Texas McCombs MBA Insider

Category: Full-Time MBA Application Tips (page 1 of 5)

Texas McComb MBA Application: Which Round to Apply In

What Round Should I Apply In?

October 7, 2024 / / 0 Comments

The 2024-2025 Full-Time MBA application is now open!  

We receive lots of questions about application deadlines and whether or not it matters when you submit your application– Round 1, 2, 3 or 4. Timing is a key factor in your overall application strategy. Many details go into deciding which round to apply, and one answer is not right for everyone. So, let’s break it down by round so you can get a clearer picture of when might be the best time for you to hit “Submit.”  

Round 1 

Round 1 is a good choice for a couple of reasons:  

  1. It is our first priority scholarship deadline – If you want to be considered for all merit-based scholarships, Round 1 is your best shot. As each round closes, our scholarship funding pool decreases. 
  2.  All of our spots are still available! Plus, historically we’ve received fewer applications in Round 1 than in Round 2.  

You should NEVER rush to submit your MBA application simply to take advantage of “more spots” or “more funding.”  

Once you submit your application, you cannot “re-submit” a stronger application in a later round for the same term of entry. If you skip important preparation, including formal test prep, articulating your “why MBA,” or conducting research just to be able to submit in Round 1, you could end up with a test score and application that doesn’t reflect you at your best.  

In any case, submitting in Round 1 might not be a good idea, especially if you know that you can improve a component of your application. Waiting to apply until all aspects of your application are strong is always the best approach.  

Round 2 

If we filled up the class in Round 1, the Admissions Committee might be out of a job by February. Round 2 is traditionally our largest round and Texas McCombs receives many strong applicants in this round. Scholarships and fellowships are still available and all information and data included in your application help the Admission Committee allocate scholarship awards.  

Applying later is okay! A strong application will stand out in any round. 

Round 3 or Round 4 

Our later rounds – Rounds 3 and 4 – tend to have a much smaller volume of applicants than the first two rounds. Many applicants in Round 3 or 4 simply didn’t realize an MBA was an option or on their radar until later in the application cycle. Historically, we always have spots available late in the cycle (which is why we have these later rounds!), but each year the number varies.  

We can’t say it enough– A strong, complete, well-researched application always stands out.  

Before you hit “Submit,” points to keep in mind:  

  • Submit your application only when you’re 99.9% ready. Supplemental application materials submitted after a round deadline are incredibly risky since there is no guarantee the Admissions Committee will see them. Once your file is read, we will not re-review again based upon new information received post-deadline.  
  • Don’t wait until the last minute! We are not able to accept applications submitted after 11:59pm CT on the day of the deadline. Technical difficulties impact applicants every round, every year. Stay aware of deadlines the best you can. In the interest of a fair process, we don’t make exceptions to our deadlines, no matter what reason you have for a late submission.  
  • Be patient. The Admissions Committee does not begin reviewing applications until the round deadline has passed. In other words, you might’ve been far ahead and submitted your application in August, but we won’t begin reviewing any submissions until after the Round 1 deadline in October. 
  • The Admissions Committee does not provide individual feedback on applications, out of fairness to all applicants and due to the volume of requests we receive.  

If you have any questions during the application process, we’re here to help. Please visit our website for details on applying to each program and follow us on Instagram for an inside look into the Texas McCombs MBA. 

 

Good luck and Hook ’em!

An Admissions Committee’s Recipe for a Strong Application

August 30, 2024 / / Comments Off on An Admissions Committee’s Recipe for a Strong Application

The Texas McCombs MBA is a transformative journey. We recognize that for incoming Full-Time MBA students, putting your career on pause to invest in yourself for almost two years is a big undertaking. Working Professional and Executive MBA students face the unique challenge of balancing the demands of their jobs with the rigors of graduate education, often juggling multiple responsibilities simultaneously. Despite these different paths, one thing remains constant: the dedication required to succeed. That’s why our admissions team works to identify and admit candidates who are not only qualified but also ready to embrace these challenges and thrive in their chosen program. We’re looking for individuals who are prepared to invest in themselves push their boundaries, and emerge as stronger, more capable leaders. 

We evaluate applications based on four key areas – academic aptitude, work experience, and leadership potential, your motivations for choosing Texas McCombs, and the preparedness of your support network. While we carefully consider each of these four categories in our admissions process, it’s important to note that we don’t assign fixed weights to them. Instead, we take a holistic approach, looking at how all elements of your application work together to give us a complete picture of you as an MBA candidate.  

ACADEMIC APTITUDE

Our MBA program is academically rigorous, and we want to ensure that every admitted student is ready to tackle the challenging curriculum. We assess readiness through your test scores and college transcripts, looking beyond your overall GPA to the rigor of your curriculum and your performance in both quantitative and non-quantitative coursework. Any additional licensures or certifications you’ve earned are also factored into our evaluation of your academic preparedness.  

Here’s a little insider info: The Office of Graduate Admissions recalculates GPAs based on any upper-division undergraduate courses (junior- and senior-level courses) and any graduate courses. For our international applicants, we use your school’s own grading scale to determine academic performance rather than converting it to a 4.0 scale.  

Now, if your GPA and transcripts don’t fully showcase your academic abilities, don’t fret! That’s where standardized test scores come in. We use these scores to gauge your readiness for the curriculum. We offer different options of standardized tests, giving you the flexibility to put your best foot forward.  

Keep in mind that the Admissions Committee is looking at your academics not only to assess your preparation for the rigorous curriculum, but it is also a way to evaluate candidates against a very large and competitive application pool. That said, it’s not the only thing we’re looking at when reviewing applications… 

WORK EXPERIENCE AND LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL

In addition to academic aptitude, the Admissions Committee also evaluates each candidate’s work experience and leadership potential. It’s important that we highlight the word “potential” here; it’s not about how many direct reports you have. There are so many ways to showcase your leadership potential! Here are some impactful ways to showcase your leadership potential:  

  • Leading a Project or Initiative  
  • Mentoring Colleagues  
  • Volunteering in Your Community 
  • Founding a Club or Organization 
  • Implementing Process Improvements 
  • Influencing Decisions without Formal Authority  

Your letter of recommendation will also be a helpful tool for the committee to evaluate your ambition and contributions at work. Make sure you choose a recommender who knows your professional work and leadership abilities and can speak to your areas of improvement.  

While we prioritize someone’s quality of work experience over quantity, McCombs expects all applicants to have at least 2 years of full-time post-bachelor’s work experience by the time they would enroll in the program. Most individuals with less than 2 years of work experience are not competitive with the applicant pool.  

Note: Work experience is calculated from after graduation up until the start of class. This includes all full-time work that you have completed since receiving your bachelor’s degree. This does not need to be business-based and can include teaching, military service, and government experience (programs like the Peace Corps, for example). There are a few exceptions, such as full-time military experience prior to receiving a bachelor’s degree 

Keep in mind that the minimum work experience expectation is for a student’s benefit. We strongly believe our students need at least two years of full-time experience to adequately contribute to their study team and to classroom discussion. In addition, employers who hire our students are expecting to see strong pre-MBA work experience; your work history prior to the MBA program doesn’t magically go away when you’re interviewing for those internships and jobs!  

MOTIVATIONS FOR CHOOSING A TEXAS McCOMBS MBA

This bucket is probably the most common to be overlooked by applicants. So much time is spent preparing their resume and studying for the standardized test that often, an applicant may not take the time and effort to really think introspectively about why they want the MBA, and why they specifically would like to attend Texas McCombs. The Admissions Committee is looking for applicants who have really thought about their goals for the MBA Program – personally and professionally, short-term and long-term. 

The admissions interview, video assessment, and essay prompts provide a unique opportunity to showcase your personality, communication skills, and passion for Texas McCombs. When responding to the prompts, consider the following:  

  • Authenticity: Share your story, experiences, and aspirations candidly.  
  • Program Fit: Explain why McCombs aligns with your goals. Highlight specific courses, faculty, or resources that excite you.  
  • Community Contribution: Discuss how you plan to contribute to the McCombs community. Are there clubs, events, or initiatives that you’re eager to participate in? 

A strong candidate will have a real understanding of our program offerings and strengths. They will have a fairly good idea of post-MBA outcomes (Tip: The employment report is a great start!). They will understand our program’s culture and will want to be a part of it. They also plan to be contributing members of the community at McCombs.

PREPAREDNESS OF YOUR SUPPORT NETWORK

For a Working Professional and Executive applicant, this is another area of preparation before starting your MBA – managing all the different people and priorities of your life.  

It’s important that your manager or employer is informed about the time commitment your MBA will require so that they can champion you through this two-year journey. Set up a meeting to discuss your career goals, your class schedule and workload, and expectations on managing your work and time off. On the other side, those whom you live with (whether that’s your family, your roommate, etc.) or are in your inner circle should also be well aware of the commitment you are about to take on. Make sure to sit down and have an intentional conversation about why you are pursuing an MBA and what this means to your relationships. 

You can signal your preparedness in your MBA application through your written essays, admission interview, and your video assessment. 

THE SECRET SAUCE AND BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER

What truly sets apart a standout application is how well you embody the McCombs spirit. We’re looking for individuals who are:  

  • Brave and Pioneering: Ready to push the boundaries and explore new frontiers in business  
  • Innovative and Enterprising: Eager to develop creative solutions to complex problems  
  • Dynamic and Resilient: Adaptable in the face of challenges and setbacks 
  • Open-minded and Collaborative: Willing to learn from and work with unique perspectives  
  • Down-to-earth and Optimistic: Grounded in reality but always looking toward a brighter future 

These qualities form the secret sauce that brings all the ingredients together, creating a truly compelling application.  

Remember, crafting a strong application isn’t about following an exact recipe with precise measurements. It’s about creating a balanced blend that showcases your unique talents, experiences, and aspirations.  

Your authenticity is the final, crucial ingredient. Don’t try to be what you think we want – be the best version of yourself. That’s what truly makes an applicant stand out.  

And, if you’re reapplying to our program, we appreciate your continued interest! Be sure to highlight how you’ve strengthened your application since your last submission.

OUR HOLISTIC REVIEW PROCESS

We don’t use a fixed formula or assign specific weights to different components of the Texas McCombs MBA application. Instead, we conduct a holistic review, considering how all elements of your application come together to paint a picture of who you are and what you’ll bring to our MBA community.  

We’re excited to see what unique flavor you’ll bring to the Texas McCombs MBA. So, gather your ingredients, add your personal touch, and show us why you’re the perfect addition to our next class of future business leaders! 

Visit Texas McCombs MBA to find out more about all our programs, submitting your application, and upcoming events.

Hook ’em! 🤘

2024 MBA Application Open

Texas McCombs MBA Application Open for Fall 2025 Entry: Your Path to Business Leadership Starts Here

August 5, 2024 / / Comments Off on Texas McCombs MBA Application Open for Fall 2025 Entry: Your Path to Business Leadership Starts Here

Are you ready to take the next bold step in your journey? The McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin is excited to announce that the MBA application for Fall 2025 entry is now open. Whether you’re considering Full-Time, Working Professional, or Executive MBA programs, Texas McCombs offers a transformative learning experience that will prepare you to lead in the dynamic global business landscape.   

PROGRAMS TAILORED TO YOUR NEEDS  

Full-Time MBA: The Full-Time MBA experience allows you to immerse yourself in learning, exploring, and developing meaningful relationships with classmates. You’ll take classes at Rowling Hall on The University of Texas at Austin campus, and the flexible curriculum allows you to specialize in one of 20+ concentrations, 14 of which are STEM-certified.

Working Professional MBA: Our Working Professional MBA programs in Austin (Evening), Dallas/Fort Worth (Weekend), and Houston (Weekend) allow students to earn their MBA without career interruption. The cohort-based curriculum enhances your understanding of core business principles, with electives focused on leadership, technology, and global business coursework.

Executive MBA: The Executive MBA program is offered in-person one weekend each month in Austin, along with three EMBA immersions in major U.S. markets outside of Austin and one week-long Global immersion. The cohort-based, executive-focused curriculum with electives places an emphasis on leadership, strategy, and analytics.

APPLICATION COMPONENTS 

Our application is designed to give us a comprehensive view of your academic background, professional experience, and personal qualities. Here’s what you’ll need to submit:

  1. Test Scores: We accept GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment (EA) scores. We also offer a merit-based test waiver for exceptional candidates.
     
  2. English Proficiency Test: International applicants must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores unless eligible for a waiver.
  3. Academic Transcripts: Official undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
  4. Resume: A detailed account of your professional experience and achievements.
  5. One Professional Recommendation: Preferably from someone who can speak to your professional capabilities and leadership potential. We have a whole blog post on how to select the right recommender for your application! 
  6. Three Essay Prompts: New for this year, these essays give you the chance to share your story, goals, and fit with Texas McCombs.
  7. Video Assessment: An opportunity to showcase your communication skills and personality through recorded responses.
  8. MBA Interview: The interview process varies depending on the program you’re applying to. For Full-Time MBA applicants, we offer an optional interview whereas every Working Professional & Executive MBA candidate is required to complete an interview with a member of the admissions committee.  

 APPLICATION DEADLINES 

We offer multiple rounds to accommodate various schedules and preferences. Remember, applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM Central Time on the deadline date for each round. 

 Full-Time MBA Deadlines: 

Round 1: October 15, 2024 

Round 2: January 15, 2025 

Round 3: April 1, 2025 (Final deadline for international applicants) 

Round 4: May 15, 2025 

 

Working Professional & Executive MBA Deadlines: 

Round 1: October 15, 2024 

Round 2: January 15, 2025 

Round 3: April 1, 2025 

Round 4: May 30, 2025 

WHY TEXAS McCOMBS? 

Choosing Texas McCombs means joining a community known for: 

  1. Academic Excellence: Our rigorous curriculum is designed to challenge and transform you into a strategic business leader.
  2. Expansive Network: Connect with a diverse, talented cohort and join our vast alumni network spanning the globe.
  3. Texas Innovation Powerhouse:  Benefit from Texas’ dynamic business landscape across three key markets: 
    • Austin: Experience the capital city’s thriving tech scene and entrepreneurial spirit.  
    • Dallas/Fort Worth: Immerse yourself in a major commercial and culture hub, home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and a diverse range of industries.  
    • Houston: Engage with a global center for energy, healthcare, and international business, offering unparalleled opportunities for growth and innovation. 
  4. Career Support: Our dedicated career services team will help you navigate your career transition or advancement.
  5. Global Perspective: Through international study, experiential learning opportunities, and a unique student body, you’ll develop a global mindset essential for today’s business world. 

Whether you’re in our Full-Time, Evening, or Executive programs in Austin, or our Weekend MBA programs in Dallas and Houston, you’ll be at the forefront of innovation with immediate opportunities to apply your learning in some of the nation’s most vibrant markets.  

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR  

Our admissions committee takes a holistic approach to evaluating MBA applications, considering academic aptitude, work experience, leadership potential, and your motivations for choosing our program. We’re seeking candidates who are not only academically prepared for our rigorous curriculum but also embody the McCombs spirit: brave and pioneering, innovative and enterprising, dynamic and resilient, open-minded and collaborative, and down-to-earth yet optimistic. Beyond your test scores and GPA, we want to understand your unique journey, your leadership experiences (regardless of title), and your thoughtful, introspective reasons for pursuing an MBA at Texas McCombs. These elements come together to form the “secret sauce” that makes a truly compelling application. 

 READY TO BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY? 

The application for Fall 2025 entry is now open, and we can’t wait to learn more about you. Whether you’re looking to pivot your career, accelerate your professional growth, or prepare for executive leadership, Texas McCombs has a program to help you achieve your goals. 

Visit our website to start your application, explore our programs in-depth, or connect with our admissions team. We’re here to support you every step of the way! Hook ‘em 

Texas McCombs MBA Application: Letter of Recommendation

Who Should Advocate for You? Selecting the Right Recommender for Your MBA Application

July 19, 2024 / / Comments Off on Who Should Advocate for You? Selecting the Right Recommender for Your MBA Application

The letter of recommendation is a crucial component of your application to the Texas McCombs MBA program. It provides the admissions committee with valuable insights into your professional abilities, character, and potential for success in the program.  

The Texas McCombs MBA application requires one professional letter of recommendation. This should come from someone who has supervised your work or assessed your performance during your career.  

Choosing the right recommender is important. A strong letter can significantly enhance your application and help you stand out in a competitive pool. However, unlike other application components, you’re relying on someone else to provide this letter.  

Selecting a recommender can be challenging, as each applicant’s circumstances are unique. To help you make the best choice, we’ve outlined several scenarios below. Use these as a guide to identify the most suitable recommender for your situation.  

YOUR SUPERVISOR 

Your current direct supervisor is traditionally the best choice. This is likely the person in your network who knows your strengths and weaknesses better than anyone else. However, this may not be a viable option for you. Perhaps you aren’t able to communicate to your employer that you’re applying to business school, or you do not work with your direct boss that closely. It could also be that you attained a new role recently and your current supervisor has not had a chance to work with you very much. Or you’re an entrepreneur & don’t have a supervisor. 

All of these are valid reasons to look for other recommendation sources but remember that if you do not ask your current supervisor to write your recommendation letter, we do ask that you explain your choice in the Optional Statement. 

YOUR FORMER SUPERVISOR 

If you cannot ask your current direct supervisor to write your recommendation, maybe you can ask a previous supervisor? Depending on how recently you worked with them, the “old boss” may be the best choice, especially if you had a strong professional relationship with that person. This is also a very common option. 

YOUR INDIRECT SUPERVISOR 

Asking an indirect supervisor can be another option, especially if you’ve worked with this person closely on past assignments or long-term projects.  This is a nice alternative to a supervisor that you may not work with closely. 

YOUR CLIENT OR VENDOR 

This type of recommendation source is especially useful for entrepreneurs or for applicants who work for a family business. If you work for a family business, it is preferred that you ask an individual outside of your family to write your letter of recommendation.  

YOUR MENTOR 

Mentors inside or outside of your workplace are great to have in your corner when it comes time to apply to business school. However, be sure that your mentor has a clear understanding of your current professional value, not just your potential or future goals. Select a mentor with whom you have worked on measurable tasks to ensure that they will provide a recommendation with depth.  Keep in mind that the admissions committee is looking for someone who has worked with you professionally.  

OTHER OPTIONS 

There are many individuals who may fall in the category of “other recommenders.” For example, a former professor, a colleague, or a coach. 

When it comes to these options: use your best judgment. An undergraduate professor may not be the best person to address some of the questions posed on the recommendation form and we’re looking mainly at your post-undergraduate work experience. Direct reports should never submit a letter of recommendation on behalf of their boss, so steer clear of that scenario. And don’t focus only on title– the CEO of a large company may sound like an impressive recommendation, but unless they work with you closely, the recommendation letter will likely fall short of delivering on the information that the admissions committee is looking for. 

YOU’VE CHOSEN A RECOMMENDER. WHAT’S NEXT? 

First, before asking your recommender to take this on, keep in mind that they are likely a busy individual – be sure to give them plenty of notice prior to an approaching application deadline. 

Secondly, give them a heads-up about your request. You don’t want to blindly email someone and ask them to write something for you without having a conversation. Sometimes it’s good to revisit certain projects you worked on with them. Most importantly, explain to your recommender why you’re pursuing an MBA. Giving them some context behind your ask will go a long way and will likely result in a stronger letter. 

Finally, make sure you give them all the info on the recommendation before you ask.  Texas McCombs uses the GMAC Common Letter of Recommendation.  Your recommender will be asked to assess specific competencies and traits, as well as answer three explicit questions.  

Pro Tip: Get a head start! You can complete this section of your application as soon as you begin. This allows your recommender to receive the request immediately and start working on it while you’re still completing other parts of your application. Early action can lead to a more thoughtful, comprehensive recommendation.  

While there will be other programs using this form, some schools will ask a series of different questions. If you’re applying to more than one MBA, you may be asking your recommender to fill out and separately submit different forms. 

STANDING OUT IN YOUR LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION 

While you won’t be writing the letter yourself, there are ways you can help ensure your recommendation stands out: 

1. Choose wisely: Select a recommender who can speak in detail about your professional achievements and growth potential. 

2. Provide context: Brief your recommender on your MBA goals and why you’re choosing Texas McCombs. This helps them tailor their letter to our program. 

3. Highlight specific examples: Remind your recommender of key projects or situations where you demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, or other relevant skills. 

4. Encourage honesty: A balanced view that includes areas for improvement can actually strengthen your application, showing self-awareness and growth potential. 

5. Ensure alignment: If possible, discuss with your recommender how their letter can complement other parts of your application without repeating information. 

6. Follow up: Gently remind your recommender of deadlines and express your appreciation for their time and effort. 

Your letter of recommendation is a powerful tool in your MBA application arsenal. It offers a unique opportunity for someone else to advocate for your candidacy and provide external validation of your skills and potential. By carefully selecting your recommender and providing them with the right context and information, you can ensure that this crucial component of your application truly shines. 

Remember, the Texas McCombs MBA program values authenticity and seeks candidates who will contribute to our unique and collaborative community. A thoughtful, genuine recommendation that highlights your unique strengths and experiences can make a significant difference in your application. As you move forward in the application process, approach your recommendation with the same care and strategic thinking you apply to other aspects of your MBA journey. Your future at Texas McCombs may well be influenced by the strength of this important letter. 

If you have any questions during the application process, we’re here to help. Please visit our website for details on applying to each program and follow us on Instagram for an inside look into the Texas McCombs MBA. 

Texas McCombs MBA Application: Crafting Your Resume

Showcasing Work Experience in Your MBA Application

July 17, 2024 / / Comments Off on Showcasing Work Experience in Your MBA Application

Your resume is a crucial component of your Texas McCombs MBA application. It’s your opportunity to showcase your professional journey and demonstrate your fit for the program. The MBA Admissions Committee looks for a balance between the quantity and quality of your work experience. 

Keep your MBA resume to about one page, focusing on your most impactful experiences. While full-time roles after your undergraduate degree are typically considered work experience, relevant internships, part-time work, and significant leadership in extracurricular activities can also be valuable. The key is showing how these experiences have prepared you for an MBA. 

When reviewing your application, our committee considers all components holistically. We balance various factors, much like a scale. For your resume specifically, we weigh the quantity of your experience (years worked) against its quality (the depth and impact of your contributions). This balanced approach helps us gain a comprehensive understanding of your professional background and potential fit with our program. 

QUANTITY 

Say that you are the CEO of a mid-size corporation. Wonderful! Oh, you just started in this position? That’s an amazing accomplishment, but perhaps you’d still admit that your knowledge and expertise in such a new position wouldn’t be as developed as someone who’s been doing it for a few years. 

Or maybe you have been in the same job for 10 years. Wow! No doubt you are a go-to person when it comes to that role, but could it mean that perhaps you didn’t take as much initiative or demonstrate the leadership qualities required to launch you to the next level? Or perhaps you have only had a project manager role for a year, but in that time, you’ve produced measurable results and demonstrated leadership. In these cases, the quality of your work experience matters more. 

QUALITY  

A general job title like “Project Manager” may seem lackluster but could be exciting. Don’t let us make assumptions. Take every opportunity on your application to illustrate just WHAT about your job made your experience rich and rewarding. 

On the flip side, a Chief Operating Officer title sounds impressive, but what kind of company did you work for and how extensive were your duties? An impressive title with naught to back it up won’t move the needle in your favor when it comes to work experience. 

HIGHLIGHTING YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE 

The takeaway on work experience: Years, titles, and accomplishments are not, by themselves, deciding factors. To help you provide us with a clear picture, here are our top tips for highlighting the quality and quantity of your work experience on your resume: 

1. Include Specific Dates: Always list both the month and year for the start and end dates of each position. For example, use “June 2022-August 2024” rather than just “2022-2024.” This level of detail allows us to accurately assess your timeline and understand any gaps in your work history. If there are gaps, don’t worry – you can address these in the optional statement in your application if needed.

2. Tailor Content: You may have heard the adage that your resume should be tailored to your audience, which is true. But customizing your resume may simply entail reordering or swapping out bullet points. Remember, a resume is a summary of your relevant experience, not necessarily all of it.

3. Emphasize Results: We don’t just want a summary. We want to know whether you generated results from your work. If the person replacing you could copy and paste your resume bullet points into their resume, that’s probably a sign your bullet points need to better emphasize your individual contributions in the role.

4. Avoid Redundancy: Think of each line on your resume as a valuable piece of real estate. Consider the incremental value that each line on your resume provides for you as a candidate. If you have performed the same task in multiple roles, is it necessary to list that same task more than once on your resume? Likely not.

5. Show Balance: We want to see a “balanced” candidate – someone who has been strong in the classroom and in the workplace while participating in extracurricular activities and having unique interests outside of work. Consider creating an “Additional” section to detail your activities and interests for use as a potential conversation starter.

6. Utilize White Space: Great resume content can only be great if a reader can easily access it. That’s where resume readability comes into play. Don’t forget to use your white space effectively. A resume is not about cramming as much as you can onto the page. Rather, give your content some space to breathe.

7. Enlist Proofreaders: Perhaps the most important element of a resume is that it is free of errors. A single spelling, grammatical, or formatting error can hurt even the most impressive resume. Have multiple individuals proofread your resume.

8. Convey Personal Brand: What do you think of when you think of global brands like Apple, Nike, or Google? What words come to mind? Now, when we read your resume, what words do you want to come to mind about you? Have a peer give your resume a 30-second review and see if the words you want to pop for a reader, do. 

Your resume is important, but it’s only one data point for you as a candidate. By focusing on both the quantity and quality of your experiences and following these tips, you can create a resume that effectively communicates your professional journey and potential. 

Remember, the goal is not just to list your job duties, but to tell the story of your career progression, achievements, and readiness for an MBA program. Your resume should leave the admissions committee eager to learn more about you through the rest of your application. 

At Texas McCombs, we value candidates who can demonstrate a balance of professional accomplishments, leadership potential, and personal growth. Use your resume to show us how you embody these qualities and how you’re prepared to contribute to and benefit from our dynamic MBA community. With a well-crafted resume, you’re taking a significant step towards making a lasting impression in your MBA application.

If you have any questions during the application process, we’re here to help.  Please visit our website  for details on applying to each program and follow us on Instagram for an inside look into the Texas McCombs MBA.

Older posts

The Latest RSS Items

  • No items found in feed URL: http://feeds.feedburner.com/StefaniasBlog?format=xml. You requested 5 items.

    • powered by RSS Just Better 1.4 plugin

    © 2024 Texas McCombs MBA Insider

    Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑

    Skip to toolbar