From -> To |
Message |
Moderator -> Everyone |
Hello everyone! Thank you for joining us today. Our chat will begin promptly at 12:00 p.m. CDT. Feel free to begin submitting your questions now so we can start providing answers at noon. |
Moderator -> Everyone |
Welcome to our live chat! Thank you for joining us today. We are eager to answer all your questions, so please begin submitting them now. |
Patty -> Everyone |
Welcome! I look forward to answering questions about our executive MBA program. |
Toby -> Everyone |
Hi everyone and welcome - happy to chat with you about our programs today. |
Patricia -> Everyone |
Welcome - thanks for joining us on the chat. We look forward to answering many of your questions today. |
Melissa -> Everyone |
Thank you for joining us today! I am looking forward to answering your questions today. |
Ben -> Toby |
Hi, I have two questions. I've been thinking about doing an EMBA but i noticed recently you also do a weekend MBA, which could work. Given the price difference I am interested to know the advantages as you see them of the EMBA over the weekend MBA? The second question is do you feel the students on the EMBA get to know each other as well as the standard or weekend MBAs, and as such whether the alumni connections are as strong and beneficial? |
Toby -> Ben |
Hi Ben - thanks for joining us today. To be clear, all Booth programs offer the same degree taught by the same faculty, so there is no difference in the quality of the programs. There are some trade offs, though, to be aware of. It's up to you to decide which program is the best fit for you and we're happy to help facilitate that decision.
The biggest differences in Executive MBA Program are the profile of the class, the fact that we're cohorted and the required international piece. We bring in 90 students each year to each campus (Chicago, London, Hong Kong) you take 1/3 of your classes with students from all cohorts and 2/3 of your classes with students from the "local" cohort. Because you are spending so much time with the same group of people the connections are VERY strong. I hope this helps! |
Vidya -> Patricia |
Hi - Thank you for organizing this chat. I have started an online application for the Executive MBA program and have a few questions related to the process. How long after submitting the application should I expect to receive communication about the interview? |
Patricia -> Vidya |
Hi Vidya - Once your application is submitted and all the required documents are in place, it takes about 5 business days to review and send an invitation to interview. |
Varun23 -> Melissa |
I have 5.5 years of work experience and I want to know which MBA will be suitable for me as per my profile. Also, I have done Bachelor in Engineering in Electrical Engineering From Delhi College of Engineering. |
Melissa -> Varun23 |
Varun23, regardless of which program you complete at Chicago Booth, all students at Chicago Booth receive the same degree - University of Chicago MBA. The classes are similar in each program and the same professors teach across each program. The average age in the Executive MBA program is 39 and the average work experience is 14 years. The average age in our Evening / Weekend program is about 30 and the average work experience is about six years. Please keep in mind that these are averages and each program has students at both ends of the spectrum. However, hopefully this helps you understand which program might be the best fit for you. |
Varun23 -> Toby |
Please let me know which one will be better: Two-year or Executive MBA, as per my profile. |
Toby -> Varun23 |
Hi Varun - the information you provided in your profile isn't enough to point you in the perfect direction regarding which program to focus on. I think it makes sense to think about your priorities in earning an MBA and figure out which program does the best job meeting those. Hopefully we can answer specific questions about them for you today. Also we do offer a resume review if you like. Use the link below to learn more about that. http://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/exec-mba/admissions/cv-resume |
Susan_O. -> Patricia |
I will be applying for the December 1st timeframe. I understand the program is highly competitive. Have you filled many spots at the early bird registration? Are you at liberty to say how many are filled & how many are left? |
Patricia -> Susan_O. |
Hi Susan - The program is highly competitive so we encourage applicants to apply as early as possible. We don't advertise how many seats are left, but I can tell you there are seats available. Keep in mind, we typically get the bulk of our applications during the Feb 1-April 1 deadline. |
PMSDM -> Patty |
Hi All, I am currently on H1B working in USA. For full time Executive MBA I will probably have to get another visa as I will be either quitting my job or take a sabbatical (for which H1B will no longer valid). I saw your website mentioning that admission to full time Executive MBA does not make you eligible for student visa. What options do I have or which visa will be right for taking up a Full-Time Executive MBA for international candidate like me? |
Patty -> PMSDM |
Dear PMSDM: The Executive MBA program is a part-time MBA program, not full-time. Therefore, we are unable to issue a student visa. Our students are all working full-time and taking this part-time program of study. You will need to continue working here with an H1B visa. |
Vidya -> Patricia |
Patricia - Thank you. Are interviews conducted in-person? Who is part of the panel? |
Patricia -> Vidya |
Vidya - You're welcome! Interviews are conducted in-person here in Chicago. Either an alumni of the program or an admissions staff will interview candidates. |
Susan_O. -> Melissa |
Hi Melissa, how are you? Thank you for your e-mail the other day. I am very excited to apply and to be considered for your program. Can you please discuss the timing of the classroom activity? Is it Fridays and Saturdays every other week? What are classroom hours, typically? |
Melissa -> Susan_O. |
Hi Susan! I am glad you could join us today. We have five residency weeks throughout the program - three the first summer and two the following summer. The remaining classroom time in Chicago occurs roughly every other weekend, all day Friday and all day Saturday with an occasional extension into Thursday evening or Sunday morning. The class times are generally 9 a.m. - Noon and then 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Friday evenings can be busy with review sessions, study groups and social activities. |
Vidya -> Patricia |
I have been talking to EMBA admissions team from several schools and find that the ratio of women to men is still very low. How many women are typically part of the Executive MBA program at Booth? |
Patricia -> Vidya |
Vidya - Across all EMBA programs the number ratio of women to men is slightly higher. In fact, our program matriculated 30% women this year. This number will certainly fluctuate yearly. |
Varun23 -> Melissa |
So I should go for two-year MBA? |
Melissa -> Varun23 |
Varun23, I might suggest doing a class visit to gain a better understanding of the program that best fits your experience level and your objectives. You can visit a class session in all of our programs - full-time, evening/weekend and the executive MBA program. To register for a class visit, you can go to www.chicagobooth.edu and select the program you would like to visit. This is a great way to experience the classroom dynamic and interact with current students. |
MRC2008 -> Toby |
What resources are available for anyone struggling with the classwork or if you have to miss a class? |
Toby -> MRC2008 |
Hi MRC2008 - We certainly understand that sometimes there just aren't enough hours in the week to get done all you need to get done, so with that in mind there are many resources available to students regarding classwork. First - the faculty, second each faculty is required to have at least 1 Teaching Assistant (usually these are students in our PhD program). We also have a director of academic support who provides online review sessions during off weeks and last but not least you will be part of a small study group of classmates assigned with class projects etc. Your small group is a GREAT resource for catching up. |
Murat -> Patricia |
I am wondering whether the interview will be blind or not and where the interview will be held? By blind I mean will the interviewer have seen everything I submitted or just my resume? |
Patricia -> Murat |
Hi Murat: The person who will be interviewing you will have only read your resume. All other documents in your application are confidential. Interviews are held at our downtown campus Gleacher Center. |
MRC2008 -> Patty |
With a family and a full-time job the demands on our time are quite high. How much time do students spend out of class on school work? |
Patty -> MRC2008 |
Hi MRC2008. Demands of your time are indeed very high. On average, most students spend 15-20 hours per week outside of the classroom on work. Of course, this depends on your background and exposure to specific subjects. You may spend less time or more time depending on your background. |
Marshall_Stanton -> Patty |
I'm sure this is listed somewhere on your website, but could you give me more information about the EMBA cohorts? I realize that's a bit of a broad question... |
Patty -> Marshall_Stanton |
Hi, Marshall! If you check out this page and scroll to the bottom, you will see class profile information. http://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/exec-mba#simple1 |
boston_college_student -> Toby |
Hi, thank you for the taking the time for us today. Noting that the participants in your program(s) generally have work experience, what are your suggestions for someone who is soon to graduate undergrad? Are there educational opportunities at UChicago that are geared toward business related material for recent undergrad graduates? |
Toby -> boston_college_student |
Yes! Visit ourwebsite to learn more about the Summer Business Scholars Program. It's a great program from our amazing faculty - here is the link. http://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/summer-scholars |
AmitB -> Melissa |
I have submitted my resume for you resume review and received positive feedback in regards to having a strong resume (e.g. Big 4 Consulting Experience, running my own business, etc.) however my undergraduate performance was relatively weak. How will this affect my chances for admission? |
Melissa -> AmitB |
AmitB, your undergraduate performance is only one aspect of the application. We review the entire application and consider each piece in making a decision about your admissions. As such, your letters of recommendation, your essays, your GMAT score, your interview evaluation and your current career achievements will all be considered as well when making a decision. |
PMSDM -> Patty |
Patty: Where can I get the detailed program schedule (how many classes happen per month, etc). The Executive MBA states 7 quarters and 3 campuses - I believe this is different from Weekend and Evening MBA, is that correct? |
Patty -> PMSDM |
Hi, PMSDM! A detailed program schedule can be found on this web page http://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/exec-mba/academics/timeline
And yes, it differs significantly from the Evening and Weekend MBA programs. Executive MBA is a 21-month program in which you follow classes in a cohort. Evening and Weekend MBA students customize their own schedules. |
Vidya -> Patricia |
I had attended an information session a few years ago. At the event, the admissions person said they provide a shuttle to Midway airport for people flying in to Chicago. Do you still do that? |
Patricia -> Vidya |
Yes Vidya - we provide a one-way shuttle to both Chicago airports after the class session on Saturday. |
AmitB -> Melissa |
Melissa, as a follow-up to my previous question, I have not taken my GMAT, and my understanding is that it is not needed for admission, is this correct? Will this hurt chances of admission? |
Melissa -> AmitB |
Amit, the GMAT is required for admission to the program. However, we do offer an opportunity to waive this requirement. The information from our website regarding the GMAT waiver process is as follows: Very senior level managers, usually with twelve or more years of management experience may be granted an exemption from the GMAT/GRE requirement. Examples might include CEOs, Managing Directors, CFOs, and Division Heads etc. A waiver may also be considered for a candidate whose work experience and training indicate a high level of quantitative and analytical skill and an ability to apply those skills to a rigorous and analytical MBA Program. Examples might include: Treasurer or Chief Accounting Officer, or a CFA, or a candidate possessing another advanced degree or diploma in a quantitative field. The criteria above are not meant to be exhaustive and candidates who believe they are able to provide evidence of similar quality not listed are encouraged to speak to an admissions representative. To be considered for a waiver, you must have completed the "personal," "academic record," and "work experience" sections of the application, and have uploaded a copy of your resume and transcripts. Your waiver request will not be processed until all of these sections are complete. Once these sections have been completed, please fill out the Waiver Request Form found in the application section "GMAT/GRE Scores." We will review your request and notify you of the decision on your waiver as soon as possible. |
Varun23 -> Toby |
May I know about career in Power Sector after completion of MBA from Chicago. I wish to work in my core sector only after MBA. |
Toby -> Varun23 |
Hi Varun - Many Executive MBA students tend to stay in or close to the industry they come in at. One of the greatest strengths of the MBA is its breadth - by that I mean it can be applied to any industry. We teach you 1. how organizations function, 2. how markets move/work and 3. how/why people make decisions. These core competencies will empower you to become an exceptional decision maker regardless of industry, function, location or even time. |
Marshall_Stanton -> Patty |
Given the highly competitive nature of all top-tier EMBA programs, what would you say are the main points of differentiation for Chicago Booth? |
Patty -> Marshall_Stanton |
Hi, Marshall. The main differentiation points of our program include the global nature of its structure. We operate our own campuses and use our own faculty in London, Hong Kong and Chicago. This ensures a global network of Booth classmates who are all being taught the same rigorous MBA coursework by the same faculty. In addition, our approach to management education is unique. We focus on business disciplines (accounting, finance, etc.) through the lenses of sociology, psychology and economics. This approach involves a unique questioning and analytical atmosphere in our classrooms. Finally, our students are some of the top students in the world. You want to be in the same classroom and in the same network with individuals who are intellectually curious and driven to succeed. |
Moderator -> Everyone |
We are almost half way through the chat and have had great questions so far. Please continue to submit your questions. |
Garret -> Patty |
Do you have any recommendations on choosing people for our letters of recommendation? In addition to the current manager, what perspectives do you find interesting and impactful? Thanks! |
Patty -> Garret |
Hi, Garret. Nice question. Thanks. Your current boss can provide perspective on the current state of your performance. A past boss can provide perspective on how you have gotten to where you are now. Other good perspectives are from your peer group. Overall, we want to know about your future potential for continued success in your company and/or industry. |
SALI -> Patricia |
Hi - Question: Are the cut offs for GMAT scores different when an applicant applies for an EMBA vs Evening MBA? |
Patricia -> SALI |
Hi Sali - There is no particular cut off of a GMAT score for the Executive MBA program. Some of our students are exempt from submitting a GMAT score. Since we offer this GMAT waiver process we cannot provide an average score. A GMAT score is required for the Evening MBA program. Their average score is about 680. |
Varun23 -> Toby |
Please let me know about working Visa after course completion. |
Toby -> Varun23 |
Work Visas are distributed by companies not schools, so you would need to work with your firm or a firm that is hiring you for any work visa issues. |
Susan_O. -> Melissa |
Hello, can you describe how many classes are required to earn the EMBA? The website I believe mentions between 20 to 23, I think. Can you describe the electives, and why/how many come into play? Also, a follow up question, is there one class roughly every month, with a midterm and final test for each, or is it more multiple classes at the same time for a longer time frame, say 10 weeks each or something? |
Melissa -> Susan_O. |
Susan, there are 17 required courses in the program. Then, there is the opportunity to take three to five electives. The elective courses are taken during the two week residency session here in Chicago the second summer of the program. You can take a variety of elective courses or you can choose to focus your study in one of the following areas: capital markets, corporate finance, entrepreneurship, marketing, strategy or leadership and management. During a typical quarter with classes meeting all day Friday and all day Saturday, students would be on campus for six weekends. During these weekends, students attend each class twice (Friday and Saturday morning or Friday and Saturday afternoon). The longer weekend sessions will have some variation on this typical schedule. |
PMSDM -> Melissa |
What is an average age for EMBA class and Full-Time MBA class? |
Melissa -> PMSDM |
PMSDM, the average age for the Executive MBA program is about 39 years old and is about 28 years old for the full time program. |
SALI -> Patricia |
What is the average GMAT score of the students who were accepted in an Evening MBA program last year? |
Patricia -> SALI |
Hi Sali - I will refer you to the Evening MBA program for information about the average GMAT score last year. They can certainly provide that data for you. Please contact their admissions office at: eveningweekend-admissions@ChicagoBooth.edu |
Vidya -> Toby |
I have read about the Social Enterprise Initiative at Booth. How accessible are these resources to Executive MBA students? |
Toby -> Vidya |
Hi Vidya - SEI is amazing - I'm glad you are interested. All of the SEI resources are available to Executive MBA students. We have one student participating in the Social New Venture Challenge right now as a matter of fact. |
Varun23 -> Toby |
How can business school help in case of placement? |
Toby -> Varun23 |
Our Career Services at Booth are very robust. To be clear we do not place students in new roles put provide you with the resources, tools and connections you need - as well as frank coaching on managing expectations. Tools include a huge resume database available to employers, another huge database of job postings from companies specifically interested in Booth talent (5500 jobs were posted in 2013). Tons of career development programming i.e. speaker series and industry networking events and last but not least a lot of individual attention from a career coach. |
Susan_O. -> Melissa |
Regarding the EMBA, can you please elaborate on the difference between a Capital Markets focus versus a leadership focus? Is this where the electives come in? How many electives for each? |
Melissa -> Susan_O. |
Susan, during the electives weeks,you can choose to focus your classes in the area of capital markets or leadership (or any of the other areas of study I previously mentioned). The number of classes you would take in this specific area of study during the electives week will be two to four. |
Varun23 -> Toby |
What should be the minimum GMAT score? |
Toby -> Varun23 |
We don't have a minimum GMAT requirement. Our admissions evaluation process is not at all formulaic, meaning we use all the pieces of the application to determine fit for the program. Primarily we want to understand if you can: (A) Do the work, (B) Understand our value proposition and (C) Add value of your own to the experience of your cohort. |
Kiran_R -> Patty |
I have run my own business for the past 7 years. Whom should I get the letters of recommendation from? |
Patty -> Kiran_R |
Hi, Kiran. Good sources for recommendation letters for business owners are from peers or partners in your business - those who know your work ethic and potential for continued success. In addition, a client is also a good source for a recommendation letter. |
PMSDM -> Melissa |
How would I know if I am eligible for GMAT exemption while applying for EMBA? |
Melissa -> PMSDM |
PMSDM, I am copying the information from our website regarding the GMAT waiver process as I believe this will answer your question. You must follow this process to receive a decision regarding your eligibility to waive the requirement. Very senior level managers, usually with twelve or more years of management experience may be granted an exemption from the GMAT/GRE requirement. Examples might include CEOs, Managing Directors, CFOs, and Division Heads etc. A waiver may also be considered for a candidate whose work experience and training indicate a high level of quantitative and analytical skill and an ability to apply those skills to a rigorous and analytical MBA Program. Examples might include: Treasurer or Chief Accounting Officer, or a CFA, or a candidate possessing another advanced degree or diploma in a quantitative field. The criteria above are not meant to be exhaustive and candidates who believe they are able to provide evidence of similar quality not listed are encouraged to speak to an admissions representative. To be considered for a waiver, you must have completed the "personal," "academic record," and "work experience" sections of the application, and have uploaded a copy of your resume and transcripts. Your waiver request will not be processed until all of these sections are complete. Once these sections have been completed, please fill out the Waiver Request Form found in the application section "GMAT/GRE Scores." We will review your request and notify you of the decision on your waiver as soon as possible. |
Varun23 -> Patricia |
Can I submit my application now and GMAT score later on, as I have to give GMAT yet? |
Patricia -> Varun23 |
Hi Varun23 - Absolutely! You can submit your application without the score. Just let us know when you plan on submitting the score. |
s_singh -> Patty |
I will be also visiting the campus to learn more about the program but to get more insight would it be possible to get the contact information of an alum in my area (Houston, TX) who has gone through the program ? |
Patty -> s_singh |
Hi, s_singh. We can definitely connect you with an alumnus in the Houston area. Send us an email request at xp@chicagobooth.edu |
Varun23 -> Melissa |
How much extra curricular activities add value in admission procedure ? |
Melissa -> Varun23 |
Varun23, we will review all information you provide in your application when making a decision about your admission to the program. If you have a strong connection to an activity outside of work such as a nonprofit, we provide a third, optional essay opportunity so you can discuss your involvement in more detail. |
Murat -> Toby |
I joined the last information session and yesterday I got an email about the new one next week. I registered but I am wondering if the new one will be the same as the last one ? Thanks! |
Toby -> Murat |
Hi Murat - The new one will be the same as the last one with a few different faces. If you have already come to an information session I would encourage you to consider visiting a class next - it's a GREAT way to experience the program first hand. You can see the available class visit days using the link below. http://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/exec-mba/admissions/visit/chicago |
Moderator -> Everyone |
Our chat will be ending in 15 minutes. Please submit your final questions so we can answer all of them. |
Marshall_Stanton -> Toby |
How does the program help ensure that the cohort "gels" as a group? Obviously you have a team of individuals, many of whom have different backgrounds, that are all very intelligent, talented, accomplished, etc. Having been through a number of leadership development programs, getting the group to work together is as much an art as it is a science. |
Toby -> Marshall_Stanton |
Hi Marshall - insightful question - thank you. I believe the shared academic experience alone is enough to bring the cohort together but on top of that the international travel, specific networking events and even family oriented events ensure connectivity. Last but not least every student comes in with a desire and expectation to develop their network and is making an effort on their own to establish strong connections. The result is a VERY close group of people with an amazing shared experience and new lifelong friends. |
Susan_O. -> Melissa |
hi Melissa, thank you. Regarding the EMBA & Q&A on classes....did you say classes last 6 weeks, then new classes start? How many classes, roughly, are in a 6 week period? Are there multiple 6 weeks in a quarter? More around how many classes do students take at one time, and when do new clases start? Thank you for clariying. |
Melissa -> Susan_O. |
Susan, students are taking two classes at a time. Generally, this is two classes over a quarter, each class meeting twice a weekend for six weekends. However, there are occasional quarters where students take a half credit class such they complete one class mid quarter and start another for the balance of the quarter. I am happy to discuss the class calendar in more detail with you if that is helpful. Please feel free to email at melissa.patterson@chicagobooth.edu |
Susan_O. -> Moderator |
This is a great chat! |
Susan_O. -> Moderator |
Thank you! |
Kiran_R -> Patty |
What is the major difference between EMBA and part-time MBA, in your words? |
Patty -> Kiran_R |
Hi, Kiran.There are many differences between our executive MBA program and our part-time MBA program (evening and weekend programs). The student profiles are very different. In part-time, students are early on in their careers and are looking to become better functional managers -- i.e., analysts, accountants, marketers, etc. In EMBA, students are typically in their late 30s on average, and are taking on more general management respoonsibilities. They are aspiring COOs, CFOS, CEOs, etc. Many are also entrepreneurs looking to grow their bsuinesses.
Aside from the student profiles, the curricula between the programs is very different. In the part-time program, students can customize their entire program of study. In EMBA, the courses are laid out in a prescribed sequence and build upon each other.
To sum up, the 2 programs serve different needs for different students who are at different points in their career paths. Hope this helps. |
Vidya -> Patty |
Are study groups formed with international students or domestic? |
Patty -> Vidya |
Hi, Vidya. Both. Over the 21 months, you will work with 4 different study groups of 6 people. 3 of the groups are from your "local" cohort and 1 is from your international cohort. |
PMSDM -> Toby |
I have 16 years of industry experience and I want to get an MBA degree (at 42 years of age) but can not combine work and MBA as my current employer will not let me do that...how advisable is it to go for a Full-Time MBA program at this stage of career? |
Toby -> PMSDM |
frankly I think you might be a bit of a fish out of water in a fulltime MBA program. the average age of the FT students at Booth is 27 and I think we are older than most. If you would be quitting your job anyway I think it would be worth your time to try to find an employer that would support your pursuing your MBA. I'd also like to know a little more about your current employers reasons for NOT supporting an MBA - I can tell you a hundred stories of the value current students are adding to the organizations they work for. |
Moderator -> Everyone |
Our chat will be ending in 5 minutes. Please submit your final questions so we can answer all of them. |
Vidya -> Moderator |
Thank you for answering my questions. It was very helpful to read through replies to other questions as well. Appreciate your time. |
Toby -> Everyone |
our pleasure Vidya - glad you were able to join us! |
s_singh -> Patty |
How important is employer financial sponsorship in terms of selection process? I am planning to self-pay |
Patty -> s_singh |
Hi Singh. We do not require employer financial sponsorship nor do we use it as a determining factor in our admissions process. |
Toby -> Everyone |
Thanks for joining today everyone don't forget to visit our website to learn about other ways to continue these conversations... http://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/exec-mba/admissions/events/north-america |
Melissa -> Everyone |
Thank you for joining us today. We look forward to continuing the dialog with you as you move forward in the application process. |
s_singh -> Moderator |
Thank you for all your help |
Patricia -> Everyone |
Thank you for joining us. We encourage you to attend one of our upcoming events in person. Feel free to register here --> http://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/exec-mba/admissions/events/north-america. To speak further to an admissions team member you can reach out to us at xp@ChicagoBooth.edu. |
Patty -> Everyone |
Thank you for joining us today. We hope you have gained more information about Chicago Booth and our executive MBA program. |
Moderator -> Everyone |
Thank you for joining us today. We were able to answer all the questions submitted. The chat session has now ended. |