Texas McCombs MBA Insider

Insider Information for Prospective Texas McCombs MBA Students

Category: Executive MBA (page 6 of 7)

Application 101: GIAC Requirements

Crossing all the T’s in your MBA Application

March 27, 2018 / / Comments Off on Crossing all the T’s in your MBA Application

This MBA Insider info comes from the Texas McCombs MBA Admissions Team.

We know you want to put forth the best application you can when you apply to any Texas McCombs MBA program. And we’ve covered many components of the application in the past, including the resume, letter of recommendation, essays, and test scores (as well as some tips for interviewing if you are selected). But some components of the application that might be viewed as procedural are just as important, and if not addressed properly, they can delay processing, which can in turn delay your decision.

When you apply to a Texas McCombs MBA program, you’re actually applying to two separate entities at the same time. One is the McCombs School of Business; the other is the Graduate School of the University of Texas at Austin (which we’ll call GIAC, for the Graduate and International Admissions Center).

Three key components of the application are required by GIAC before it will be considered complete, and GIAC does not allow McCombs to issue a decision until these three elements are completed.

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Preparing for the GMAT or GRE

How Test Scores Factor into Your MBA Application

March 12, 2018 / / 1 Comment

This is the final installment in a series of posts on GMAT/GRE testing. We encourage you to review previous posts, if you have not already. This content was written by Dave Jackson, Senior Admissions Officer, Dallas/Fort Worth MBA.

The Texas MBA Admissions Committee recognizes that you might be putting a lot of pressure on yourself to achieve a high test score.  After all, you’re competitive and driven enough to want to pursue an MBA! It’s important to remember that your test score is only one piece of your story, and it’s considered in the context of your overall application. We review your scores with the knowledge that a test is only one day in your life, and your academic and work history span many years.

Nevertheless, the test is an important component in evaluating your application.

“Quantitative test scores, in particular, have proven to be predictive of success in an MBA program, and taking the GMAT or GRE gets you back into the practice of preparing for exams. The preparation you put into the test sets you up for the mindset you’ll have to bring to your MBA– setting aside time to study on a nightly basis and working your way through problems analytically.”

– Sharon Barrett, Director of Working Professional MBA Admissions at Texas McCombs

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Preparing for the GMAT or GRE

Choosing a Test for Your MBA Career Search

January 24, 2018 / / Comments Off on Choosing a Test for Your MBA Career Search

This is the third in a series of posts on GMAT/GRE testing. We encourage you to review previous posts, if you have not already. This content was written by Dave Jackson, Senior Admissions Officer, Dallas/Fort Worth MBA.

Before you make a final decision on which test to take, it’s best to research some of your target companies or industries and determine two things:

  1. The extent to which they evaluate a test score in reviewing job candidates.
  2. Whether they have a preference for one of the tests. At McCombs, we have found that most consulting and investment banking firms do look at the candidate’s score, and both industries historically have favored the GMAT.

Regardless of which test you take, you should consider it as another opportunity to not only impress the Admissions Committee, but also potential employers.

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Preparing for the GMAT or GRE

The Benefits of MBA Test Prep

December 22, 2017 / / 1 Comment

This is the second in a series of posts on GMAT/GRE testing. We encourage you to review all posts. This content was written by Dave Jackson, Senior Admissions Officer, Dallas/Fort Worth MBA.

Once you’ve done your research on the format and content of the GMAT and GRE tests, you’re ready to settle on which one you want to take and start your preparation.

If you still need a review of each test to help you navigate the details, see our previous post examining both test options.

Test preparation is critical. The tests are rigorous, but your prep has the advantage of getting you in the right mindset for entering a top MBA program– where the exams and workload will be just as challenging, if not more so.

Prep tools include books that take you through the format of the test and offer practice exams, as well as formal prep classes (in person or online) and tutoring that can cost hundreds of dollars. Going with a more affordable option can work for some candidates.

“If you did well on the SAT or if you have a rigorous math background, you might be able to prepare on your own.”

– Jamie Nelson, an instructor with Manhattan Prep, which offers test prep classes in Dallas, Houston and Austin.

Here are some top prep tips from students and test prep instructors:

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Preparing for the GMAT or GRE

Examining Your MBA Application Test Options

December 7, 2017 / / Comments Off on Examining Your MBA Application Test Options

This is the first in a four-part series of posts on GMAT/GRE testing. We encourage you to review all posts. This content was written by Dave Jackson, Senior Admissions Officer, Dallas/Fort Worth MBA.

It can be the most stressful part of an MBA application-– the requirement to take either the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

At McCombs, the Admissions Committee does not waive this requirement for any of our Working Professional MBA programs (Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, or the Austin Evening programs) or for our Full-Time program.

So your first question will be: Which test do I take?

Like coffee vs. tea, or vanilla vs. chocolate ice cream, the choice is entirely yours. We have no preference, though more of our students end up choosing the GMAT because it is designed to prepare candidates specifically for business school. And some professions, like consulting and investment banking, do prefer that you have a GMAT score to report. (More on this can be found in our third post of this series.)

While both tests have quantitative and verbal sections, they have noticeable differences. We encourage you to do your research and take practice tests to learn each test’s points of emphasis, and how they are scored.

Here are some key differences between the GMAT and GRE:

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The Ins & Outs of the Executive MBA Test Waiver

October 5, 2017 / / Comments Off on The Ins & Outs of the Executive MBA Test Waiver

From Director of Texas Executive MBA Admissions, Sharon Barrett:

Hands down, this is the most common question I get from Executive MBA candidates:

“How does the test waiver work and do I qualify?”

So here’s the lowdown– First and foremost, the Executive MBA is the only Texas MBA program that accepts applicants’ petitions to waive the GMAT or GRE exam requirement. (Key words being “applicant” and “petition.”)  And everyone’s case is different, so there’s no recipe to follow, no checklist, and no guarantee that if you do certain things, you’ll get a waiver.

The MBA Admissions committee views each applicants’ petition in the context of their entire application, and renders a decision on the application versus a separate decision on just the waiver.

Here are the areas of consideration when reviewing an application with a petition for a test waiver:

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Applying Late Cycle to the Texas Executive, Dallas/Fort Worth, or Houston MBA Programs

May 25, 2017 / / Comments Off on Applying Late Cycle to the Texas Executive, Dallas/Fort Worth, or Houston MBA Programs

As we’ve stated before, the best time to apply to the Texas MBA Program is when you’re ready and can put forth your best MBA application. If you find yourself ready to apply to our Texas Executive, Dallas/Fort Worth or Houston programs now, in late spring, but think you must wait until the next year’s application cycle, you may be happy to know that these programs currently have a Rolling Deadline and are still accepting applications for the fall 2017 start date. We encourage you to consider this option.

What does “Rolling Deadline” mean?

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Applying to the Final Round of the Texas MBA Admissions Cycle

April 11, 2017 / / Comments Off on Applying to the Final Round of the Texas MBA Admissions Cycle

From Texas MBA Working Professional & Executive Program Admissions:

There’s an ice-breaker game often played at events called “Two Truths and a Lie,” where you make three statements about yourself, and others try to guess which statement is false.  We’ll modify that slightly here and call it “Two Truths and a Myth.”

See if you can spot the myth about applying to a Texas MBA Working Professional or Executive (WPE) Program:

  • The Texas MBA is seeking the most qualified candidates for its WPE programs in Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and Austin.
  • We consider a candidate’s academic performance, work experience and overall motivation in reviewing an application.
  • Candidates must apply early in the process to have a chance at being considered.

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Meet Our Part-Time MBA Programs in Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, & Austin!

March 28, 2017 / / Comments Off on Meet Our Part-Time MBA Programs in Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, & Austin!

If you’re living in Texas or considering a move to work and/or pursue your MBA, the Texas MBA Program can offer you a path to achieve your goals without career interruption. We have top-ranked programs in all three major Texas cities:  The Texas MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth & Texas MBA at Houston programs for working professionals, and the  Texas Executive MBA Program in Austin for experienced executives.

Start Your MBA Journey in DFW, Houston, or Austin in 2017.

Texas MBAs earn their degree in a format and location that fits their needs. What do they all have in common? A globally-recognized brand, award-winning faculty, and a large network of accomplished students and alumni making a real impact around the world. The final application deadline for these programs is May 16, 2017. Apply now to join the Texas MBA class of 2019!

 

 

Picture Yourself as a Texas MBA.

239 of the best and brightest MBA students joined the Class of 2018 in our Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, & Executive Programs this past fall. Get to know these classes in detail:

If you’re still unsure about your best MBA fit with our part-time programs, explore Which MBA Program is Right For You for more insight, or reach out to us with questions.

Finally, we strongly encourage you to connect with admissions staff & students at our next event to learn more about applying before the May 16th deadline:

Texas Executive MBA events

Texas MBA at Houston events

Texas MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth events

We look forward to seeing you soon & reviewing your application!

Navigating Change – A Timely Topic for the Society of Women Engineers

November 11, 2016 / / Comments Off on Navigating Change – A Timely Topic for the Society of Women Engineers

From Sharon Barrett, Director of Working Professional & Executive MBA Admissions

I’m so grateful for this aspect of my job. This week, I had the distinct pleasure of presenting to the Austin Chapter of the Society of Women Engineers on the topic of Navigating Change, one day after this country’s historic election results. Karen Landolt, one of our MBA+ Leadership Program Coaches, engaged this group of 40 smart, professional women in exercises and discussion on this timely topic at Dell’s Parmer Lane campus. Dell and EMC are in the process merging companies, philosophies and cultures, and being aware of something as simple as the difference between Boston, where EMC is based, and Austin’s Dell is so important in forming a more perfect union.

dell-info-session

Women in attendance represented a variety of engineering disciplines from a number of well-known companies in the Austin area, and they left with some practical tools to help navigate change in their organizations, their careers and in life. They also had a chance to network with each other and talk to Dell’s career team, as well as learn more about how an MBA can help advance careers not only through academics, but also through co-curricular resources such as the opportunity to receive 16 hours of one-on-one professional coaching from a prudently procured and prolific list of professionals. MBA+ coaches come with expertise in areas such as communication, executive career paths, leadership presence, professional image, improvisation (thinking on your feet), project management, media presence, creativity and innovation, emotional intelligence, and even accent modification among other skills.

If you’d like for someone from the Texas MBA to speak at your organization whether it’s a public or private company, or a professional or special interest group located in Houston, Dallas or Austin, please contact me at Sharon.Barrett@mccombs.utexas.edu.

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