What should applicants most heavily emphasize in their work experience?

It would be helpful for us to know the following:

• What they have done
• Why they chose the path they did
• What they believe they have learned from their work experiences
• How they believe their professional background will allow them to contribute as members of the GSB community

How important is an applicant’s GMAT score and what advice do you have for applicants who struggled with this exam?

The GMAT is one part of the evaluation process, but by no means is it the sole determinant of admission.  If someone has taken the test and gotten a score he/she thinks could improve, it would probably be a good idea to re-take the test.

What is GSB’s policy regarding applicants who take the GMAT multiple times?

We have no requirement about how many test scores we will accept from one applicant.  However, studies have shown that after three times, the scores usually does not change all that much. From our vantage point, taking the test two or three times certainly demonstrates that someone is trying to do their best in this part of the application.

What was the GMAT score range for admitted applicants this past year?

While we don’t provide applicant data of this kind, we do provide information for our enrolling class.  The GMAT average for the Class of 2005, who started last September, was 690.

Your second essay question states, "You find yourself on an elevator with the Dean of Chicago GSB. Please tell him why this is the right school for you, and what you hope to contribute if admitted." What advice do you have for applicants in terms of general content you are seeking with this question?

Perhaps this will sound simplistic, but our honest advice is to answer the question in the way you see fit.  This is not a trick question, but rather, is asked in an effort to get to know our applicants a bit better.  There is no right or wrong answer.

How important is the interview in the admissions process and what specific applicant traits are you using the interview to gauge? What types of questions should applicants expect to be asked?

We see the interview as extremely important in the application process for two primary reasons:

• It allows us to meet the applicant "off of the page" – in other words, it allows for the applicant to come to life for us.
• It also provides a two-way communication opportunity:  The applicant has an opportunity to sell herself/himself, and the interviewer has an opportunity to sell the GSB.

While we don’t provide an exact list of questions, let us say that the interview is a conversation aimed at getting to know the applicant and the GSB better, so both parties can decide if there is a good match between applicant and school.

Are these interviews conducted blind or is the applicant’s file reviewed beforehand?

Interviews are deliberately conducted blind, so as not to bias the interviewer in any way.  We do ask that the interviewee bring a resume with her/him to the interview.

Is there any advantage or disadvantage to interviewing with an admissions officer versus an alumnus?

Good question.  There is absolutely NO advantage/disadvantage whatsoever.  Interviews are weighted equally in the evaluation process, irrespective of who it is that conducted the interview.

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