must have a minimum GPA or GMAT score and have 5 years of work experience to be considered for admission.
Anyone who has or will obtain a bachelor’s degree and can report a GMAT score is eligible to apply for admission to Chicago.
Myth 5: An interview with a staff member will increase your chances of admission more than an interview with a student or alum.
Regardless of who your interviewer may be, the feedback is valuable and is weighed equally in each and every case.
Myth 6: The earlier you submit your application before the Due Date, the earlier your interview invitation will come.
The process of inviting applicants to interview is entirely random, and the point at which you hear from the school is not a reflection on the strength of your application or the time frame in which you submitted it.
Myth 7: If you were not a Business major, you are at a great disadvantage in the admissions process.
Chicago Booth students come from a variety of backgrounds with respect to their undergraduate studies. In fact, 34% of the class of 2009 had a liberal arts background.
Myth 8: Chicago Booth prefers applicants from finance and consulting backgrounds.
Many applicants come from finance or consulting backgrounds; but many more have work experience in other industries, including military service, marketing, education, retail, and non-profit work. It’s not what you do that matters – it’s how you do it and the experience you’ll bring to the classroom and study groups.
Myth 9: The Admissions Committee members only read the first Admissions Essay in the application – they disregard the rest.
The staff reads each and every Admissions Essay, recommendation letter and transcript that crosses our desks. This makes for a great deal of work but we’re committed to putting together the best possible class and to do so, we feel we need to get to know each applicant well.
Myth 10: A letter of recommendation from the CEO of my company/a Booth alum I met once/the Governor/the President of the United States is better than getting one from a supervisor or colleague who knows me well.
Your current or former supervisor and a colleague or client who can speak at length about your value to your company or organization is a much better choice than someone who may have an impressive title, but little insight into you as a person or future Chicago Booth student.
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Read the full article: Booth Debunks Top Ten Admissions Myths
