Tag: Texas MBA Program (page 2 of 6)

The Texas McCombs Admissions Connection

The Texas McCombs Admissions Connection is designed to add a human component to the application process and is the perfect way to wrap up your Texas McCombs MBA application journey.  

What is an Admissions Connection?  

 The Admissions Connection is a live, virtual get-to-know-you session that serves as an opportunity for our applicants to engage directly with a Full-Time MBA Admissions Ambassador. 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 student 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.  

Admissions Connections will become available roughly one-week post-round deadline. Once available, applicants will be able to choose a host based on shared interests whenever they register for a slot.  

How should I prepare for the Admissions Connection? 

The Admissions Connection session is virtual, on Zoom, and will kick off with a very brief mutual introduction between the applicant and the Admissions Ambassador. You will know who your host is ahead of time and will be provided with their LinkedIn page.  

Tip: Keep your introduction to 1-3 minutes only. Remember the ambassador will not have access to your resume; we recommend mixing a bit of personal and professional in your introduction.  

After the introduction, the applicant will drive the conversation with the Admissions Ambassador.  

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

Here is a list of topics to consider during the Admissions Connection: 

  • 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. 

The Admissions Ambassador will wrap up the session by asking you for feedback on your Full-Time MBA admissions experience and covering key dates to remember as you conclude the application process. 

Does the Admissions Connection impact the admission decision? 

 There is no evaluative component to this session, although your Admissions Ambassador will be able to pass along any information you share to the admissions committee.

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.

Is my admission decision impacted by not having an Admissions Connection 

The Admissions Connection is optional and applicants will not be penalized if they decide to not take advantage of it. Keep in mind, however, attending a session helps show the committee that you have a genuine interest in getting to know the Texas McCombs MBA program. 

 


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

Good luck and Hook ’em!

Full-Time MBA Testing Options and Waivers

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

Texas McCombs MBA Admissions is excited to share that Full-Time MBA candidates have more options than ever before when considering how to complete the standardized test requirement in their application. 

All applicants are required to submit a GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment (EA) test score.  We will waive the testing requirement if: 

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

Standardized exams like the GMAT, GRE, EA, TOEFL, and IELTS help us evaluate a candidate’s academic preparedness for the rigor of business school and are one metric used to compare candidates within a large pool of applicants.   

Note that most applicants applying to the Full-Time MBA program take either the GMAT or GRE due to the competitiveness of the pool. Submitting a strong, valid test score will give the Admissions Committee an additional, relevant data point that may strengthen a candidate’s position for admission and/or scholarship award.  

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

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

Key Considerations for Test Options 

Future Employment

Before you make a final decision on which test to take or if you should submit a waiver, it’s best to research some of your target companies or industries and determine two things: 

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

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

Academic History

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

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

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

Scholarships

Scholarship awards are competitive and limited in number. Scholarship decisions are based on a longstanding holistic review process that considers your entire application and serves to assess the overall strength of your candidacy, including readiness for academic rigor, career goals, leadership potential, and fit with our program culture.  

Submitting a strong, valid test score will give the Admissions  Committee  an additional, relevant data point that may strengthen a candidate’s position for scholarship awards.   

Test Options for Full-Time MBA Candidates

Submitting Current GMAT, GRE, or EA Scores

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

Submitting Expired GRE, GMAT, or EA Scores

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

Submitting a General Test Waiver Petition 

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

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

  • A minimum of three years of substantive and progressing post-undergraduate work experience
  • Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree with a strong academic record, preferably in an analytical or quantitative discipline.

The Admissions Committee will be reviewing your academic history closely, with a focus on analytical or quantitative courses. To improve chances of petition approval, we highly advise applicants to have an overall GPA of 3.0 or more. 

Instructions for Completing a Test Waiver Petition

The truth is that by removing one component from your application, your other components will carry more weight in the committee’s final decision.

Which Exam is Right for You? 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GMAT 

For many years, the GMAT was the only standardized test accepted by business schools, but in the last decade, that has changed. Like Texas McCombs, many schools accept the GMAT, GRE, and EA with no preference for one test over another. However, it’s important to be aware that the GMAT is still used by some large consulting and investment banking companies as a baseline qualifier for the recruiting process. If consulting or I-banking are in your sights, this means that the GMAT is the best choice. 

The Fine Print: Not ALL consulting and investment banking firms look at your GMAT – boutique consulting firms, for example, typically do not ask for your score. So, this is not a one-size-fits-all rule but is something to consider if those industries are of interest to you. 

Learn more about the GMAT at mba.com/exams.

Find resources for GMAT preparation at MBA.com.

GRE 

Sometimes the GRE is the best choice for applicants who have already completed a Master’s degree or those who are pursuing their MBA in conjunction with other Master’s degrees, for example, our dual degree programs. Taking only the GRE allows you to apply to both programs separately with one score, a convenience factor that most dual-degree applicants appreciate.  

Learn more about the GRE at ets.org/gre.

ETS offers a variety of free and low-cost tools to help you prepare for the GRE exam.

Executive Assessment (EA) 

In 2016 GMAC (who also administers the GMAT exam) saw the need for a new exam, designed specifically for the needs of MBA applicants who have a significant amount of work experience. Although anyone is eligible to take the EA, we recommend that an applicant have a minimum of five years of full-time employment.  

Today, almost 100 MBA programs, Full-Time, Professional, and Executive, accept the EA. Unlike the GMAT or GRE, the EA is a readiness exam and a benchmark for academic preparedness.

Learn more about the EA at gmac.com/executive-assessment.


As you evaluate your testing options or consider a test waiver petition, we challenge you to assess the quantitative data points on your application and think about what will strengthen your overall MBA candidacy.  While some applicants may not need a test score to build their case, other applicants may significantly enhance their chances of being admitted (and getting a scholarship) by having a strong test score. 

At the end of the day, being objective about the quantitative data points you present on your application will help ensure you put your best foot forward in the admissions process.  

Check out our Application Process page for more information on graduate entrance testing. Please reach out to the MBA Admissions Team with any questions.

Good luck and Hook ’em!

Meet the Full-Time MBA Admissions Team

Rodrigo Malta, Paul Mannie, Stacey Batas, and Patrick Olson holding up a hook 'em at Rowling Hall.

Texas McCombs Full-Time MBA Admissions Team.
(From Left to Right) Rodrigo Malta, Paul Mannie, Stacey Batas, Patrick Olson.

Every year, the Texas McCombs Full-Time 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 Headshot

Rodrigo 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.

Stacey's headshotStacey Batas – Director of Full-Time MBA Recruiting and Admissions

Stacey Batas has been a part of the McCombs family since 2015. Prior to working at McCombs, she worked for an Austin-based marketing firm focused on college and university admissions that helped clients with social media, branding, search campaigns, publication design, etc. She also spent 8 years in admissions and marketing at a private college in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she managed events and recruited transfer and international students. While in Charlotte, she attained her MA degree in Higher Education.

“I was an admissions tour guide in undergrad and fell in love! I found my calling in higher education at the ripe old age of 21, when I started my career in admissions. I loved the industry so much that I got a master’s in higher education in 2012 and have been in various roles in the industry ever since. My husband is also a graduate of the Texas McCombs Evening MBA program, so I’m a member of Cohort 5 as well!”

Stacey says the best thing about being a part of the  Admissions Team is working with the student ambassadors and helping newly admitted students. Moving to Austin and starting the program can be stressful but being able to help them through the process is incredibly rewarding for the team.

“I love working with the student ambassadors. Seeing how they grow professionally and personally over the course of the two-year program is so rewarding. I also love to travel, so visiting our prospective students on their turf is a great perk of the job. I’ve been able to visit applicants in India, Latin America, and all across East Asia.”

When applying to McCombs, Stacey advises prospective students to not rush their applications and take some time to proofread everything before clicking ‘submit.’ Many of the mistakes the admissions team sees on applications are because they were rushed or waited until the last minute. When looking over applications, Stacey says the most notable are the applicants who have a cohesive story.

“I love the applicants who have a cohesive story. I understand their background, why they want an MBA, and what they want for themselves after the MBA. Really think about how to weave that story throughout your application.”

She also warns about some things applicants should not do:

“While we do want our applicants to interact with us, remember that ‘more’ is not always better. Registering for and no-showing to a ton of events can reflect poorly on your application.”

Stacey isn’t always looking over MBA applications, she also loves driving her Vespa— she uses it daily to get to Rowling Hall —along with spending time with her husband and dog, Phoebe Cates.

Connect with Stacey Batas

Paul headhsotPaul Mannie – Full-Time MBA Recruiting and Admissions Officer

Paul Mannie is a Longhorn Alum with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to becoming a part of the Full-Time MBA Admissions team in September 2021, he worked as a Student Program Coordinator for UT for Me – Powered by Dell Scholars. Paul is also currently pursuing a Master in Higher Education and Leadership from the University of Texas.

“I got into admissions after a internship with UT’s undergraduate admissions office. Helping recruit historically underrepresented students just seemed perfect. McCombs brought together a lot of my professional passions and the work environment is the talk of the town.”

Paul says he loves talking to current and prospective MBA students to learn about what they are passionate about and where they see themselves going in the future.

“Ask all of the questions. Even that one that you thought ‘no, probably shouldn’t.’ Just be mindful of who you are asking (admissions officer vs. alumni vs. current student).”

Before submitting your MBA application, Paul suggests reviewing it as a whole to be sure it effectively captures the whole story.

“Tell your story and tie together the pieces of your application to form a complete picture. This takes some introspection and looking back on your application as a whole before hitting submit or interviewing.”

Paul warns that while excitement about the program is encouraged, you should not try to “overdo it.”

“Don’t overdo it. If this is where you’re supposed to end up, it’ll work out. Come to the events you need to, talk to the people you need to. You don’t have to come to everything nor talk to everyone.”

When Paul isn’t on the Forty Acres or studying for class, he could be found hiking the trails of Austin, spending time with his puppy Yeaux-Pierre, or playing the trombone.

Connect with Paul Mannie.

Patrick Olsen headshotPatrick Olson – Full-Time MBA Recruiting and Admissions Officer

Patrick Olson grew up in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. He earned his bachelor’s in Business from the University of South Carolina and a master’s from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin. Prior to starting at McCombs in October 2021. He worked as an Admissions and Recruitment Coordinator for the UT College of Pharmacy.

Patrick got his first start in admissions as a student ambassador as an undergrad and found a passion for higher education and recruiting. While Patrick is fairly new to the team, he has had the best time meeting and working closely with our McCombs Ambassador Committee. 

“Working in Admissions was my first job out of college and I’ve enjoyed every aspect of it. McCombs is a special place to work because of the caliber of students. Our MBA students are both driven and well-rounded. McCombs students are proud to call themselves alumni of the program and regularly give back to their community. I thrive off the Texas McCombs energy.”

Patrick says video essays catch his attention the most when going through applications.

“I am a sucker for the video essays. I love seeing the creativity students put into their video and it helps me see a different perspective that isn’t typically available in the traditional application. That said, your video doesn’t have to be academy award quality to be “good.” An iPhone and a location that is meaningful to you is perfect!”

For those preparing for a virtual interview, Patrick has some advice.

“Don’t read off notes or a second monitor when interviewing virtually. Your answers should be honest and authentic. I rather you tell me one specific story about yourself than ten surface-level fast facts. You will never be able to share your entire life story in an application, so focus on telling one good story.”

When Patrick is not talking to students or prospective applicants, you can find him spending quality time with his partner, young twins, and their puppy, Maddie. Patrick is an avid runner and participates in local road and trail races–his favorite being the Longhorn Run, which happens annually on the UT campus. He also spends time volunteering with the Young Men’s Business League and Austin Sunshine Camps.

“If you can, please visit our campus and Rowling Hall! It is easy to compare and the quantifiable difference between MBA programs, but it is so important you feel comfortable, welcome and safe in your MBA program. The McCombs community and the city of Austin are what make our program different from any other MBA program in the world. Come see for yourself!”

Connect with Patrick Olson.


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

Hispanic Heritage Month with LAHMBA at McCombs

Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 – October 15, is a national celebration of the accomplishments and cultural history of Hispanic and Latinx individuals and organizations in the United States. At Texas McCombs, our students are a constant reminder of the positive impact that diverse backgrounds and perspectives bring to our communities. We are proud to highlight some of our Latin American & Hispanic MBA Association (LAHMBA) students’ stories, their “Why McCombs?” and LAHMBA initiatives this year.

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Test Options for Working
Professional MBA Candidates

This MBA Insider info comes from the Working Professional and Executive MBA Admissions team.

Preparing for and taking an MBA admissions exam is one of the best ways to get your mind back into academic mode. The most common questions we receive from candidates are about the standardized tests — how to prepare for them and if there are average or minimum scores. While competitive test scores can certainly enhance your chances of admission, it is only one factor in a holistic review of your application. Exploring the Class Profiles will give you the best idea of how our admitted students scored on their tests when preparing for the admissions process.

Texas McCombs Professional or Executive MBA candidates — for Evening, Executive, Dallas/Fort Worth, or Houston— have more options than ever when considering which graduate entrance exam to submit.

Test Options at a Glance

Submitting Expired GRE or GMAT Scores

Many of our Professional and Executive MBA candidates come into the program with a master’s degree that was earned immediately following their undergraduate degree. Until recently, only valid GRE or GMAT scores within the past five years were accepted from applicants. The reality is, prior graduate education and quality work experience are strong indicators of success in graduate business curriculum.

So if you hold a master’s degree and have your expired GRE or GMAT score report, a current exam score is not required and you may submit your expired scores.

The Executive Assessment (EA)

Several years ago, GMAC (who also delivers the GMAT) saw the need for a new test, tailored to the needs of MBA programs and their applicants who have significant years of work experience. Originally conceived for Executive MBA programs, the Executive Assessment (EA) was created in 2017. Today, over 70 MBA programs accept the EA. Where the GMAT and GRE are seen as screening tools, the EA is a readiness exam and a benchmark for academic preparedness.

If you have at least 8 years of work experience post-undergrad, you may choose to submit the EA with your Professional or Executive MBA application instead of the GMAT or GRE.

The Right Test for Your Application and Career Goals

When you’re considering an MBA program for a specific career path, it’s good to know what the recruiting landscape looks like. Be sure to educate yourself on choosing a test for your career search before starting your test prep.

Scholarship awards are another aspect to think about when deciding which test to submit. The Dallas and Houston Weekend MBA, and the Austin Evening MBA programs award small recruiting scholarships to outstanding incoming students based on the merits of the application as well as financial need. While the committee reviews each candidate holistically when awarding scholarships, a strong, valid GMAT or GRE will outweigh an expired GMAT or GRE, or an EA.

It’s true, some Executive MBA candidates can waive their exam requirements. The Executive MBA program is the only McCombs MBA that allows candidates to petition to waive the exam altogether. Candidates use the Optional Essay to explain why they do not need an exam, and the committee evaluates each waiver petition in the context of the entire application. Essentially, we’re looking elsewhere for information that the test would convey.

Our best advice to Executive MBA candidates: You must have at least 8 years of work experience to apply, but Executive MBAs have an average of over 14 years of experience. If you have below this average and solely a bachelor’s degree, plan to submit the EA. 

If you have any questions about your testing options please contact our admissions team:
MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth Admissions
MBA at Houston Admissions
Evening MBA Admissions
Executive MBA Admissions

Hook ’em!

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