MPA Admissions Blog

Insider Information for Prospective Texas McCombs Students

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info session

Register: MPA Info Session on November 29

November 22, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Are you interested in earning your master’s degree in accounting from The University of Texas at Austin? Join us virtually at the Texas McCombs Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) virtual info session on Wednesday, November 29 from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. CT!

Our one-year traditional MPA is open to both UT and non-UT students who will have earned a bachelor’s degree (in any academic discipline) before starting the MPA program. At the MPA info session, you will meet Jasmin Blas-Mendieta, the Senior Admissions and Recruiting Officer for the MPA program. She will detail the curriculum you will learn in the program, career outcomes and opportunities, how to apply, and answer any questions you have.

Register Today!

Master in Professional Accounting Info Session
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. CT
Virtual – Zoom

Student Viewpoint: The MPA Community

November 13, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Since joining the MPA Program at The University of Texas at Austin, I’ve grown academically, professionally, and most of all, personally. The program offers tons of unique opportunities to interact with your peers, faculty, and industry professionals within and outside of the standard course curriculum. Between workshops, panels, and sponsored events there are numerous ways to make connections and expand your network.

The coursework is relevant and has been demanding, but I have found that the MPA faculty are always there to support you while also challenging you to be your best. From professors eager to help with any questions or problems you may encounter, to career coaches assisting in resume writing, to interview preparation, the MPA program has been a great experience. And, while the program is rigorous and truly prepares you for your career, it’s not all debits and credits.

I’ve made some great connections within the MPA community. The MPA program sponsors an intramural basketball team that I joined this semester. It’s been a fun outlet and allowed me to build friendships with MPA classmates. We’ve all found it refreshing to have an outlet to easily unplug, recharge, and get some physical activity in to stay level-headed and reduce stress. This is one of many ways the MPA program helps build a close-knit community.

In addition to the networking opportunities, there are clubs, social events, and even opportunities to study abroad. It can be easy to be focused on your coursework and forget to spend time with people outside classes. These opportunities can be a great way to connect to the MPA, McCombs, and even the greater UT community.

My time thus far in the program has been incredible and I know it will be worthwhile. I cannot recommend it enough!

Hook ‘em!

Peter Gutierrez, MPA Class of 2024

MPA current students and alumni panel

Register: MPA Current Student and Alumni Panel

November 9, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Are you considering a career in accounting and looking to learn more about the Master in Professional Accounting program at Texas McCombs? Join us virtually on November 15 to hear from current MPA students and alumni! They will discuss why they chose to study accounting, as well as detail their experiences in the program, including their favorites classes, recruiting and networking opportunities, and life at McCombs. Plus, you’ll have the chance to ask the panelists questions! Register for the event here.

Wednesday, November 15, 2023
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. CT
Virtual – Zoom


Meet the Alumni Panelists

iman Iman Ortiz, tMPA ’16
Audit Manager at Deloitte

Iman earned her undergraduate degree in accounting from St. Edward’s University and then joined Texas McCombs to earn her master’s in accounting through the traditional Master in Professional Accounting (tMPA) program. She is a CPA and has had a successful seven-year tenure at Deloitte, where she has established her accounting career. Her journey at Deloitte has seen her climb the ranks, from her initial role as an Audit Intern to her current position as Audit Manager.

harry

Harry Wu, iMPA ’20

Investment Associate at Cambridge Information Group

Harry graduated from the integrated Master in Professional Accounting (iMPA) program. He launched his career as an associate with KPMG before moving into the investment sector as an analyst for the financial and valuation advisory group of Houlihan Lokey. Harry currently lives in New York City and works as an associate on the investment team at CIG, where he is responsible for supporting the evaluation of new investment opportunities and assists with the oversight of CIG’s portfolio companies.

Jordan

Jordan Paige, iMPA ’18
Senior Associate at Portage Point Partners

Jordan graduated from the integrated Master in Professional Accounting (iMPA) program. She is a senior associate at Portage Point Partners in Dallas, specializing in transaction advisory services. Before joining Portage Point, she was a financial analyst at Houlihan Lokey, where she conducted M&A due diligence for acquisitions and divestitures in various industries, focusing on middle market transactions ranging from $5 million to $500 million. Jordan is a CPA and is also FINRA Series 63 and Series 79 licensed.

Admissions Update Blog

MPA Admissions Update – What’s Next?

November 2, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Congratulations! You completed your application by the November 1 early deadline! What happens next? 

The MPA Admissions Committee will review all completed U.S. applications first and will likely start releasing decisions before UT Austin’s winter break in mid-December. Decisions for international applications will be released in mid- to late January. The admissions decision will be posted on the Office of Graduate Admissions MyStatus page. You also 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 one month after your application is complete.*

International applicants: Aim to complete* your application no later than January 5 (final application deadline). Decisions will be released by mid- to late March.

*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 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 message 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 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.

REGISTER: MPA Info Session on Oct 31st!

October 26, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Are you interested in earning your master’s degree in accounting from The University of Texas at Austin? Join us virtually at the Texas McCombs Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) virtual info session on Tuesday, October 31 from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. CT!

Our one-year traditional MPA is open to both UT and non-UT students who will have earned a bachelor’s degree (in any academic discipline) before starting the MPA program. At the MPA info session, you will meet Jasmin Blas-Mendieta, the Senior Admissions and Recruiting Officer for the MPA program. She will detail the curriculum you will learn in the program, career outcomes and opportunities, how to apply, and answer any questions you have.

Register Today!

Master in Professional Accounting Info Session
Tuesday, October 31, 2023
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. CT
Virtual – Zoom

MPA early deadline is approaching!

November 1 Early Deadline is Approaching!

October 23, 2023 / / 0 Comments

The early November 1 deadline for U.S. and international applicants is just around the corner. If you are working on completing your application by this deadline… great! U.S. applicants should receive an admissions decision before winter break, and your application will be first in line for consideration for potential scholarships. 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 April 30 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 5 application deadline. Completing your application early 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 5 deadline.
  • You should take your time to submit the strongest application possible rather than overly rushing. For example, you may be planning to submit (optional) GMAT/GMAT Focus or GRE test scores 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.

MPA Resume Tips

Application Tips: Crafting Your Resume

October 5, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Your resume provides an important opportunity to showcase your accomplishments and skills. Be sure to highlight honors, awards, language or computer skills, extracurriculars, volunteer and leadership experiences, internships, full-time work experience (if applicable), and other experiences that developed your skills outside of the classroom.

You may have noticed on the Texas McCombs MPA admissions website that we provide MPA Application Resume Guidelines and the MPA Application Resume Template. Although this format is not required, we highly recommend using the MPA template if you are in the process of reconstructing your resume. If admitted, you will be required to use this format during the recruiting process, and our MPA career coaches will work with you to fine-tune your resume.

The MPA Application Resume Guidelines include:

  • Resume length
  • Font and font size
  • Margins
  • Tips for listing education, achievements, experience, and work eligibility

If you already submitted your resume but prefer to provide another one with updated information or in the Texas McCombs MPA format, you can submit the updated version in the McCombs application portal. Be sure to submit any updates as soon as possible. We cannot guarantee that updates will be included in your application review, as it will depend on when you submit the updated resume and where your application is in the review process with the admissions committee.

Transcript tips blog

Application Tips: Submitting Your Transcripts

October 2, 2023 / / 0 Comments

We receive many inquiries regarding transcripts for the Texas McCombs MPA application! Here’s a breakdown of the most frequently asked questions:

What are the steps for submitting my transcripts?

You will provide your transcripts in two locations: 1) in the McCombs application portal (for the MPA admissions committee application review) and 2) in the MyStatus portal (for UT’s Office of Graduate Admissions). The Office of Graduate Admissions is responsible for verifying the validity of transcripts and degrees and calculating an upper-division GPA (based on junior- and senior-level courses).

Steps: (See the admissions packet for additional details.)

  1. List all colleges and universities attended, including junior or community colleges, in the admissions application.
  2. Order official transcripts from every four-year university or college you attended, and have them sent to you directly. Applicants who attended The University of Texas at Austin should download a copy of a UT Academic Summary instead of ordering a transcript. Transcripts from junior or community colleges should be requested if you completed our pre-enrollment requirements or any accounting courses at these institutions. If you are unable to obtain an official transcript in PDF format, scan your paper transcripts to a PDF.
  3. Upload all transcripts to your McCombs online application. Current and former UT Austin students can upload a free Academic Summary in lieu of a UT transcript.
  4. Pay your Application Fee in UT’s Office of Graduate Admissions MyStatus portal after submitting your application.
  5. After paying your application fee, upload the transcripts to the MyStatus portal or have your transcripts sent electronically via SPEEDE or Parchment (see the Submit Transcripts section of this Office of Graduate Admissions web page for detailed instructions). Former University of Texas at Austin students will pay a  $20 transcript fee in lieu of uploading UT Austin transcripts.

Tip: Store your official paper transcripts safely. If you are offered admission and intend to enroll, you will then send your official paper copy transcripts to the Office of Graduate Admissions.

If I need to submit a transcript from a foreign university, do I need to include a foreign credential evaluation from WES or another organization?

A foreign credential evaluation is not required. However, if a transcript is written in a language other than English, a complete and official English translation must be uploaded together with the original transcript.

Should I submit my transcript without my fall grades? 

If you are an international applicant (not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident), you should submit your transcript before the application deadline, even if the fall grades are not posted. If you prefer to send an update after your fall grades are available, you can do so in the McCombs application portal.

If you are a U.S. applicant, we recommend submitting a transcript without your fall grades if you are aiming to apply early and your fall grades are net yet posted. We will reach out to you if we need your fall grades before making a decision. That said, you might wait to submit your transcript with your fall grades if:

  1. (For non-accounting majors:) You are taking any of the pre-enrollment courses in the fall,
  2. (For accounting majors:) You are enrolled in several upper-level accounting classes in the fall, or
  3. Your upper-level GPA will be improved substantially with your fall grades.

Please contact the MPA admissions team if you have additional questions!

Blog Post Tip - Rec Letters 2022

Application Tips: Recommendation Letters

September 28, 2023 / / 0 Comments

The Texas McCombs MPA admissions application requires at least two letters of recommendation. Keep reading for detailed information and tips for your rec letters.

Who should write my letters of recommendation?

Choose references who know you in an academic or professional context and are familiar with your abilities, achievements, career aspirations, and (if applicable) work history. Also consider references who can provide unique and diverse viewpoints. If you are currently in school, we encourage submitting one or two recommendations from faculty members. Through the recommendation letters and admissions essays, we aim to learn about your strengths, personal qualities, skills, and the potential for success in the classroom and as a business professional.

How should my references submit their recommendation letters?

Letters are received directly from the recommender via a secure portal. You will be asked to provide the names and email addresses of at least two recommenders in the “Letters of Recommendation” section of the application. When you hit “Continue,” your recommenders will be sent an email notification with a link to a secure portal where they will be asked to complete an online questionnaire and upload a recommendation letter.

Tips:

  • Complete this part of your application first. This will allow your recommenders to get started while you’re working on the other components of your application.
  • Contact your recommenders to let them know they will receive an email. The message is sent from a general McCombs School of Business email address and may end up in their junk/spam email folder.
  • Monitor the status of your recommendations in the McCombs application portal. You can resend notifications from the portal as needed.

Can I submit more than two recommendation letters?

Yes. Although only two recommendation letters are required, the MPA admissions committee will review all that are submitted. We suggest including a third letter if the recommender can provide a unique viewpoint. For example, you might ask two faculty members and an internship supervisor to write recommendations.

What should I do if I already submitted my online application but need to send a request to an additional recommender?

After you submit your application, you will have the option in the McCombs application portal to add recommenders and send them an email request.

Essay Tips Blog Post 2022

Application Tips: Preparing Your MPA Admissions Essays

September 25, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Are you working on your Texas McCombs MPA admissions essays and need some guidance? Are you thinking to yourself: What should be the focus? How long should the essays be? Do I need videographer skills to create my video essay? Here are some tips that will help you get started:

Let us know why you’re unique!

There is no “right answer” to the written or video essay questions. MPA applicants come from a variety of academic backgrounds and have diverse professional goals… exactly what we prefer! The essays can help you stand out from the applicant crowd and provide us an opportunity to learn about your strengths, skillsets, and aspirations. Avoid cliched responses and instead provide a genuine portrayal of why you are interested in the Texas McCombs MPA program. Take a moment to reflect. How will the MPA program assist you in reaching your goals? If you are a non-accounting major, why have you decided to pursue a graduate accounting degree? What has been your journey up to this point, and what have you learned about yourself along the way? How have your experiences prepared you for success in our program and the business world? What will you contribute to Texas McCombs?

Develop your ideas… but be concise.

Although you should focus more on content than length, essay #1 should be between 350-500 words, essay #2 should be between 250-350 words, and the video essay should be approximately one minute in length. Avoid repeating information that is readily available in other parts of the application. For example, rather than simply listing your experiences, let us know how these experiences helped you to grow personally or professionally. We want to get to know you from a perspective that cannot be achieved by reviewing resumes, transcripts, or test scores.

Written essays: Mind your writing technique.

The written essays capture your reasons for pursuing the MPA degree, career goals, preparedness for graduate school, and an example of your analytical aptitude. They also are a demonstration of your written communication skills. Avoid being too wordy, stay focused and organized, and proofread. The formatting of the essays is flexible (line spacing, margins, font), but we do appreciate an easy-to-read layout!

Instructions:

  • Upload your essays in PDF format to your admissions application.

Video essay: Show us who you are!

The video essay helps your application “come to life” and provides you with an opportunity to showcase your verbal communication skills and personality. Be professional, try not to read off a script (we want to see you as your peers, instructors or employers see you!), and don’t worry about fancy editing techniques. Also, please do not include a link to a photo slideshow or PowerPoint presentation. Slideshows do not allow us to actually see and hear from you, which is really what we are looking for in a video submission.

Video link instructions:

  • Upload your video essay to a video-sharing platform like YouTube or Vimeo or to a cloud storage site such as Google Drive. Provide the URL in the admissions application.
  • Do not submit a video link from TikTok. TikTok is blocked on UT Austin’s networks.
  • Review your video’s privacy settings and ensure that they are not overly restrictive. For example, YouTube videos should be “Unlisted” or “Public” rather than “Private.”
  • Make sure that your link does not expire and that you do not remove your video until you receive an admissions decision.

Optional essay: Add some clarification.

If you prefer, you can submit an optional admissions essay to address address any information that you believe your application would be incomplete without and that sheds more light on your unique potential to succeed in the MPA program and contribute to the University community and the profession.

Start your MPA application today!

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