Beginning with the 2023-24 admissions cycle, we are pleased to announce that GMAT and GRE test scores are now optional for the Texas McCombs Master of Science Programs! Applicants will not be disadvantaged in the admissions profess if they do not submit test scores, and applicants who feel that their test scores reflect their potential for success in graduate school may submit scores for consideration.
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If you opt to submit GMAT, GMAT Focus or GRE scores, you will need to provide your test scores in order to submit your application. While the official score report may reach the Graduate School after we have received your application, you will not be able to submit unless you have entered your scores and at least uploaded an unofficial score report. Please reach out to the appropriate admissions team (contact information is listed at the bottom of this post) if your testing plans change after you submit your application.
The MS Programs admissions committees review all applications holistically to determine preparedness for our programs. Factors that the committees consider in additional to test scores include academic background (major), prior GPAs, relevant pre-requisite coursework, videos and written essays, work or internship experience, and letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional references
Many applicants are concerned about the impact that not submitting a test score may have on their chances of admission. The admissions committee of each program is committed to a holistic review of all applications, and absent of test scores will focus closely on the other application components listed above. We encourage applicants to think about ways they can amplify their quantitative and verbal strengths across their application. Think about relevant coursework, projects, internships, and work experience that can demonstrate adequate quantitative preparation. You can also utilize your essays to demonstrate verbal strengths. While not required, applicants have the option to submit additional information that demonstrates their potential and readiness. These additional elements may be important for applicants who wish to enhance their portfolio by providing evidence to address gaps, uneven performance, or areas of their application that are less fully developed. GRE/GMAT scores, certifications, personal statements, or supplemental essays will all be considered when submitted, and will be used as additional data points for application evaluation.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team:
I am interested in applying to the online Masters in Business Analytics. When will I be able to apply for the next available semester start date?
Hi Brandon, applications for the next cohort will open in late August/early September of this year. Each MSBA-WP cohort starts the program in early June.
Hi, i want to know how can i send my TOEFL scores？ Is it required a PDF or to be sent through ETS office online? Thank you.
Hi Daisy – we will require an official score report to be sent by ETS, and our institutional code for ETS is 6882.
I will love to schedule a virtual meeting with the graduate coordinator of the MSBA please.
Hi Efemena – wonderful! You can sign up for a virtual meeting here. If there are no times that work for you, you can reach out to the team directly at TexasMSBA@mccombs.utexas.edu.
I wanted to know if Students from INDIA gets an additional STEM OPT extension of 36 months as the program duration is just 10 Months or Duration isn’t relevant in that case?
Hi Parth – we are STEM designated so all international students qualify for the STEM OPT extension. Even though we are a 10 month program, students are eligible for the STEM OPT extension as long as the program has at least two long semesters, and our program has a short summer session plus the long fall and spring semesters making us eligible.
Hey just wandering will a gap year with no work ex hinder my chances
Hi Kyle, each applicant brings a different background and a different set of qualifications. For this reason, it’s not possible to answer your question with a simple yes or no. I’d recommend that you reach out to the admissions team of your interested program via email to set up a time to discuss your background and understand what is a good fit for your profile!
Hi Team
Is the GRE waiver applicable for spring and fall term for the year 2024?And do we have to write a GRE waiver essay to be eligible for the waiver?
Hi Oshin, please note that we only offer summer entry – it is not possible to apply to start the program in spring or fall. However, the GRE and GMAT will remain optional for future cycles. You do not need to write an essay or request a waiver – the tests are automatically optional for all applicants.
is the tuition fees same for in person vs Online?
Yes – tuition is the same for MSBA full time and MSBA for Working Professionals (online). If you have additional questions, please reach out to the MSBA admissions team at TexasMSBA@mccombs.utexas.edu!
That is good to hear that the tests are optional and do not pose a disadvantage to applicants but would it really be the case? Wouldn’t an applicant with a good GRE score be given preference over an applicant who has not submitted test scores?
Hi Sheraz, great question! No, an applicant with a good GRE score would not be given preference over an applicant who has not submitted test scores. Please keep in mind that the admissions committee uses a holistic review process considering a wide variety of factors, including but not limited to previous relevant experience, leadership and extracurricular activities, demonstrated communication skills, and strong quantitative skills, in addition to grade point average and test scores. None of these items are given a set weight, but rather they all hang in balance as we consider the best fit for the cohort. Simply evaluating an applicant on test scores alone will not give us the strongest possible cohort. If you have any other questions, I encourage you to email the admissions team directly!
Is it a summer or fall program? Can you please provide the application deadlines? Thank you!
Hi Sankalp, our program runs from July to May each year. Application deadlines for the Class of 2025, which starts in July 2024, are as follows:
Round 1: October 11, 2023
Round 2: January 10, 2024 (final application deadline for international students)
Round 3: March 6, 2024
Round 4: May 1, 2024 (final application deadline for US citizens and permanent residents
If you have any other questions, please send an email to the admissions team!
I plan on submitting my GRE scores but was wondering whether I would be at a disadvantage as ETS has introduced a shorter version of THE GRE. Please let me know.
Hi Mohammed, you would not be at a disadvantage for submitting test scores just because the format has changed. If you have specific questions about whether it makes sense for you to submit standardized test scores, we encourage you to reach out to the program admissions team directly via email!
Does a three-year Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, without any prior work experience, satisfy the requirements?
Hi Ashlyn, the Graduate School requires applicants to have a degree that is comparable to a four year US bachelor’s degree, which typically excludes three-year bachelor’s degrees. You can review the Graduate School’s requirements for admission here and learn more about comparable degrees here.
Hi.. I am planning to apply for McCombs MBA program am I allowed to apply to MS also or you guys only allow to apply to only one program at a time.. thanks
Hi Ashok – you can apply to both! MBA and MS have fully separate applications so you will have to enter all information twice, but your applications will be reviewed independently.