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Full-Time MBA Test Options and Waivers 

Preparing for and taking an MBA admissions exam is one of the best ways to get your mind back into academic mode as you prepare for business school. Some of the most common questions we receive from MBA candidates are about the standardized test requirement.  

 The Texas McCombs MBA Admissions Team is excited to share that Full-Time MBA candidates have more options than ever before when considering how to complete the standardized test requirement in their application. All applicants are required to submit a GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE, or Executive Assessment (EA) score.  

We will waive the testing requirement if:

  • Expired (taken 5+ years ago) GMAT, GRE, or EA score is submitted

or

In addition, studying for and taking the exam – for some, even taking it multiple times – can show the Admissions Committee your commitment to the competitive business school application process and how you may approach academic challenges as a student. 

This post contains a lot of information, broken down into three sections: 

  • Should I Petition for a Test Waiver?
  • Which Exam is Right for You? 
  • Submitting Your Test Requirement
  • Impact of Your Test Score 

Should I Petition for a Test Waiver?

Standardized exams like the GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE, and EA evaluate a candidate’s academic preparedness for the rigor of business school and is one metric used to compare candidates within a large pool of applicants. The majority of applicants applying to the Full-Time MBA program take either the GMAT, GMAT Focus, or GRE due to the competitiveness of the pool. Submitting a strong, valid test score will give the Admissions Committee an additional, relevant data point that may strengthen a candidate’s position for admission and/or scholarship award. However, in some cases, an applicant can prove competitiveness in other areas of the application. 

A merit-based test waiver is available by request prior to submitting your application. Waivers/Exceptions are not available for applicants who have already sent scores to UT. 

To be considered for a test waiver, an applicant must have:

  • A minimum of three years of substantive and progressing postundergraduate work experience, preferably of an analytical or quantitative nature.

AND at least one of the following:

  • Completion of an undergraduate degree, with a strong academic record, preferably with analytical or quantitative courses.
  • Completion of a graduate degree, with strong academic record, preferably in an analytical or quantitative discipline.

To complete the merit-based test waiver petition, candidates must submit a short statement highlighting the merits of their request, an up-to-date resume, and undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts. If you do not already have a UT EID, create one here 

  • A decision on your test waiver request will be shared within 5-10 business days after submission. Test waiver petitions must be submitted no later than 7 days prior to the application deadline for the round to which you are applying. 

Approval for the test waiver petition is merit-based and considers your work experience and academic history. The Admissions Committee will be assessing your academic and professional background, looking for evidence of demonstrated readiness –specifically in quantitative subjects –for the rigorous MBA curriculum. 

Which Exam is Right for You?  

The Admissions Committee does not prefer one test over the other in terms of demonstrating your preparedness for business school, but it is important to think about which exam is best for you as an individual. There are different reasons to consider taking the GMAT vs GMAT Focus vs the GRE vs the EA. 

While the GMAT, GMAT Focus, and GRE tests both have quantitative and verbal sections, they have noticeable differences. We encourage you to do your research and take practice tests to learn each test’s points of emphasis, and how they are scored.  

Both The GMAT, GMAT Focus, and GRE are adaptive, which means that your success in answering questions correctly has an impact on the future questions you are given. But the tests deliver adaptive questions in different ways. 

  • The GMAT and GMAT Focus are adaptive by question. When you get an answer correct, the next question is more difficult, and when you get an answer wrong, the next question is less difficult. This also means that once you answer a question, you can’t go back to that question. 
  • The GRE is adaptive by section. If you do well on the first verbal section, you get a more difficult version of the next verbal section and vice versa. 

We have included some more details about the GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE, and EA below, but if you are unsure which exam is best for you, here are our tips: 

We recommend taking some practice tests! There’s a chance you may be more comfortable with one test format over the other.  At the end of the day, the choice of which exam to take is yours. 

Build in study time and leave yourself enough room on the calendar to retake an exam if necessary. If you’re not happy with your score, you can retake either test. While many candidates take the test only once thinking it will fulfill the requirement, others recognize that a second effort is likely to yield improvement. It comes at the cost of additional time and another test fee, but the payoff can be significant if it makes you a stronger candidate. 

Make sure you submit your application as confidently as possible and with a score you feel good about. 

Submitting Current or Expired GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE, or EA Scores 

For current scores, you must self-report your test scores in your application as well as have official score reports sent directly to UT Austin by the testing agency. The date your official scores are sent to UT Austin by the testing agency should be no later than the application round deadline, as it can take up to 3-4 weeks for new scores to be processed. If you are taking the GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE, or EA online, allow up to two weeks to receive your score from the testing agency. You must have your test score in hand by the application deadline in order to submit your application. 

For expired scores (5 years or older), you must self-report your score and upload proof of the test score in the application. Examples of proof for expired test scores include a score report you received previously from the testing agency OR documentation from another educational institution that previously received the score (e.g. for another graduate/terminal degree application). 

Impact of a Test Score 

Future Employment 

Before you make a final decision on your testing options or a waiver petition, it’s best to research some of your target companies or industries and determine two things: 

  • The extent to which they evaluate a test score in reviewing job candidates. 
  • Whether they have a preference for one of the tests. At McCombs, we have found that most top-tier consulting and investment banking firms do ask for a candidate’s test scores, and both industries historically have favored the GMAT. 

You should consider taking the GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE, or EA as another opportunity to not only impress the Admissions Committee but also potential employers. 

Academic History 

Does your undergraduate or graduate transcript accurately reflect your academic ability? If your GPA is low, and you do not submit a strong test score, the Admissions Committee may have concerns about your ability to succeed in the rigorous MBA curriculum. 

One other factor to consider is whether or not your quantitative ability shines elsewhere in your application. While many of our MBA students come to McCombs from non-quantitative majors, these applicants are typically able to prove their quantitative prowess through their test scores. If you come from a non-quantitative background and do not submit a strong test score, you will need to find other areas within your background or experience that can demonstrate your quantitative skills.  

At the end of the day, we want to make sure that you are set up to succeed academically in the program. If the Admissions Committee has concerns about your quantitative ability, it may impact your chance of admission, or you may be required to complete pre-MBA coursework prior to admission and/or prior to enrollment. 

Scholarships 

 Scholarship awards are competitive and limited in number. Scholarship decisions are based on a longstanding holistic review process that considers your entire application and serves to assess the overall strength of your candidacy, including readiness for academic rigor, career goals, leadership potential, and fit with our program culture.  Submitting a strong, valid test score will give the Admissions Committee an additional, relevant data point that may strengthen a candidate’s position for scholarship awards.  

Summary 

As you evaluate your testing options or a test waiver petition, we challenge you to assess the quantitative data points on your application and think about what will strengthen your overall MBA candidacy.  While some applicants may not need a test score to build their case, other applicants may significantly enhance their chances of being admitted (and getting a scholarship) by having a strong test score. At the end of the day, being objective about the quantitative data points you present on your application will help ensure you put your best foot forward in the admissions process. 


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 Texas McCombs MBA. 

The Full-Time MBA Cover Letter and Optional Statement

MBA Cover Letter

The application cover letter is a critical means of learning who you are as an applicant and assessing your communication and writing skills. Here is the prompt to help guide you in writing the application cover letter:

Please write an application cover letter summarizing your aspirations, qualifications, personal and professional experiences that make you a strong candidate for the Texas Full-Time MBA program. (max 500)

MBA Optional Statement 

Please provide any additional information you believe is important or address any areas of concern that you believe will be beneficial to the MBA Admissions Committee in considering your application. (e.g. gaps in work experience, choice of recommender, academic performance, or extenuating personal circumstances) (250 words) 

Honestly, the most important piece of advice we can provide you on the optional statement is to remember that it is just that– optional. Only applicants who feel some of their profile deserves more explanation should submit an optional statement. This section of the application is not to designed for you to tell us more about your extracurricular activities or expand upon the essay prompt. While we love to see how excited you are to share additional information with us, there are other ways to let the Admissions Committee know about additional projects or passions. Your resume and the video assessment are better forums for these additional details. Optional statements should focus on filling gaps or answering questions we are likely to have about you. 

Our Tips for Writing Your Cover Letter

  • Be patient with yourself. Take time to reflect, brainstorm, rewrite, and EDIT. It will likely take more than one draft to realize your final submission.
  • Don’t copy and paste. Do not use the same content for multiple business schools. We can always spot recycled content.
  • STAY ON PROMPT. We actually want your submission to be in cover letter form! Approach this as you would drafting a cover letter for a job – who are you, why do you want to come to McCombs, and how will you contribute to the program?
  • Be honest. The cover letter is a way to learn more about you. Our community values authenticity and we look for submissions that reflect your authentic self.
  • Have someone you trust read over your cover letter. Those closest to you can provide valuable insights, feedback, and perspectives as you highlight your personal gifts and qualities.

We hope these insights into the written portions of our application give you some ideas to think about and some points to revisit as you write (and rewrite) your cover letter. Good luck, and happy applying!


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 Texas McCombs MBA. 

Getting to Know You Through the Video Assessment

Shortly after you submit your MBA application and your application fee is paid or waived, you will receive an invitation to complete the Texas McCombs MBA Video Assessment! All applicants have 7 days to complete the assessment upon receiving access to the video submission platform. The Video Assessment has 5  question prompts and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.  The first question will be viewed by the Admissions Committee but will not be evaluated for a score. Applicants will be allowed to practice before submitting their Video Assessment and will have no more than 90 seconds to answer each prompt.  

What is the Admissions Committee looking for? 

This application requirement helps the Admissions Committee better understand who you are in your own voice and allows us to assess your communication skills. Within the video assessment we are evaluating the following competencies, important for every Texas McCombs MBA student: 

Adaptability / Resilience
We are looking for applicants that demonstrate adaptability and resilience through their positive mindset and ability to navigate unexpected circumstances and change. Successful applicants see failure as a learning experience and an opportunity to grow, demonstrated by their coachability and openness to feedback. 

Motivation
The Admissions Committee is looking for  a genuine interest in pursuing an MBA and a clear understanding of how it will help to achieve their professional goals. Applicants should understand why Texas McCombs is the right place to pursue their studies and show enthusiasm for their goals and our MBA program.

Empathy/Inclusivity
Texas McCombs MBA students demonstrate empathy by understanding others’ perspectives. The Admissions Committee is looking for candidates that advocate for under-represented voices and navigate difficult conversations/situations appropriately. Successful applicants embrace and work within diverse teams.

Ambition
The Admissions Committee is looking for candidates that demonstrate ambition and have the ability to deliver results. They show potential to strategically synthesize information to solve complex problems at a high level. They utilize an enterprising and tenacious approach to problem-solving and are intellectually curious. 

Goals
A strong applicant puts significant thought and consideration into their decision-making in applying for this program. They have a long-term vision of how they plan to achieve their goals. 

Well-Roundedness 
We are looking for applicants that are able to explain what drives them outside of work and career. They are well-rounded and display interests and passions in their personal life. Their personality is shaped by various hobbies or interests. 

Verbal Communication
The Admissions Committee is looking for candidates that are excellent verbal communicators. They are proficient and skilled in speaking and presenting in the English language, and they can articulate their thoughts clearly. Strong applicants are engaging, and they can think on their feet. 

Professionalism/Poise
Strong applicants display maturity, poise, answers questions, and conduct themselves in a professional manner. They present themselves professionally and can conduct themselves appropriately in a business setting. 

Tips for a Successful Video Assessment

  1. Practice: You will have the ability to practice responding to test questions for as long as you wish. Take advantage of the opportunity! The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll be with the technology when answering the real prompts.  
  1. Test Technology: Virtual Assessments are conducted through the Kira platform. It will require a desktop or laptop computer (no iphones/ipads) with a functioning webcam, microphone, and internet connection. We recommend connecting directly to your internet for the most reliable internet connection – and make sure you have plenty of charge on your laptop or that you are plugged in! Most browsers are compatible (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera) but the platform will not work well on Safari.  
  1. Pace Yourself: A big reason that we limit responses to three minutes is because it is GREAT practice for your MBA experience.  Keeping responses concise, yet clear, is important when recruiting for U.S.-based jobs. However, make sure you are answering the question in full! Those practice questions will be a great way to gauge what three minutes actually feels like when responding to a question. 
  1. Be Professional, but Loosen Up: 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. 

Here’s our final piece of advice: The video assessment is your official opportunity to share your story, provide examples, and tell us why you chose McCombs in your own voice 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. 


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 Texas McCombs MBA. 

Discover the Redesigned Evening MBA Program at Texas McCombs

Reduced Program Duration, New Electives, and Expanded Networking Opportunities

The redesigned Evening MBA program ranked No. 6 in the country (U.S. News & World Report, 2023) has been streamlined and now provides a flexible pathway to your MBA, with a reduced program duration, new elective offerings, and expanded networking opportunities. These valuable enhancements, detailed below, will take effect for our next incoming class of Evening MBA students, who will start the program in August 2024. Applications will open in August 2023.

Reduced Program Duration

The Evening MBA program is streamlining the program duration from 28 to 21 months to allow for greater flexibility and efficiency for busy professionals. Now, you can earn your MBA faster with the high-quality education that Texas McCombs is known for. It’s an accelerated path to achieving your career goals, without compromising on educational excellence.

Tailor Your Degree with New Electives

Evening MBA students experience a comprehensive cohort-based curriculum designed to enhance their understanding of core business principles. The new curriculum will have five electives, allowing students to dive deeper in areas of interest, which is especially important in today’s dynamic business landscape. The entire program and its elective courses will all be offered in-person, in Austin.

  • The new curriculum dedicates more credit hours dedicated to technology, leadership, and international business.
  • Two flexible core electives on technology and global management. Three general electives of your choice will be offered from a curated selection of courses.
  • Examples of electives include Investment Theory, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Product Management, Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility, Advocacy, Art and Science of Negotiations. Elective topics are subject to change.

More Opportunities to Network and Build Your MBA Community

We understand the value of building a strong professional network. That’s why you will have more chances to connect and collaborate with other Working Professional MBA students in our Dallas and Houston programs through shared electives, traveling on the global trip together, and participating in Academic Intensives. These interactions will not only enrich your learning experience but also provide valuable connections that will benefit you throughout your career. At Texas McCombs, we believe that networking is a vital component of your MBA journey, and we are committed to fostering a supportive community.

Exceptional Faculty and Engaging Learning Environment

Among the great things staying the same include our world-class, Texas McCombs faculty. Our professors are passionate about teaching and providing you with a transformative educational experience in a dynamic and collaborative learning environment. Also staying the same are business foundations offered through the core curriculum and capstone, McCombs+ Experiential Learning and Leadership Fellows, award-winning career management support for life, and Academic Intensives – all of which will be delivered in our new 21-month, Monday and Tuesday evening format. Here, you will have opportunities to engage in real-world projects, case studies, and interactive discussions, and you can apply your knowledge immediately to your work the next day.

What’s Next?

At Texas McCombs, we are committed to providing a human-centered, future-focused business education that equips you with the skills, knowledge, and network to thrive in today’s competitive business world. Whether you’re looking to advance in your current role, switch careers, or start your entrepreneurial journey, our program is designed to empower you to achieve your goals. We are excited about the possibilities this redesign brings and look forward to supporting you on your journey to success.


Sign up to receive Evening MBA news, and register for an admissions event to meet program staff, current students, and alumni. Applications for the Evening MBA will open in August 2023. Questions about the Evening MBA? Contact: TexasEveningMBA@mccombs.utexas.edu

What’s New in the 2023-24
Texas McCombs Full-Time
MBA Application

Texas McCombs is delighted to unveil the 2023-24 Full-Time MBA application deadline and components, featuring significant updates that reflect our dedication to reducing bias, fostering inclusivity, and improving accessibility in the admissions process. We are excited to offer an extended application submission window, including our Round 4 deadline, providing applicants with more time to carefully prepare and submit their materials. Additionally, in recognition of the unique profiles of our applicants, we are expanding our standardized test options to include the GMAT Focus, GMAT, GRE, and Executive Assessment, and ongoing merit-based test waiver.

As part of our commitment to enabling applicants to showcase their unique voices, we are bringing back the video assessment component and introducing an optional peer interview, providing enhanced avenues for self-expression as well as authentic conversation. These updates aim to create an inclusive and welcoming admissions experience, ensuring prospective students have an equal opportunity to shine and contribute to our vibrant community at Texas McCombs.

APPLICATION COMPONENTS FOR THE 2023-2024 ADMISSIONS CYCLE

Our Admissions Committee dedicates itself to a meticulous, holistic review of each application. Our objective is to determine if you are a good fit for Texas McCombs and to be sure we are the right school for you and your goals. There are no fixed criteria or weighted portions of the application. Unless otherwise noted, the following application components will be required this cycle:

  • Standardized Test (GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE, Executive Assessment) or merit-based waiver
  • English Proficiency Test (TOEFL, IELTS) or waiver (international students only)
  • Undergraduate transcripts and graduate transcripts (if applicable)
  • Resume
  • One Professional Recommendation
  • One Written Application Cover Letter
  • Video Assessment
  • Optional: Peer Interview

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Applications for the Full-Time MBA program are accepted in four rounds, and the program enrolls annually every August. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM Central Time on the deadline date for each round.

  • Round 1: October 10, 2023
  • Round 2: January 5, 2024
  • Round 3: March 26, 2024*
  • Round 4: May 9, 2024

*Final deadline for international applicants.

STANDARDIZED TESTING REQUIREMENTS

To provide MBA candidates with additional flexibility, applicants have more options than ever before when considering how to complete the standardized test requirement in their application. All applicants are required to submit a GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE, or Executive Assessment (EA) score. We will waive the testing requirement if:

  • Expired (taken 5+ years ago) GMAT, GRE, or EA score is submitted
  • General Test Waiver (merit-based) is approved

Standardized exams like the GRE, GMAT, GMAT Focus, and EA help us to evaluate a candidate’s academic preparedness for the rigor of business school and is also one metric used to compare candidates within a large pool of applicants. However, there are some scenarios where a candidate’s application might shine without the standardized test. Learn more about the criteria required to apply for a general test waiver.

Once the GMAT Focus is launched in late fall, Texas McCombs will accept both the current GMAT test type and the new GMAT Focus test type.

Note that the majority of applicants applying to the Full-Time MBA program take either the GMAT or the GRE due to the competitiveness of the pool. In many cases, having a strong GMAT or GRE score will make you more competitive for both admission and scholarship opportunities.

APPLICATION COVER LETTER

The application cover letter is a critical means of learning who you are as an applicant and assessing your communication and writing skills. Here is the prompt to help guide you in writing the application cover letter:

Please write an application cover letter summarizing your aspirations, qualifications, and personal and professional experiences that make you a strong candidate for the Texas Full-Time MBA program.

LIMIT: 500 words 

Additionally, and if applicable, applicants can provide an optional statement in the essay section of the application. Applicants should only provide an optional statement if there is something they wish to address about their candidacy that is not addressed elsewhere.

VIDEO ASSESSMENT

Texas McCombs has always been at the forefront of innovation and continuous improvement, consistently seeking new ways to enhance the application process for prospective MBA candidates. In line with our school mission and values, we introduced a dynamic video assessment component as part of the 2022-23 admission cycle, offering an alternative approach to a more traditional essay and interview format. Given all applicants will complete the video assessment, MBA candidates will have increased access to the application process and the opportunity to share their stories with us in their own voice.  Through the video assessment, the Admissions Committee will have a chance to experience the “real” you, beyond a resume, test scores, and transcripts. Lastly, the video assessment will enable Texas McCombs to reduce bias in the admissions process by providing all applicants with a structured and consistent assessment experience.

MBA candidates with a submitted application, whose application fee has been paid or waived will be invited to take part in our Texas McCombs Video Assessment. Each applicant will have 7 days from the invitation to complete the assessment. The video assessment is asynchronous and will help the admissions committee evaluate your career goals and the following competencies that are crucial for the fit and success of our students within the program and their future careers:

Adaptability/Resilience

Empathy/Inclusivity

Ambition

Goals

Well-Roundedness

Verbal Communication

Professionalism/Poise 

Each video assessment will start with a fun, non-evaluative question that will help the admissions team learn who you are as a person, then applicants will be asked 4 additional questions, for a total of 5 responses, with each response lasting no more than 90 seconds each. Detailed instructions will be provided with the video assessment invitation so you know what to expect, and applicants will have the opportunity to practice as many times as they wish before completing the final video assessment.

This is your time to show us your personality and enthusiasm! We recommend that you prepare for the video assessment similarly to how you might prepare for an interview.  Think reflectively about your work experience, strengths, weaknesses, and work on your delivery.

OPTIONAL: PEER INTERVIEW

One of the most vital parts of the MBA application process at Texas McCombs is the human component – “Human-Centered, Future-Focused” is our mantra for a reason. We pride ourselves in getting to know you at a personal level during the admissions process and will continue to provide hundreds of virtual and in-person ways for you to meet our students, alumni, faculty, and admissions team.

We invite all MBA applicants to close out their application process in a human-centered way and complete a short, optional virtual interview. While not required, registering for and completing an interview is highly encouraged.  

These interactive virtual sessions present a valuable opportunity for our applicants to connect with Full-Time MBA students, showcasing their collaborative skills, reaffirming their motivation for pursuing an MBA and leaving a lasting positive impression on Texas McCombs.

The optional interview will last 20-30 minutes and are available throughout the round.  The student ambassador will introduce themselves and ask you up to 3 questions that focus on collaboration and your motivation.  The rest of the time is yours to ask 2-3 questions that are top of mind.

OUR COMMITMENT

These enhancements to our application components exemplify our commitment to a human-centered, future-focused approach. We deeply value each candidate’s individual journey and recognize the potential they bring to our program. Join us at Texas McCombs as we shape a class of talented individuals with various perspectives, pioneering a path toward a brighter and more impactful future in business education.

Learn more about the MBA Application Components.


Visit Texas McCombs MBA to learn more about our programs and upcoming events, or take a peek into student life on Instagram. Check out our Application Process page for more information on application components. Please reach out to the MBA Admissions Team with any questions.

Good luck and Hook ’em!

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