Tag: mccombs (page 3 of 20)

Full-Time MBA Application Changes: Increasing Accessibility and Minimizing Bias 

Each cycle, the Texas McCombs Full-Time MBA Admissions Team reviews MBA application requirements to ensure our admissions process is as equitable and fair as possible. This upcoming cycle, we are excited to announce some changes to our application components that help reduce bias and ensure our application process continues to be accessible and inclusive.   

Being human centered and future focused is at the core of what we do at Texas McCombs, and the updates to our application components were informed by the evaluation processes our MBA students experience in their job search, while also increasing the opportunities for applicants to showcase who they are as an individual. Stay tuned for our blog series on key application components over the summer and mark your calendar for our Full-Time MBA Class of 2025 application opening in August 2022. 

APPLICATION COMPONENTS FOR THE 2022-2023 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 that we are the right school for you and your goals. There are no fixed criteria or weighted portions of the application. The following application components will be required this cycle: 

APPLICATION DEADLINES 

Applications for the Full-Time MBA program are accepted in three 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 11, 2022 
  • Round 2: January 5, 2023 
  • Round 3: March 28, 2023 

 CHANGES TO TESTING REQUIREMENTS 

To provide MBA candidates with more flexibility, we are excited to share that 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, 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
  • General Test Waiver (merit-based) is approved 

Standardized exams like the GRE, GMAT, 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. 

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. Learn more about the different test options. 

CHANGES TO ESSAY REQUIREMENTS 

The written essay is a critical means of assessing an applicant’s background and goals, communication and writing skills, and motivation for attending Texas McCombs. In order to streamline the application process,  the Full-Time MBA Admissions Team has reduced the number of required essays from two to one.

The essay prompt for the 2022-2023 admissions cycle is as follows:

Picture yourself at graduation. Describe how you spent your time as a Texas McCombs MBA to achieve your personal and professional goals. (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 explain about their candidacy that is not addressed elsewhere. 

VIDEO ASSESSMENT 

Texas McCombs is excited to introduce the video assessment as a new application component for the 2022-23 Full-Time MBA admissions cycle. All applicants will complete the video assessment, which will give MBA candidates increased accessibility to the application process and the opportunity to share their story 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. The video assessment is virtual and on-demand, so applicants can complete it from anywhere in the world at a time in the day convenient to them. The video assessment will help the Admissions Committee evaluate the following competencies that are crucial for the fit and success of our students within the program and their future careers: 

Adaptability/Resilience  Ambition 
Motivation  Career Goals 
Empathy/Inclusivity  Verbal Communication 
Collaboration  Self-Awareness 

 Applicants will be asked to use the video assessment tool to record responses to seven questions, with each response lasting no more than three minutes 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.  Applicants will have seven days from the invitation to complete 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 practice your delivery. More tips will be provided in the coming weeks. 

TEXAS McCOMBS ADMISSIONS CONNECTION 

One of the most vital parts of the MBA application process at Texas McCombs is the human component. We pride ourselves on 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 by signing up for a “Texas McCombs Admissions Connection” after completing all other MBA application requirements.  These live, virtual get-to-know-you sessions are an opportunity for our applicants to engage directly with a Full-Time MBA student. While not required, registering for and attending an Admissions Connection session is highly encouraged.  

These sessions are NOT your traditional admissions interview.  MBA applicants will have 15 minutes with a member of the McCombs Ambassador Committee (MAC) to ask questions about the program/student experience, discuss information about their candidacy that is not addressed elsewhere, and align on the next steps in the application process. You will be able to choose your host whenever you register for a slot. There is no evaluative component to this session, although your student host will be able to pass along any information you share to the admissions committee.   

Because the session will last approximately 15 minutes, we recommend applicants to come prepared with 3–5 questions about the MBA program and/or next steps in the application process  

Admissions Connection FAQs


Texas McCombs is committed to reducing bias while ensuring our application process continues to be accessible and inclusive. By expanding our testing options and inviting all applicants to participate in our new Admissions Connection and Video Assessment components, we are delivering on this commitment in a more equitable way.  

 The Full-Time MBA 2022-2023 Application will open in August. Stay tuned for our blog series on key application components over the summer. Please sign up for MBA news and follow us on Instagram at @UTexasMBA to stay updated.

Join us at an upcoming event to connect and learn more about Texas McCombs.

Hook ’em! 

The Full-Time MBA – Applying in Round 3

Our Round 3 deadline for the full-time MBA Program is right around the corner on March 29, 2022!

One of the most common questions we receive from applicants is whether they should submit in Round 3 or wait until the following cycle to apply. Round 3 tends to be a smaller round because some candidates simply didn’t realize an MBA was an option or on their radar until later in the application cycle. Historically, we always have spots available in Round 3, but each year the number varies. We can’t say it enough– A strong, complete, well-researched application always stands out. 

“The Admissions Committee uses Round 3 to fill out the incoming class. We wouldn’t have a Round 3 if we didn’t need it! Some of our best students applied in the last round – maybe they were waiting for that higher score or promotion, or maybe they just decided a little later in the year that they wanted to pursue an MBA.” 

– Stacey Batas, Director of Full-Time MBA Recruiting & Admissions

Below we break down some of the reasons why students chose to apply in the third round, and why it was still a great option for them. 

Student Perspectives 

Bradford Smith headshot

Bradford Smith
Full-Time MBA ’22

Bradford Smith, Full-Time MBA ’22, shared his experience applying in Round 3.

In the summer of 2019, Bradford Smith started thinking about business school. He took the GMAT to see how he would do and thought that if he studied more he could score higher and be ready to apply. He and his girlfriend were living in Los Angeles, California at the time and both agreed they could both use a change of scenery. He noticed the Round 2 deadline was quickly approaching and decided to wait until Round 3 to give him extra time to study for tests and submit his application.

“I didn’t feel comfortable applying with the GMAT score I had, so I figured I’d wait until Round 3. I studied more and got a score that I felt good about and thought well, I don’t want to have to wait another year so I’ll just go for it.” 

To prepare his application, Bradford first reached out to his recommender to give them as much time as possible. During this time he was actively studying for the GMAT and taking practice tests.  He also asked his friends to read through his essays and give him feedback. He suggests that applicants be honest about their stories and try to share as much as they can about themselves.

“It’s a tough process because you get, at least from my perspective, self-conscious. It’s hard to have the blinders on because there’s always going to be someone that has an impressive resume or a crazier story, but everyone has something unique about them. It’s more about being honest and not trying to fit into a box. I wouldn’t worry about trying to scrape something together that makes you think you’re more impressive. I would focus on something that is genuine, and have some of your good friends read it because odds are, they probably know a lot about you and can help you craft it.” 

Renee Beauchamp headshot

Renee Beauchamp
Full-Time MBA ’22

Renee Beauchamp, Full-Time MBA ’22, also applied to McCombs in Round 3.

In July 2019, Renee was living in New York and decided she wanted to go to business school. By that time, the Round 1 deadline had passed and she knew she wanted to take some time with her application.

 

“I listened to the advice that most business schools tell hopeful admits – to apply when I felt I had the strongest application. Fall of 2019, I was focused on building and strengthening that application until I just had to go for it in Round 3.”

Renee says she chose McCombs because of the connections she felt between the admissions team and the student that interviewed her. She was looking to be in an energetic, entrepreneurial city and had visited Austin before and loved it. When she was admitted, she had a little more than two months’ notice before starting school, and within a month, she was living in Austin.

“I understand the worry associated with this process especially when you feel like you’re late to the game. I encourage applicants to stay positive, submit the best application you can, and be confident that that’s enough. Also, it doesn’t hurt to create advocates! Build relationships with people who can root for you and put in a good word.”

Tips from the Admissions Committee

  • Submit your application only when you’re 99.9% ready. Supplemental application materials submitted after a round deadline are incredibly risky since there is no guarantee the Admissions Committee will see them. Once your file is read, we will not re-review again based upon new information received post-deadline. 
  • Don’t wait until the last minute! We are not able to accept applications submitted after 11:59 PM Central Time on the day of the deadline. Stay aware of deadlines, and give yourself extra time to account for technical difficulties that arise for some applicants every round, every year. In the interest of a fair process, we don’t make exceptions to our deadlines, no matter what reason you have for a late submission. 
  • Be patient. The Admissions Committee does not begin reviewing applications for the Full-Time MBA program until the round deadline has passed. 
  • The Admissions Committee does not provide individual feedback on applications, out of fairness to all applicants and due to the volume of requests we receive. 

We look forward to reviewing your application this year and are always here to answer your questions about applying. Hook ’em! 

Meet the Working Professional and Executive MBA Admissions Team

Every year, the Texas McCombs Working Professional and Executive  MBA Admissions Team meets with hundreds of people interested in pursuing their MBA. Our Admissions Officers are experts in helping people navigate the application process and cultivating a class of diverse ideas and talents.

Get to know more about them, below. 🤘

Rodrigo Malta HeadshotRodrigo Malta
Managing Director of MBA Recruiting and Admissions

Rodrigo Malta, also known as Digo, is originally from Brazil and immigrated to the United States during high school. He earned his MBA from the University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business, and his bachelor’s degree in management from Missouri State University. Before and after his MBA, Digo worked for Fortune 100 companies in internal audit and marketing in the telecom and technology industries. 

One of Rodrigo’s proudest moments was becoming a United States citizen in 2008, which was the same year Rodrigo joined Texas McCombs as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions, Lead Diversity Recruiter for the Full-Time MBA program.

“I was a McCombs Ambassador Committee co-chair as an MBA student and that experience ignited my passion for admissions and higher education. In 2008, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to transition from tech to higher education and never looked back.”

He now serves as Managing Director of MBA Marketing, Recruitment and Admissions over Texas McCombs’ Full Time, Evening, Weekend – Dallas, Weekend – Houston, and Executive MBA programs. His most rewarding experience is working with his team and representing the Longhorn Community all over the world. Digo is an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is passionate about building a collaborative work environment where individuals can be their authentic selves. 

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

Digo says the best thing you can do when applying to Texas McCombs is to be authentic and ensure your application highlights who you are personally and professionally.

Focus on the things you can control and be yourself. Engage with us in a purposeful manner, but do not over do it.”

When Digo is not reading applications, you can find him at the movies, enjoying tacos and margaritas, or spending time with his husband and two dogs.

Connect with Rodrigo on LinkedIn.

Sharon Barrett HeadshotSharon Barrett
Director of Working Professional and Executive MBA Recruiting and Admissions

Sharon Barrett grew up in Houston but has called Austin home for over 30 years. She is a University of Texas alumna and has worked on the McCombs MBA Admissions Team for 13 years. Before McCombs, she spent time in marketing and program management at various financial institutions and professional associations. 

“I love our team. Everyone is very dedicated and mission-driven. We are energized by our students who bring the UT slogan ‘What Starts Here Changes the World’ to life!”

Sharon enjoys getting to know the students and seeing all the different paths the MBAs take when they graduate.

“I’m constantly rewarded by seeing the career trajectory of our alumni over the years. Every week my LinkedIn account announces numerous promotions and career advancement stories. Our students and alumni are truly amazing!”

When applying to McCombs, Sharon says it’s important to remain professional and understand the application components.

“Keep in mind that every interaction you have with a university is part of your candidacy. Take care to keep emails and inquiries professional. Our application process is also a bit different from most other universities. It’s always refreshing when applicants have read through and understand our process before getting started.”

If you’ve been thinking about getting about getting an MBA, Sharon says to just go for it.

“Speaking from a personal perspective, getting your MBA never gets easier or cheaper. Just do it!”

Connect with Sharon on LinkedIn.

Christie Jenkins HeadshotChristie Jenkins
Evening MBA Recruiting and Admissions Officer

Christie Jenkins is from Vernon, Texas, a 10-ish stoplight town near the Texas Panhandle. She attended the University of Oklahoma for undergrad and earned her MBA from the Working Professional program at The University of Illinois. 

Christie discovered her love for admissions when she was a campus tour guide during her undergrad.

“…it turns out, I love talking about why you should get an education. There weren’t a lot of opportunities around me growing up in rural Texas, and higher education has opened doors for me that I would’ve never dreamed of as a kid. I love being able to help others accomplish more than they ever imagined too.”

Christie encourages applicants to set themselves up for success by taking their time with their applications, attending events, and reaching out to admissions or current students.

“Stepping outside of your comfort zone to apply for something – especially when you’re not sure if it will work out – is scary. I encourage you to go for it and give it your best effort anyway. Attend an application overview workshop to hear all of our tips. Give yourself plenty of time and commit genuine effort into studying for the GMAT, GRE, or EA. Ask a friend to review your essays and resume. Prepare for your admissions interview in the same way you would a job interview. Don’t sell yourself short by sandbagging it and not giving it your best effort. Doing these things will not only help you earn admission, but they will also help you prepare for the program and get the most out of it.”

Christie joined the Admissions and Recruiting team in April 2020. She says she chose McCombs because she likes working with the best and brightest.

“Texas McCombs is the best MBA program in Texas, and the Evening MBA program is ranked #7 in the country. It’s inspiring to be in an environment around faculty and staff who are the best at what they do, and students who are the future business leaders of the world.”

If you are still on the fence about applying, Christie has some advice.

“Don’t count yourself out. Looking at our rankings and class profile can be intimidating; and while I am proud of the prestige of our program and the accomplishments of our students and faculty, it may make our programs seem out of reach to some applicants. We are looking for students from all walks of life and we understand that you can bring more to the program than what is on your resume and transcripts. Research shows that having a diversity of backgrounds in the room leads to better outcomes in business and creates a richer experience for everyone in the classroom.”

Christie says that earning her MBA was one of the best decisions she has ever made.

“Getting my MBA was challenging in the best way, personally and professionally rewarding, and exposed me to new skills and ways of thinking that I may not have encountered otherwise. But beyond all the tangible benefits, it gave me the confidence to speak up when I have an idea to share, ask questions when something doesn’t make sense to me, and know I can get through any paper, no matter how dense or boring it is.”

Connect with Christie on LinkedIn.

Emily Le HeadshotEmily Le
MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth Recruiting and Admissions Officer

Emily Le is a UT alumna who grew up in Plano, Texas. After completing her undergrad at the McCombs School of Business, she earned her Master’s in Accounting at the University of Southern California and started her career in Big 4 Public Accounting. After several years in finance then switching to recruiting, she realized her passion for relationships and helping people. 

“After having a front-row seat to my husband going through the MBA program and the impact the experience had on his professional and personal development, I knew I wanted to be involved in helping future MBA students attain their goals while maintaining the McCombs culture.” 

Emily advises all MBAs to “go all-in” when it comes to networking and building relationships within the MBA program through the various opportunities provided early on such as Austin Intensives, residency, and cohorts.

“Even though this is a part-time program, our MBA program is deliberately designed to foster community. It’s conducive for developing camaraderie for student organizations, identifying teammates for micro-consulting projects, networking for future business contacts, and also to build deep friendships that will last beyond the MBA program. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to the alumni network, especially if you identify someone who is on a similar career track to what you’re interested in.”

Emily says the applicants that stand out can clearly articulate how their background ties to their career goals, and how they will leverage the resources in the McCombs MBA to achieve these goals.

Getting your MBA should not be an impulsive decision or just another degree to add to your resume. We want to see you have been thoughtful in exploring your options and done your research. Likewise, be prepared in your interview to clearly communicate your experiences and why McCombs is right for you. Interviewers can tell when you are holding back or giving cliché answers. We want to actually know YOU and your journey, your goals, and your passions. At the same time, it’s important to still maintain professionalism during an interview.” 

Connect with Emily on LinkedIn.

Melanie's headshotMelanie Krugel
MBA at Houston Recruiting and Admissions Officer

Melanie Krugel grew up in Dallas, Texas, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Kansas and a master’s degree in Communications and Leadership from Gonzaga University.

Melanie was inspired to work in admissions by her previous admissions counselor at the University of Kansas.  She said her counselor was integral in helping her throughout her admissions process, helping her convince her parents to let her go to school out of state, and helping her feel a part of the community.

Melanie joined the Admissions and Recruiting team in September 2021, bringing her diverse recruitment and admissions experience to McCombs.

“I absolutely love my job and being in MBA Recruitment! I have the honor and privilege to be part of my student’s MBA journeys from the beginning, graduation, and beyond. These relationships that I have built with my students over time have been incredibly rewarding and I love that I have gotten to be with them every step of the way. To me, there is nothing better than being able to personally deliver the great news that they have been admitted to our program and be a support system for them the rest of the process. I love getting to hear about job and internship offers, being someone that they can come to if things don’t go to plan, and being part of other milestones and life events along the way.”

Melanie chose McCombs for our reputation and world-class education.

“Growing up in Texas I was always aware of UT and the amazing programs offered. I had always heard about how incredible our MBA curriculum was, the expansive alumni network, the dedication to diversity and inclusion, and how phenomenal our students, staff, and faculty are. Before joining McCombs I spent several years in Student Affairs and went on to start my MBA Admissions career at the University of Pittsburgh Katz Graduate School of Business as their Assistant Director of Admissions and Diversity Recruiter. After relocating to Texas and a brief time working in Law School admissions, I realized that I missed working in MBA admissions and there was no better place to be in Texas than at McCombs! I love having the opportunity to recruit new, diverse, and talented Longhorns in the Houston area while still being connected to the UT Campus in Austin.”

For applicants looking to apply to McCombs, Melanie advises you to do your research and take the time to truly build a comprehensive and thoughtful set of essays.

“Getting your MBA is not only a commitment to being in school for two years of your life; it is also a commitment to bettering your personal and professional life. It is so important to really get to know the schools that you are looking at and the people that make up their community. By attending information sessions, visiting campus, and spending time with their students, faculty, and staff you can get a better idea of if you are a good fit for them, and most importantly, if they are a good fit for you.”

Connect with Melanie on LinkedIn.


Talk with our MBA Admissions Team at an upcoming admissions chat, info session, or any other MBA event. 

Working Professional and Executive MBA Essay Questions

The essays in your MBA application are an important part of sharing your unique story. The most successful essays thoughtfully address the prompts, clearly communicate why you want to attend Texas McCombs, and authentically share who you are. We’ve shared some tips below to aid you in submitting a strong set of essays.

Texas McCombs MBA Essay 1

We will learn a lot about your professional background through your resume and letter of recommendation, but we want to get to know you further. Please introduce yourself. Select only one communication method for your response

a. Write an essay (250 words)
b. Share a video introduction (one minute in length)

First, this prompt is purposely open-ended. It grants you the freedom to introduce yourself in a way that is genuinely “you.” Think about what gives you energy and recharges you. When you first meet someone, what’s your personal elevator pitch? How does it share your values? Give us a well-rounded mix of information in this essay so we can better understand you beyond your work life.

Don’t forget about the first sentence of the prompt: “We will learn a lot about your professional background through your resume and letter of recommendation.” The admissions committee already read your resume, letter of recommendation, education history, and goals. While your professional life is important, this essay is your opportunity to share who you are outside of those components.

Finally, the choice is yours: written essay or video. We have seen significant success with both mediums and do not have a preference for one over the other. Therefore, play to your strengths! If your skill is in writing, focus on the essay. If you’re not shy in front of a camera, then record a video. However, if you do submit a video, keep in mind that sending us a photo slideshow isn’t advisable. These slideshow submissions don’t grant the admissions committee the chance to actually see and hear from you, which is really what we are looking for in a video submission. Have fun with either submission and do not take this essay for granted— it can go a long way in setting the stage for your MBA application and creating another great impression.

Texas McCombs MBA Essay 2

Describe how the Texas McCombs MBA will help you realize your professional aspirations, and the unique knowledge and experiences you have to share with your classmates. (500 words)

Essay Two provides an opportunity to explain why you’re applying to Texas McCombs.

By answering the first part of the prompt, we will understand why the Texas McCombs MBA, your career plan, and discover how you want to develop yourself both in and out of the classroom. What classes, organizations, and experiential opportunities specifically relate to your career plan? Connect the dots between your goals and how McCombs will get you there.

By answering the second part of the prompt, we will learn what you will bring to the program.  How do you envision yourself becoming an active member of our community? What personal and professional attributes and experiences will you be sharing with your classmates?

Make sure to give us specifics. If you’ve engaged with the program, you know there is a lot to look forward to: challenging classes, organizations, student/alumni networking, award-winning professors, unique career-oriented opportunities…the list goes on. Illustrate what attributes of the program you plan to take full advantage of and how you plan to make a positive impact while you are a student. What will be your MBA legacy? Convince us that you are indispensable to our community.

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 MBA Admissions in considering your application (e.g. gaps in work experience, choice of recommender, academic performance, or extenuating personal circumstances). If living outside of the metro area that the program is held in, please provide explanation regarding your plans to commute or relocate to the program location. (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 piece of their profile deserves more explanation should submit an optional statement. This section of the application is not to tell us more about your extracurricular activities or expand upon your personal introduction. 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. The bottom of your resume or your interview are likely better forums for these details. Optional statements should focus on filling gaps or answering questions we are likely to have about you.

Our Top Essay Writing Tips

  • 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. If you bypass the actual questions in an effort to tell us something you think we want to hear, you will not provide the information we are looking for. This includes sticking to the word counts and time limits that are given.
  • Be honest. These essays are our way to learn more about you. Our community values authenticity and we look for essays that reflect your authentic self.
  • Have someone you trust read over your essays. 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 essay prompts give you some ideas to think about and some points to revisit as you write (and rewrite) your essays. Good luck and happy applying!


Please reach out to the MBA Admissions Team with any questions.

Hook ’em!

How to Reapply for Your MBA

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.

Application

All candidates reapplying are required to complete a new application, new essays,  a new resume, and pay the application fee. Our essay prompts can change from year to year, so copying and pasting your essay responses from a previous application cycle is not recommended. In addition, rewriting your essays shows effort!

Review essays and application components for:

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. You can always review your application status on the “MyStatus” page to make sure you have current transcripts.

Test Scores

GMAT  and GRE  scores are also kept on file for one year and overall, scores are valid five years after the date the test is taken. For TOEFL scores, this period is two years. 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.

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 re-apply 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.

Please reach out to us at TexasMBA@mccombs.utexas.edu with any questions. We look forward to receiving your new application.

Good luck and Hook ’em!

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