The University of Chicago / Booth MBA application is now live (following the announcement of the program’s deadlines and essay topics last week), meaning that the Booth MBA recommendation questions are now available for applicants targeting Chicago for the 2015-2016 admissions season.

Recommenders are asked to provide a bit of context on their backgrounds and relationship with the applicant, to rate the applicant’s skills and qualities via a grid, and to provide a 1-3 page letter that addresses two required questions.

The Booth MBA recommendation questions for 2015-2016 are as follows:

For how long have you known the applicant? (text field)
Do you have an MBA degree? (drop down menu)
Are you affiliated with Chicago Booth or the University of Chicago in any way? (drop down menu)

The adcom then asks recommenders to assess the applicant’s skills on a set of criteria related to adaptability, self-awareness, interpersonal skills, intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and other domains. Click on the link to the right to view an image of the Booth recommendation grid.

Recommenders would also do well to consider the instructions that come along with this grid:
Please assess the candidate’s skills in the following areas. Your honest and candid assessment greatly helps the Admissions Committee in evaluating the candidate.
Note: Most candidates will have a range of marks; it is extremely rare for a candidate to exceed expectations in all areas.

Finally, recommenders are asked to submit a written letter of recommendation. The adcom states that letters tend to vary in length, and that the most effective recommendations are 1-3 pages in length. Recommenders are asked to address the following items in the course of their letters:

How do the applicant’s performance, potential, background, or personal qualities compare to those of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? Please provide specific examples.

Please describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response.