We know you have less time to prepare for a test than most, but you also have options when it comes to standardized tests.
Executive MBA applicants are asked to submit a standardized test score or request a test waiver. Candidates with particularly strong academic and quantitative backgrounds may be good candidates for waiver consideration. For anyone else, we strongly recommend setting aside time to prepare for one of three standardized tests: Executive Assessment, GMAT, or GRE.
For those less familiar, the Executive Assessment is a streamlined admissions test developed specifically for Executive MBA candidates through a collaboration between Chicago Booth and the Graduate Management Council (GMAC).
The Executive Assessment, also referred to as the EA Test, is intended for working professionals applying to Executive MBA programs. The test helps us assess the core skills needed for the EMBA Program and offers a streamlined alternative to the GMAT or GRE, because it requires less preparation time and is shorter in duration.
While the EA test is just one piece of your Executive MBA application, it signals that you share our values around academic rigor and the need to go deeper into the fundamentals of business. It also ensures that you and your classmates share the same dedication to the program. Learning new skills, studying, and taking tests will all be part of the MBA experience at Chicago Booth—and the Executive Assessment can help you identify areas for development as you prepare to become a student again.
Be prepared on day one. Chicago Booth assesses academic readiness for the Executive MBA Program to ensure a high level of dedication, inquiry, and debate among students in the classroom. In this video, Booth faculty member Haresh Sapra explains the value of the test.
Haresh Sapra (Booth faculty member): 00:23
We believe here at Chicago Booth that by willing to take the test, the student or prospective applicant is in a way signaling to us that they share our common values around academic rigor, and also they indicate to us their willingness essentially to thrive and succeed in this program. Test taking, studying, and working on assignments is an important part of the MBA program. Many of our students are seasoned professionals. They're coming back to school after many years, so by taking the test, they can essentially first brush up on their skills: test-taking skills, time-management skills. We're essentially ensuring that all the students we admit have a classroom experience that has the level of dedication, inquiry, and debate that is associated with Chicago Booth.
“I was apprehensive about taking a standardized test for the first time in over a decade. Luckily, the Executive Assessment allows you to take the exam twice. When I took the EA for the first time, I spent too much time answering an initial question and ran out of time in the end. I found it very helpful to have seen the EA and experienced the testing environment once before. My second score ended up being significantly higher.”
The EA test evaluates candidates on higher-order reasoning in three sections: Integrated Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. To view sample questions and practice tests, visit the GMAC website.
Executive Assessment participants can take the EA test twice. We generally see scores improve with the second try. For test takers looking to better their score, consider the following preparation tips:
Analyze
Analyze your initial test scores for each section and identify specific areas for improvement. The goal should be to achieve balance across the three sections.
Practice
Practice, practice, practice. You can use the sample problems available on the GMAC website.
Relax
Try to leave your test anxiety at the door. You know what to expect this time around and will feel more comfortable with the testing format.
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It can seem a bit overwhelming if you haven't taken a test recently, but we’re here to help.
Nervous about Taking the Executive Assessment Test?
Executive MBA student Chris Bush shares the benefits of preparing for and taking the Executive Assessment.
Taking the Executive AssessmentQuestions about the Executive MBA Program? Contact one of our campus-specific admissions teams. We look forward to hearing from you!
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