There’s still more we want to learn about you! Please respond to one question from Group A and Group E {two responses in total] in 250
words or less. Be sure to submit your responses by October 26 at 11:55 pm. {CT}.
Group A
I started to think differently when…
How do you define success?
What is the first thing your Classmates will notice about you?
Group B
What would the future you say to the present you?
What you title your autobiography and why"?
What is your favorite word and why?
Overall suggestions:
Given that Booth has already asked a lot about you in the main essays, you should certainly give answers that are consistent with what is found there. However this is an opportunity to give them new perspectives and/or elaborate on themes found in your essays.
I would certainly provide either new stories or new analysis or both. There is likely to be some inherent overlap between this content and your essays. Still they are asking to learn more about you.
Given the length of 250, obviously you cannot write in huge detail, rather think of these as one-point or two-point answers. That is to say try to make one or two clear points when providing the answer.
While these questions are not directly connected to the interview as the interviewer will not have access to them, do keep in mind that they will be analyzed in relationship to your application and the interview report. It is also possible that Booth interviews will include these questions and that they may be used for the purpose of determining consistency and depth of response. As this is the first year that these questions have been used, until I see interview reports for this year, I will not assume there is no content connection to the interview. I do suggest you have answers to all of these questions even for the ones you don’t answer because of this situation.
Regarding the questions themselves, see below.
Group A
I started to think differently when…
This is a situational question and is about a time when your thinking changed. Since it can be on any topic, I would suggest writing about something not covered in your application.
How do you define success?
A common enough values question. A good definition includes a simple answer to the question plus an example. Whatever your definition make sure it is consistent with your goals but obviously success may not necessarily relate to goals at all. Success can be about how a result is achieved, it can also be about what one thinks about a result after the fact.
What is the first thing your Classmates will notice about you?
What kind of first impression do you think you make? This is a chance to emphasize a personal characteristic of yourself. Of course, you could mention a physical characteristic if you wanted but I would only do that if you can use that physical characteristic to symbolize something important about you.
Group B
What would the future you say to the present you?
This is a chance to say how you hope to improve. The future you is not specified, so determine when that future you is looking back at present you. You may factor in Booth and your career goals into the answer.
What you title your autobiography and why"?
This answer may or may not relate to your goals. If it is not about goals, it should most likely relate to something else you did, your background, or your personality.
What is your favorite word and why?
Another question that certainly may not directly relate to anything in your application to Booth. This one is a good opportunity to give Booth a deeper understanding of something you value.
I know I am giving rather brief analysis above but these questions are the kind that don’t require long explanation but instead require some reflection. Don’t treat them casually but given the deadline, think quickly and deeply. Then, write fast.
Best of luck!
-Adam Markus
I am a graduate admissions consultant who works with clients worldwide. If you would like to arrange an initial consultation, please complete my intake form. Please don't email me any essays, other admissions consultant's intake forms, your life story, or any long email asking for a written profile assessment. The only profiles I assess are those with people who I offer initial consultations to. Please note that initial consultations are not offered when I have reached full capacity or when I determine that I am not a good fit with an applicant.
