Texas McCombs MBA Insider

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National First-Gen College Day
at McCombs

In conjunction with UT’s First-Generation College Celebration and the National First-Generation College Celebration this week, we’re proud to highlight several first-generation students in our Texas McCombs MBA community.

Jose Carlos Rojas

Jose Rojas
MBA at Houston ’20

Jose is a first-generation college graduate and Texas McCombs at Houston MBA ’20 student. The hardest thing about being first-gen, he says, was having, “no reference point,” he could go back to as he immersed himself in college. He explains the journey as being lonely as his parents tried their best to understand and help him adjust to this new environment. Despite the challenges, his motivation and dedication to his family were key factors to his academic success.

“After my family and I moved from Chile, I always felt an obligation to make my parents’ sacrifices worth it. I see them work very hard and I continue to strive to alleviate some of that burden from them. I started looking at MBAs once I saw my career pick up steam. I have gathered a lot of technical knowledge through my experience and felt that I needed to round myself out by pairing it with some business acumen. I chose Texas McCombs because of its great reputation, world-class faculty, and the flexibility it allowed me to have without having to quit my job.”

When asked about what advice he would give to other first-gen students, Jose strongly believes in the value of community, and that you don’t need to go through this difficult journey on your own. Currently, he’s working on getting his younger sister into college, and trying to ease any stress points she’s presently encountering that he’s been able to overcome.

“Surround yourself with people that will help, motivate and care for you. There’s value in not making college just about studying: Join clubs and activities to immerse yourself into your college and get a full experience.”

Emy Hernandez

“For my parents, they came with nothing and gave me everything.”

Emy is a Texas McCombs MBA at Houston alumna. Her family, who only had a primary school education, inspired her and her sister to pursue higher education, instilling the value of having access to education from an early age. For Emy, having a strong community and support system to guide her has been a key factor in her success.

“Find your community within the school that you are in, and find a mentor, staff member, or professor who can help guide your decisions. Being the first in your family to attend college, whether undergraduate or graduate school, can be intimidating and it is important that students know there is someone who can guide them.”

Along her journey towards higher education, Hernandez had difficulty dealing with Imposter Syndrome. Nevertheless, Emy is proof that you can overcome any challenge with hard work, dedication and strong support systems.

“Do not be afraid to take the next step in your personal and professional life; whether you’re applying for a new job or pursuing an additional degree. I am a Latina, queer, daughter of immigrants, inner-city Houston-raised, and graduate of a high school known as a ‘drop-out factory’ – the statistics were against me. It wasn’t easy, and today I am proud of what I have accomplished and I know my parents and my community are too.”

Waldo Arreola

Waldo Arreola
Full-Time MBA ’20

Waldo is a first-generation Full-Time Class of 2020 MBA at Texas McCombs. As a child, he was raised by “hard-working immigrant parents” that highly encouraged his intellectual development, and his interest in puzzles and systems within math and science, which eventually led to a bachelor’s degree in engineering & management.

During his time as an undergrad and graduate student, Arreola struggled to adjust to the demands that time management and personal accountability have on students. However, having strong mentorships and student involvement helped him stay engaged, help others and invest in his future.

“Be curious! Ask questions! Connect with people! Get involved! First-generation students might not have as many resources as others, including networks, and might have the added pressure of supporting family members with their personal success, so it is critical to be engaged and deliberate as you pursue your personal and professional goals.”

If you have any questions, please reach out to MBA Admissions. For more information on our community and programs, check out our website. Hook ’em!

The Military Community at
Texas McCombs

November 1, 2019 / Texas MBA Admissions / Comments Off

Texas McCombs recognizes the value military veterans bring to our programs. Our community is one of support and dedication helping prepare you for career success, which is why our MBA is consistently a top program for veterans. This November, in honor of Veterans Day on 11/11, the MBA program honors all of our active and former military students and supporters.

Scholarships, Financial Aid and Career Support

All veterans are eligible to receive our merit-based admissions scholarships and are automatically considered for these upon applying to the program. Veterans will also automatically receive a waiver for the application fee upon submitting their application to the program.

The UT Austin Office of Student Veteran Services is available to help MBA veterans navigate federal and state education benefits as well as connecting them with additional grants and scholarships that may be available to them. Student Veterans Services also offers academic support, health care, and wellness services and helps foster a community among veterans across the UT Austin campus.

No matter what your goals are, our MBA Career Management team, with dedicated counselors for each program, based in Austin, Houston, and Dallas/Fort Worth, offers endless resources for helping you discover your strengths and relevant transferable skills that will make you stand out.

Military Student Organizations

Texas Veterans in Business is the primary student organization for military MBAs. TViB draws parallels between military principals and skills to be successful in business. The org is also a great way to get connected with other military MBAs and participate in community events.

View this post on Instagram

Thank you to our #TXMBA veterans and all who have served our country. Yesterday, students gathered to honor their military MBA classmates and to write thank you letters to currently deployed troops. 🇺🇸 #VeteransDay

A post shared by Texas McCombs MBA (@utexasmba) on Nov 10, 2017 at 9:41am PST

The Student Veterans Association is dedicated to creating a welcoming social environment for veterans and their families, providing information on relocating to Austin, and offering programs to promote academic and professional success.

Rebecca Larson, President of the association says their goal is to provide a sense of belonging at UT. “We also aim to be a positive example and advocate for other non-traditional student population,” she says. “Our events provide a social setting for our members and their friends and family to bond, relax, and network with those who share a similar background.”

Austin and the Military Community

The city is not only “The Live Music Capital of the World,” but is also a growing hub for technology, healthcare, media and more. WalletHub ranked Austin as the No. 1 place to live for veterans based on employment, economy, health, and the quality of life in 2018.

There are several organizations in Austin that host celebrations or events for our military community throughout the year, including the annual Austin Veterans Day Parade, the Austin Veteran Arts Fest, and Capital Factory’s Veterans in Tech Summit.

The Air Force debuted its latest technology innovation hub in Austin last summer within the Capital Factory. AFWERX Austin specializes in integrating innovative technologies with Air Force programs, augmented and Virtual Reality technologies for Airmen training, and rapid testing and evaluation with Air Force stakeholders.

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That’s a wrap on Austin Startup Week! . It was great to spend the week among some awesome entrepreneurs and share how we’re making it easier to do business with the @usairforce. Watch one of the panels we were on via the link in our bio. . . . #ASW19 #startup #startupbusiness #startuptips #startuplife #capitalfactory #usaf #airforce #entrepreneur #entrepreneurlife #entrepreneurship #dod #departmentofdefense #intrapreneurship #panel #startupfunding #business #usairforce #innovativeaf #afwerx #afwerxaustin

A post shared by AFWERX (@afwerx) on Sep 28, 2019 at 1:39pm PDT

Austin is also home to the U.S. Army Futures Command, which has grown from 12 to 24,000 personnel, in only one year. The command was created to oversee the Army’s modernization efforts and is now the Army’s largest reorganization effort in more than 40 years. Austin was chosen as the headquarters location for the “combination of top-tier academic talent, cutting edge industry and an innovative private sector,” said Secretary of the Army at that time Mark T. Esper. UT Austin is serving as a long-term partner and a research hub for the Army Futures Command as faculty and students work with the Army on areas of mutual interest and help to solve problems to serve our country.

Texas McCombs Military MBAs

Caroline Green
Full-Time MBA ’21

Caroline Green completed a six-year military commitment in June 2019 where she worked as an Internal Medicine Physician in the U.S. Air Force. She holds a B.S in Biological Sciences and a B.A in English from the University of Norte Dame and an M.D. from Georgetown University School of Medicine. She decided to pursue her MBA to help push for systematic change in the U.S. healthcare system and hopes that learning “the language of business” will help her advocate for both doctors and patients.

Why McCombs?

“Coming from a medical training background, I honestly didn’t know where to start in evaluating different schools. Researching school culture was difficult as I was applying from an overseas location, but I combed the school’s website, followed the school’s social media platforms, and was able to get a great sense of the culture from questions I asked during my interview. I knew Austin has great hospital systems as well as a medical school with a strong focus on healthcare innovation, so proximity to these institutions was also attractive. McCombs also has a very flexible curriculum that would support my career ambitions.”

“I felt that this school genuinely emphasized its commitment to support veterans, women, and mothers. I am a member of all of these subgroups of students, and felt very welcomed and encouraged to apply. I felt that the interest and attention each individual gave me was genuine and heartfelt.”

Austin Price
Full-Time MBA ’21

Austin Price served for six years in the Marine Corps as an Intelligence Officer after graduating from the United States Naval Academy. He led teams in analyzing crucial developments of technology and the broader international relationships in geopolitics. He decided to pursue his MBA after realizing that he was interested in the tech sector, pushing innovation, or in the finance sector, analyzing markets.

Why McCombs?

“I knew that I wanted to work within the tech or the asset management space. McCombs immediately leaped out as a clear leader in both areas, with the massive growth in the Apple, Google, Facebook, and Oracle presence in the area and the MBA Investment Fund, the first and one of the largest of its kind. When I came to interview, I immediately connected with a fellow veteran in his first year in the program, and his description of the program and the amazing new facility completely sold me on coming here. Having now spent several months in Austin and in the program, I am so glad I came here. I would put our location, climate, job opportunities, and local affordability against any other MBA program.”

“The passion with which every student seems to live their life surprised me. No matter what you want to focus on, from studies to community impact, to the Austin food or outdoor scene, to just plain fun, it is easy to find someone who is willing to do something with. I can just drop a message into one of our Slack channels and be playing volleyball at Zilker Park a few hours later.”

Elijah Tramble
MBA at Houston ’20

Elijah Tramble is an Active Duty Acquisitions Officer in the Air Force and a Working Professional MBA student at our McCombs campus in Houston. Elijah saw the opportunity to continue his development and gain a diverse perspective in a weekend program..

Why McCombs?

“I was spending a lot of time researching evolving trends in space and cyber technology while implementing organizational change initiatives to improve the products we developed. I became really interested in how to build a highly effective organization that stayed on the forefront of technology. I knew how the military did it, but was interested in how other small and large organizations dealt with this challenge. Business school seemed like a great environment to learn from the diverse experiences of faculty and classmates. I was impressed by the excitement and quality of the people I met when visiting McCombs. The professors not only had an academic perspective but most of them also had practical experience to share. The admissions counselor – Jennipher Cole, was authentic and incredibly helpful throughout the process making it an easy decision.”

Cameron Gilmore
MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth ’20

Cameron Gilmore proudly served as a logistics officer in the United States Army. During his time he was able to serve as a platoon leader, executive officer, company commander and senior program manager. Cameron realized that while he had leadership and operations experience he was lacking the corporate experience and context that would separate him from other top candidates.

Why McCombs?

“I chose McCombs because it was the top-ranked program in Dallas/Fort Worth that placed an emphasis on community partnership and student collaboration. In addition, the career services support alongside the University of Texas brand and network made my decision easy. I have used my time at McCombs, in conjunction with working in financial services, to hone the skills necessary to best position myself for success as a leader in Corporate America.”

Stay up to date with all things McCombs by subscribing to our newsletter.

We hope you’ll come visit us in Austin to learn more about how the Texas McCombs and UT Austin Communities support our Military MBAs. If you have any questions, please let us know.

Hook ‘em!

First Look: Executive MBA
Class of 2021

October 24, 2019 / Texas MBA Admissions / Comments Off

The Round 1 application deadline is approaching for our Executive MBA, currently ranked #8 in the U.S. by Poets and Quants, and our admissions committee is preparing to put together another elite class of students to bring their skills and experience to the McCombs network.

This past August, our newest enrolled students started their MBA journey at Rowling Hall. Introducing the Executive MBA Class of 2021:

The Executive MBA welcomed 48 top-caliber business professionals to the Texas McCombs MBA network with women leaders making up 21% and international students making up 18%. We also have a growing military population throughout all programs at McCombs with 10 veteran students included in our Executive class this year.

These executives represent a wide array of industries, including technology, energy, government, banking and finance, and consulting. Our students also have rich educational backgrounds, as 27% of the class already hold advanced degrees.

They also have an average of 14 years of experience, signaling their skills in managing teams, decision-making, and entrepreneurship. Their experiences will challenge and inspire one another in order to reach new heights in their careers over the next two years in Austin.

As Austin continues to grow, 28% of Executive students live outside the Austin metro area and commute to the city every other weekend for classes. Commuters are not uncommon for the program and all students benefit from the strong, expansive business culture of McCombs and Austin.

We feel humbled by the amazing experiences and perspectives making up the Texas McCombs MBA Class of 2021 and cannot wait to see what they accomplish during their time in the program. If you’d like to join them as part of the Texas McCombs MBA network, start your application!

To learn more about the MBA, download our brochure, check out other Executive MBA events, or follow us on Instagram for an inside look at student life. We look forward to meeting you and reading your application.

Hook ’em!

First Look: MBA at Houston
Class of 2021

October 24, 2019 / Texas MBA Admissions / Comments Off

The deadline for the Round 1 MBA at Houston application is just around the corner! Our admissions team is committed to selecting bright, world-changing students that offer unique perspectives to their incoming class.

Last year, our admissions team received a strong pool of applications to pull from, and the stats certainly reflect that. With that said, Texas McCombs is proud to welcome our talented students from our Houston MBA program! Check them out:

Texas McCombs MBA at Houston welcomed 83 motivated students to the program as new members of the Longhorn family. These students are no strangers to the fast-paced, hard-working town of Houston and they are all a true testament to the institution they will come to be challenged by over the next two years.

We are excited to see the continued diversity of industry backgrounds from the energy sector & technology, to consulting, the nonprofit space, and government. Through our 83 students, there are over 40 world-renowned companies represented, such as Chevron, Ernst & Young, Oracle, and The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

We are excited to see the addition of more students from Healthcare this year. Our students also have robust educational backgrounds, as we welcome students with PhDs, RNs and JDs to our class. We have representation from many of the leading healthcare organizations in Houston and our students have backgrounds in entrepreneurship, law, and nursing.

Other industries we introduced to the class this year include telecommunications, retail, and hospitality/consumer services, making this class even more professionally diverse.

Group photo of the Houston Class of 2021.

Introducing our MBA at Houston Class of 2021.

Women make up 24% of our total class population and international students make up 22%. Our MBAs also include members from the U.S. Army, Air Force, and Navy. Overall, we have seen increasing growth in both under-represented minorities and first-generation college graduate students.

Our Longhorn pride is strong at McCombs but we also celebrate our students from different undergraduate universities as well. Students from this class represent 53 different undergraduate universities, including Stanford, MIT, and Georgia Tech.

Our admissions team feels humbled by the amazing experiences and perspectives making up our latest MBA at Houston students, and cannot wait to see what they accomplish during their time in the program. If you’d like to join them as part of the Texas McCombs MBA network, start your application soon.

To learn more about the MBA, download our brochure, check out other MBA at Houston events , or follow us on Instagram for an inside look at student life.

We look forward to meeting you and reading your application.

Hook ’em!

First Look: MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth Class of 2021

October 23, 2019 / Texas MBA Admissions / Comments Off

The Round 1 application deadline for our Dallas/Fort Worth MBA is just around the corner! Our admissions committee is always committed to selecting top-caliber students to offer their unique perspective to our community. Last year, we had a very strong pool of applications to pull from and the program welcomed its largest class ever as a result, with 94 students beginning their MBA journey with Texas McCombs this past August.

We are proud to welcome our talented class of 2021!

Our 94 students come from over 37 different organizations, including Goldman Sachs, Collins Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, Sabre, and more. Our students span across a number of industries as well– technology, financial services, manufacturing, energy, and healthcare round out the top five.

The percentage of women in the class also increased, continuing an ongoing trend of growth in the number of women in the DFW program– the last three incoming classes have had the highest numbers of women in the program’s history. In addition, we continued to grow our number of under-represented minority students and first-generation college graduates, which is something we hope to see in future classes.

Group photo of the Dallas/Fort Worth Class of 2021

Introducing our Dallas/Fort Worth MBA Class of 2021.

The 2021 students also have the privilege of being the first class to take over the new 17,000 square foot space at The Centrum in Uptown Dallas! The location provides great access to the city’s business community, including companies within The Centrum, such as Capital Factory, Salesforce, BRIT Systems, and the University of Texas System. The bright, innovative space creates opportunities for collaboration, learning with technology, and more access to on-site program staff and comfortable study areas.

Our admissions team feels humbled by the amazing people making up our latest DFW MBA class, and cannot wait to see what they accomplish during their time in the program. If you’d like to join them as part of the Texas McCombs MBA network, remember to start your application soon– We look forward to meeting you in Dallas!

The amazing staff from the Texas McCombs Dallas/Fort Working MBA program.

The Texas McCombs MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth staff at The Centrum opening party.

To learn more about the DFW MBA, download our brochure, check out other DFW MBA events , or follow us on Instagram for an inside look at student life.

Hook ’em!

Test Options for Working
Professional MBA Candidates

October 17, 2019 / Texas MBA Admissions / Comments Off

This MBA Insider info comes from the Working Professional and Executive MBA Admissions team.

Preparing for and taking an MBA admissions exam is one of the best ways to get your mind back into academic mode. The most common questions we receive from candidates are about the standardized tests — how to prepare for them and if there are average or minimum scores. While competitive test scores can certainly enhance your chances of admission, it is only one factor in a holistic review of your application. Exploring the Class Profiles will give you the best idea of how our admitted students scored on their tests when preparing for the admissions process.

Texas McCombs Professional or Executive MBA candidates — for Evening, Executive, Dallas/Fort Worth, or Houston— have more options than ever when considering which graduate entrance exam to submit.

Test Options at a Glance

Submitting Expired GRE or GMAT Scores

Many of our Professional and Executive MBA candidates come into the program with a master’s degree that was earned immediately following their undergraduate degree. Until recently, only valid GRE or GMAT scores within the past five years were accepted from applicants. The reality is, prior graduate education and quality work experience are strong indicators of success in graduate business curriculum.

So if you hold a master’s degree and have your expired GRE or GMAT score report, a current exam score is not required and you may submit your expired scores.

The Executive Assessment (EA)

Several years ago, GMAC (who also delivers the GMAT) saw the need for a new test, tailored to the needs of MBA programs and their applicants who have significant years of work experience. Originally conceived for Executive MBA programs, the Executive Assessment (EA) was created in 2017. Today, over 70 MBA programs accept the EA. Where the GMAT and GRE are seen as screening tools, the EA is a readiness exam and a benchmark for academic preparedness.

If you have at least 8 years of work experience post-undergrad, you may choose to submit the EA with your Professional or Executive MBA application instead of the GMAT or GRE.

The Right Test for Your Application and Career Goals

When you’re considering an MBA program for a specific career path, it’s good to know what the recruiting landscape looks like. Be sure to educate yourself on choosing a test for your career search before starting your test prep.

Scholarship awards are another aspect to think about when deciding which test to submit. The Dallas and Houston Weekend MBA, and the Austin Evening MBA programs award small recruiting scholarships to outstanding incoming students based on the merits of the application as well as financial need. While the committee reviews each candidate holistically when awarding scholarships, a strong, valid GMAT or GRE will outweigh an expired GMAT or GRE, or an EA.

It’s true, some Executive MBA candidates can waive their exam requirements. The Executive MBA program is the only McCombs MBA that allows candidates to petition to waive the exam altogether. Candidates use the Optional Essay to explain why they do not need an exam, and the committee evaluates each waiver petition in the context of the entire application. Essentially, we’re looking elsewhere for information that the test would convey.

Our best advice to Executive MBA candidates: You must have at least 8 years of work experience to apply, but Executive MBAs have an average of over 14 years of experience. If you have below this average and solely a bachelor’s degree, plan to submit the EA.

If you have any questions about your testing options please contact our admissions team:
MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth Admissions
MBA at Houston Admissions
Evening MBA Admissions
Executive MBA Admissions

Hook ’em!

Top Tips for a Successful MBA Interview

October 9, 2019 / Texas McCombs MBA / Comments Off

We understand that if you are planning to apply to start your MBA next fall, this application cycle or your plans may be affected by challenges posed by COVID-19. The University of Texas continues to prioritize your safety and you can stay updated on safety measures and announcements via Protect Texas Together.

After you submit your MBA application, you may receive an invitation to interview. The weeks after submitting create a new set of questions, especially because of the current restrictions for on-campus visits and virtual interviews. Common questions include: What interview format options are there? What sort of questions will I be asked? Who conducts the interview? How should I prepare?

Some applicants anticipate an interview and feel nervous, which is natural. If you are nervous, here is some key advice: The interview is your official opportunity to share your story, provide examples, and tell us why you chose McCombs like no one else can. Take advantage of this opportunity; It can be just the thing the Admissions Committee needs to understand the rest of your application elements and gives us the chance to get to know you better!

Different schools have different interview processes. It’s important to be familiar with how the Texas McCombs MBA runs the virtual interview experience. Be sure to read all confirmation emails and instructions very carefully.

Invitation Only

Currently, all interviews are being conducted virtually. For our Full-Time MBA program, interviews will be conducted by a current MBA student member of the Admissions Committee. For our Working Professional MBA programs, interviews will be conducted by the dedicated Admissions Officer for your program.

If you receive an interview invitation, an email will point you to our online platform and allow you to select an interview time slot that works with your schedule. There is a deadline to complete your interview, so be sure to schedule it as early as you can.

Interview invitations can come at any time during the application round. You will want to check your email (and your Spam Folder) regularly after you submit your application so you can respond to our invitation and secure your preferred time slot.

An Un-Biased Approach

Going into each interview, our interviewers do not have access to anything about you or your application, except for your resume. (Even so, it’s always a good idea to have a copy of your resume on-hand during the conversation.)

All of our interviewers are fully trained on conducting an interview that is professional, fair, impartial and helpful. Interviews typically last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.

Most interviews follow the general framework of introductions, questions from the interviewer for you to answer, then leave time at the end for you to ask questions about the program and/or application process.

Top Tips

Be On Time: Arriving on time is “Interviewing 101,” yet it still manages to trip up even the most prepared of candidates. Please follow all the instructions in your confirmation email about how to connect with your interviewer.
Test Technology: Virtual interviews are being conducted through Zoom. If you don’t have one already, create a Zoom account. You’ll want to find a good space to conduct your interview, ideally with good lighting, stable internet, and access to a plug. We recommend connecting directly to your internet for the most reliable internet connection.
Pace Yourself: You’d be surprised how many times, at the end of an applicant’s long answer, we are asked to repeat the original question. Most often this happens to people who try to put too much into the first answer for fear of not being given an opportunity later on to address their prepared examples. Don’t worry, you will have time to get to it. Plus, there is often an opportunity at the end of an interview to mention anything you didn’t address in the formal line of questioning.
Be Professional But Loosen Up: Given our program’s famously friendly culture, our interviews are relatively informal.  If you still find yourself nervous, practice your answers in front of a mirror or with a friend or colleague and ask them how you did. Did you answer the question? Did you rush through it? Take a moment to outline your answer in your mind first, and then address it calmly and confidently.  Don’t get too comfortable, though. While we’re an easy-going group, maintaining an appropriate level of professionalism is always a good idea. This includes professional language and attire, as if you were interviewing for a job.
Know What We’re Looking For: We listen for confidence, clear and concise communication of career goals, concrete examples of teamwork and leadership, in-depth knowledge of our MBA program, and overall genuine enthusiasm.  Also, the interview can be a place to showcase secondary skills that are difficult for us to determine solely based on your application: interview skills, self-awareness, communication style, and “hire-ability.” Keep these in mind so we can get a feel for the application intangibles.
Come with questions: A good list of questions for your interviewer can illustrate a few key things about you as a candidate: You’ve done your research, you care about our program, you have envisioned yourself as an MBA, and you can formulate coherent thoughts under pressure. We usually leave anywhere from 10-15 minutes for questions, so limit your list to 2-3 good ones and have a few backups.

If you have any questions during the application process, we’re here to help. Please visit our website for details on applying to each program and follow us on Instagram for an inside look into the the Texas McCombs MBA.

First Look: Full-Time MBA Class of 2021

October 8, 2019 / Divina Ceniceros Dominguez / Comments Off

After receiving over 1,900 applications for our Full-Time MBA program, Texas McCombs is happy to welcome our incoming MBA class of 2021! Our admissions team prides itself in fostering a diverse range of students with individual talents and backgrounds that will positively impact their peers, their networks, and the world around them for years to come.

Each MBA class is the result of relationships built between MBA candidates and the Texas McCombs community through connecting with MBA admissions, attending MBA events, completing our application and visiting our campus at UT Austin, one of the most prestigious public universities in the world, deep in the heart of welcoming, vibrant Austin, Texas.

We are looking forward to getting to know the next class of Texas McCombs MBA students this fall! Get a sneak peak at our Full-Time Class of 2021 below:

Our commitment to creating a well-rounded and engaging education starts with our diverse student body. In the last three years, the number of women enrolled at Texas McCombs has continued to increase, with 2019 being the highest percentage of women in the Full-Time MBA program ever.

Students also have the opportunity to go beyond the classroom to develop global perspectives of the business world through our Exchange, Double Degree and McCombs Adventure programs. These give students the opportunity to immerse themselves in other cultures while studying in countries around the world. Our Global Connections program takes students on an eight to ten-day tour to learn about business powerhouses in countries like China, South Africa, Thailand, Cuba, and Argentina.

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Horns Up🤘Around the World 🌍 ⁣ ⁣ Follow our story this week to see highlights from our Working Professional MBA Global Connections Study Tours. All students in the Evening MBA, Weekend MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth, and Weekend MBA at Houston programs participate in a global trip as part of their curriculum. This year students are visiting and learning about Peru & Chile, China, Bangkok & Thailand, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Bulgaria & Romania, and Poland. ⁣ ⁣ #TXMBAGlobal #WhyMcCombs #WorldandUT

A post shared by Texas McCombs MBA (@utexasmba) on Jun 5, 2019 at 8:34pm PDT

This year, Texas McCombs was ranked as one of the top 20 business schools in the country by U.S. News and is consistently cited as a top value due to the strong return on investment for our graduates after working with our dedicated Career Management team within one of the largest business school networks in the world.

Students also have the opportunity to join one of our 40+ student organizations ranging from leadership and professional orgs to affinity and social and sports orgs.

The next deadline for the 2019-2020 Full-Time MBA application is our Round 2 deadline on January 7, 2020. We encourage you to prepare to submit your best application and recommend the below resources to help:

Read our GMAT/GRE blog series to prepare for your test.
Review our new application essay topics and start thinking about your responses.
Attend an upcoming MBA event to meet admissions staff and alumni.
Learn about our new center for graduate education: Rowling Hall in McCombs Magazine.
Send a message to the Admissions Committee with any questions you have.

Questions? Feel free to reach out to us: TEXASMBA@mccombs.utexas.edu, (512) 471-7698 or follow us on all our social media platforms @UTexasMBA.

We look forward to getting to know you and reading your application. Hook ’em!

The Full-Time MBA Admissions Team

August 18, 2019 / Texas McCombs MBA / Comments Off

Every year, the Texas McCombs Full-Time MBA admissions team travels around the world to participate in events to meet you, share what makes McCombs such a unique place, and answer any questions you have about the program or application process. This team is also who will support your application process, really getting to know you and your goals.

Get to know more about them, below. 🤘

Rodrigo Malta
Managing Director, MBA Recruiting and Admissions

How long have you been with the MBA program and what is your background?
I grew up in Brazil and moved to the United States in high school. I earned my bachelor’s degree in management from Missouri State University. I then used my MBA experience at McCombs to transition from an internal audit career in the telecommunications industry to a marketing role in the technology industry with Dell. During my time as an MBA student, I was very involved in our McCombs Ambassador Committee. This passion for MBA admissions eventually led me back to McCombs and to my current Director role – my dream job!

What has been your most rewarding experience so far with the MBA Admissions Team?

The graduation ceremony in the spring of every year is very special and rewarding to me. I love seeing our excited students walking across the graduation stage and enjoy meeting their families and friends that supported them in this great endeavor.

What are some of the strongest attributes of a Texas McCombs MBA class?

Hands down the diversity of our class! We bring together students from all corners of the world with unique personal stories and varied professional backgrounds. Add in our award-winning faculty members and this is the perfect recipe for lively class discussions and an amazing learning environment.

Stephen Sweeney
Director of Full-Time MBA Admissions

How long have you been with the MBA program and what is your background?

I have been leading the recruiting and admissions for the Full-Time MBA at Texas McCombs since January of 2014. I am also an alum of the program and volunteered with the McCombs Ambassador Committee as a student. Prior to enrolling at McCombs, I worked in the hedge fund industry and taught fourth grade through Teach For America. After I graduated from the MBA, I worked in management consulting until returning to McCombs.

What are some of the strongest attributes of a Texas McCombs MBA class?

Our accessible faculty along with the hands-on opportunities that McCombs offers truly sets our program apart. Whether being selected for one our Fellows programs or doing an MBA+ project, our students have ample ways to apply what they learn in the classroom to current issues facing companies. I also feel that our Career Management team is the best in the business. This is evident in our placement rates, but you have to see how students transform over the two years and much of this can be attributed to our stellar team. Lastly, no other top MBA program is located in Austin– the best city in the country!

Stacey Batas
Senior Admissions Officer, Full-Time MBA

How long have you been with the MBA program and what is your background?

I’m a higher ed lifer! I became a part of the Texas MBA team in 2015. Prior to my current role, I worked for an Austin-based marketing firm focused on college and university admissions. We helped clients with social media, branding, search campaigns, publication design, etc. I also spent 8 years in admissions and marketing at a private college in Charlotte, North Carolina, where I managed our events and recruited transfer and international students. While in Charlotte, I attained my MA degree in Higher Education. I’m originally from a small town in Western Pennsylvania so I’ve been slowly making my way down to the warm weather!

What has been your most rewarding experience so far with the MBA Admissions Team?

I manage and supervise the “MAC,” or McCombs Ambassador Committee. They’re our (super amazing) students who answer your emails & phone calls, grab coffee with you, host you at our on-campus events, and help Admissions recruit a strong and diverse incoming class. It’s been very rewarding to work with such a collaborative & intelligent group of individuals who are passionate about giving back and talking about their love for Texas McCombs with future students.

What are some of the strongest attributes of a Texas McCombs MBA class?

The student culture! Our Texas MBAs are so supportive of each other. They want everyone to succeed and push their classmates to be their best selves. Students even go so far as to help each other prep for the same interview! The culture of the program also reflects our great location– the city of Austin. MBA students are friendly, laid back, and take advantage of all that Austin has to offer.

Jaden Felix
Senior Admissions Officer, Full-Time MBA

How long have you been with the MBA program and what is your background?

It’s been a quick one and half years on the Texas McCombs MBA recruiting and admissions team, but 9+ years at the University. I was born and raised in Fresno, CA and graduated from The University of Michigan with a degree in political science. Prior to joining Texas McCombs, I worked at University of Michigan and in the Office of the Dean of Students at The University of Texas at Austin where I focused on leadership development, intercultural education, wellness and safety, as well as, student success initiatives. My interest in positive leadership, change, and effective teams within organizations led me to pursue a Master of Science in Leadership and Change at St. Edwards University. I’m looking forward to meeting you on the road and on-campus.

What has been your most rewarding experience so far with the MBA Admissions Team?

My most rewarding experience is preparing and welcoming our community of Consortium students to the annual Consortium Orientation Program and Career Forum. With assistance from Career Management, Employer Relations, Admissions, and the 2^ndyear MBA Consortium liaisons, we design a dynamic training to jump start their Texas McCombs MBA journey with mock interviews, alumni speakers, coaching, experiential learning activities, and community building. To top it off, we even create playlist of each person’s song of choice – think of it as their ultimate mix tape – which is very eclectic. It was full of memorable experiences and takeaways, including you’re always on, prioritize your time, recharge, and chanting Texas Fight.

Jamie Moon
Admissions Counselor, Full-Time MBA

How long have you been with the MBA program and what is your background?

I have been with the MBA program since December 2015. Prior to working at McCombs, I worked for a physician’s office in Austin doing billing and administrative functions. Originally from Georgia, I attended Georgia State University for my bachelor’s degree in philosophy.

What are some of the strongest attributes of a Texas McCombs MBA class?

Definitely the students’ willingness to communicate and collaborate with each other. They are all very supportive of one another, even when in direct competition – like interviewing for the same job! I also appreciate their willingness to give back, not only to their class and the McCombs community, but the broader Austin community as well, be it through Board Fellows, or student organizations.

If you have questions or would like to connect with a student or staff member of our Admissions Committee, please reach out to us.

We can’t wait to meet you. Hook ’em!

The Top 5 MBA Admissions Questions

July 25, 2019 / Texas McCombs MBA / Comments Off

If you have reviewed the Texas McCombs MBA application process, you are familiar with the basic steps to applying. Here are some of the steps we’ve highlighted on this blog:

Taking the GMAT or GRE exam Note: Our part-time programs have NEW test options available.
Requesting a Letter of Recommendation
Providing an updated CV/Resume
Understanding GIAC requirements
Completing the required essays

Of course, the above list does not cover everything. Each application is unique, and you may have a special situation or questions specific to your career goals or background. Our MBA Admissions team has put together our Top 5 Most Frequently Asked Questions below.

Who has Texas residency status?

Everyone who applies to the Texas McCombs MBA is classified as a non-resident until they are admitted, accept the offer, and complete a Texas Residency questionnaire. So even though your status may look incorrect to start, if you’re a Texas resident, you’ll have a chance to prove it later on in the process.

How do I submit transcripts?

We get all sorts of questions on transcripts– foreign language transcripts, study abroad transcripts, old paper transcripts, and electronic transcripts. Here’s a breakdown of the steps for transcripts:

Order official transcripts from any university or college you attended EXCEPT junior or technical colleges. Have the transcripts sent to you directly. If your transcripts are in a foreign language, they must also be accompanied by an official English translation.
Scan and upload all transcripts to your McCombs Application online.
Pay your Application Fee. (see #5 below)
Scan and upload transcripts to the Graduate and International Admissions Center (GIAC).
Store your official transcripts safely. If you’re offered admission and intend to enroll, you’ll then send your official transcripts to GIAC.

Are letters of recommendation required?

We require one professional letter of recommendation from a person who has supervised your work and/or has assessed your performance during your career. We cannot accept additional letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation are received directly from the recommender via a secure portal in your application. While completing your application, you will be able to send your recommender an invitation to access this secure portal to submit their recommendation. Once your letter of recommendation is received, you will be notified via automated email.

A few helpful hints:

Complete this part of your application first. This will launch email notifications to your recommenders and allow them to get started on the form while you’re working on the other components of your application.
Contact your recommenders ASAP to let them know they should receive an email to avoid them ending up in someone’s junk/spam email folder since they come from a generic Texas MBA email address.
Monitor the status of your recommendations in the McCombs application portal to ensure they’re completed within a reasonable amount of time, and by the deadline. You can resend notifications from within the portal as needed.

How long do I have to submit my test scores?

As long as you’ve taken a test and have made the request to have your official scores sent to UT Austin by the round deadline, your application will be considered “on time.” During the admissions process, we sync what you reported in the application with what’s received by UT Austin. It can take several weeks for your official score to be received by the university, and your application marks this item complete once it arrives.

If you’ve decided to retake the exam after you’ve submitted your application, please notify the appropriate program as soon as you have your score. Please note there is no guarantee that your updated test score(s) will be considered in the evaluation of your candidacy, as this depends on when the McCombs Admissions Committee receives the update from you. Again, it’ll take several weeks for the official score to reach UT Austin, but be sure you’ve made the request to have the updated score sent.

If you’re applying to multiple programs at McCombs, you don’t need to send separate scores to each program. UT Austin has a central repository for official scores that all departments can access.

When do I pay the application fee?

You will not be able to pay the application fee for about two business days after you hit the submit button, depending on when you submit your application. Your application is considered “on time” if submitted by the deadline, regardless if the fee is paid on that date. However, your application will not be evaluated if you do not pay the fee once it’s due.

Please be sure to complete the following steps AFTER you hit the submit button on the application:

Within two business days of submission of your application you will receive an email with instructions for how to log into your GIAC MyStatus Page. Log into your GIAC MyStatus page to pay the $200 application fee. Your application fee status should reflect “Paid” in the McCombs application portal within five business days of submission.
Upload Transcripts to GIAC after you have paid the fee. Note: Former University of Texas at Austin students will pay a transcript fee in lieu of uploading UT Austin transcripts to GIAC.

We encourage you to carefully review all the MBA application components in detail as you complete your application. And if you have additional questions, please reach out to us.

Hook ’em!

These tips were originally posted on Sept. 18, 2017 and have been updated for this application cycle.