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Getting in: Your Chicago Booth MBA Interview and Video Strategy 

FortunaAdmissions 0

By Bill Kooser

The odds of getting into a top 10 MBA program are slim. When you receive an invitation to interview for a spot in the class, you’ve cleared the first hurdles, and your odds of admission skyrocket. Using that interview effectively to make your case for why you belong in the program is crucial.

This is especially true at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, which prides itself on its distinctive approach to business education and a free-thinking,  intellectually diverse community. 

In this article, we’ll break down what to expect from a Booth interview and share strategies to help you prepare effectively.

Booth’s Pre-Interview Video Component

To get to know you better and see how you think, Chicago Booth has introduced a pre-interview video component to its admissions process. This adds a new layer to consider in your interview preparation.

Candidates invited to interview are asked to submit a 60-second video before the interview. The video allows you to present a direct and personal impression of yourself to the admissions team, especially to those who won’t meet you in person. 

You’ll find great advice on what to expect and how to respond to Chicago Booth’s video questions here. These video prompts are designed to give a glimpse into your personality, so Booth encourages candidates to have fun with them. 

Keep in mind that it’s important to craft a video that supports your overall candidacy. Note that your pre-interview video will not be shared with the interviewer; it’s only seen by the admissions file reader, so consider it a separate opportunity to make a strong impression.

What to Expect from the Chicago Booth MBA Interview

Chicago Booth interviews are blind, meaning your interviewer will only have access to your resume, not your full application. This allows for a more natural conversation where you can provide context and depth to the experiences listed on your resume. 

Booth alumni or current students often conduct interviews, reflecting the school’s emphasis on leveraging its strong community. Your interview is likely to be conducted virtually by video. It’s important to maintain a professional environment on screen. Test and practice in advance to ensure you have proper lighting, clear sound, and reliable internet if you're interviewing via video.

Once the interview is complete, your interviewer will submit a report to the admissions committee. Your file will then be reviewed again, and a final recommendation will be made.

Interview Format & What Booth is Looking For

Chicago Booth interviews generally last 30-45 minutes. Some have been known to extend to 90 minutes, but that is more likely when the interview is conducted in person.  

Your interviewer will typically work from a list of questions designed to address specific criteria:

  • Resume and work-related experiences
  • Behavioral questions focused on your actions in particular situations
  • Personal fit with the Booth community
  • Time for you to ask your own questions

Booth’s interview approach often favors behavioral questions. These questions are based on the belief that past behavior strongly predicts future success. To ace these questions, be prepared to provide detailed examples of situations in which you demonstrated leadership, tackled challenges, or collaborated with others. Interviewers will be interested not just in what you did but why you did it, the impact on others, and the outcome of your actions.

Sample Interview Questions

Here are examples of behavioral questions reported by Booth candidates:

  • How do you seek help when you are unsure of what to do on a project?
  • Tell me about a time when you learned something that changed your perspective.
  • Describe a challenging situation with a coworker or on a team. How did you handle it?
  • Share an experience where you were unsuccessful in dealing with a difficult situation. What did you learn?
  • Tell me about a time you had an unpopular idea. What was the outcome?
  • How do you handle feedback that surprises you?

When answering these questions, focus on providing specific examples that show your problem-solving, leadership, and decision-making abilities. The interviewer wants to understand your thought process and how you navigate complex situations.

Make a Strong Personal Connection

One of the key goals of your interview is to make a personal connection with your interviewer. Be prepared to share aspects of your life and experiences not fully captured in your resume or application. “Walk me through your resume” is a common opening question, but don’t merely restate what’s already on paper—use this opportunity to give greater context and share what drives you.

Expect common questions like “Why Booth?” and “Why the MBA/why now?” These questions are designed to gauge your motivations and whether Booth is the right fit for your goals. Be clear about how Booth’s unique approach to business education aligns with your career aspirations.

Come Prepared with Thoughtful Questions for Your Interviewer

At the end of your interview, you’ll likely be invited to ask your own questions. This is a chance to demonstrate your engagement with the program and assess whether Booth is the right place for you. Ask meaningful questions about the school’s curriculum, culture, or specific opportunities that align with your goals.

If your interviewer is an alumnus, take the opportunity to learn from their experiences. Do your research on their background—LinkedIn can be helpful for this—and tailor your questions accordingly. Thoughtful questions not only show that you’ve done your homework but also help build rapport with the interviewer.

For more insights on getting into Chicago Booth’s top-ranked MBA, watch Fortuna’s recent MBA Admissions Masterclass on Booth and Kellogg.

Want More Advice?

For more interviewing advice from Fortuna Admissions, please check out:

For expert, personalized interview preparation with MBA admissions insiders who understand exactly what top business schools are looking for, explore Fortuna’s MBA Interview Prep service. To find out how Fortuna can support you throughout your MBA admissions journey, schedule a free 30-minute consultation today.


Bill Kooser is an MBA Admissions consultant and Director at Fortuna Admissions. He is an alumnus and former associate dean from Chicago Booth with more than 30 years of experience across many programs and functions at the school.  For a candid assessment of your chances of admission success at a top MBA program, sign up for Fortuna’s free consultation.