Weekend MBA

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FAQ

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About the Program

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When do Weekend MBA classes take place?

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Classes meet every Saturday, either from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., for 11 weeks. The Weekend MBA program accommodates those who live or work outside of Chicago to attend and receive the same experience as Evening MBA students. It is also ideal for those in the area whose schedules do not permit them to take classes on weeknights.

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Can I take classes in the other programs?

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Flexibility is one of the hallmarks of the Chicago Booth MBA program. If your schedule permits, you can choose to take classes with students in the Weekend MBA or Full-Time MBA programs. Also, if you miss a class, you can make up the session in the Weekend MBA program, with your professor's approval.

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What parts of the country do Weekend MBA students come from?

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Students come from all over the country to attend the Chicago Booth Weekend MBA program. You’ll find classmates who live in Houston, Boston, San Francisco, Washington DC, New York, Seattle, and other cities. 80% of our Weekend MBA students come from outside of Illinois.

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How many students travel to Booth for the Weekend MBA programs?

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  • West Coast - 21%
  • East Coast - 12%
  • Southwest - 17%
  • Midwest - 50%

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Are there opportunities to study abroad?

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Yes. Our International Programs Office oversees two academic programs designed to enhance not only our students' MBA experience with an international perspective, but also Chicago Booth's global footprint. For students whose schedule permit, Booth offers an option to spend one academic term abroad at one of our 33 partner schools, situated in 21 countries around the world, through our International Business Exchange Program (IBEP). To accommodate working students, short-term programs of two to three weeks are available.

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Are events held on weekends so that students from both the Evening MBA and Weekend MBA can attend?

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Absolutely. A few of the activities that you can take advantage of are post-exam socials in the Midway Club, a Student Advisory Council lunch with the dean, student group conferences, and speednetworking. We also offer some events, such as Career Treks and Random Walks, that are tailored so students can use vacation time to participate.

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Does Booth offer any special services for Weekend MBA students who commute?

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Yes. We try to make your commute easier by offering a shuttle service from Midway and O’Hare airports. Coffee Service is available on Saturday mornings for all students. If you need to stay in a hotel, Booth has arrangements with several properties that offer special rates for our students.

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Can I transfer or waive classes?

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All Weekend MBA students are required to complete 20 courses in addition to the Effective Leadership course in order to graduate. Chicago Booth does not accept transfer credits from other institutions. We also do not waive any of the total number of courses required. However, our extremely flexible curriculum offers options for fulfilling the 20 courses without having you repeat courses you have already mastered.

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Program Duration and Employment

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How long does it typically take to complete the Weekend MBA Program?

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If you take two courses per quarter, from start to finish, you will finish the program in two and one half years. On average, it takes most students three years; allowing for a quarter off or a reduction of courses per quarter.

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How long do I have to complete the degree?

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Weekend MBA students have five years to complete their degree requirements.

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Do I need to be employed throughout my tenure at Chicago Booth?

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The Weekend MBA Program is designed for full-time working professionals. However, you do not need to retain full-time professional employment while a student in the Weekend MBA Program. If you elect to step out of the workforce, or if you lose your job, you have the flexibility to increase the number of courses taken per quarter; however, there is no option to transfer to the Full-Time MBA Program and no guarantee that you will be able to take classes during the day in the Full-Time MBA Program. We understand that career decisions will be made throughout the time you are a student. The Evening MBA and Weekend MBA Programs Office and Career Services can assist you in navigating this process.

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How Applications Are Evaluated

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What areas of the application are evaluated and what weight is put on each area?

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The application is evaluated in three parts, all weighed equally: the academic piece (including the undergraduate institution, courses taken, grades earned, post-college work, and the GMAT/GRE test score), the work experience piece (including quality and quantity of the applicant's career path), and the life experiences/individual fit with Chicago Booth.

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How can I demonstrate the three areas above?

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An applicant can demonstrate strengths and continuity in the areas above via the application essay responses, the interview, which is completed once the application is submitted, and the letters of recommendation. We recommend having in-person conversations with your recommenders before the letters are submitted.

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What is the average GPA, work experience, and age of admitted students?

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The Admission Committee values the diverse experiences and accomplishments each student brings to the Chicago Booth community. Therefore, we do not have cut-off levels for grades, GPA, GMAT, or number of years of work experience required for admission. The averages are:

  • GPA: using a 4.0 scale, between 3.2 - 3.4
  • Average age: 29 - 30
  • Average years of work experience: 5 - 6 years
  • Average GMAT: 680 (*80 percent fall in the 620 - 750 range)

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I previously applied to the Full-Time MBA, Evening MBA, or Weekend MBA Program and was NOT admitted. What are my options?

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You are considered a re-applicant if you submitted your application within the past two years. All re-applicants must submit a new application, answer all essay questions, including the re-applicant essay question, but only need one new letter of recommendation. We require applicants to wait at least six months before reapplying to any other Chicago Booth program for a subsequent quarter. If your last application was submitted more than two years ago, you must submit a new application. Before reapplying, contact the Evening MBA and Weekend MBA Program Office to ensure that the previous application is on file. 

Chicago Booth also offers non-degree Executive Education courses that provide the opportunity to learn from our world-renowned professors and work alongside top executives from around the globe. See the Executive Education website to learn more.

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I have an advanced degree. How is that viewed?

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Many applicants have advanced degrees. Chicago Booth’s flexible curriculum allows you to build on your existing knowledge and choose more rigorous courses, rather than repeating what you have already mastered. In evaluating candidates, we seek those who show a strong desire for the Chicago Booth educational experience, so be sure to explain your reason for earning an additional degree in your application essays.

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Application Materials

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How can I start an application?

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Please use our online application system to begin the application process.

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How do I request more information about the Evening MBA and Weekend MBA programs?

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Complete the information request form at this link: http://www.chicagobooth.edu/requestinfo/?source=modules_request_wkd

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What are your application deadlines?

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To view our upcoming deadlines, please visit our application process page.

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I already have a graduate degree and have taken the GRE/LSAT/MCAT. Do I still need to take the GMAT?

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While the GMAT is the preferred test, we also accept the GRE. Test scores are valid for five years. Please contact our office with any questions about the GRE. The LSAT and MCAT are not accepted.

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Application Process

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How do I know if my application is complete?

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We will notify you if anything is missing from your application. This includes scores, letters of recommendations, transcripts, or application fee. If your application is incomplete, we will give you a deadline for submitting the additional materials.

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How long does it take for an application to be reviewed?

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Application review, on average, takes four to six weeks.

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May I apply for the Full-Time MBA, Evening MBA, Weekend MBA, and Executive MBA Programs at the same time?

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Simultaneous applications to any of the MBA Programs are not accepted. Prospective students should apply to the program in which they have the strongest preference. Please call the admissions hotline at 312.464.8700 if you would like to further discuss the MBA programs and where you best fit.

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Application Fee

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My employer will reimburse me, but I will need a receipt.

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The applicant may call our office at 312.464.8700 to receive a letter confirming their payment.

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Transcripts

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I received my undergraduate degree abroad and it is nearly impossible to get a copy of my official transcripts. Can I get the transcripts notarized by your office? Or, I have a copy that I can send. Will that be OK?

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Please arrange a visit to our Program Office at Gleacher Center (Suite 330). Our staff will make notarized copies of your transcripts and diploma certificate. You may also call 312.464.8700 to arrange for notary services.

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I took classes at a community college one summer, before/during/after college. It is/isn’t included in my undergraduate/graduate transcript. Do I need to request this if it’s just one course that doesn’t have much significance?

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Applicants must submit all transcripts from each university, college, or graduate institution they have attended. However, if course names and grades from other institutions are included on another transcript, that is acceptable.

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I sent my transcripts last year, but decided not to apply. Are they still on file?

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Yes. Credentials are held for two years; however, please call 312.464.8700 to verify.

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The registrar at my school forgot to seal the back of the envelope. Is this a problem?

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No. If we feel we need a sealed transcript, we will contact you.

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Letters of Recommendation

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I work for the family business. Is it OK to get a letter of recommendation from a family member?

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We highly suggest letters come from a more objective source than a family member. A colleague or client may be better suited in this scenario.

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Is it better to get one letter from an employer and one from a professor, or both from business?

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It is requested that one letter of recommendations comes from a direct supervisor or manager at work. For the second letter of recommendation it is more acceptable to request it from another supervisor or colleague at work.

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Class Visit

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I want to sit in on a class. Is there a formal procedure, or do I just walk in?

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Prospective students are encouraged to visit a class. Please Note: Attending an Info Session event is encouraged before the class visit. Please submit a request for the class visit a member of the admissions team will contact you.

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I would like to contact a student in my area. Can you put me in touch with someone?

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We would be happy to introduce you to a member of the Booth network. Please contact the admissions hotline at eveningweekend-admissions@ChicagoBooth.edu with your professional profile and a specific request to be connected with a student or graduate.

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Financial Aid

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Is financial aid available to Evening MBA or Weekend MBA students?

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There are sources of financial aid available to meet the needs of Evening MBA and Weekend MBA students, including Stafford Federal loans and private loans through the University of Chicago. Information will be sent to students upon admission. For more information, contact the Financial Aid office by emailing financial.aid@ChicagoBooth.edu.

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Upcoming Events

Information Sessions - Chicago

Information Sessions - Outside Chicago

Diversity

Lunch and Learns