Texas McCombs MBA Insider

Tag: Executive MBA (page 3 of 8)

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Reapplying to Texas McCombs

August 23, 2023 / / Comments Off on Reapplying to Texas McCombs

With each new admissions cycle, questions come in from those who have applied in the past about applying again to join the next class of Texas McCombs MBAs.  

First, having applied in a previous year is not considered a negative factor in your application.

We are pleased to see your continued interest in the program and will evaluate your new application on its merits and in the context of the new applicant pool, just as if you are applying for the first time. Below is an overview of important info and tips for reapplying to the MBA program that we hope you find helpful.
 

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Application

All candidates reapplying are required to complete a new application. We have also updated our application components to include a cover letter, video assessment, and optional peer interview. You will be required to submit these new items and pay the application fee. Our cover letter prompt has changed from last year, so copying and pasting old essay responses from a previous application cycle is not recommended. In addition, rewriting your cover letter shows effort!  

Review the application process and components 

Learn more about the new application updates 

Official Transcripts

We keep your official transcript on file for one year. You will need to submit your transcripts again if you have taken any additional coursework or if you applied more than one year ago. After you apply, you can always review your application status on the “MyStatus” page to make sure you have up-to-date transcripts.  

Test Scores

GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE and Executive Assessment scores are also kept on file for one year, and overall, scores are valid five years after the date the test is taken. Candidates also have the option to apply for a merit-based test waiver; however note that if you have already sent us official scores, we must consider them in the evaluation process. The McCombs Admissions Committee considers only the highest total submitted score in the evaluation of applications. 

Recommendation Letter   

Although not required, we suggest you submit a new letter of recommendation. Determine if another recommender may provide a more current, insightful, and thorough perspective on your experience. If you choose to submit a prior recommendation, you will need to email MBA Admissions with a request to resubmit.  

Video Assessment 

Reapplicants will be asked to complete the new 2023-2024 video assessment as part of their new application; due to differences in timing and questions, we will be unable to use any video assessments from the prior year. 

 How Have You Improved?  

While completing your application, you will be asked, “Since your previous application, what steps have you taken to enhance your candidacy?” The Admissions Committee reviews this answer closely so please ensure that you spend time reflecting on and explaining these improvements.  

Choosing to reapply to the MBA program shows perseverance and dedication. We encourage you to consider giving yourself a fresh start when you approach your new application. Think through and reassess your application, address any weak areas, and add new information that may be helpful in the admission 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. 

Good luck and Hook ’em!

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Ready to Elevate Your Career? MBA Application Now Open

August 14, 2023 / / Comments Off on Ready to Elevate Your Career? MBA Application Now Open

Full-Time, Working Professional & Executive MBA Candidates

Calling all aspiring business changemakers! McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin is thrilled to announce the MBA application for Full-Time, Evening, and Executive programs in Austin, as well as the Weekend MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth and Weekend MBA at Houston, is now open for Fall 2024 entry. With a tradition of excellence in business education and a commitment to fostering innovative leaders, Texas McCombs provides a transformative learning experience that prepares students for success in the ever-evolving global landscape.  

Application Components 

As part of the Texas McCombs MBA admissions process, all applicants are required to complete all application components. The Admissions Committee aims to holistically assess candidates’ academic, professional, and personal achievements. Our objective is to determine if you are a good fit for Texas McCombs and ensure we are the right school for you and your goals. There are no fixed criteria or weighted portions of the application.  

Unless otherwise noted in the respective MBA program sections below, the following application components are required this cycle:  

Test Scores: Standardized test scores are a part of the application. All programs accept test scores from GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE, and Executive Assessment, unless applicants qualify for a waiver.  More on the test waiver petition later.

English Proficiency Test: International students must submit an English proficiency test score (TOEFL, IELTS) unless they qualify for a waiver.

Academic Transcripts: Applicants must upload official undergraduate and graduate transcripts (if applicable) from all colleges and universities attended. These transcripts provide insights into the applicant’s academic background and achievements.

Resume: Applicants are asked to provide a detailed resume or CV highlighting their work experience, educational background, and extracurricular activities.

One Professional Recommendation: A letter of recommendation is required, preferably from individuals who can attest to the applicant’s professional capabilities and potential for success in the MBA program.

Video Assessment: Applicants will participate in a video assessment, providing a unique opportunity for them to showcase their communication skills, personality, and passion for business. 

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. 

Additional Full-Time MBA Application Components 

Optional Peer Interview: All MBA applicants may close out their application process and complete a short, optional virtual interview, allowing them to connect with Full-Time MBA students. 

Additional Working Professional & Executive MBA Application Components 

MBA Admissions Interview: Every Working Professional & Executive MBA candidate will complete an interview with a member of the admissions committee. The interview format is behavioral-based.  

Application Deadlines  

Texas McCombs offers multiple application deadline rounds to accommodate applicants’ varying schedules and to ensure they have ample time to submit their best applications. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM Central Time on the deadline date for each round. All MBA programs enroll annually every August. 

For the Full-Time MBA program, the deadlines for the upcoming year are as follows: 

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

 

Applications for the Working Professional MBA program, including the Evening MBA in Austin and Weekend MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth and Weekend MBA at Houston, are accepted in four rounds.

Round 1: October 10, 2023
Round 2: January 23, 2024
Round 3: March 26, 2024
Round 4: May 28, 2024

 

Applications for the Executive MBA are accepted in three rounds. 

Round 1: October 10, 2023
Round 2: February 13, 2024
Round 3: May 28, 2024

Test Requirements and Waivers  

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.  

Full-Time MBA 

The Full-Time MBA program at Texas McCombs is designed for individuals seeking an immersive and transformative business education experience. With a rigorous curriculum, a unique and talented cohort, and unparalleled networking opportunities, the Full-Time MBA program prepares graduates to excel in their careers and make a significant impact in the business world.  

Looking for more detail on the Full-Time MBA Application Components? Click here to access a curated list of blogs on this topic.  

Working Professional MBA 

The Working Professional MBA program is tailored for ambitious professionals who wish to pursue an MBA while continuing to work. Offered in the evenings in Austin or on alternating weekends in Dallas/Fort Worth or Houston, this program allows students to balance their professional and academic commitments effectively. With a focus on flexibility and practical learning, the Working Professional MBA program empowers students to enhance their leadership skills and advance their careers without interrupting their work schedules. 

Looking for more detail on the Working Professional & Executive MBA Application Components? Click here to access a curated list of blogs on this topic.

Executive MBA 

The Executive MBA program is designed for seasoned professionals with extensive leadership experience. Through a blend of dynamic classroom sessions and experiential learning opportunities, the program equips executives with the knowledge and insights necessary to address complex business challenges confidently. The Executive MBA program also fosters a strong sense of camaraderie among participants, creating a valuable network of high-impact business leaders. 

Looking for more detail on the Working Professional & Executive MBA Application Components? Click here to access a curated list of blogs on this topic.  

Our Commitment to You 

Our goal is for these application components to 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.  

Ready to join the ranks of successful Texas McCombs MBA alumni and take the next step in your career? Join us as we shape a class of talented individuals with different perspectives, pioneering a path toward a brighter and more impactful future in business education. The application is now open, and we look forward to reviewing your submission. 

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. 

Good luck and Hook ’em!

Exploring the Return on Investment of a Texas McCombs MBA.

Maximizing Your Potential: Exploring the ROI of a Texas McCombs MBA

May 9, 2023 / / 1 Comment

This MBA Insider content comes from Christie Jenkins, Senior MBA Recruiting and Admissions Officer, Working Professional MBA.

There’s a saying in undergraduate admissions that a student’s decision on where to go to college ultimately boils down to the 3 P’s: price, proximity, and prestige. I’m not aware of a 3 P’s equivalent for MBA programs, so allow me to invent one. The 3 R’s: Rankings, Recruiting, and ROI.

It’s no secret that future MBA’s are a little more objective and outcomes-focused with this decision than they may have been when choosing a college for undergrad. Undergrad is all about the experience, personal growth, and the journey as well as the destination. Those things certainly matter for your MBA selection too, but with an added emphasis on results and tangible benefits. Objectively, why should someone spend 2 years and $100,000+ on an MBA? What is the value?

RANKINGS

Or maybe this R should be reputation? Either way, Texas McCombs excels at both. U.S. News and World Report ranks our MBA programs as the following:

#6 Working Professional MBA

#14 Executive MBA

#20 Full-Time MBA

It goes without saying that our MBA programs are the best in Texas. Our programs also benefit from The University of Texas at Austin brand. Visit anywhere in the world and someone will be able to tell you about the burnt orange Texas Longhorns, and possibly that “What starts here changes the world.” Simply put, you will never have to explain what UT is all about. People know.

RECRUITING

Employers want to hire Texas McCombs MBAs. We partner with more than 400 employers annually, and the list is always growing. A few of our top recruiting partners who hired 10 or more MBAs last year include Amazon, Dell Technologies, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Boston Consulting Group, and Deloitte Consulting.

Texas has the fastest-growing job market in the country, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and has been ranked No. 1 Best State for Business for 18 consecutive years. Texas is also home to the most Fortune 500 companies, with more than 135 companies that have relocated their headquarters to Texas since 2020. This list includes AT&T, CBRE, Charles Schwab, Exxon Mobil, Hewlett Packard, Oracle, Tesla, and more. Add in that Texas has no state income tax and a comparatively low cost of living, and you can see why this is a great place to live and work.

Texas stats graphic for the report.

Source: Texas Economic Development & Tourism, Office of the Governor.

To help you land those jobs, you’ll also have unlimited access to career coaching, even after you graduate. Our career coaches can help you refine your brand, prepare for interviews, negotiate your starting salary, and much more. They’ll be there for you as a student and after graduation, as MBA alumni have lifetime access to career resources and coaches.

ROI

For those uninitiated in the MBA lingo, ROI, or Return on Investment, is a way to measure the profitability of an investment. Another way of thinking about this concept is the payback period, or how long it will take for an investment to pay for itself.

According to the GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey, bachelor’s degree holders from the United States are expected to earn a median of $50,000 annually. The median starting salary for an MBA graduate is $95,000 – and that’s just a graduate of any MBA program!

Source: GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey – 2022

For a Texas McCombs Full-Time MBA grad, the average starting salary for the Class of 2022 was $145,000. Therefore, the average incoming student can expect a $95,000 pay increase at the time of graduation ($145,000 McCombs MBA salary minus $50,000 bachelor’s degree holder salary). Compare that to the cost of our MBA programs (between $105,100-$149,500) – you’ll see the typical payback period for a McCombs MBA is less than 2 years!

After your McCombs MBA investment has paid for itself, you’ll have a lifetime to reap the rewards. If you are in your 20s or 30s, with an expected retirement age of 65, then you could have 30 or 40 more years ahead of you in your career. Wouldn’t it be nice to make the most of your incoming-earning years? The earlier you start, the more time you have to benefit from your increased post-MBA salary.

 

According to Poets and Quants, the expected lifetime earnings of a McCombs MBA graduate is $6.35 million.

For those who want to see the numbers, here’s your ROI calculation: profit (or gross income minus cost) divided by cost. For a McCombs Full-time MBA, that is $6,350,000 – $105,100 / $105,100, which works out to an ROI of 59.42. Over the course of your lifetime, your MBA will pay for itself more than 59x.

Of course, this barely scratches the surface.

The true value of an MBA can’t be measured in dollars. It includes your personal growth and development, the networking and relationships you will build, the intrinsic value of gaining knowledge and confidence, job security, upward mobility, and much more.

Only you can calculate what an MBA will mean for your future, but hopefully, you are reassured to know that a McCombs MBA makes objective, financial sense in addition to being a great experience.

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.

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Why It’s OK (and sometimes
better) to Submit Your MBA Application in the Final Round

May 1, 2023 / / Comments Off on Why It’s OK (and sometimes
better) to Submit Your MBA Application in the Final Round

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.

Letter of Recommendation

How To Submit A Successful MBA Recommendation

December 1, 2022 / / Comments Off on How To Submit A Successful MBA Recommendation

The Texas McCombs Working Professional and Executive MBA applications require one professional letter of recommendation from a person who has supervised your work and/or has directly assessed your work performance during your career.  

A recommendation letter is the only component of your application where you rely on someone else to provide information, so it is important that you carefully decide who you will ask to be your recommender. The Admissions Committee uses this recommendation to assess your work capabilities, such as your motivation, contribution, strengths, areas of growth, etc. 

What is in the Recommendation Letter? 

First of all, this is NOT the traditional letter of recommendation you typically think of where someone writes a letter on your behalf to vouch for your professional performance. Texas McCombs uses the GMAC Common Letter of Recommendation. Your recommender will receive a link to assess specific competencies/traits and answer three short-response questions. 

Keep in mind that while there are other programs using this form, some schools will ask a different series of questions.  If you’re applying to more than one MBA, you may be asking your recommender to separately fill out different forms. Make sure they do not copy and paste their responses. 

Who should write your MBA Recommendation? 

Circumstances differ for every applicant and deciding who you should ask might vary.  Below are some scenarios to help guide you in choosing the best recommender for your MBA application. 

Your Supervisor
Your current direct supervisor is traditionally the best choice. This is likely the person in your network that knows your strengths and weaknesses better than anyone else and can speak to your professional capabilities. 

However, in some instances, your current supervisor may not be a viable option for you.  Perhaps you aren’t able to communicate to your employer that you’re applying to business school or you do not work with your direct boss that closely. It could also be that you attained a new role recently and your current supervisor has not had a chance to work with you very long. Or, you’re an entrepreneur and don’t have a supervisor.  

All of these are valid reasons to look for other recommendation sources. If you choose to request a different recommender than your current supervisor, please explain your choice in the Optional Essay. 

Your Former Supervisor
If you cannot ask your current direct supervisor to write your recommendation, maybe you can ask a previous supervisor? Depending on how recently you worked with them, the “old boss” may be the best choice, especially if you had a strong professional relationship with that person. This is the most common alternative option. 

Your Indirect Supervisor
Asking an indirect supervisor can be another option, especially if you’ve worked with this person closely on long-term projects or significant assignments.  This is a nice alternative to a supervisor that you may not work with closely. 

Your Client or Vendor
This recommendation source is typically useful for entrepreneurs or for applicants who work for a family business. If you work for a family business, it is preferred that you ask an individual outside of your family to write your letter of recommendation. 

Mentor or Other Options
Mentors can be from inside or outside of your workplace who have a clear understanding of your professional value. Also, there are many individuals who may fall in the category of “other recommenders.” For example, a former professor, a colleague, or a coach. However, be sure that the person you select has worked with you on measurable tasks and understands your professional experiences to ensure they will provide a recommendation with depth. This is the least preferred option by the admissions committee. 

Other Tips: 

  • Don’t focus only on title – the CEO of a large company may sound like an impressive recommendation, but unless they work with you closely, the recommendation letter will likely fall short of delivering the information that the Admissions Committee is looking for. 
  • Steer clear of asking a direct report (someone who reports up to you) to submit a letter of recommendation. 
  • When it comes to other options, use your best judgment. An undergraduate professor may not be the best person to address some of the questions posed on the recommendation form and the Admissions Committee is looking mainly at your post-undergraduate work experience.   

You’ve chosen a recommender. What’s next? 

First, before asking your recommender to take this on, keep in mind that they are likely a busy individual – be sure to give them plenty of notice prior to the application deadline. 

Secondly, give them a heads-up about your request. You don’t want to blindly email someone and ask them to write something for you without having a conversation. It may be a good idea to revisit certain projects you worked with them on. Most importantly, explain to your recommender why you’re pursuing an MBA. Giving them some context behind your ask will go a long way and will likely result in a stronger letter. 

Finally, make sure you give them all the information on the recommendation before you ask, especially the timeline for when you will be submitting your application. Let them know they will be receiving a link to fill out the recommendation, and that they do NOT need to write a supplemental letter. 

If you have any questions during the application process, we’re here to help. Join us at an upcoming event to connect and learn more about Texas McCombs.  Please sign up for MBA news and follow us on Instagram at @UTexasMBA to stay updated.

Hook ’em!

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