Master in Professional Accounting Admissions Blog

Insider Information for Prospective Texas McCombs MPA Students

Tag: master in professional accounting (page 1 of 6)

Shawn Lee

An International Student’s Perspective on the MPA Experience

January 24, 2025 / / 0 Comments

As I reflect on my first semester in the Texas McCombs MPA program, the aroma of scallion pancake wafts through my small apartment. Upon arrival in Austin, I faced the daunting task of cooking for myself — something I had never done before. My first attempts were far from perfect; sometimes the food was burnt, other times it was raw and inedible. But through each trial and error, I learned and improved.

This culinary exploration is a microcosm of my academic experience. Initially, everything was new and challenging, from understanding new University systems to completing rigorous tasks and harmonizing cross-cultural interactions. However, the supportive environment provided by the MPA program has made all the difference. The excellent professors I’ve encountered have been patient guides, breaking down complex concepts into manageable pieces. Meanwhile, the MPA Program Office academic and career advisors have provided invaluable resources and support, always ready to lend a helping hand. My peers, caring and professional, created a collaborative atmosphere in which we learned from each other’s diverse perspectives.

After a few weeks in the program, I had a sudden realization that shook me to my core. Despite my background in accounting, I found myself struggling with unfamiliar concepts and financial and tax accounting systems. It was in this moment of vulnerability that I truly understood the value of my roots. The comfort of my home country’s familiar accounting practices, which I had taken for granted, now felt like a cherished foundation upon which I could build new knowledge. This epiphany ignited a dual passion within me: a renewed appreciation for my cultural heritage and a burning desire to excel in this new academic landscape.

As I take a bit of the crusty and crunchy pancake I’ve just made, I’m reminded of the purpose behind the 7,734 miles I journeyed from Taipei to Austin. The texture and flavor evoke memories of home and symbolize the gradual improvements I’ve made in my cooking and the satisfaction of creating something meaningful. My culinary journey mirrors my experience in the MPA program: through a bit of trial and error, the rigorous curriculum and supportive resources have provided the perfect opportunity for growth.

-Shawn Lee, MPA Class of 2025

MPA Admissions Update

Texas McCombs MPA Admissions Update

January 17, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Here is a quick Texas McCombs MPA admissions update as we settle into the new year!

  • The MPA admissions committee has been reviewing completed U.S. traditional MPA applications and all completed MPA Bridge applications, releasing decisions on a rolling basis. There is still plenty of time to apply! The final U.S. traditional and MPA Bridge application deadline is May 6.
  • The final traditional MPA international application deadline was on January 14. The application review will begin soon, and decisions will be released in approximately March. Please be sure to submit all of your supplemental application materials no later than Monday, January 27 if you would like your application to be considered. Additionally, any resume, transcript or test score updates (if any) should be submitted through the McCombs application portal as soon as possible. Applications completed after January 27 will be considered on a space-available basis.

The admissions decision will be posted on the Office of Graduate Admissions MyStatus portal, and you will receive additional correspondence from the MPA program if you are admitted.

Questions? Contact the MPA admissions team

REGISTER: Join the January 16 Traditional MPA Information Session!

January 10, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Join our upcoming virtual information session to learn more about the traditional Master in Professional Accounting program. This info session will provide valuable insights into our top-ranked accounting program, including the MPA admissions process, curriculum, career outcomes, and the benefits of studying at the University of Texas at Austin. Don’t miss this chance to see how the Texas McCombs MPA program can help you achieve your professional goals!

REGISTER: THURSDAY, JANUARY 16 – 5:00 PM CT

We look forward to meeting you soon!

Jasmin Blas-Mendieta

Jasmin Blas-Mendieta, MPA Senior Recruiting and Admissions Officer.

 

Traditional MPA International Applicants: Final Deadline Approaching!

January 9, 2025 / / 0 Comments

The traditional MPA international application deadline (for non-U.S. citizens/permanent residents) is quickly approaching! Be sure to submit your application no later than 11:59 p.m. on January 14.

What if all of your supplemental materials are not received by January 14?

  • Your application will not be considered complete and reviewed for a decision until all application materials have been received, including official test scores (if required)*, recommendation letters, application fee payment, and other items in the MyStatus checklist.
  • Please update the MPA Admissions team  on the status of any outstanding application materials.
  • Submit your supplemental materials as soon as possible. Applications completed after January 27 will be considered on a space available basis.

If your official test scores* are not posted to your application record by January 14, please update the MPA Admissions team with the date of your test and a copy of the score report. On average, it takes about 3-4 weeks for the test scores to be received and uploaded to an applicant’s record.

If you reported GMAT or GRE test scores or a future test date in the admissions application, we will hold on a decision until the official test scores are received from the testing agency.* Please notify the MPA admissions team if your testing plans change after you submit your application.

*Certain international applicants are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement, and GMAT/GRE test scores are optional. Review this blog post for detailed information.

Need assistance?

Contact the MPA admissions team or schedule an appointment for an application consultation.

MPA Tailgate Event: Texas vs Florida Football

December 12, 2024 / / 0 Comments

The recent MPA tailgate was more than just pre-game fun—it was a testament to the camaraderie within the MPA community. One student shares their unique experience as a former University of Florida undergrad cheering for the Texas Longhorns while donning a Florida Gators jersey!

The MPA tailgate was a great bonding experience for students within the MPA program. It was great seeing my friends from different classes come together, wear burnt orange, and get excited for the Longhorns’ SEC matchup against the Gators. Many of us rooted for different teams throughout our undergrad, but this game meant much more to me since I did my undergrad at the University of Florida and was a photographer for the Florida Gators’ athletics program. When I showed up to the tailgate with a Texas Longhorns hat and Florida Gators jersey, my fellow MPA students made sure to get a good laugh, and it made for a lot of fun. This MPA community really thrives off of each other as we are all battle the stresses that come with a prestigious academic program together. I also made sure to fuel up with some catered Chick-fil-A.

As for advice I have for new/prospective students, prioritize and make time for friends and meet fellow students through social outings such as the MPA tailgate. Having friends in all of your classes will make you look forward to your 8 am classes, give you a sense of home away from home, and provide you with lifelong friends down the road. I am looking forward to what the next semester brings and hope we can all get together for a baseball or basketball outing.

-Craig Haas

Learn more about the Master in Professional Accounting program

MPA student at football game MPA students enjoying tailgate

MPA students at tailgate

Register: Join Us for Our Virtual MPA Panel Night

November 8, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Join us for an evening of insight and connection at the MPA Panel Night! This event offers a unique opportunity to hear from Texas McCombs faculty, current students, and alumni. Learn about the program’s academic strengths, explore student experiences, and discover how an MPA can shape your career.

Register: MPA Panel Night

Thursday, November 14, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Zoom Webinar

Traditional MPA Applicants What's Next?

The Traditional MPA Early Deadline Passed – What’s Next?

November 4, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Congratulations! You completed your traditional MPA (tMPA) application by the November 1 early deadline! What happens next? 

The MPA Admissions Committee is beginning to review all completed* applications. We anticipate releasing early decisions for U.S. applications in mid-December. Early decisions for international applications will be released in mid- to late January. Your admissions decision will be posted on the Office of Graduate Admissions MyStatus portal, and you will receive a separate message from the Texas McCombs MPA program if you are accepted.

What should you do if your application is incomplete?

U.S. applicants: If you are still working on submitting your materials, you can expect to receive a decision approximately four to six weeks after your application is complete.*

International applicants: Aim to complete* your application no later than January 14 (final application deadline). Decisions will be released by late March/early April.

*All required materials must be received before an application will be reviewed for a decision. Be sure to check the status of your application in the McCombs application portal and in the Office of Graduate Admission’s MyStatus portal on a regular basis.

If you reported (optional) GMAT or GRE test scores or a future test date in the admissions application, we will hold on a decision until the official test scores are received from the testing agency. Please notify the MPA admissions team if your testing plans change after you submit your application.

You were admitted to another university, and the acceptance deadline is approaching, but you haven’t received a decision from the Texas McCombs MPA program. What should you do?

If you receive an admission offer from another university and need to respond to the offer before you receive a decision from us, please send us an email with the name of the university and the admission response deadline. Although we cannot guarantee an earlier admission decision, we will do our best to accommodate your request.

You are a Texas resident. How can you establish your residency status at UT Austin for tuition purposes?

If you are a Texas resident, you will be required to submit Residency Core Questions so that UT Austin can verify your residency. You are eligible to complete the questionnaire after submitting your online application. You do not need to wait for an admissions decision first. Additional information regarding Texas residency is available on the UT admissions website. Feel free to contact UT’s residency officer if you have questions regarding Texas residency.

Tip for tMPA U.S. applicants: Complete the residency questionnaire soon after submitting the admissions application so that your UT record is updated before the MPA program determines scholarship awards.

Note to MPA Bridge applicants: Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. Apply at any time until the May 6 application deadline!

Kristina Zvinakis, MPA faculty director

Texas McCombs Master in Professional Accounting Degree is Now STEM Certified!

November 1, 2024 / / 0 Comments

As of this fall, the Texas McCombs Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) degree is now STEM certified by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

The STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) designation acknowledges the MPA program’s heavy emphasis on quantitative methods, statistical analysis, and technological applications. Students in the program receive a traditional accounting education along with an abundance of wide-ranging opportunities to apply technology and data analysis skills in nearly every course.

The certification benefits international students, as graduates with STEM designated degrees can stay in the U.S. to work for three years, instead of just one year, through the Optional Practical Training program.

Read more…

 

Specialized Masters Info Session

REGISTER: Join Us In Person to Learn About Specialized Master’s Options for UT Students

October 30, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Connect with the Specialized Master’s recruiting and admissions team to discover the range of master’s programs offered at McCombs. As a UT undergraduate, you can take advantage of the opportunity to earn a master’s degree by staying just one more year at UT.

The info session will cover admission requirements, career outcomes, important dates, and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and dive into what makes the McCombs School of Business Specialized Master’s programs highly ranked and well sought after.

Specialized Master’s programs for UT undergrads include:

  • Accounting
  • Business Analytics
  • Finance
  • Information Technology & Management
  • Marketing

REGISTER: SPECIALIZED MASTER’S INFO SESSION FOR UT STUDENTS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5 | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. CT

BERNARD AND AUDRE RAPOPORT BUILDING (BRB) 2.136

Early Deadline Traditional MPA Applicants

Traditional MPA Applicants: November 1 Early Deadline is Approaching!

October 28, 2024 / / 0 Comments

The early November 1 deadline for U.S. and international traditional MPA applicants is just around the corner. If you are working on completing your application by this deadline… great! Early U.S. applicants should receive an admissions decision in mid-December, and your application will be first in line for consideration for potential scholarships. Early international applicants will receive a decision in January.

However, do not be concerned if you are still working on your application. Why?

  • We use a rolling admissions process for U.S. applicants in which we review completed applications on a continuous basis until the final May 6 deadline. Your chances for admission would not be affected if you complete your application after November 1 but still early in our admissions cycle. And, although scholarships become more limited later on, we do award scholarships throughout the admissions cycle.
  • International applicants still have time to submit an application by the final January 14 application deadline. Completing your application by November 1 will allow you to receive an earlier decision, but your chances for admission would not be affected if you complete your application by the final January 14 deadline. Those who complete their application by the final deadline should receive a decision by the end of March.
  • You should take your time to submit the strongest application possible. For example, you may be planning to submit (optional) GMAT or GRE test scores or TOEFL or IELTS test scores (international applicants) and need more time to study.

Your application will not be considered complete and reviewed for a decision until all application materials have been received. If you reported GMAT or GRE test scores or a future test date in the admissions application, we will hold on a decision until the official test scores are received from the testing agency.* Please notify the MPA admissions team if your testing plans change after you submit your application.

*Plan ahead: it takes about 3-4 weeks for the score report to be sent and added to an applicant’s record.

Do you have any concerns about your application? Contact the MPA admissions team or schedule an appointment for an application consultation.

Note to MPA Bridge applicants: Admissions are rolling all year. Apply for summer 2025 anytime before 11:59 pm CT on May 6, 2025.

 

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