The Booth Experience Team asked Chicago Booth’s Associate Dean of Admissions, Donna Swinford, to share advice for applicants. Read on to learn what makes a successful MBA candidate.

What is Chicago Booth looking for in candidates?

First of all, there is no one type of applicant we are looking for at Chicago Booth. Leave that thought behind as soon as you open our application and focus on telling us who you genuinely are and why you want an MBA. Every part of your application helps us understand your candidacy. We are interested in you as a whole person—not just your test scores, academic record, or resume. Our team wants to clearly understand what you hope to accomplish with your MBA and why Booth is the program that will best empower you to achieve those goals.

What are the common traits of the strongest applications you’ve seen?

It’s important to remember that your MBA application is a complete package made up of many different components. We review every application holistically, so no single section stands alone. The strongest applications use each opportunity—from your short-answer responses to your resume, recommendations, and interview—to reveal something new about you rather than repeat the same information.

Another hallmark of successful applicants is authenticity. Every candidate has a unique background, perspective, and motivation for pursuing an MBA. Our admissions team genuinely wants to get to know the real you and understand what you hope to accomplish. The interview is where everything you’ve shared throughout the application comes to life, so be yourself and come prepared for a thoughtful conversation.

Are there any major dos or don’ts when it comes to the Booth application?

One important “do” is to clearly articulate your goals and how Booth will help you achieve them. Booth offers students tremendous flexibility to customize their MBA experience, so help us understand how you plan to take advantage of those opportunities to grow personally and professionally.

Another “do” is simply to be yourself. If you’ve read my earlier responses, you’ve probably noticed this is a recurring theme—but it’s truly one of the most important pieces of advice I can offer. Don’t miss the opportunity to share what motivates you. We’re interested in understanding the passions, experiences, and aspirations that have shaped your journey and your decision to pursue an MBA.

One additional piece of advice is to have someone you trust review your application before you submit it. Ask them whether your short-answer responses and other application materials present a clear, cohesive picture of who you are and what you hope to accomplish. An outside perspective can be invaluable for identifying areas that need clarification and ensuring your authentic story comes through.

Any other words of wisdom for applicants?

I always encourage prospective students to have fun with the application process. It’s a rare opportunity to reflect on your experiences, your future, and the impact you hope to make in the world. While the admissions process can certainly feel lengthy and stressful, I hope you’ll approach it as an opportunity for self-reflection and growth rather than simply another task to complete. When applicants invest genuine thought and intention into their application, the experience is often just as rewarding as the outcome.