Chicago Booth Scholar shares insights on the application process and how to prepare for Chicago Booth鈥檚 Deferred MBA Program.
- By
- March 24, 2025
- Chicago Booth Scholars
Myriah Weatherspoon
In this blog, current second year student in the Full-Time MBA Program, Myriah Weatherspoon, talks about what it was like applying to Chicago Booth through our deferred MBA program, known as the Chicago Booth Scholars Program. The Chicago Booth Scholars (CBS) Program is open for undergraduate students in their senior year to apply. The unique aspect of this program is that students admitted to the CBS Program can defer starting their MBA for 2-5 years. If you are someone who is for sure planning to pursue an MBA in the future or someone who is still considering and open to the possibility, we encourage you to learn more about the program and its advantages from the perspective of someone who went through the process–Myriah Weatherspoon.
More about Myriah and Her Journey to Booth...
As a proud SouthSider, the University of Chicago has always been a symbol of excellence for Myriah. She started her career in investment banking at JP Morgan before transitioning to a software startup that serves the Venture Capital industry (AngelList Venture). Through these roles, Myriah developed a passion for wealth creation, economic empowerment, and community building. Chicago Booth鈥檚 finance curriculum and academic flexibility made Booth the perfect place to help Myriah transition back into a more traditional finance role. As someone who seeks to have an impact in Chicago, she always knew that Booth would allow her to grow her network and deepen her connections with individuals in Chicago and beyond.
Fun Facts about Myriah: In her spare time, Myriah enjoys weight training, pilates, and cooking. She also enjoys organizing events centered around wellness in Chicago. Since returning to Chicago to attend Booth, she鈥檚 hosted a number of events to bring women together in the city鈥攊ncluding Pilates & Prosecco, Pilates at the Pier, and a Move & Sip Aerial Yoga class.
More on the Chicago Booth Scholars Program with Myriah…
What did you find advantageous about applying for your MBA through the Chicago Booth Scholars Program?
Applying to the Chicago Booth Scholars Program was incredibly helpful because it allowed me to secure my spot at Booth early and focus fully on building my career without the added stress of studying for the GMAT or navigating the work politics of applying to an MBA. It also allowed me to be more intentional about the experiences I pursued, knowing I had the flexibility to take professional risks without worrying about future admissions cycles. Ultimately, the program gave me the peace of mind to grow in my career while knowing Booth would be there when I was ready to take the next step.
How did you prepare for the admissions test requirement?
I used Manhattan Prep to prepare for the GMAT and treated the course like an additional class in my semester schedule. I set aside dedicated time for homework, practice problems, and review to stay consistent. Taking a structured approach helped me prioritize the exam and allowed me to adjust my strategy as needed.
How did you stay engaged with Booth during the deferment period?
During my deferral period, I stayed engaged with Booth primarily through conversations with current students. I set up coffee chats to learn more about their experiences, career paths, and how they were making the most of their time at Booth. As I got closer to my target start date, I increased the frequency of these chats, which helped me feel more connected to the community and better prepared for the transition.
What type of work did you do during your deferral period?
Post-undergrad, I worked as an analyst and associate at JPMorgan within their Equity Capital Markets Group. I then transitioned to a relationship management role at AngelList Venture, a software startup that serves fund managers.
What are your plans post-graduation? Which courses and resources have you found most beneficial in reaching your career goals?
I’ll be working in wealth management after graduation, and Booth has provided me with both the technical knowledge and soft skills to feel confident in my career. Courses like Taxes & Business Strategy, Consumer Finance, and Family Office have deepened my understanding of ways to grow and preserve wealth. At the same time, Persuasion and Negotiations refined my ability to communicate effectively and navigate complex client dynamics. Beyond courses, the was a key resource, and alumni provided invaluable guidance throughout the recruiting process.
We encourage you to learn more about the Chicago Booth Scholars Program and apply before the upcoming deadline on April 29, 2025. If you'd like to receive more information about the Chicago Booth Scholars Program before the upcoming deadline, we encourage you to sign up below.
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