Applications for Fall 2026 entry to the Hildebrand MBA at Texas McCombs are officially open. Whether you’re considering our Full-Time MBA with its flexible curriculum and 20+ concentrations, our Working Professional MBA programs in Austin (Evening), Dallas/Fort Worth (Weekend), and Houston (Weekend) that let you advance your career without interruption, or our Executive MBA that meets in Austin one weekend per month, now is the time to begin your application journey.

Here’s what you need to know about applying strategically and why starting early gives you a significant competitive advantage.

Why Apply Early: Strategic Advantages You Shouldn’t Ignore

Starting your MBA application early isn’t just about avoiding stress—it’s about positioning yourself for success in a competitive admissions environment.

More Seats and Scholarships Available

Early rounds offer the highest number of available seats and priority access to merit-based scholarships. As deadlines approach, competition intensifies.

McCombs Scholarship Details: Merit-based scholarships are competitive, limited in number, and available only to Full-Time and Working Professional MBA candidates (Executive MBA candidates are not eligible). All eligible candidates are automatically considered through our holistic review process, which evaluates your entire application including academic readiness, career goals, leadership potential, and cultural fit.

Importantly, scholarships are more likely to be awarded early in the application cycle, especially for Working Professional MBA programs, making Round 1 applications particularly advantageous for scholarship consideration.

The Hildebrand Scholars Program: Full-Time MBA applicants have access to this scholarship opportunity. Hildebrand Scholars receive full-tuition coverage plus executive coaching, mentorship, leadership workshops, and other exclusive development opportunities. This invitation-only program selects a limited number of candidates from the Round 1 application pool, creating a compelling reason to submit your strongest possible application early.

Better Admission Odds

The numbers don’t lie: Round 1 acceptance rates are typically higher than later rounds. Admissions committees often view early applicants as more motivated and genuinely interested in the program. When you’re competing for fewer seats later in the cycle, every advantage matters.

Quality Improvement Opportunities

Starting early gives you time to craft a compelling narrative, reflect deeply on your career goals, and polish every component of your application. If you need to retake your GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment, or if you want to strengthen weaker areas of your profile, an early start provides that flexibility.

Additionally, for those applying to our Working Professional and Executive MBA programs, applying in earlier rounds gives the admissions committee more time to work with you on your candidacy. If you’re placed on a waitlist or if the committee identifies areas for improvement – such as completing additional quantitative coursework or gaining professional experiences – earlier application timelines allow space for these developmental opportunities before final decisions are made.

Stronger Recommendations

Give your recommenders adequate time—suggested 4-6 weeks—to write thoughtful, personalized recommendation responses. Rushed recommendations rarely capture your full potential, while recommenders who have sufficient time can provide detailed insights that strengthen your candidacy.

Application Deadlines & Key Dates

Round 1

• Applications Due: October 15, 2025
• Decision Delivered: December 16, 2025

Round 2

• Applications Due: January 15, 2026
• Decision Delivered: March 26, 2026

Round 3 (Last Deadline for Full-Time MBA Applicants)

• Applications Due: April 1, 2026
• Decision Delivered: May 7, 2026 (Full-Time MBA)
• Decision Delivered: May 14, 2026 (Working Professional & Executive MBA)

Round 4 (Working Professional & Executive MBA only)

• Applications Due: May 28, 2026
• Decision Delivered: July 15, 2026

What You Need to Apply: The Complete Checklist

Academic Requirements

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and transcripts from all higher education institutions you’ve attended. Domestic transcripts must be official and issued in the last 12 calendar months. International transcripts require mark sheets, English translations if applicable, and a degree certificate. UT graduates can submit a free academic summary in place of a transcript, which then you will be charged for an official transcript at a later step.

Professional Experience Requirements

Full-Time MBA: Minimum 2 years of post-bachelor’s professional experience

Working Professional MBA: At least 2-3 years of work experience along with working full-time during the program

Executive MBA: Minimum 8 years of professional experience in managerial or leadership roles

Standardized Testing

You have several test options: GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment (EA) – we do not have a preference between these tests. All scores must be valid taken within the past five years.

However, you may submit an expired test score (more than 5 years) with official documentation to be exempt from a valid test.

We also offer merit-based test waivers through our petition process. A strong academic record of preferably 3.0 GPA or higher with solid quantitative coursework and 3+ years of analytical professional experience or leadership skills are key factors in waiver approval.

Learn more about test options and waiver requirements.

Important note for Full-Time MBA applicants: Students admitted without a valid test score will be required to enroll in our Accelerated Foundations Program – a one-week quantitative prep series taught by McCombs faculty before classes begin. There is an additional cost associated with this requirement.

Application Essays

Our streamlined essay section includes two required prompts, each limited to 250 words:

Essay 1: “Imagine yourself at the completion of your MBA journey. Why was pursuing your MBA at Texas McCombs the right decision for your personal and professional growth? Reflect on how you made the most of your time in the program – academically, through hands-on learning opportunities, and within the McCombs community.

Key Focus Areas:

• Full-Time MBA applicants should emphasize community contributions and resource utilization for professional and personal growth
• Working Professional and Executive MBA applicants should articulate their specific motivations for pursuing an MBA, connect their goals to McCombs resources and experiences, and demonstrate how they’ll apply their learning to advance their career objectives.”

Essay 2: “Reflect on a core value that defines you. Share a specific example of how it has guided your decisions and actions and explain how it will shape your contributions and growth as a McCombs MBA student.

Highlight how this value has influenced your leadership style and life path, and how it will shape your MBA experience.”

Optional Statement: Use this 250-word section only to address specific gaps in your application, such as employment gaps, academic performance issues, or recommender choices.

Get detailed essay writing strategies and tips to craft compelling responses that showcase your unique story.

Additional Requirements

• Professional resume demonstrating your work experience progression and education
• One professional letter of recommendation
• Video assessment (invitation sent after application submission) – learn what to expect
• MBA Interview (required for Working Professional and Executive MBA programs; optional but encouraged for Full-Time MBA)
• English proficiency test (TOEFL/IELTS) for international applicants unless waiver criteria are met

Application Strategy: An 8-Week Action Plan

Getting Started Smart

Weeks 1-2: Create your EID if you do not have one, request official transcripts (this can take 2-3 weeks), and identify your recommender. Start researching specific McCombs program formats, student testimonials, and resources and program offerings that align with your goals. Explore our MBA blog posts, attend webinars and admissions events, and connect with admissions and students/alumni.

Weeks 3-4: Begin drafting your essays with authentic writing and specific McCombs details, not generic business school language. If you need to take a standardized test, schedule it now to secure your preferred date and location. Consider giving yourself ample time to take the test more than once before the deadline.

Weeks 5-6: Finalize your essays after multiple revision cycles, formally request your recommendation with adequate context and talking points, and polish your resume.

Weeks 7-8: Complete your final application review, upload all documents, and submit well before the deadline to account for any technical issues. It’s okay if your official test score  arrives after the deadline, but you will need to be able to self-report your test scores within the application before submitting.

Weeks 9-10: Submit your video assessment recording, schedule your MBA interview, and pay your application fee. Keep an eye on your recommendation letter and official documents arriving.

Program-Specific Considerations

Full-Time MBA candidates should emphasize how you’ll contribute to the McCombs community and leverage specific resources for career development. Consider that admitted students without valid test scores will need to complete our Accelerated Foundations Program before classes begin and remember that a valid test score can strengthen your position for scholarship consideration, including the prestigious Hildebrand Scholars program.

Working Professional and Executive MBA candidates should highlight their specific motivations for pursuing an MBA, explain how they will use McCombs resources to achieve their goals, and address how they will balance their time between work and school. Keep in mind that all students must be working full-time during the duration of the program.

What McCombs Looks For in Candidates

Your application will be evaluated holistically, considering not just your academic credentials and test scores, but your entire story. McCombs seeks candidates who demonstrate the qualities that define our community: brave and pioneering, innovative and enterprising, dynamic and resilient, open-minded and collaborative, and down-to-earth yet optimistic.

Beyond your statistics, admissions committees want to understand your unique journey, leadership experiences (regardless of title), and thoughtful reasons for pursuing an MBA at Texas McCombs. Discover the specific qualities and experiences that strengthen your candidacy.

Considering Reapplication? If you’ve applied to McCombs before, your journey doesn’t end there. Many successful candidates strengthen their profiles and reapply with compelling updates to their story. Learn strategies for successful reapplication.

Experience McCombs Community First-Hand

Before diving into your application, consider experiencing our community in person. McCombs offers both virtual and in-person admissions events where you can connect with current students, alumni, and faculty to understand what makes our programs unique. These events provide valuable insights that can strengthen your application essays and help you determine if McCombs aligns with your goals. Register for an upcoming admissions event to see what we’re all about. Aside from our main Austin campus, we offer events in Dallas and Houston and all over the country.

Don’t Wait—Start Today

The application windows are open, and early application offers real advantages: more available seats, better scholarship opportunities (including the Hildebrand Scholars Program), and statistically higher acceptance rates. However, the most important factor is submitting your strongest possible application.

If you need an extra month to craft compelling essays that truly reflect your story, secure a stronger recommendation, or improve a test score that doesn’t represent your abilities, that time investment often pays dividends. The goal isn’t just to apply early—it’s to apply with confidence in every component of your application.

Signs you’re ready to apply:

• Your essays authentically capture your goals and fit with McCombs
• Your test scores (if submitting) reflect your analytical capabilities
• You’ve researched McCombs thoroughly and can articulate specific reasons for your interest in the specific program you’re interested in
• Your recommender has adequate time to write a thoughtful recommendation response

Consider waiting if:

• You’re rushing through essays just to meet a deadline
• You know you can significantly improve your test score with more preparation
• You haven’t had time to research what makes McCombs unique and personally aligned to your goals
• Your recommender has less than 4 weeks to complete your letter

Your application represents years of professional growth and academic preparation. Give it the attention it deserves while taking advantage of the competitive benefits that earlier rounds provide.

You’ve decided that requesting a test waiver makes strategic sense for your MBA application. (If you haven’t made this decision yet, read our guide on choosing between taking a test or requesting a waiver first). Now it’s time to navigate the application process successfully. At McCombs, we evaluate waiver requests through a comprehensive review process that prioritizes academic credentials first, then considers professional experience as supporting evidence.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to submit a compelling waiver application that demonstrates your readiness for our rigorous MBA curriculum.

McCombs MBA Test Requirements and Waiver Policy

Current Test Options at McCombs

All McCombs MBA applicants are required to fulfill a test requirement, whether it’s by submitting a valid GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment (EA) score or by waiving the testing requirement in one of two ways:

1. Expired Score Submission: If you submit an expired GMAT, GRE, or EA score (taken 5+ years ago) with official documentation
2. General Test Waiver: If you are approved of a merit-based waiver petition by our admissions committee

Test Selection: McCombs’ admissions committee has no preference between the GMAT, GRE, or EA – choose the test that best fits your situation and goals.

The GMAT remains popular among business school applicants and is still used by some top-tier consulting and investment banking firms as a baseline qualifier during recruiting. If you’re targeting these industries, the GMAT may be your best strategic choice.

The GRE offers advantages for candidates pursuing dual degree programs or those who have already completed master’s degrees, as one score can serve multiple application purposes.

The Executive Assessment (EA) was designed specifically for MBA candidates with significant work experience and serves as a readiness exam for academic preparedness.

We are commonly asked if an expired test score or approved test waiver will be seen negatively by the Admissions Committee. The answer is: no. However, a strong test score CAN positively impact your candidacy and improve chances for potential scholarship awards.

McCombs Test Waiver Process

At McCombs, we evaluate waiver requests through a comprehensive review process that considers multiple factors beyond test scores. Our admissions committee looks for clear evidence of quantitative and analytical capabilities demonstrated through your academic background, professional experience, and specialized achievements.

Key criteria we consider include strong undergraduate performance particularly in analytical subjects, advanced degrees or professional certifications, substantial work experience (minimum of three years) with quantitative responsibilities (e.g., market expansion, financial modeling and analysis, managing performance analytics or financial modeling teams), and leadership roles that required complex problem-solving and data-driven decision making.

What Makes a Strong McCombs Test Waiver Application

When evaluating waiver requests, we’re interested in candidates who can demonstrate their quantitative or analytical abilities through their professional accomplishments. However, academic credentials also play the primary role in our evaluation process. A strong undergraduate GPA preferably 3.0 or higher, especially in quantitative subjects like mathematics, engineering, economics, or business, is strongly recommended to be approved for a test waiver. Advanced degrees, professional certifications like the CFA or CPA, or completion of rigorous quantitative coursework also strengthen your case.

This might include leading strategic or operational teams, managing data analysis projects, or holding roles that required sophisticated financial modeling or strategic planning.

But remember – professional experience enhances your academic foundations; it cannot substitute for weak quantitative academic performance.

Who Benefits Most from Test Waivers

Working Professionals with Proven Track Records

Test waivers are particularly valuable for working professionals who are looking to make enhancements in their career while pursuing an MBA. These are candidates who have demonstrated analytical strength in their academic history. If you have a strong undergraduate or graduate record with preferably a 3.0 GPA or higher showing strong performance in quantitative courses and 3+ years of progressive professional experience with significant quantitative responsibilities, a waiver might be an excellent strategic choice.

These candidates who are seeking to maintain full-time employment while pursuing graduate education often find that their real-world experience leading strategic projects, implementing data-driven business strategies, or executing M&A analyses provides adequate preparation for MBA coursework rather than a standardized test score alone. Your history of academic and professional achievements can serve as compelling evidence of your readiness for graduate-level business education. However, be mindful that a strong test score can improve your chances for potential scholarship awards, especially when coupled with other strong application components.

Executive MBA Candidates

For Executive MBA candidates who have at least 8+ years of experience and substantial managerial or leadership roles, waivers are often the preferred path. Many EMBA programs, including those at top schools, have moved away from requiring standardized tests altogether, recognizing that senior-level professional experience provides better indicators of program success.

If you’re an executive-level candidate, your ability to manage complex organizations, make strategic decisions under pressure, and drive results in competitive markets demonstrates the analytical and leadership skills that MBA programs value most.

Candidates with Strong Quantitative Credentials

Professionals with specialized quantitative backgrounds often make excellent waiver candidates. If you hold certifications like the CFA or CPA, have advanced degrees in STEM fields, or work in analytically intensive roles like consulting, investment banking, or data science, these credentials may provide stronger evidence of your capabilities than a test score.

Your existing quantitative expertise, combined with professional experience applying these skills in business contexts, can make a compelling case for waiver approval.

International Professionals with Analytical Backgrounds

International candidates with strong analytical backgrounds and substantial professional experience may find waivers particularly beneficial. If you have demonstrated quantitative excellence through your education and career but prefer to focus your application energy on other components, a waiver request might be the right strategy. However, keep in mind that for international applicants, there may be unusually stiff competition from your home country that might make a strong standardized test more beneficial.

Keep in mind that you will be required to upload a copy of a WES Basic Transcript Evaluation if your transcript is in a language other than English or from an institution that does not use a 4.0 grading scale. Transcripts (and/or WES evaluation) must be readable, in English and on a 4.0 grading scale. We will need the course-by-course breakdown. Other transcript evaluation services we accept within the waiver request form are Scholaro and ECE.

Waiver Application Process

Waiver Petition Submission: Test waiver petitions can be found in the Test Score section of your McCombs application. Waivers must be submitted no later than 7 days prior to the application deadline for your target round. The petition requires:

• A short statement highlighting the merits of your request (recommended under 200 words)
• An up-to-date professional resume
• Undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts that meet the requirements

TIP: Your waiver request should provide compelling evidence of your analytical readiness for our rigorous MBA curriculum, with particular emphasis on quantitative preparedness demonstrated through your academic and professional background.

Decision Timeline: You’ll receive a decision on your test waiver petition via email. This may take up to 10 business days after submission. Keep in mind that if your waiver is not approved, please allow adequate time to prepare for and take for a standardized test in order to submit your application.

Important Notes:

• Test waivers will not be applicable if you’ve previously sent valid test scores to UT Austin
• You must create a UT EID to access the waiver petition form
• Submitting an application with a test waiver does not alone negatively impact your candidacy. However, submitting a strong test score can positively impact your candidacy and improve chances for potential scholarship awards.

Crafting a Successful Waiver Application

Essential Elements of a Persuasive Waiver Statement

Your waiver statement serves as the cornerstone of your request and should clearly demonstrate why a standardized test isn’t necessary to evaluate your readiness for MBA study. Start with a direct statement requesting the waiver and reference the specific McCombs program you’re addressing.

The body of your statement should systematically present evidence of your quantitative and analytical capabilities. Organize this around your academic background, professional experience and leadership, and any additional credentials or achievements that demonstrate your analytical skills.

Use specific examples rather than general statements. Instead of saying you have “strong analytical skills,” describe a particular project where you analyzed complex data, developed financial models, or solved challenging business problems. Quantify your achievements wherever possible to provide concrete evidence of your capabilities.

Demonstrating Quantitative Skills Through Experience

Focus on roles and projects that required sophisticated analysis, financial modeling, strategic planning, or data-driven decision making.

Describe the scope and complexity of your analytical responsibilities. If you led data analysis projects, explain the methodology and business impact. If you developed financial models or forecasts, describe their complexity and how they influenced important decisions.

Don’t overlook leadership roles that required analytical thinking. Managing teams, developing strategic plans, or overseeing complex projects all demonstrate the kind of analytical and problem-solving abilities that MBA programs value.

Supporting Documentation and Academic Credentials

Your waiver request should be supported by comprehensive documentation that reinforces your statement. Include transcripts from all post-secondary institutions, particularly highlighting strong performance in quantitative courses like mathematics, statistics, economics, or finance.

Professional certifications carry significant weight in waiver evaluations. If you hold credentials like the CFA, CPA, FRM, or similar certifications, make sure to include documentation and explain how the rigorous preparation and examination process demonstrates your analytical capabilities.

Advanced degrees, especially in quantitative fields, provide strong support for waiver requests. If you have a master’s degree in engineering, mathematics, economics, or a related field, emphasize both the analytical rigor of your coursework and your academic performance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Several common mistakes can weaken waiver applications. Avoid generic statements about your analytical abilities without specific supporting examples. Don’t assume that your work title alone demonstrates quantitative skills—provide concrete details about your responsibilities and achievements.
2. Never cite personal circumstances like lack of time to study for a test as your reason for requesting a waiver. This approach comes across as unmotivated and suggests you’re looking for an easy way out rather than demonstrating your qualifications. Your waiver request should focus entirely on your strengths and qualifications, not on why taking a test would be inconvenient.
3. Many candidates also underestimate the importance of academic credentials in waiver evaluations. Even if your undergraduate performance was strong overall, specifically highlight quantitative coursework and explain how it prepared you for analytical challenges in business school.
4. Finally, don’t submit waiver requests without careful consideration of your overall application strategy. If other elements of your profile are less competitive, a strong test score might provide important balance and strengthen your overall candidacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive are waiver approvals at top MBA programs?

Waiver approval rates vary significantly by program and candidate profile. Schools typically grant waivers most readily to candidates with extensive professional experience, strong quantitative backgrounds, or specialized credentials. The key is demonstrating that alternative evidence provides clear indication of your analytical readiness.

Can I still submit a test score after receiving a waiver?

Most programs allow you to submit test scores even after receiving waiver approval, and some candidates choose this approach if they achieve particularly strong results. However, check specific program policies, as some schools may consider waiver approval final.

Should I take quantitative courses to strengthen my waiver application?

If your quantitative background has significant gaps, completing relevant coursework in statistics, calculus, or financial accounting can strengthen your waiver request. Some candidates also pursue online certifications or executive education programs to demonstrate analytical readiness.

How early should I submit my waiver request?

Submit waiver requests as early as possible in your application process. Many programs have specific deadlines for waiver submissions that precede general application deadlines, and early submission allows time for any necessary follow-up or additional documentation.

What happens if my waiver is denied?

If your waiver request is denied, you typically have the option to take a standardized test (you can choose any of the 3 test options; there is no preferred test format) and submit scores before the application deadline. Plan for this possibility by understanding test schedules and preparation requirements when you submit your initial waiver request. Keep in mind that you cannot resubmit a waiver request in a later round of the same application year once it’s been denied. However, you can submit a new waiver request in the following application year if your circumstances change.

If you’re reconsidering whether a waiver is the right choice for your situation, revisit our strategic guide on deciding between taking a test or requesting a waiver.

Ready to Submit Your Waiver Application?

Applying for a test waiver at McCombs requires careful preparation and a clear understanding of our evaluation criteria. Remember that academic credentials form the foundation of a successful waiver application, with professional experience serving as important supporting evidence.

Focus on presenting compelling evidence of your quantitative readiness through both your academic background and professional achievements. Be specific, provide concrete examples, and ensure your documentation supports every claim in your waiver statement.

Ready to explore your options further? For more information about application requirements, visit our MBA admissions page or contact MBA admissions to discuss your specific situation.

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