Chicago Booth has replaced its second essay question with a pre-interview video prompt for the 2020-2021 application cycle. Read further for advice on how to go about the new Booth essay question #2.
Essay question #2: "An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. In addition to sharing your experience and goals in terms of career, we’d like to learn more about you outside of the office. Use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are." (250-word minimum)
This new Booth essay question #2 is a prompt for you to share something much more personal, outside of your professional achievements, test scores and transcripts. Different from the first essay, where Booth is looking at your professional journey, goals, resume and recommendation letters. So, how do you go about this?
Be introspective
According to a recent Poets&Quants article, in the new Booth essay question #2, Booth is looking for a glimpse of who you are outside of the workplace and who you are beyond your excellent track record. Krista Mcnamara, former admissions committee for Booth says, this question seeks “to learn what makes you “you” and how that has led to the decisions you’ve made and the directions you’ve chosen.”
Share your passion and enthusiasm
Former Chicago Booth Associate Dean, Bill Kooser, says the new Booth essay question #2, "is a chance to talk about something that is of real importance to you. It should not only provide an insight into what motivates or interests you, but make the admissions committee say ‘wow’ or ‘interesting!”
Explore all facets of Booth, as well as connect past experiences with future goals
According to Kooser, "The first essay is designed to assess whether you have a well thought out career plan and have a solid sense of what Booth is and does, but it doesn’t provide a lot of opportunity for you to showcase how you are different from other candidates." Kooser further states that the new Booth essay question #2, "is your chance to make the admissions committee want to know you better.” A good starting point would be by reflecting on the milestones and moments in your life that define your personal journey. Get introspective about what might set you apart from others.
Understand that your relevant and interesting experiences can compliment Booth’s culture and faculty
Kooser further says, “You should also think about what gets you most excited, where you spend your time, or what you talk about when you aren’t talking about work. Travel, hobbies, sports? The latest episode of the Queen’s Gambit? Why are those things important to you? How did you get involved?”
Convey what you bring to Booth and its community
Kooser also emphasizes that if there’s something that’s important to you, it will be a relevant topic for your essay. “It’s a chance for your personality to shine through and demonstrate that you would be a great addition to what is sure to be an accomplished, diverse, and occasionally quirky class.”
All in all, capture your story and keep the admissions committee engaged in your new Booth essay question #2. Booth is looking to see your authentic self, don’t try to please the admissions committee by saying what you think they want to hear for new Booth essay question #2. They are not looking for anything specific apart from wanting to see you.
For more on how to get into Chicago Booth, click this where Paul Lanzillotti presents his analysis of the Chicago Booth business school application.