This MBA Insider content comes from Christie Jenkins, Senior Recruiting and Admissions Officer for the Evening MBA Program.

Let’s start with a game of two truths and a lie! Can you spot the lie among the statements below?

  • Texas McCombs is always seeking the most qualified candidates for its MBA programs.
  • The Admissions Committee reviews applications holistically, considering a candidate’s academic performance, work experience, program fit, and a variety of other hard and soft skills.
  • Candidates must apply early to have the best chance at admission.

The first two statements are true. We are looking for the best people we can find, and we review a candidate’s academic profile, work history, and how a Texas McCombs MBA can help them achieve their goals.

The last statement is a myth – and it’s one of the most common misconceptions about applying to our MBA programs.

We are not simply trying to fill the next incoming class as soon as possible; we want to ensure that we have the strongest and most dynamic class we can get. Therefore, we have the same rigorous admissions standards regardless of when you apply. Often, some of our best students apply in the final round!

Depending on the format of the MBA program you are pursuing, either as a Full-Time student or in our Working Professional or Executive MBA programs, your preparation process will likely differ.

Full-Time MBA applicants are choosing to leave the workforce for two years and often relocate to a new city. These steps require advanced planning, and usually, applicants have been working towards them for months. However, there are a variety of valid reasons an applicant may wait until the final round to apply to a Full-Time MBA program. Perhaps there have been unexpected changes to your work or living situation, and suddenly, now would be the ideal time to make a move. Or, you just wrapped up a big project, and you can finally focus on submitting a top-notch application. Or maybe, you’ve only recently come to the realization that pursuing an MBA is the best next step forward to reach your goals.

Working Professional and Executive MBA candidates, who are planning to earn their MBA while continuing to work full-time, typically have a different set of considerations. Of course, you will still notify your employer of your intent to start an MBA, but you can tell them a bit later in the application process. Those conversations will center on your growth plan with your company and if they can offer schedule flexibility or financial sponsorship. You’ll also want to gain support from friends and family, and set expectations with them on how you will manage your time with your new priorities. Because Working Professional and Executive MBA students can continue working and living in the same area, they tend to apply later.

Often, it’s not clear that the time is right to pursue your MBA until later in the application cycle, and candidates don’t want to wait a year before getting started. Sometimes an application can be even stronger when you wait to submit until after you’ve landed a promotion, closed that latest deal, or had more time to prepare. The Admissions Committee recognizes this dynamic. When you’re ready to apply, we’re ready for you.

Bottom line: The best time to submit your application is when you feel ready to do so and you’re confident it will be the best representation of you and your potential in the program.

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Ready to get started on your MBA journey? Visit Texas McCombs MBA to learn more about our programs, application components, deadlines, and upcoming events, or take a peek into student life on Instagram. Please reach out to the MBA Admissions Team with any questions.