After you submit your MBA application, the next step in the application process is your admissions interview. For the 2022-23 admissions cycle, all applicants for the MBA at Dallas and MBA Houston programs will be interviewed. All interviews will be conducted virtually.
Working Professional MBA Interviews
For our Working Professional MBA programs–Evening MBA, MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth, and MBA at Houston–interviews will be conducted by a member of the Admissions Committee.
You will receive an interview invitation that will allow you to select an interview time slot that works with your schedule. Be sure to schedule it as early as you can.
Interview invitations typically come within two weeks of your application submission. Be sure to check your email (and your spam folder) regularly after you submit your application, so you can secure your preferred time slot.
An Un-Biased Approach
Going into each interview, our interviewers have limited access to anything about you or your application, except for your resume. (It’s always a good idea to have a copy of your resume on-hand during the conversation.)
All of our interviewers are fully trained on conducting interviews that are professional, fair, impartial, and helpful. Interviews typically last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.
Most interviews follow the general framework of introductions, questions from the interviewer for you to answer, then leave time at the end for you to ask questions about the program and/or application process.
Top Tips
The interview is your official opportunity to share your story, provide examples, and tell us why you chose McCombs like no one else can. Some applicants anticipate an interview and feel nervous, which is natural. If you are nervous, here is some key advice:
- Be On Time: Arriving on time is “Interviewing 101,” yet it still manages to trip up even the most prepared of candidates. Please follow all the instructions in your confirmation email about how to connect with your interviewer.
- Test Technology: Virtual interviews are being conducted through Zoom. If you don’t have one already, create a Zoom account. You’ll want to find a good space to conduct your interview, ideally with good lighting, stable internet, and access to a power source.
- Pace Yourself: You’d be surprised how many times, at the end of an applicant’s long answer, we are asked to repeat the original question. Most often this happens to people who try to put too much into the first answer for fear of not being given an opportunity later on to address their prepared examples. Don’t worry, you will have time to get to it. Plus, there is often an opportunity at the end of an interview to mention anything you didn’t address in the formal line of questioning.
- Be Professional But Loosen Up: Given our program’s famously friendly culture, our interviews are relatively informal. If you are nervous, practice your answers in front of a mirror or with a friend and ask them how you did. Did you answer the question? Did you rush through it? Take a moment to outline your answer in your mind first, and then address it calmly and confidently. Don’t get too comfortable, though. While we’re an easy-going group, maintaining an appropriate level of professionalism is always a good idea. This includes professional language and attire, as if you were interviewing for a job.
- Know What We’re Looking For: We listen for confidence, clear and concise communication of career goals, concrete examples of teamwork and leadership, in-depth knowledge of our MBA program, and overall genuine enthusiasm. Also, the interview can be a place to showcase secondary skills that are difficult for us to determine solely based on your application: interview skills, self-awareness, communication style, and “hire-ability.” Keep these in mind so we can get a feel for your application’s intangibles.
- Come with questions: A good list of questions for your interviewer can illustrate a few key things about you as a candidate: You’ve done your research, you care about our program, you have envisioned yourself as an MBA student, and you can formulate coherent thoughts under pressure. We usually leave anywhere from 10-15 minutes for questions, so limit your list to 2-3 good ones and have a few backups.
Take advantage of this opportunity. It can be just the thing the Admissions Committee needs to understand your application’s elements and gives us the chance to get to know you better!
If you have any questions during the application process, we’re here to help. Join us at an upcoming event to connect and learn more about Texas McCombs. Please sign up for MBA news and follow us on Instagram at @UTexasMBA to stay updated.
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