U. Chicago Booth MBA News

Our 2014 Admissions Director Q&A with the University of Chicago Booth School of Business' Kurt Ahlm is now available.  Kurt Ahlm is a 10-year veteran of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business admissions office, and he seemed the perfect person to take the lead role there when former director Rose Martinelli stepped down two summers ago. Since then he has helped welcome a new dean to the school, Dean Sunil Kumar, and seen the school continue its international expansion with the opening of a new center in China to complement campuses in Chicago, London and Singapore. Ahlm started his career in undergraduate admissions at Northwestern University and then spent time working as a corporate recruiter before coming to Chicago Booth. “I really liked higher education but I also liked the more professional type of atmosphere that the corporate world offered,” he says, adding that MBA admissions provides a great mix of both. Chicago Booth benefits, in turn, from his strong background in both admissions and recruiting. Read more

I had my interview off campus with a first year out Booth Alum. We met at a local Starbucks which I think made me more comfortable for the interview than if I had done it in the formal on campus admissions office setting. Her questions were similar to the others posted here, outline as follows: Please give me your elevator pitch (I felt this was a slightly tough starter, as it was not clear whether she was talking about my resume, me, my desire to go to Booth or all of the above!). Why an MBA now Where do I Read more

walk me through your resume/tell me about yourself what are your short and long term goals why do you want an MBA why booth tell me about a challenge tell me about something you regret what is your leadership style do you have any questions for me The room was a small room round table with a few chairs. While you wait there are booth students that sit with you and are supposed to chat you up. Interview was 30 minutes sharp. Good Luck guys. Read more

My R2 interview was conducted at Booth on February 24th. There were a number of first year students and Dean’s Student Admissions Committee representatives in the waiting room to greet visitors. Everyone was welcoming and helpful. A kind and engaging member of the admissions staff conducted my interview. She shared my non-profit background and was supportive and interested throughout the half-hour. The interview was comfortable and conversational. My interviewer let me know that she would be taking notes during the meeting and would give me a heads up when we got close to 30 minutes. Give me an overview of Read more

I interviewed at Booth for round 1 , Nov 19,2011, on campus. I was invited to interview so I was very happy. It was a Saturday so I did not have to worry about parking. My interview was at 9:30 am, I arrived at 9:00 am. While I waited from my interview, there were students in the waiting area who would talk to you about Booth (seems pretty standard these days), but all nice people and answer all questions. I would advise exploiting this opportunity. The interview itself was done by a Booth Alum (2011). It just so happened she Read more

The interviewer started by explaining that the interview is meant to be very informal and an opportunity for him to learn more about me and my experiences. Indicated that the interview would be about 35 min and that he’d leave 5 min at the end for questions. Interviewer did not have a script – ready primarily off my resume. Questions: Walk through your resume Why did you leave [undergrad college I transferred from] / why did you leave [previous firm]? Why Booth and why now? Tell me more about the [specific bullet from my resume] initiative What’s your leadership style Read more

We met in a local coffee shop. Walk me through your resume. Why did you leave Company A to go to Company B? Why MBA? Why now? Why Booth? Tell me a story that showcases your ability to handle Booth’s academic rigor. Tell me a story that showcases your teamwork skills. Tell me a story that showcases your leadership skills. When have you had to inspire others? What do you do for fun? What do you want to get out of your MBA? How do you plan to give back to Booth? What are your short term goals? What are Read more