Chicago Booth School of Business MBA Program
Where rigorous thinking meets limitless opportunity. The most flexible MBA curriculum taught by Nobel Prize-winning faculty who define modern economics and finance.
Key Information
Application Deadlines 2025-26:
What Makes Chicago Booth Unique
Academic rigor meets unparalleled flexibility in the birthplace of modern finance theory
Ultimate Flexibility
Choose any 20 courses with minimal requirements. Only school where you can design your own major and create a completely customized MBA experience.
Nobel Prize Faculty
9 Nobel laureates on faculty—more than any other business school. Learn from the economists who created modern finance and behavioral economics.
Chicago Approach
Rigorous analytical thinking and data-driven decision making. Challenge conventional wisdom through evidence-based reasoning and debate.
Global Campuses
Study at campuses in London and Hong Kong. Complete your MBA across three global financial centers with diverse perspectives.
Pay-It-Forward Culture
Strong alumni network that actively helps current students. Culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing across industries and geographies.
Downtown Chicago
Located in the heart of Chicago's business district. Direct access to major corporations, trading floors, and financial markets.
Chicago Booth Requirements & Class Profile
Understanding what Booth looks for in analytical, independent thinkers
GMAT Range
640-780
Median: 732
GRE Range
V155-169, Q157-170
Median: V162/Q163
GPA Range
3.1-3.9
Median: 3.61
Work Experience
2-12 years
Median: 5 years
International Students
42%
Women
44%
What Chicago Booth Really Looks For
Based on insights from former admissions officers and successful admits
Core Evaluation Criteria
Analytical Thinking
Data-driven approach to problem solving
Independent Mindset
Ability to think for yourself and challenge assumptions
Academic Rigor
Proven ability to handle challenging coursework
The "Booth Type"
Self-Directed Learners
Thrive with minimal structure and maximum choice
Intellectually Curious
Deep interest in understanding "why" behind decisions
Future Leaders
Ambition to reach C-suite and board positions
Pre-MBA Industries
Post-MBA Career Placement
Consulting
36% of class
$190,000
Financial Services
32% of class
$169,000
Technology
17% of class
$175,000
Private Equity
8% of class
$185,000
Other
7% of class
$165,000
The Most Flexible MBA Curriculum
Design your own educational path with unprecedented choice and flexibility
How Booth's Flexibility Works
Minimal Requirements
- • Only 1 required course (LEAD)
- • Choose 19 electives from 200+ options
- • No distribution requirements
- • Create your own concentration
Cross-School Opportunities
- • Take courses at other UChicago schools
- • Law, Public Policy, Medicine options
- • PhD-level economics courses
- • Joint degree programs available
Global Options
- • Study in London or Hong Kong
- • International business practicum
- • Exchange with top global schools
- • Virtual global team projects
Popular Concentrations
Finance
Corporate finance, investments, derivatives
Economics
Micro, macro, behavioral economics
Entrepreneurship
New venture creation, innovation
Marketing
Consumer behavior, digital marketing
Operations
Supply chain, analytics, technology
Signature Booth Programs
- Booth Labs: Experiential learning with real companies
- Random Walk: Weekly finance speaker series
- LEAD Course: Leadership effectiveness and development
- International Study: Required global exposure
- Booth Analytics: Advanced data science curriculum
- Private Equity Lab: Hands-on investment experience
How to Get Into Chicago Booth
Demonstrate your analytical mindset and independence in a structured application
Essay Strategy: Show Your Analytical Thinking
Essay 1: How will the Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (250 words minimum)
- Be specific about Booth's flexible curriculum benefits
- Connect specific courses/professors to your goals
- Show how Chicago's approach fits your learning style
- Avoid: Generic career goals without Booth-specific details
Essay 2: 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. (250 words minimum)
- Show intellectual curiosity beyond work
- Demonstrate how personal interests inform professional decisions
- Connect to Booth's collaborative community
Essay 3 (Optional): Is there any unclear information in your application that needs clarification? (300 words maximum)
- Use only for necessary context (gaps, low scores)
- Keep brief and factual
Interview Strategy
Interview Format
- • 45-60 minutes with alumni or admissions
- • Behavioral and fit-focused questions
- • Virtual or in-person options
- • Opportunity to ask detailed questions
Key Topics to Prepare
- • Examples of analytical problem-solving
- • Why Booth's flexibility appeals to you
- • How you'll use the Chicago approach
- • Questions about specific professors/courses
Pro Tip: Booth values independent thinkers. Show how you've challenged conventional wisdom or approached problems differently than others.
Common Chicago Booth Application Mistakes
Not explaining how you'll use the flexibility
Show specific course combinations you'd pursue
Underestimating academic rigor
Booth expects high intellectual capability
Generic "Why Chicago" responses
Reference specific faculty, courses, or research
Overlooking the personal growth essay
This essay is equally important as the career goals essay
Life at Chicago Booth
Academic excellence meets Chicago's vibrant business community
Charles M. Harper Center
State-of-the-art facilities in downtown Chicago business district
Random Groups
Study groups of 6 students with diverse backgrounds and interests
Chicago Advantage
Major financial center with affordable living and world-class culture
100+ Clubs
Professional, cultural, and recreational organizations for every interest
Booth Traditions & Culture
Academic Culture
- No grade disclosure policy
- Bid system for popular courses
- Independent study options
- PhD student teaching assistants
Social Traditions
- TNDC (Thursday Night Drinking Club)
- Winter Formal and Spring Formal
- Chicago Scavenger Hunt
- Alumni Mixer events
Career Development
- 200+ employer visits annually
- Strong alumni network in finance
- Random Walk finance series
- Hyde Park Angels VC network
Ready to Design Your Own MBA?
Navigate Booth's unique flexible curriculum with former admissions officers who understand how to showcase your analytical mindset and independence.