Chicago Booth admissions:
which test to take and what scores the class reports

Which tests do Chicago Booth programs require?

Each Chicago Booth program has an online application, with the admissions test as one component alongside written responses, a recommendation, and an interview. The two programs reviewed here are the full-time MBA, whose pages cover the 2026–2027 cycle for 2027 entry, and the Executive MBA, with 2026–2027 rounds published.

For the full-time MBA, the school requires an undergraduate degree from an accredited U.S. institution or its equivalent from another country. Its international applicants page adds that, under the Bologna Agreement, it also accepts three-year international degrees. We cannot determine whether a particular French degree qualifies; the school must confirm that. The “MiM or MBA” article can help you choose the program level.

GMAT or GRE: what are the full-time MBA requirements?

The requirements page asks applicants to submit scores from the Graduate Management Admission Test or Graduate Record Examinations and says there is no minimum score for an application to be reviewed. It also says Chicago Booth does not accept superscores; applicants cannot combine their best sections across multiple test administrations. The application page asks applicants to self-report scores when applying; scores are valid for five years and must remain valid on the submission date.

The test is optional for current University of Chicago undergraduates and graduates of its programs. The FAQ rules out other GMAT/GRE waivers; the Executive Assessment is not offered for this program. Choose between the GMAT and GRE based on your timeline, strengths, and other target schools; the “GMAT or GRE” article outlines these factors.

For the Executive MBA, the test requirement can be met in three ways: an automatic waiver, a waiver request for review, or a test score. The Executive Assessment is described as developed by GMAC with Chicago Booth for executive applicants and requiring less preparation than the GMAT or GRE. The FAQ requires tests taken within five years of the application deadline. The Executive Assessment article explains the test.

An automatic waiver is available with an undergraduate degree and at least one of the following: being a current University of Chicago student or a graduate of any of its programs, at any level; a GPA of 3.4 or higher out of 4 in an undergraduate or master’s degree in management, economics, or an approved science discipline from an accredited institution; a doctorate, MD, or JD from an accredited institution; or a CPA, CFA, or international equivalent. Others may request a waiver by demonstrating strong quantitative ability; the school responds within five business days and says the request does not harm the application.

Which English test, and what is the minimum?

For the full-time MBA, the FAQ allows an English waiver for applicants with an undergraduate or graduate degree from one of the listed countries or territories; for a degree earned elsewhere, if English was the sole language of instruction, documented in the application; or after living and working full-time in the United States for at least two years. Citizenship alone does not qualify, and the school may request a score if it considers one necessary. For some joint degrees, the FAQ refers applicants to UChicago GRAD requirements. Accepted tests are TOEFL, IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, and Duolingo English Test; TOEIC is not listed. Score reports must be no more than two years old when you apply. Applicants must report scores from a single test administration; TOEFL MyBest scores are not accepted.

The school lists minimums: TOEFL 5.0 on the 1–6 scale for tests taken on or after January 21, 2026; TOEFL iBT 104 for tests taken before that date; IELTS 7; PTE Academic 70; and Duolingo 135. Applicants scoring below these levels may still apply; admission then depends on English proficiency demonstrated in the interview, if invited, or other language requirements. For the Executive MBA, the FAQ says the school decides from the application and interview whether TOEFL is needed. It lists TOEFL iBT 104 on the old scale and IELTS 7, with reports valid for two years; applicants below these minimums may still apply under certain conditions. This FAQ also retains historical TOEFL formats and does not specify a threshold on the 1–6 scale; ask EMBA admissions which rule applies to your session rather than converting 104 yourself.

What scores does Chicago Booth publish?

This table includes only figures published by the school itself, with their scope, class, and source page. Where a cited page does not report a score, the table says so. The full-time MBA profile page covers the Class of 2027: 635 students and 5,876 applications. It separates three score groups: students who submitted the legacy GMAT, the GMAT Focus, and the GRE. This “Class of 2027” is the class shown on the profile page; do not confuse it with 2027 entry for the 2026–2027 application cycle.

According to the school’s footnote, the ranges cover the middle 80%; the legacy GMAT is scored from 200 to 800, GMAT Focus from 205 to 805, and GRE Verbal and Quantitative from 130 to 170. The three percentages do not add up to 100 because, the school explains, University of Chicago-affiliated applicants and joint-degree applicants have different testing requirements. We do not convert figures across scales.

What happens after the test?

The full-time MBA online application includes four required short responses limited to 300 characters each (short- and long-term career goals, an image that matters to you, and a personal fact), one optional question of up to 300 words, a résumé, a recommendation from a supervisor, transcripts (unofficial copies first, official copies upon admission), and an application fee. An interview is required for admission but is by invitation only after application review and includes a short video simulation exercise.

For the 2026–2027 cycle, deadlines are September 15, 2026, January 7, 2027, and April 1, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. U.S. Central Time, with decisions on December 3, 2026, March 25, and May 20, 2027. The Chicago Booth Scholars round closes April 1, 2027, with a decision on June 24, 2027. Plan backward from your deadline to take the test, allow for a retake, and prepare for the English test, whose score report expires after two years.

The Executive MBA application includes an essay of fewer than 500 words explaining why you are pursuing Chicago Booth’s Executive MBA, optional short answers, a résumé, a recommendation (preferably from your current supervisor; contact admissions if that is not possible), transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended, and an application fee. An interview may be offered by invitation. The 2026–2027 rounds close November 2, 2026, January 25, April 12, and June 14, 2027; the school may consider applications after the final date case by case, depending on available seats.