Calling Chicago (Booth) Applicants for 2009

I would say yes.

However it doesn't mean that it won't still play a factor, but if you were worried about your rec badmouthing you, then I think it's safe to say that you are ok in that department.

Being a part of this thing for two years now, I would venture to agree with Terp...if you are invited to interview, I don't think "one" thing takes you off of the radar. I think from the interview process onwards, the discussion is focused on fit and how the class is shaping up (the latter may not matter as much for R1).

Does everyone still have their status set to "Invite to Interview"?

yeah, agold, I do. However, in the Scheduling interviews section, it shows interview completed (https://admissions.chicagogsb.edu/admis ... hedule.tap)

Same. Just wanted to make sure we're on the same page.

Hmm, mine says "In Progress" and on the next line "Interview Completed." Is that the same as yours?

Yes. Let's stop looking into it. It's fine

Trying to deny me another vessel into which to pour my anxieties are you?!?!

Just finished my interview with Booth MBA alumni.

Flying back to NYC in about 90 minutes.

I gotta say, I received typical questions regarding my interests, goals, why Booth question, my leadership experience, etc etc

However, the guy kept focusing on my master's degree and certifications (regarding my profession) and I think he had an impression that I am simply accumulating degrees/certifications....and MBA is just next step.

I didn't realize they were still conducting interviews - did you get an extension?

Alumni vs. 2nd Years seem like very different interview environments...

wow.. still doing interviews? i thought they had to be done by the 3rd. Oh well.

Has anyone heard anything after their interview?

I am so distracted at work these days... hard to concentrate on work and R2 apps.

Ok. I got to board soon and put away my laptop so here's my brief recap:

Yes, I was approved for extension on my interview date due to nature of my work. There was a series of posts in this forum few weeks ago regarding that matter.


So I met with Booth alumni, currently a managing director of Goldman Sachs in Chicago office. Lasted about 35 to 40 minutes. He was cocky. Before he got his Booth MBA, he worked in some boutique investment bank out of San Franscisco. Then after his MBA, he started working at GS and climbed ladder. He became a MD only after 3 years.

The guy had weird thing about lights in the interview room. He preferred not having lights on due to some stupid story about how he got yelled by his boss in a meeting once regarding a deal involving a company that makes lightbulbs or something. After that, he started working in dark whenever possible.

He asked:

1) Talk to me about your past work experience and the reason for pursuing MBA degree.

2) Explain your goals and how Booth fits into your plans (and after I stated 3 different goals, he kept asking what else, what else)

3) What attracted you to Booth MBA program and what do you hope to accomplish while pursuing your degree? (He kinda wanted me to do a analysis on benefits and opportunity costs of pursuing Booth over other options...I was like huh?)

4) Tell me about your leadership exp and give me few examples when you had to deal with problematic employees in your team.

5) I see that you have a list of professional certifications as well as a master's degree. Why do you need another master's degree? (Then he kept asking - are you sure you aren't pursuing MBA because it's just nice to have?)

In the end I asked few questions regarding his job and problems in financial services etc etc

I felt like I went through a cavity search rather than an interview afterwards. Not sure if I did ok. He kept a blank face during the whole time but I hope I impressed him enough.

I wonder if all Booth students have similar personalities...

MD after 3 years?! Was he in Sales & Trading?

he said he was a commodities trader when he started

Sounds rough...seems like he enjoys putting people through the ringer..

No lights? Was it pitch black? or were there windows?

There were windows. Room was just little shady without lights

Maybe he was just trying to save energy costs. Have you seen the latest quarterly financials released by GS?