UPDATE: This article was originally posted on October 26, 2022. It has been updated with 2024/25 information and tips below.
After spending months fine-tuning your MBA application essays, you’ve finally received that long-awaited interview invitation — only to discover that now you need to record a video essay!
Though not all schools utilize interview video essays – a component that is required only of candidates invited to interview – they have become increasingly popular in recent years. With more and more competitive candidates applying every year, elite MBA programs are always looking for new ways to distinguish the “admits” from the “dings.”
Though they may seem small and relatively unimportant at first, MBA interview video essays are an important element of your overall application and should be carefully crafted. That’s why we’re sharing our top tips on how to approach and record your own Booth video essay. By following these tips, you can ensure you stand out and land a spot at your dream school.
Chicago Booth’s Pre-Interview Video Essay
Source: @chicagobooth on Instagram
For several years running, Booth has asked candidates who move to the next application phase to submit additional materials before the interview. Like last year, you’ll need to submit your response in video format.
Please submit a video response to one of the following two prompts:
- Tell us about something new you learned recently that shifted your worldview. How did it influence your behavior and/or actions?
- What is something you wish people knew about you, but you’re not sure that they do?
Please note the following:
- The length of the video response should be no more than 60 seconds.
- You will not be evaluated on the styling and editing of the recording, only the content of your submission.
- Feel free to record the video with a cellphone, computer, or other video recording device.
How to approach your answer
The most important task is first considering which prompts you will choose from each category, especially considering there is space for repeating themes.
When looking at each category, choose the question that is both easiest to answer and that allows you to shed light on a new element of your profile. If you’ve already mentioned community service in one question, for example, perhaps avoid repeating community service as the theme in other answers.
Most importantly, consider what you want Booth to learn about you. Booth’s application – like its curriculum – is incredibly flexible, but it does mean that you can end up repeating themes from your essays unless you’re very careful and strategic in how you use each and every word the interview essays give you.
Then, after choosing your best stories, use a condensed version of the STAR methodology to walk your reader through what your example is before ending with a final lesson or takeaway.
TOP TIP: Start your video script by simply writing out the story and then refining the content/length. In our experience, applicants can comfortably speak 160-180 words in 60 seconds. You may also want to review some of these best practices to ensure you’re ready for your video debut.
Effectively Tell your Story During your Chicago Booth Interview
One of the most common mistakes we see in MBA interviews is that candidates fail to tell compelling, well-constructed stories about their profiles while also nailing the basics.
Striking this balance between sharing STAR-format examples that show off your background while also presenting strong answers to questions like “Why do you want an MBA?” is a challenging task that requires significant thought and preparation.
Because of this, it’s no surprise that, on average, 50% of interviewed applicants walk away without an offer.
This is why our interview preparation process here at Ellin Lolis Consulting is known as the best in the industry. We offer customized 1:1 support that ensures you’re able to turn your application’s strengths into compelling answers that show fit and sell your profile in any type of interview. That’s why 98.9% of our complete consulting clients get into at least one of their target schools.
Our tailored approach was critical to helping our client Bruno secure a spot at Chicago Booth.
“Anyone who wants to have a solid application should work with Ellin Lolis Consulting. I really think it would be extremely difficult for me to have had such a strong application to Booth without Ellin’s support. So, I always recommend Ellin to my friends who are applying for an MBA, because I have seen in practice the difference that Ellin makes.”
Forget simulation platforms or long lists of tips – our 1:1 preparation focuses on playing to your strengths and overcoming your weaknesses to turn you into an interview expert. Our interview prep packages sell out quickly, so make sure you buy yours today!
Real MBA Essays That Got People In
School-specific sample essays that got our clients accepted
