This morning, Rose Martinelli, Associate Dean of Student Recruitment and Admissions at the Chicago Graduate School of Business held an online chat for prospective students, along with several colleagues. We offer potential GSB candidates a few highlights:
- The GSB expects to see a surge in applications this year, noting that the economic downturn occurred late in the fall of 2007 and that many candidates were not prepared to submit applications last year.
- There is a “slight statistical advantage” to applying in Round 1 as there are fewer applications and the class is “wide open”. It was also noted that candidates have a longer window to be considered, even if they don’t get admitted and end up on the waitlist.
- The Chicago GBS is willing to consider younger candidates and direct-admits, but “age is not one of the determining factors when we review your application.”
- Approximately 50% of candidates get interviews. The admissions committee considers an interview request to be an indication that candidates have passed a “first hurdle.”
- This year’s applications will be released in mid-July. Candidates can expect a slightly modified powerpoint presentation to remain as part of the application process, but they cannot expect that everything will remain the same as the essay questions “change every year”.
- This year’s waitlist remains very active (decisions were made this morning). Decisions will be released every two weeks until all decisions are made.
- A banking lay-off will not be viewed negatively as thousands were laid-off in relation to a global crisis that was beyond the control of candidates.