Chicago Booth Class of 2014 - Admitted Students Thread

A.W.E.S.O.M.E.!!!

While it pains me to leave my buddies behind (this is for you Cheet, MPG, Falcon, Pushkin) - I'm going to bow out of the Booth threads because I've decided to go to Tuck.

<ducks from thrown objects>

*presses face against the window pain and cries as LadyRoadWarrior leaves us for Tuck*

As much as it pains me to know I won't be at school with you in the fall, I am spitting happy for you. Tuck rolled out the carpet for you and I'm so happy for that. You were always green anyways so that's exactly where you belong. Come visit us in Chicago. Pushkin will cook!

Does anyone know when the verification (employer/recommenders) happens? I am in a tricky situation where the moment my boss finds out about my mba plans I will be let go. I was told by some current students that Booth handles all verification in-house versus using an external agency (such as Kroll). Any advice would be appreciated.

When were you planning to leave your job? If you get let go, does your company offer severance? If all else fails you can collect unemployment through the summer til school starts.

Congratulations cheetarah1980! Reading your blog made me wish I had jotted down thoughts during the process myself.

Cheetarah,

I currently in the US as a Chinese citizen on a work visa. If I am let go, I basically have to leave the country immediately and return back to China. Apart from that issue, I also need some employment-exit paperwork for applying for a student visa, which I might not have time to get from HR if my boss suddenly fires me. That's why I wanted to get an approximate idea of when verifications happen so I can find/prep a HR manager, my recommenders, etc.

Have you tried talking with your admissions person (the person who called you to tell you were accepted)? I'm sure they would be happy to walk you through the timing.

Hi,

I'm on the same boat (foreign national who will soon make the switch from H1B to F1 visa). Could you elaborate on the employment-exit paperwork you mentioned?

Thanks in advance,

Oh wow! Yeah, that makes your situation much more precarious. I agree with S2S, I'm sure you can talk to Booth about your situation. There are likely other people who plan to stay on at their jobs until school starts and whose employment would be put in jeopardy by the verification process. Maybe Booth can get the verification on the low so as not to tip off your boss. I've found Booth's administration to be extremely responsive and helpful, so just let them know what's going on and I'm sure they will work with you. Good luck!

Hi,

I'm on the same boat (foreign national who will soon make the switch from H1B to F1 visa). Could you elaborate on the employment-exit paperwork you mentioned?

Thanks in advance,[/quote]


In my case, I have to provide the consulate with (1) a letter from my company stating my start/end dates (2) the same letter should also mention that my I-140 has been withdrawn by the company. I checked with my company's lawyers and they mentioned that it takes a couple of weeks for the I-140 to be withdrawn. My initial plan is to first withdraw the I-140, then inform my company of my intention to leave. That's why I am being careful about staging this whole process one step at a time.

My acceptance letter says the following about the timing of the verification process: "Upon receiving your second enrollment deposit, we will verify your admissions credentials. This will include reviewing your letters of recommendation and all transcripts for post-secondary education."

Is anyone else considering living in or around Hyde Park. My roommate and I spoke today and we decided to add HP to the list of neighborhoods we're considering. Rent is substantially cheaper vs the Loop and South Loop. I just want to make sure that if we do decide to live closer to campus we won't be the only people there.

My guess is that most students living in Hyde Park will be married, have families, or be U of C undergrad alumni. That's the impression that I got at the admit weekend, where I heard that about 10-15% of students live in Hyde Park. I think living in Hyde Park actually could have a number of advantages...but if you are the type of person who will be going to the north side to go bar hopping and drinking at least 2 or 3 nights a week, I think it would just be impossible to live in Hyde Park. That would be a 30-40 dollars cab ride 3 nights a week. Even split between two people, you might as well just take that 500 bucks a month and use it to get a place downtown. HP is a beautiful old Chicago neighborhood though, and if you like a more quiet lifestyle and don't mind a 15 minute train ride downtown on the weekends to meet your study groups at Gleacher Center, I think it's a great option. Plus, HP has the Original Pancake House, which is the best and cheapest place to get Sunday brunch in the city

Edit: I should add that I am planning on living in Hyde Park, although also sort of considering the south Loop, and yes I am married but have no children.

am planning to as well. very cheap and will be very convenient as well

The gods of the waiting list were good to me this season. Just wanted to say hi and introduce myself to the Boothies of the Class of 2014!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CONGRATS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!