FAQ
Answers to Top 9 Questions
Rags Vadali, '07
Issue date: 2/22/07 Section: Admit Weekend
- Page 1 of 1
Dear Admitted Students,
Congratulations on your acceptance to the GSB. We are excited to welcome you to the campus for Admit Weekend. It is a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in this environment for two days and discover what makes the GSB such a special place. We are glad you decided to make the trip.
We were in your shoes not too long ago, full of questions that we were seeking answers for. To help your decision making process, we have collated opinions from current students on some of the most common questions. We hope you find these useful.
1. Where should I consider living?
Peter Kim: There are trade-offs to be made when choosing a place to live in Chicago. Hyde Park is convenient because of its proximity to school, and people who live there either walk to school or take a short bus ride. While Hyde Park itself is very safe, its surrounding neighborhoods can get sketchy. The Northside has a lot of restaurants, bars, and clubs, and it's the area where most students tend to end up hanging out. However, it's roughly a 35 minute drive to school or nearly an hour using public transportation. Downtown is a nice compromise of the two but the rents tend to be higher.
Tanya Golubeva: In general, around a third of first-years usually live in Hyde Park, since they study a lot and do not want to spend time on commuting to school. On the other hand, if you plan to own a car, commuting becomes much easier and living outside of Hyde Park is a good option. However, the choice also depends on many other factors, one of which is your own lifestyle preference. If you want a feel of the big city, you can find it downtown; if you are into going out to bars, restaurants or clubs, the North Side is better; if you want as little distraction from studies as possible, Hyde Park it is.
Byron Go: I like living downtown because it is centrally located - you can go just about anywhere fairly easily from here, even without a car. The North Side and Hyde Park each have their advantages, and I might have decided to live somewhere else if it were just me moving here for school. However, because my fiancee came with me to Chicago, I had to consider that she would have to get around town as well. Because of this, downtown made the most sense for us.
2. Should I attend any of the pre-MBA programs?
Tanya Golubeva: I did, and recommend them, since these programs not only prepare you for coming back to school, but more importantly, you get to meet one tenth of your class and will really get to know these people and make good friends. Typically, the pre-mba classes end around 2 p.m. and after that people go to the beach, explore the city or just hang out together. How much are they worth academically? Statistics is especially worth taking, it is a very efficient and enjoyable class.
Byron Go: I definitely recommend it, if only because it's another opportunity to get to know your classmates. A friend who helped me through the whole application process told me that she met her best friend at "math camp" seven years ago. Besides, if you suspect you may need that refresher after having been out of school for a while, or if you've never seen an income statement or balance sheet, then the business math refresher or accounting refresher will help you hit the ground running. The summer may seem long, but things move very, very quickly once classes start in September.
3. Should I go on a Random Walk?
Byron Go: Absolutely! If you decide you don't need to attend Math Camp or Accounting Camp, then the Random Walks are a great way to get to know some people before school starts.
Bryan Landry-Wilson: You need to decide what's best for you, but a Random Walk is a great way to meet your new classmates, develop friendships, explore an exotic part of the world you've always wanted to visit, and have a group of second years give you a lot of advice related to Chicago and the GSB..
4. What can I do during the summer to prepare for my Internship search?
Tanya Golubeva: Follow the advice given by Career Services. Take them seriously, fill out the questionnaires, take the online tests, and read their recommended materials. Everything that they ask you to do during the summer is part of a thoughtfully prepared program and you will see its benefits as soon as recruiting starts.
Peter Kim: It's important to know as much as possible about the available career options available after getting an MBA. Once the recruiting period begins, this will help focus your choices of the career(s) to pursue. Also, make sure to sign on with a mentor who is a current student that can answer questions about careers, school, places to live, etc.
Amy Hauke: Go out and get to meet or network with everyone who you'll be approaching for summer internships.
5. When do I register for classes?
Jessica Kipling: After orientation. Some people look into classes before they get to Chicago, but you'll learn everything you need to know when you get here.
6. What computer should I get?
Tanya Golubeva: The GSB does not have any special policy regarding this issue, so you can choose the computer you like most. Most people use Windows machines, but the school's network does support Macs. So, if you want a computer that you can use for both work and play, a Mac Powerbook or iBook might be a great choice. As a student, you can also get discounts for your purchase. One more recommendation - choose smaller laptops. Carrying around a lighter notebook is much more convenient, and for those occasions when you feel the need for a bigger screen, you can always use the plasma screens in a study room.
Amy Hauke: A free one so you can spend the $3,000 on shoes. [Editor's Note: Five minutes after she typed this, Amy's computer died on her. True Story. But, she does have fabulous shoes]
7. How can my partner find a job?
Byron Go: Career Services does not assist non-students with their job search, but there are other resources available. Chicago Partners, for example, receives word of job openings within the University and passes them along to its members. Most of these departments that hire are very receptive to the partners, and as such, your partner should be sure to mention that he/she is a partner of a GSB student. The key thing is for your partner to stay active in their search - to notify everybody they know that they are looking, to exploit the "weak ties" in the network.
Jody Foldesy: When we moved here, my wife first telecommuted with her job in D.C. and then joined a job out here based on a longstanding connection. Obviously, such options are possibilities, as are Chicago-area headhunters and job boards. She said one thing to try, which she didn't give a lot of thought to then but does now, is to research the GSB network a bit. First-years should have mentors when they get to school, and mentors should have pretty wide networks of acquaintances, partners, etc who are out in the working world and know of openings. Also, there are some positions available at the GSB and the university has a temp board that places partners in work around U. of Chicago depending on where they're needed on a given day. Also think about tapping the networks of other professional schools--law, for instance.
I think a major thing to think about prior to beginning a job search is the parameters for job expectations. For instance, a partner may be looking for something to make a little pocket change for 20 months, work 30-40 hours a week and stay in close contact with her spouse. A job on campus would be perfect then. At the other end of the spectrum, a partner may be looking to start/continue a career in Chicago because there is an expectation of staying in the city long-term. At that point, I wouldn't be looking in ChiBus for job tips - I'd be out networking and figuring out how to contact the right people in my industry of choice!
[Editor's Note: Jody, we concur. We wouldn't be looking in the ChiBus for job tips either!]
Peter Kim: Since Chicago is a major metropolitan area, most partners are able to find employment. The Partners Club can help with the job search through their job workshops where they offer help with resumes and job searches. Unfortunately, the school's resources and networks for job hunting are unavailable to the partners
8. Do I need a car?
Hugo Cruz: It depends. In general I don't think you need one. Yet, if you want to live up north (say Lincoln Park) and want to avoid a long commute (~1 hour or more) or you are a serious party animal living in Hyde Park and want to avoid taxi fares every day, you are better off with your own car.
Tanya Golubeva: This question is closely interrelated to the housing question. If you choose to live on the North-Side, you will most likely need a car to commute to school. For other locations it is not an absolute necessity. Also take into account that parking is sometimes hard to find or expensive. So, if you don't currently own a car which you can bring to school, it might be a good idea to wait until classes start to decide whether you need to buy one.
Brian Landry-Wilson: You don't need a car, but having one will make things more convenient. The public transit is good in Chicago, but it does have limitations. It's easy to get by without a car if you live in Hyde Park, the South Loop, or downtown (within walking distance of the Metra station). It gets much harder, but not impossible, to use public transit to get from other parts of the city to Hyde Park.
9. How bad are the winters here?
Jessica Kipling: Pretty bad, and I even grew up here. If you don't have a car, it can be a major issue. But if you do, it's not nearly as painful.
Brian Landry-Wilson: It depends on what you're used to. If you come from the Midwest or Northeast, it might seem a little colder but still pretty similar to what you've experienced. If you come from California, it will probably take you longer to get used to it. That being said, you can expect a winter in Chicago to have temps on average in the 20s and lower 30s with some snowy days and more than a few times where the temperature will dip below 20.
Amy Hauke: Not as bad as Ithaca.
[Editor's Note: Or Evanston]
Congratulations on your acceptance to the GSB. We are excited to welcome you to the campus for Admit Weekend. It is a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in this environment for two days and discover what makes the GSB such a special place. We are glad you decided to make the trip.
We were in your shoes not too long ago, full of questions that we were seeking answers for. To help your decision making process, we have collated opinions from current students on some of the most common questions. We hope you find these useful.
1. Where should I consider living?
 [Click to enlarge] |
Tanya Golubeva: In general, around a third of first-years usually live in Hyde Park, since they study a lot and do not want to spend time on commuting to school. On the other hand, if you plan to own a car, commuting becomes much easier and living outside of Hyde Park is a good option. However, the choice also depends on many other factors, one of which is your own lifestyle preference. If you want a feel of the big city, you can find it downtown; if you are into going out to bars, restaurants or clubs, the North Side is better; if you want as little distraction from studies as possible, Hyde Park it is.
 [Click to enlarge] |
2. Should I attend any of the pre-MBA programs?
Tanya Golubeva: I did, and recommend them, since these programs not only prepare you for coming back to school, but more importantly, you get to meet one tenth of your class and will really get to know these people and make good friends. Typically, the pre-mba classes end around 2 p.m. and after that people go to the beach, explore the city or just hang out together. How much are they worth academically? Statistics is especially worth taking, it is a very efficient and enjoyable class.
Byron Go: I definitely recommend it, if only because it's another opportunity to get to know your classmates. A friend who helped me through the whole application process told me that she met her best friend at "math camp" seven years ago. Besides, if you suspect you may need that refresher after having been out of school for a while, or if you've never seen an income statement or balance sheet, then the business math refresher or accounting refresher will help you hit the ground running. The summer may seem long, but things move very, very quickly once classes start in September.
3. Should I go on a Random Walk?
Byron Go: Absolutely! If you decide you don't need to attend Math Camp or Accounting Camp, then the Random Walks are a great way to get to know some people before school starts.
Bryan Landry-Wilson: You need to decide what's best for you, but a Random Walk is a great way to meet your new classmates, develop friendships, explore an exotic part of the world you've always wanted to visit, and have a group of second years give you a lot of advice related to Chicago and the GSB..
4. What can I do during the summer to prepare for my Internship search?
Tanya Golubeva: Follow the advice given by Career Services. Take them seriously, fill out the questionnaires, take the online tests, and read their recommended materials. Everything that they ask you to do during the summer is part of a thoughtfully prepared program and you will see its benefits as soon as recruiting starts.
Peter Kim: It's important to know as much as possible about the available career options available after getting an MBA. Once the recruiting period begins, this will help focus your choices of the career(s) to pursue. Also, make sure to sign on with a mentor who is a current student that can answer questions about careers, school, places to live, etc.
Amy Hauke: Go out and get to meet or network with everyone who you'll be approaching for summer internships.
5. When do I register for classes?
Jessica Kipling: After orientation. Some people look into classes before they get to Chicago, but you'll learn everything you need to know when you get here.
6. What computer should I get?
Tanya Golubeva: The GSB does not have any special policy regarding this issue, so you can choose the computer you like most. Most people use Windows machines, but the school's network does support Macs. So, if you want a computer that you can use for both work and play, a Mac Powerbook or iBook might be a great choice. As a student, you can also get discounts for your purchase. One more recommendation - choose smaller laptops. Carrying around a lighter notebook is much more convenient, and for those occasions when you feel the need for a bigger screen, you can always use the plasma screens in a study room.
 [Click to enlarge] |
7. How can my partner find a job?
Byron Go: Career Services does not assist non-students with their job search, but there are other resources available. Chicago Partners, for example, receives word of job openings within the University and passes them along to its members. Most of these departments that hire are very receptive to the partners, and as such, your partner should be sure to mention that he/she is a partner of a GSB student. The key thing is for your partner to stay active in their search - to notify everybody they know that they are looking, to exploit the "weak ties" in the network.
Jody Foldesy: When we moved here, my wife first telecommuted with her job in D.C. and then joined a job out here based on a longstanding connection. Obviously, such options are possibilities, as are Chicago-area headhunters and job boards. She said one thing to try, which she didn't give a lot of thought to then but does now, is to research the GSB network a bit. First-years should have mentors when they get to school, and mentors should have pretty wide networks of acquaintances, partners, etc who are out in the working world and know of openings. Also, there are some positions available at the GSB and the university has a temp board that places partners in work around U. of Chicago depending on where they're needed on a given day. Also think about tapping the networks of other professional schools--law, for instance.
I think a major thing to think about prior to beginning a job search is the parameters for job expectations. For instance, a partner may be looking for something to make a little pocket change for 20 months, work 30-40 hours a week and stay in close contact with her spouse. A job on campus would be perfect then. At the other end of the spectrum, a partner may be looking to start/continue a career in Chicago because there is an expectation of staying in the city long-term. At that point, I wouldn't be looking in ChiBus for job tips - I'd be out networking and figuring out how to contact the right people in my industry of choice!
[Editor's Note: Jody, we concur. We wouldn't be looking in the ChiBus for job tips either!]
Peter Kim: Since Chicago is a major metropolitan area, most partners are able to find employment. The Partners Club can help with the job search through their job workshops where they offer help with resumes and job searches. Unfortunately, the school's resources and networks for job hunting are unavailable to the partners
8. Do I need a car?
Hugo Cruz: It depends. In general I don't think you need one. Yet, if you want to live up north (say Lincoln Park) and want to avoid a long commute (~1 hour or more) or you are a serious party animal living in Hyde Park and want to avoid taxi fares every day, you are better off with your own car.
 [Click to enlarge] |
Brian Landry-Wilson: You don't need a car, but having one will make things more convenient. The public transit is good in Chicago, but it does have limitations. It's easy to get by without a car if you live in Hyde Park, the South Loop, or downtown (within walking distance of the Metra station). It gets much harder, but not impossible, to use public transit to get from other parts of the city to Hyde Park.
9. How bad are the winters here?
Jessica Kipling: Pretty bad, and I even grew up here. If you don't have a car, it can be a major issue. But if you do, it's not nearly as painful.
Brian Landry-Wilson: It depends on what you're used to. If you come from the Midwest or Northeast, it might seem a little colder but still pretty similar to what you've experienced. If you come from California, it will probably take you longer to get used to it. That being said, you can expect a winter in Chicago to have temps on average in the 20s and lower 30s with some snowy days and more than a few times where the temperature will dip below 20.
Amy Hauke: Not as bad as Ithaca.
[Editor's Note: Or Evanston]
Be the first to comment on this story