It’s 10pm in Reliant (a study space akin to a library… but without all those pesky books) and many students have been here for hours. The fragrance of Red Bull and mild panic perfume the air and one only hears rustling paper and the occasional sniffle. That’s right, it’s midterms for the 1st years at McCombs, and none of us know quite what to expect. What we do know: half a quarter of accounting, finance, statistics and microeconomics… right?
With my background in art history, you can imagine how I initially felt reading that schedule – the first part of our core curriculum – compressed now, so we have time for more focused electives later. But it turns out MBA Program Director Tina Mabley (in a most excellent pep-email) was right – she and the admissions committee knew I could handle finance and accounting even if I didn’t agree at the moment.
Lest you think McCombs is all study and no play, let me assure you that through all the stress, good times were still to be had. A collective no-sleep-and-over-caffeinated accounting class/giggle fest a day or two after the midterm. Relishing the non-competitive, non-judgemental atmosphere as I asked yet again, “What is the difference between ‘discount rate’ and ‘cost of capital’?” Discovering a NYC-style Halal cart on 6th Street. Our first tailgate and home football game – a win, of course. And so many other small moments I might ordinarily ignore, but were all the more sweet in my stressed state. Evidence of life outside Reliant.
And indeed, life moves on. Finals are in just 2.5 weeks!
Are you applying to business school from a non-traditional background and have questions about the curriculum? General questions about the core? Don’t hesitate to reach out!
