Hong Kong-Beijing Campus Information Session: Graduate Student-at-Large Programs

Virtual

Are you thinking about graduate school for your future?

Do you know which subject area you would like to pursue?

If so, have you considered a world-class program like the University of Chicago?

ABOUT THE EVENT

Embark on your graduate school journey with an exclusive opportunity to meet the Program Director of the Graduate Student-at-Large programs (GSAL) programs at the University of Chicago. Join us for an insightful online information session on April 23, 2024, at 7:00 am CDT or 8:00 pm local Hong Kong /Beijing time, tailored specifically for international students in the Hong Kong/Beijing area. 

Discover how the GSAL Program can serve as a remarkable bridge for international students aspiring to enter top-ranked MA, MBA, or PhD degree programs across various fields of study at the University of Chicago. Offering J-1 student visa sponsorship for 1 or 2 academic quarters for full-time on-campus coursework, GSAL provides international students with a unique opportunity for classroom engagement with graduate students at the University of Chicago, all while receiving intensive academic and student support advising for success. 

During the session, you will have the opportunity to engage directly with the GSAL Program Director, as well as the Associate Director of Recruitment, who will guide you through the international admissions process. Come prepared with your inquiries and be ready to engage in fruitful discussions. 

Don't miss this chance to shape your educational path with GSAL. Register now (proed.uchicago.edu/gsal-ois-04-23-24) to secure your spot and embark on a transformative academic experience with us! 

About the Program

Started from 1890, the Graduate Student At-Large (GSAL) Program proudly upholds UChicago’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community. GSAL and GSALB provide a unique platform for domestic and international scholars and practitioners to engage actively in classrooms with other College, MA, and PhD students at UChicago. Through this program, you are joining an alumni community of over 10,000 alumni, representing graduate institutions, and major professional industries from 30+ countries.

Two distinct programs:

• GSAL: Students enroll in classes across the campus

International students enroll in three courses per quarter

• GSALB: Students enroll in Booth classes at Chicago Booth.

International students enroll in three courses per quarter

GSAL/B alumni have successfully pursued graduate studies worldwide, and over the last ten years (2013-2023), 41% have chosen to bridge into esteemed MA, MBA, and PhD programs within the University of Chicago itself.

Chinese STUDENTS’ Testimonies

Claire Chen, PhD

Nankai University, BS

PhD in Finance

GSALB UChicago

MBA, University of Chicago (Autumn 2023)

Sr Quantitative Finance Analyst

Enrolling in my initial three Chicago Booth classes through the GSALB program turned out to be a pivotal decision, significantly influencing my interactions within the Booth Communities and strengthening my desire to pursue the MBA at Chicago Booth.

This experience afforded me the opportunity to assess whether Booth's approach, its students, and the save entire community aligned with my objectives, propelling me closer to my aspirations.

Central to my journey was Esther Pandian-Riske, the GSALB Program Director. Our weekly meetings proved invaluable as she adeptly guided me through self-reflection, helping me uncover my strengths and weaknesses. Her insights illuminated how Chicago Booth had the potential to empower me to actualize my dreams. Esther's unwavering patience and encouragement were instrumental during the application process. She also introduced me to fellow students, expanding my professional network.

The GSALB community consistently extended their assistance, addressing a diverse array of my queries and providing unwavering support during my application for the Evening MBA program. Furthermore, they guided me in selecting the most fitting courses after my acceptance into the Evening MBA program at Chicago Booth. Participation in weekly happy hours and other GSALB events enriched my connection to the program. The GSAL Gala particularly left a lasting impression, showcasing the strong camaraderie among staff, alumni, and current students, reaffirming my connection to the Booth community.

For those eager to explore Chicago Booth classes or enhance their business acumen, I wholeheartedly endorse the GSALB program as an exceptional gateway to the transformative educational landscape at Chicago Booth

Hanwen Xu

BS in Math and CS, MIT

GSAL, UChicago

Master of Science in Financial Mathematics, UChicago (Autumn 2024)

Senior Quantitative Researcher at Citadel

“As a participant in the University of Chicago's Graduate Student At-Large program, I was able to take courses at a pace that met my professional needs. Since I worked in options market making, courses like Advanced C++ for High-Frequency Trading, Introduction to High-Performance Computing, and Option Pricing were very relevant to my career development. The curriculum pushed the boundaries of my understanding and equipped me with highly specialized skills sought after in the competitive finance sector.

Beyond the academic rigor, what truly sets this program apart is its exceptional leadership and support system, led by none other than Esther Pandian-Riske. Esther isn't just a program director but a beacon of support and guidance. Her unparalleled patience and dedication to meeting students' educational needs are evident in her relentless efforts to work with various levels of administrators, ensuring that every student has access to the necessary resources. Her approachability and genuine care for students' success have made a significant impact on my educational journey, making it not only successful but also enjoyable.

The Graduate Student At-Large program at the University of Chicago is more than just an academic endeavor; it's also a gateway to begin full graduate-level studies at the University of Chicago. Taking courses through the GSAL program made it much easier for me to apply to the MS of Financial Mathematics program. After taking several courses through GSAL, I am confident that I will do well in the master's program.”

Junzhou (Jojo) Cui

Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, BS

MA in Finance

GSALB UChicago

MBA, University of Chicago (Autumn 2023)

The Graduate Student At-Large (GSALB) student experience was the fuel that ignited my dream of joining the world-class business school, Chicago Booth. To me, it was akin to a springboard, propelling me in the right direction with the perfect momentum, and most importantly, providing invaluable support.

Having an unconventional career in real estate and working in a boutique financial servicing company where I built a real estate department from scratch, my profile didn't fit the mold of a typical MBA candidate. The Booth dream felt like a distant horizon, but that's where GSALB filled the gap. It served as the bridge, transforming my dream from a daunting challenge into an achievable goal, and instilling confidence in me throughout the application process!

Taking classes at Booth through the GSALB program offered me an immersive insight into Booth's academic rigor and unique culture. It was more than a preview; it was a live and in-depth experience that showcased what Booth had to offer. 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. These connections even extended into support for my Booth application, with classmates and professors willing to provide reference letters and share their insights and experiences.

To sum it up, 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 application to Booth standing strong. To anyone aspiring to go to business school, I recommend GSALB wholeheartedly. It doesn’t just prime you for top business schools; it facilitates a journey of self-discovery, and dream actualization, and fosters an irreplaceable sense of community!

(Complete story from Jojo)