University of Chicago GSB Admission Interview
(continued)
Let's talk about waitlists. How many
applicants do you anticipate will end up on the waitlist for
at least some part of the year? How many of them will be
eventually accepted off of the waitlist and what advice
would you like to share with any waitlisted applicant who
happens to come across this interview transcript?
We are not
able to provide the number of those waitlisted each year,
because we do not have a pre-determined number in mind.
Applicants are placed on our waiting list for two primary
reasons:
- We believe
they are definitely admissible.
- However, we
need more information from the applicant before making a
final decision
We provide
every waitlisted applicant an opportunity to receive
personalized wait list feedback, and our advice is to take
advantage of this opportunity.
How are re-applicants viewed by Chicago
and what do they need to do to be successful the second time
around?
Re-applicants are viewed very positively. Due to the fact
that we can say yes to such a small percentage of our
applicant pool every year, we greatly appreciate continued
interest by a re-applicant. The best advice here is to do
one’s best to let the admissions committee know why you are
re-applying, and what you believe you have done since your
last application that you want to be noticed/considered.
Does your staff re-examine their
previous application(s)?
Yes, the
original application is reviewed with the updated one.
Describe how the financial aid process
works and what admitted students can expect in terms of
scholarships, assistantships, and loan guarantees.
Most of our
students are eligible for loan dollars, and we do have a
limited number of assistantships, which are usually reserved
for second year students. As for scholarships, all admitted
students are eligible for these dollars, and they are given
to about 25% of the incoming class each year, based on the
same criteria used by the admissions committee when deciding
on admission.
How helpful do applicants generally
find a campus visit?
Our
research has shown that campus visits can have a major
impact on one’s perceptions about a respective MBA program.
In our case, over 70% of those who visit us end up applying
or enrolling. To that end, we have dramatically increased
our campus visit programs. Prospective students, applicants
and admitted students are encouraged to visit us any time.
In addition, we have some special campus visit
opportunities, which are outlined on our website. We
welcome visitors!!!!!!
Do you have any special instructions or
advice for applicants who wish to visit the business
school’s campus?
As
mentioned above, we encourage applicants to visit our
website to arrange for a visit. However, if that is not
possible, by all means, just stop in. We have a daily
admissions information session Monday through Friday (11:00
a.m.), followed by a campus tour. There are opportunities
to visit classes, have lunch with our students, and meet
with an admissions staff member.
What specifically should IT applicants
do to differentiate themselves in their applications?
We suggest
that applicants follow our application instructions, and
simply be themselves. Perhaps this is the best way to
differentiate oneself, and we are all unique and different.
Can you briefly describe the housing
situation for your students?
Housing
opportunities exist in Hyde Park, where over 60% of our
first year students reside. This often comes as a pleasant
surprise to students, as does the fact that Hyde Park is one
of the safest neighborhoods in all of the city of Chicago.
What distinguishes University of
Chicago GSB and its students?
Many
things:
- A faculty
that is second to none
- An
educational approach that forces students to think and ask
questions
- A student
community that gets stronger every year, in terms of
career preparation and extra-curricular involvement
- An MBA
program that is lauded while students are with us, but is
appreciated even more after they leave
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