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Booth wants its graduates to \u201cshape the future,\u201d nothing less \u2013 that quote is right on its website<\/a>. And this aim drives its unique approach that rests on 3 core components:<\/p>\n \u2022 Analytic inquiry<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Intellectual freedom<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Collaborative community<\/strong><\/p>\n Well, some of these words we see a lot these days in MBA land: analytic, collaborative, community. The other words \u2013 inquiry, intellectual, freedom \u2013 not so much. Those less common words get at Booth\u2019s distinctive aspects. Let\u2019s parse these 3 phrases.<\/p>\n Analytic Inquiry:<\/strong> Sounds kind of dry. Of course, it\u2019s about rigorous methodologies and willingness (for some passionate souls, compulsion) to probe, explore, find the root meaning or cause. Yet, Booth also asserts that this process \u201ccan move you from discovery to impact<\/em> [emphasis added].\u201d Impact involves action<\/em>. So, in the Booth perspective, not really so dry. In fact, exciting. Going from the ether to real, concrete.<\/p>\n Intellectual Freedom:<\/strong> Impact is important in b-school and in Booth. But Booth also reflects the culture of the University of Chicago, renowned as an intellectual powerhouse. So, Booth isn\u2019t just high-level vocational training; it wants students who thrill to explore new topics, challenge their own assumptions, push the boundaries of their capabilities, play with ideas, engage with contrarian views. Not just to kill time, but ultimately because it\u2019s productive, it informs analytic inquiry. It helps you form or identify the question you need to be answering. And intellectual freedom<\/em> means you can do this without looking over your shoulder or finger wags. Intellectual freedom is essential for true analytic inquiry, because the latter must not be hindered by presuppositions.<\/p>\n Collaborative Community:<\/strong> It\u2019s worth quoting the website here because almost every word is potent: \u201cA global community of diverse backgrounds and perspectives bonded by a shared sense of curiosity leads to deeper understanding.\u201d Many top b-schools are global and diverse, but at Booth, the quality of curiosity is the common bond<\/em> among the multifaceted groups. At Booth, curiosity drives collaboration, because collaboration enhances learning through the aggregated knowledge and the diverse perspectives it entails.<\/p>\n Of course, curiosity also drives analytic inquiry that is energized by intellectual freedom. Hence, these three elements create a Mobius strip of sorts: each fuels, and is fueled by, the others continuously.<\/p>\n Given this \u201cChicago Approach,\u201d how do you show fit with the program?<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Don\u2019t<\/strong> explain<\/em> how you exercise analytic inquiry, value intellectual freedom, and contribute to collaborative communities.<\/p>\n \u2022 Do<\/strong> show<\/em> how you exercise analytic inquiry, value intellectual freedom, and contribute to collaborative communities.<\/p>\n Anybody can say they do these things. Showing that you do them makes your story credible<\/em>. And, because showing necessarily involves detail and anecdote, it will also make your application interesting<\/em>. Finally, because only you will have that specific experience, showing will also differentiate and distinguish you from other applicants, even those from similar geographic, industry, and functional backgrounds.<\/p>\n Keep in mind, your application should show your fit with this Chicago Approach<\/a> holistically. You don\u2019t have to \u2013 indeed shouldn\u2019t \u2013 apply it mechanically like a formula.<\/p>\n Here are some practical tips for integrating the Chicago Approach into your application naturally:<\/p>\n \u2022 Your resume should identify results, a synonym for impacts, which in Booth worldview is where analytic inquiry ideally leads.<\/p>\n \u2022 In your main essay, in selecting and conceptualizing your topic, look for something that centers on and illuminates experiences<\/em> reflecting the \u201cChicago Approach.\u201d Build your case with anecdote and example.<\/p>\n \u2022 If your recommenders welcome input, discuss with them this Chicago Approach so that they can select points that will align with it.<\/p>\n In your interview<\/a>, discuss your understanding of and appreciation for the Chicago Approach directly if\/when asked why you want to attend Booth. If you are asked about your goals, you might also explain how they necessitate the approach that Chicago employs. Also, find opportunities to weave in examples and stories that reflect elements of the Chicago Approach.<\/p>\n Good luck with Chicago Booth! Having worked with many successful Chicago Booth MBA applicants, I would be glad to help you craft an application<\/a> that brings out your unique fit with this great program.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Related Resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Fitting In & Standing Out: The Paradox at the Heart of Admissions<\/a>, a free guide This article<\/a>\u00a0originally appeared on\u00a0<\/i>blog.accepted.com<\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n Applying to a top b-school? The talented folks at Accepted have helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to their dream programs. Whether you are figuring out where to apply, writing your application essays, or prepping for your interviews, we are just a call (or click) away.<\/p>\n![\"Get](\"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/CTA-Get-Accepted-to-Chicago-Booth.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Cindy](\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/cindy.jpg\" "\\"Cindy")
<\/a><\/em>Cindy Tokumitsu<\/a>\u00a0has advised hundreds of successful applicants, helping them gain acceptance to top MBA and EMBA programs in her 15+ years with Accepted. She would love to help you too. Want Cindy to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Chicago Booth MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines<\/a>
\n\u2022 Chicago Booth Student on Finding the Right Fit, Achieving His Goals<\/a><\/p>\n