Graduate Student-at-Large In-person

Graduate Student-at-Large: Business

GSALB Student Profiles

See What It Means to Be Part of the UChicago Community

Explore your options and interests. Connect with peers, professors, and industry leaders. Excel in your educational or career journey. With UChicago’s unique Graduate Student-at-Large (GSALB) program you take for-credit courses across Chicago Booth and gain the skills, knowledge, and networking you need to bridge the gap in your education and career. More than just access to the University of Chicago’s world-renowned classrooms, GSALB also gives students a full university experience, combining weekly community gatherings with career counseling, access to academic workshops, fitness center membership, and more.

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GSAL alumni have successfully pursued graduate studies worldwide, and over the last ten years (2013-2023).

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Recognized as the best business school by US News & World Report in 2023.

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The number of active GSAL alumni, representing major industries, residing all over the world.

GSALB Bridge Program Student Profile

This unique program caters to both seasoned professionals and those new to business. It serves as a gateway to top MBA programs, including Chicago Booth, as well as other prestigious business, professional, and PhD programs worldwide. GSALB students typically have three to ten years of work experience and often take one course per quarter at Chicago Booth. Flexible class schedules are available with evening, weekend, and daytime options at our downtown and Hyde Park campuses. Students accepted to the GSALB program must have already completed their bachelor’s degrees, and international applicants must meet our English Language Requirements.

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Helping You Bridge the Gap

Discover the unique opportunities and experiences available to all GSALB students at the University of Chicago. Our program stands out for providing scholars with the same rigorous classroom experience as Chicago Booth MBA students.

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Fit Assessment: Determine if business school matches your goals and aspirations by testing MBA courses at Chicago Booth.

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Prerequisite Fulfillment: Meet the requirements to smoothly transition to a new academic field.

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MBA Pathway: Pursue your MBA aspirations seamlessly by transferring three foundational courses Financial Accounting, Microeconomics, and Business Statistics (or other Booth courses in the curriculum) toward the MBA program upon admission.

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Record Enhancement: Boost your academic credentials for a competitive edge in applying to MBA programs nationwide.

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Equal Experience: Experience the same high-quality education as MBA students, with identical homework, exams, coursework, and classroom engagement.

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The Chicago Approach at Booth: Embrace our unique approach to business education, characterized by rigorous analysis, intellectual curiosity, and real-world impact.

Real Journeys, Real Impact: Testimonials from GSAL Students

Hannah Stoler, GSALB Student

"The GSALB program was an invaluable experience that deepened my understanding of business and Booth. What truly stood out was the Booth culture—a place that values collaboration, innovation, and diversity. By interacting with faculty and students, I discovered the supportive community at Booth, which helped me feel connected and inspired.

The high touch advising was another highlight of my experience. The personalized guidance I received boosted my confidence and equipped me with the tools to navigate the MBA application process successfully.

Ultimately, the GSALB program was key in my admission to the MBA program at Booth. I highly encourage students to participate in GSALB to set the foundation for their future success."

—Hannah Stoler, GSALB to MBA, Chicago Booth
Expansion Projects Supervisor,  McMaster-Carr

Chicago Booth campus.

Beyond the classes, GSALB presented me with an opportunity to network with current students from diverse backgrounds—architects, physicians, teachers, and engineers, all unified by their passion to learn and help each other.

Oona Haffey, GSALB Alumna

GSALB was not just a program for me—it was a launching pad, a family, a compass, and a confidence booster all rolled into one. I felt my dreams taking shape, my vision getting sharper, and my app to Booth standing strong. To anyone aspiring to go to business school, I recommend GSALB wholeheartedly.

Junzhou (Jojo) Cui, GSALB Alumna

The GSALB program gave me the opportunity to experience Booth and to understand what being a student there is like. And through Booth I’ve made so many friends with similar goals and similar values. I expect to be working and collaborating with them far into the future.

Ashvin Veligandla, GSALB Alumna
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