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Applying to Selective Business Programs

Nate B.

Nate B.

"The Trott Business Program was extremely helpful in teaching me more about the careers and opportunities in business I found myself interested in early in my college career."

Eligibility

The Trott Business Program and Financial Markets Program applications are available in the Spring quarter to all 1st year students.  There is no academic major requirement; however, you must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to apply. Transfer students and students returning from a leave of absence may also be eligible to apply. For more information, please see the section on transfer students and leave of absence below.

Which One is Right for Me: the Trott Business Program or the Financial Markets Program?

The Trott Business Program focuses on business in general and will allow students to explore a range of opportunities including (but not limited to) consulting, investment banking, investment management, private equity, sales & trading, corporate and e-commerce, marketing, and advertising. The Financial Markets Program seeks to provide students interested in mathematical modeling, programming, and other quantitative topics with the tools and experience necessary to pursue a career in trading, financial modeling, or quantitative analysis.

Students may submit applications to both the Trott Business Program and the Financial Markets Program, but may only participate in one of the two.

Applying

Application materials for both the Trott Business Program and Financial Markets Program are submitted online via UChicago Handshake. Applications for current 1st years were due April 15th, 2024. Students will receive decisions by May 29, 2024. 

The following materials will be required for a complete Trott Business Program application:

1. One-page resume

2. Application Questionnaire

3. Unofficial UChicago Transcript (A 3.0 GPA or higher is required to apply)

4. Written essay responses

5. Recorded video interview responses

The following materials will be required for a complete Financial Markets Program application:

1. One-page resume

2. Application Questionnaire

3. Unofficial UChicago Transcript (A 3.0 GPA or higher is required to apply)

4. Written essay responses

5. In-person interview

Transfer Students or Leave of Absence

If you completed your first year of college at a different institution or are returning from a leave of absence and will be a rising second year in the upcoming academic year, the application process and requirements are the same as those listed above. If you have any questions, or are not activated on UChicago Handshake, you may email Nancy Schaller at nschaller@uchicago.edu.

Evaluations and Decisions

All decisions regarding admissions will be made prior to the start of classes for Autumn Quarter.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I don’t apply to the Trott Business Program or Financial Markets Program in my first year is there an opportunity to apply to join the program in my second, third, or fourth year?

Upperclass students can receive advising and participate in business career exploration, skill development and recruiting preparation activities through Careers in Business.

Can I join the Trott Business Program or Financial Markets Program and still study abroad?

Yes. We have many students who take a quarter off to study abroad. Students who are interested in being a part of the Trott Business Program and studying abroad should talk with their business career adviser to create a plan that ensures they will maintain committed and active participation in the program, and complete course requirements.

What if I don’t maintain the GPA required by the Trott Business Program or Financial Markets Program?

If you feel like you will likely drop below the required GPA, you should meet with your academic adviser, and make your business career adviser aware as soon as possible to discuss your situation. Each situation is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If you feel you are struggling to maintain grades or handle stress in general, or you need guidance on how to more effectively manage your time, you might consider reaching out to the Student Counseling Service (SCS) to learn about their Academic Study Skills Assessment Program (ASAP). ASAP assists students with improving academic performance through assessment, short-term coaching and referral. For more information, call (773) 702-9800 to make an appointment or visit the Student Health and Counseling Services website.

If I am a Trott Business Program student, can I also use other Career Advancement resources like the Jeff Metcalf Internship Program?

Yes, you have access to everything Career Advancement offers and you will have specialized advising from Trott and Financial Markets program advisers.

Can I take more than the minimum required courses at Chicago Booth?

Yes, you can take up to six courses, which is the limit for undergraduate students.  For more information about taking courses at Chicago Booth as an undergraduate, visit the College website

Is there a required major you have to declare?

No, you can, and should, major in whatever you like.

What if my questions aren’t answered on this page?

E-mail Nancy Schaller at nschaller@uchicago.edu.