Tag: full-time MBA (page 1 of 10)

Texas McCombs MBA Class of 2025: Celebrating Growth, Unique Voices, and Accessibility

(Austin, TX) – Here, at the University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business, “You Are What’s Next.” The Class of 2025 exemplifies this spirit, embodying our unwavering commitment to excellence, diversity, and innovation. Their achievements are more than just stories; they form the very fabric of our vibrant Texas McCombs MBA community. These very accomplishments mold our MBA program, which includes students from the Full-Time, Working Professional, and Executive MBA programs across our campuses in Austin, Dallas, and Houston, and cement our position as a top-ranked business school.  

With this context, three pivotal highlights define the Texas McCombs MBA Class of 2025 profile:   

🏆 Increasing Demand and Growth in Class Size:

The Class of 2025 at Texas McCombs reflects the growing enthusiasm for our programs in Austin, Dallas, and Houston. Applications across the MBA portfolio surged compared to last year, reaching a total exceeding 2,300 applications, and affirming the popularity of our dynamic community and unique learning environments.

Additionally, our class size has expanded by an impressive 9%, now with 509 incoming students. This growth not only underscores our status as a top choice for business education but also confirms the thriving demand for our programs across multiple campuses.

🏆 Unique Voices and Professional Excellence:

The incoming class celebrates a significant milestone: 25% of the class (as a % of U.S. Citizens & Permanent Residents) is composed of underrepresented minority (URM) students, marking a 7%-point increase. This achievement demonstrates our commitment to diversity and inclusivity, a commitment that extends across all our Texas McCombs MBA programs.

This growth isn’t limited to URM representation alone. Women in the class have also seen a substantial increase, rising to 33% (up 4% points), while the proportion of military veterans has grown to 15% (up 3% points) of the class.The importance of these developments cannot be overstated. The unique voices brought by our students enrich our learning environment and strengthen our academic and professional community. As we continue to grow, these perspectives collectively contribute to the excellence that defines the Texas McCombs MBA experience.

🏆 Cultivating Accessibility and Impact:

Texas McCombs actively contributes to the vision of propelling the University of Texas at Austin toward becoming the world’s highest-impact public university. This year, we welcomed more first-generation students, rising to 20% of the class (up 7% points). This increase spans all five of our MBA programs, demonstrating our commitment to providing accessible and impactful education, particularly to aspiring business leaders who are the first in their families to attend college.

It’s essential to recognize the importance of cultivating accessibility to make an MBA from a prestigious school attainable for first-generation college students. This reflects our dedication to fostering a welcoming community while nurturing the future leaders of business, regardless of their background.  

Full-Time MBA Class Profile 

Applications to the Full-Time MBA program increased, attracting over 1,800 applicants for a class of 241 students. This class brings with them a blend of experiences, with an average age of 29 and a strong average GPA of 3.46. Furthermore, 35% of students identify as female, 8% as LGBTQIA+, and 26% come from international backgrounds, representing 31 countries.  

In addition, the class demonstrates strong diversity within the United States, with 35% identifying as U.S. minorities and 18% as URM. Additionally, 14% of students have U.S. military service backgrounds. This year, we welcomed 37 Consortium members, 60 Forte Fellows, and 15 dual-degree students, further enriching the diversity and breadth of experiences within our class.   

Working Professional MBA Class Profile  

Though unique on their own (see class profiles below), the Working Professional MBA programs at Texas McCombs boast a set of compelling features that collectively define their excellence. With an average age of 31 and a middle 80% range spanning 26 to 37, these programs attract a unique cohort of students, each bringing with them a wealth of professional experience. On average, these students come with 8 years of experience. Impressively, 15% of the cohort possesses military experience, enriching the class with a unique perspective.  

Academically, our working professional students maintain a high level of excellence with an average GPA of 3.36. Working Professional and Executive MBA candidates have several options when considering how to complete the standardized test requirement as we accept GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE, Executive Assessment (EA) score, or a test waiver. The incoming class brings an average GMAT score of 654 and an average GRE at 312.   

Executive MBA Class Profile

The Executive MBA program at Texas McCombs comprises 63 accomplished individuals, with 29% female representation. The class includes people of various backgrounds, with 42% identifying as U.S. minorities and 25% as URM, while 21% have backgrounds in U.S. military services. This experienced group boasts an average of 15 years in the workforce. Although standardized test scores aren’t required, the program values various factors, including leadership experience and personal impact, evident through their average 8.5 years of management experience.  

 

Notably, 27% of the class consists of first-generation students, offering unique perspectives. The class represents 21 cities in Texas and 9 states, with a strong presence from technology, healthcare, and energy sectors, enriching the Texas McCombs MBA experience 

The Future of Business Leadership 

The Texas McCombs MBA Class of 2025 is not merely a reflection of our program’s excellence, but an embodiment of our vision for the future. The increase in applications and class size, coupled with the growth in underrepresented minorities, women, and military veterans, showcases the program’s appeal and its role as a leader in the ever-competitive MBA landscape. At the same time, we’re proud to note that standardized test scores and GPAs remained strong, ensuring that academic excellence is a hallmark of our program. Additionally, the rise in first-generation students underscores the university’s commitment to making high-quality education accessible to all. With this class, Texas McCombs continues its journey towards becoming the world’s highest-impact public business school. It’s an exciting step toward the future where you, as a vibrant part of our community, will be what’s next in business and beyond. Your journey to excellence begins here. 


If you have any questions about Texas McCombs, 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!  

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.
 

burnt orange button that reads "watch our reapplication webinar"

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!

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!

Highlighting Your Work Experience

When evaluating your application, our MBA Admissions Committee aims for a complete picture of your qualifications and fit with the program. It’s all about perspective. We look at your application as if we are holding a scale, balancing all the parts. 

When considering the specific experience on your resume, on one side there’s a raw number of years (Quantity), and on the other is your job experience (Quality). 

Quantity 

Say that you are the CEO of a mid-size corporation. Wonderful!  Oh, you just started in this position? That’s an amazing accomplishment, but perhaps you’d still admit that your knowledge and expertise in such a new position wouldn’t be as developed as someone who’s been doing it for a few years. 

Or maybe you have been in the same job for 10 years.  Wow!  No doubt you are a go-to person when it comes to that role, but could it mean that perhaps you didn’t take as much initiative or demonstrate the leadership qualities required to launch you to the next level? Or perhaps you have only had a project manager role for a year, but in that time you’ve produced measurable results and demonstrated leadership.  In these cases, the quality of your work experience matters more. 

Quality 

A general job title like “Project Manager” may seem lackluster, but could actually be pretty exciting.  Don’t let us make assumptions. Take every opportunity on your application to illustrate just WHAT about your job made your experience rich and rewarding. 

On the flip side, a Chief Operating Office title sounds impressive, but what kind of company did you work for and how extensive were your duties?  An impressive title with naught to back it up won’t move the needle in your favor when it comes to work experience. 

Highlighting Your Work Experience 

The takeaway on work experience:  Years, titles, and accomplishments are not, by themselves deciding factors. To help you provide us with a clear picture, here are our top tips for highlighting the quality and quantity of your work experience on your resume: 

Tailor Content – You may have heard the adage that your resume should be tailored to your audience, which is true. But customizing your resume may simply entail reordering or swapping out bullet points. Remember, a resume is a summary of your relevant experience, not necessarily all of it. 

Emphasize Results – We don’t just want a summary. We want to know whether you generated results from your work.  If the person replacing you could copy and paste your resume bullet points into their resume, that’s probably a sign your bullet points need to better emphasize your individual contributions in the role. 

Avoid Redundancy – Think of each line on your resume as a valuable piece of real estate. Consider the incremental value that each line on your resume provides for you as a candidate. If you have performed the same task in multiple roles, is it necessary to list that same task more than once on your resume? Likely not. 

Show Balance – We want to see a “balanced” candidate – someone who has been strong in the classroom and in the workplace while participating in extracurricular activities and having unique interests outside of work. Consider creating an “Additional” section to detail your activities and interests for use as a potential conversation starter. 

Utilize White Space – Great resume content can only be great if a reader can easily access it. That’s where resume readability comes into play. Don’t forget to use your white space effectively. A resume is not about cramming as much as you can onto the page. Rather, give your content some space to breathe. 

Enlist Proofreaders– Perhaps the most important element of a resume is that it is free of errors. A single spelling, grammatical, or formatting error can hurt even the most impressive resume. Have multiple individuals proofread your resume. 

Convey Personal Brand – What do you think of when you think of great global brands like Apple, Nike, or Google? What words come to mind? Now, when we read your resume, what words do you want to come to mind about you? Have a peer give your resume a 30-second review and see if the words you want to pop for a reader, actually do. 

Remember, your resume is important, but it’s only one data point for you as a candidate. Years of work experience give only one sense of you as a candidate, so use your resume to make the quality of those years really stand out. 


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!

Make a Lasting Impression:
The Value of Optional Peer Interviews at Texas McCombs

One of the most vital parts of the MBA application process at Texas McCombs is the human component – “Human-Centered, Future-Focused” is part of our core values 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 through a short, optional peer interview.  

These interactive virtual sessions present a valuable opportunity for our applicants to connect with Full-Time MBA students and leaving a lasting positive impression on Texas McCombs. 

The optional interview will last about 20 minutes and is available throughout the round. The student ambassador will introduce themselves and ask you a few questions. 

We recommend having up to three questions prepared for your student interviewer about the program and student experience. You are also welcome to discuss information about your candidacy that is not addressed elsewhere, as the interviewer can in turn provide this information to the Admissions Committee via a post-interview form.  

Different schools have different interview processes. It’s important to be familiar with how the Texas McCombs MBA program runs the virtual interview experience. Be sure to read all confirmation emails and instructions very carefully All optional interviews are conducted virtually by a member of the McCombs Ambassador Committee. 

Roughly a week after the round deadline, you will receive an email with a link to our online platform to allow you to select an interview slot that works with your schedule. There is a deadline to complete your interview, so be sure to schedule it early. Slots will fill quickly! 

Is an interview required? 

No! There are plenty of ways for the admissions committee to get to know you without the optional peer interview. For example, if you have continuously engaged with the McCombs community, feel confident in your video assessment submission, and have no additional questions for a current student, then registering for and attending a virtual interview might not be necessary. On the other hand, if you have not had the chance to get to know us and would like an additional opportunity to convey something that might not be conveyed elsewhere in the application, we might recommend signing up for a peer interview. At the end of the day, the choice is yours. The interview may serve as an additional data point for the committee, but it is not required for admissions consideration. 

Tip: Remember that every interaction you have with a member of the Texas McCombs community is an opportunity to make a positive impression about who you are and your MBA candidacy. From speaking to our receptionist at the MBA Program Office, to meeting an Admissions Officer on the road, all members of our community have an opportunity to provide informal feedback on MBA applicants, so make every connection count. 

Will I know who my peer interviewer is ahead of time?  

Yes. You will be able to select your student host based on their interests and MBA involvement. However, you do not need to limit yourself to scheduling with someone with similar interests; all of our interviewers are current students and will be able to share their experiences with you regardless of background. In addition, some applicants prefer to select a date and time that is most convenient for them rather than search for slots based on shared interests. 

Can I conduct my interview in-person? 

No. All of our peer interviews are virtual to keep all applicants (including those who cannot come to campus) on a level playing field. We do encourage applicants to visit us in-person so you can get to know us, but peer interviews must be conducted virtually (via Zoom).  

Our Top Interview 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 your Connection: Peer Interviews require a desktop or laptop computer (no iPhone/iPad) 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!

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 answer for fear of not being given an opportunity later on to address their prepared examples.  Keep your responses concise and keep in mind the short duration of the interview.

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.

Know What We’re Looking For: We listen for confidence, clear and concise communication, and overall genuine enthusiasm.

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 a Texas McCombs MBA, and you can formulate coherent thoughts under pressure.  Here is a list of topics to consider: 

Discuss any aspect of your candidacy that has not already been covered in other application components.

Get to know your host and their experience at Texas McCombs. Ask them questions about their MBA journey and the McCombs community.

Ask for tips and advice on how to best navigate and spend the time between the admission decision and program kick-off.

In the competitive world of MBA applications, Texas McCombs stands out by prioritizing the human component. Our “Human-Centered, Future-Focused” values resonate throughout the entire admissions process, offering you an opportunity to showcase your collaborative skills and reaffirm your motivations for pursuing an MBA. The option of a short peer interview allows you to engage with our current Full-Time MBA students, leaving a lasting positive impression on the Texas McCombs community.   

Whether you choose to participate in the interview or explore other avenues of engagement, keep in mind that every interaction counts and can contribute to your MBA candidacy. We hope you’ll embrace the chance to make a personal impact and take a step closer toward your future at Texas McCombs.  


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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