How to Write the 2025–2026 Chicago Booth MBA Essay: Complete Strategy Guide
How to Write the 2025–2026 Chicago Booth MBA Essay: Complete Strategy Guide
If you're applying to the University of Chicago Booth School of Business for the 2025–2026 intake, you're likely thinking deeply about how to tackle their distinctive essay prompts. Booth's application encourages self-reflection, community-mindedness, and long-term thinking—all values reflected not only in their essay questions but also in their photo collage prompt, a hallmark of Booth's creative and personal approach.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the required Chicago Booth MBA essay questions, explain what the admissions committee is really looking for, and share actionable strategies to help you stand out in your Booth application.
Table of Contents
- 2025–2026 Chicago Booth MBA Essay Prompts
- What Chicago Booth Wants in These Essays
- Strategy for Essay 1: Career Goals + Why Booth
- Strategy for Essay 2: Booth Photo Prompt
- Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Bonus Tips for Strong Essays
- Frequently Asked Questions
2025–2026 Chicago Booth MBA Essay Prompts
Required Essay #1: Career Goals Essay
How will a Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals?
Minimum 250 words, no maximum.
Required Essay #2: Photo Collage Prompt
Chicago Booth appreciates the individual experiences and perspectives that all of our students bring to our community.
The photos below represent some of the values described above that we uphold at Chicago Booth. Select one and share how it resonates with one of your own values.
Minimum 250 words.
Example of Chicago Booth's photo collage prompt - students select from various images representing Booth's values
What Chicago Booth Wants in These Essays
In Essay 1 (Career Goals):
Booth wants to see:
- A clear career trajectory with defined short-term and long-term goals
- Why these goals matter to you personally and professionally
- How a Chicago Booth MBA specifically bridges the gap between your current position and future ambitions
- Use of Booth-specific programs (e.g., Booth Real Estate Group, Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship, LEAD, etc.)
In Essay 2 (Photo + Values):
Booth is looking for:
- A genuine connection between your personal values and the image you choose
- Reflection on how you've lived this value in your life
- How you will bring this mindset to collaborate with and enrich the Booth community
- A forward-looking view of how Booth will help you grow further in this area
Strategy for Essay 1: Career Goals + Why Booth
Step-by-Step Structure:
- Opening Hook (Optional): A brief anecdote or reflection that frames your career journey
- Short-Term Goals: What you want to do immediately post-MBA (e.g., role, function, geography, industry)
- Long-Term Vision: Where you hope this path will take you in 5–10 years
- Skill Gaps: Why you need an MBA now
- Why Booth: Highlight Booth-specific resources that align with your needs (e.g., curriculum flexibility, lab courses, student groups, global experiences)
Example Outline:
Intro: A personal inflection point or career insight
→ Short-term goal: "I want to transition from consulting into growth equity investing..."
→ Long-term goal: "...ultimately leading a fund focused on scaling sustainable tech ventures in emerging markets."
→ Why MBA: Highlight skill/experience gaps
→ Why Booth: Specific resources, network, and cultural fit
→ Conclusion: Reaffirm your motivation and fit
Strategy for Essay 2: Booth Photo Prompt
First, Select the Right Image:
Choose the photo that most strongly resonates with your lived experience or values. Common themes in the Booth collage include:
- Team spirit & competition (Photo 1 – sports arena)
- Open dialogue & intellectual curiosity (Photo 2 – classroom or pitch setting)
- Joy & inclusion (Photo 3 – community celebration)
- Entrepreneurship & collaboration (Photo 4 – NVC victory)
Structure Your Response:
- Describe the Image: Acknowledge what it represents and why it stood out to you
- Connect to Your Value: Explain your personal connection
- Illustrate With a Story: Share a concrete example from your life that shows how you've embodied this value
- Tie Back to Booth: How will you bring this value to the Booth community?
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Being too generic about goals—use real job titles, company types, and market context
- Overusing Booth buzzwords without explaining why they matter to you
- Forgetting to connect your story to Booth's values in Essay 2
- Selecting a photo for superficial reasons rather than authentic alignment
Bonus Tips for Strong Essays
- Show progression: Make it clear how your background leads to your goals
- Name names: Refer to specific Booth programs, faculty, or initiatives
- Be human: Show personality, self-awareness, and motivation
- Use action verbs: Keep the tone active and forward-looking
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should my Booth essays be?
There's no strict word limit, but we recommend 500–750 words for Essay 1 and around 400–600 words for Essay 2, depending on your story.
Can I use the same career goals essay for multiple schools?
You can reuse the structure, but customize the "Why Booth" section thoroughly. Admissions can easily spot generic responses.
What's the best photo to choose for Essay 2?
There's no "right" answer. Choose the image that speaks most to your personal lived experience and values.
Is it okay to use a work example in the value essay?
Absolutely—especially if it genuinely shows how you embody a value like collaboration, resilience, or leadership.
Should I mention specific professors or classes?
Yes—if relevant to your goals. It shows you've done your research and are serious about fit.
Final Thoughts
Your Chicago Booth MBA essays are your opportunity to craft a narrative that links your ambition, authenticity, and alignment with Booth's distinctive culture. Be introspective. Be specific. Be real.
And remember—Booth values curiosity, analytical rigor, and collaboration. Show them that you do too.
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