Weekend MBA – Texas McCombs MBA Insider

Category: Weekend MBA (page 1 of 3)

Allow Us to Introduce You to the Texas McCombs MBA Class of 2026

November 15, 2024 / Texas MBA Admissions / Comments Off

The Texas McCombs MBA programs continue to attract top talent from around the world, reflecting the school’s reputation for academic excellence and impactful learning experiences. These very accomplishments mold our MBA program, which includes students from the Full-Time, Working Professional, and Executive MBA programs across our campuses in Austin, Dallas, and Houston, and cement our position as a top-ranked business school. The incoming class of 2026 is no exception, showcasing impressive academic credentials, unique personal and professional backgrounds, and a shared commitment to driving positive change. In this admissions blog, we’re excited to highlight three key features of the Texas McCombs MBA Class of 2026 – the growth in class size, the unique voices and perspectives represented, and the increased accessibility and impact of the programs.

Growth in Class Size:

Across Texas McCombs’ MBA programs, the Class of 2026 has seen a notable increase in enrollment. Applications across the MBA portfolio surged compared to last year, reaching a total exceeding 2,500 applications, and affirming the popularity of our dynamic community and unique learning environments.

Additionally, our class size has expanded by an impressive 14%, now with 581 incoming students. This year’s incoming class is one of the largest in the past 10 years. This expansion reflects the rising demand for the Texas McCombs MBA and the school’s ability to accommodate more of the top talent seeking a transformative graduate business education.

Unique Backgrounds and Experiences:

The Texas McCombs MBA Class of 2026 is characterized by its wealth of unique perspectives to the community. The incoming class is truly global in nature, representing 30+ different countries from Australia, Cameroon, and Brazil to Mexico, Nigeria, and Vietnam. Members of the class speak a variety of languages, including Mandarin, Hindi, Japanese, Spanish, Korean, Arabic, Portuguese, Igbo, Hebrew, Russian, and many others.

Students come from over 180 different academic institutions, having pursued degrees in subjects from engineering to business to humanities. Additionally, an incredible 20% of the incoming class has an advanced degree, with military veterans comprising 15% of the class.

The unique voices brought by our students enrich our learning environment and strengthen our academic and professional community. As we continue to grow, these perspectives collectively contribute to the excellence that defines the Texas McCombs MBA experience.

Accessibility and Impact:

Texas McCombs actively contributes to the vision of propelling the University of Texas at Austin toward becoming the world’s highest-impact public university. This year, we welcomed 17% of first-generation students. This figure applies to our collective MBA programs, demonstrating our commitment to providing accessible and impactful education, particularly to aspiring business leaders who are the first in their families to attend college.

It’s essential to recognize the importance of cultivating accessibility to make an MBA from a prestigious school attainable for first-generation college students. This reflects our dedication to fostering a welcoming community while nurturing the future leaders of business, regardless of their background.

Full-Time MBA Class Profile

Applications to the Full-Time MBA program increased, attracting over 1,900 applicants for a class of 255 students. This class brings with them a blend of experiences, with an average age of 29 and a strong average GPA of 3.48. Furthermore, just under 35% of students identify as female, 10% as LGBTQIA+, and 29% come from international backgrounds, representing 30+ countries. 14% of students have U.S. military service backgrounds. This year, we welcomed 29 Consortium members, 49 Forte Fellows, and 22 dual-degree students, further enriching the diversity and breadth of experiences within our class.

Working Professional MBA Class Profile

Though unique on their own (see class profile below), the Working Professional MBA programs at Texas McCombs boast a set of compelling features that collectively define their excellence. The class size for Fall 2024 increased considerably to 266, driven by strong results in the Evening MBA program in Austin. With an average age of 31 and a middle 80% range spanning 26 to 37, these programs attract a unique cohort of students, each bringing with them a wealth of professional experience. On average, these students come with 7 years of experience. Impressively, 15% of the cohort possesses military experience, enriching the class with a unique perspective.

Academically, our working professional students maintain a high level of excellence with an average GPA of 3.33. Working Professional and Executive MBA candidates have several options when considering how to complete the standardized test requirement as we accept GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE, Executive Assessment (EA) score, or a test waiver. The incoming class brings an average GMAT score of 653 and an average GRE at 311.

Executive MBA Class Profile

The Executive MBA program at Texas McCombs comprises 60 accomplished individuals, and includes students of various backgrounds, with 46% identifying as U.S. minorities and 26% as URM, while 27% have backgrounds in U.S. military services. This experienced group boasts an average of 17 years in the workforce. Although standardized test scores aren’t required, the program values various factors, including leadership experience and personal impact, evident through their average 10 years of management experience.

Notably, 23% of the class consists of first-generation students, offering unique perspectives. The class represents a variety of industries and functions, with a strong presence from technology, healthcare, and energy sectors, enriching the Texas McCombs MBA experience.

The Future of Business Leadership

The Texas McCombs MBA Class of 2026 is not merely a reflection of our program’s excellence, but an embodiment of our vision for the future. The increase in applications and class size showcases the program’s appeal and its role as a leader in the ever-competitive MBA landscape. At the same time, we’re proud to note that standardized test scores and GPAs remained strong, ensuring that academic excellence is a hallmark of our program. Additionally, the strong representation of first-generation students underscores the university’s commitment to making high-quality education accessible to all.

With this class, Texas McCombs continues its journey toward becoming the world’s highest-impact public business school. It’s an exciting step toward the future where you, as a vibrant part of our community, will be what’s next in business and beyond. Your journey to excellence begins here.

If you have any questions about Texas McCombs, 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!

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:

Test Scores: We accept GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment (EA) scores. We also offer a merit-based test waiver for exceptional candidates.
English Proficiency Test: International applicants must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores unless eligible for a waiver.
Academic Transcripts: Official undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
Resume: A detailed account of your professional experience and achievements.
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!
Three Essay Prompts: New for this year, these essays give you the chance to share your story, goals, and fit with Texas McCombs.
Video Assessment: An opportunity to showcase your communication skills and personality through recorded responses.
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:

Academic Excellence: Our rigorous curriculum is designed to challenge and transform you into a strategic business leader.
Expansive Network: Connect with a diverse, talented cohort and join our vast alumni network spanning the globe.
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.
Career Support: Our dedicated career services team will help you navigate your career transition or advancement.
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 / Texas MBA Admissions / Comments Off

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 / Texas MBA Admissions / Comments Off

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.

Texas McCombs MBA Application: MBA Interview

The Value of the MBA Admissions Interview in Texas McCombs’ MBA Application Process

July 15, 2024 / Texas MBA Admissions / Comments Off

As we look ahead to the 2024-2025 admissions cycle, Texas McCombs continues to embrace our core value of being “Human-Centered, Future-Focused.” In this spirit, we’re excited to once again offer all MBA applicants the opportunity to participate in an MBA admissions interview. This interactive virtual session provides a unique chance to connect with the McCombs community, showcase your collaborative skills, and reaffirm your motivation for pursuing an MBA at Texas McCombs.

We pride ourselves in getting to know you at a personal level during the admissions process and will continue to provide hundreds of virtual and in-person ways for you to meet our students, alumni, faculty, and admissions team. While entirely optional, this interview can be a valuable way to leave a lasting impression on our community.

WHEN AND HOW TO ACCESS YOUR ADMISSIONS INTERVIEW

Roughly a week after the round deadline, applicants will receive an email that will point you to our online platform and allow you to select an interview slot that works with your schedule. There is a deadline to complete your interview, so be sure to schedule it early. Slots will fill quickly!

IS AN INTERVIEW REQUIRED?

Depends on the program you are applying to. All Working Professional and Executive MBA applicants are required to complete an interview.

For Full-Time MBA applicants, however, the MBA Interview is optional. There are plenty of ways for the admissions committee to get to know you without the optional MBA admissions interview. For example, if you have continuously engaged with the McCombs community, feel confident in your video assessment submission, and have no additional questions for a current student, then registering for and attending a virtual interview might not be necessary. On the other hand, if you have not had the chance to get to know us and would like an additional opportunity to convey something that might not be conveyed elsewhere in the application, we might recommend signing up for a peer interview. At the end of the day, the choice is yours. The interview may serve as an additional data point for the committee, but it is not required for admissions consideration.

Tip: Remember that every interaction you have with a member of the Texas McCombs community is an opportunity to make a positive impression about who you are and your MBA candidacy. From speaking to our receptionist at the MBA Program Office to meeting an Admissions Officer on the road, all members of our community have an opportunity to provide informal feedback on MBA applicants, so make every connection count.

WHAT IS THE INTERVIEWER LOOKING FOR?

We listen for confidence, clear and concise communication and overall genuine enthusiasm. The interviewer will be focusing on the following competencies:

Motivation

The Admissions Committee is looking for applicants with a genuine interest in pursuing an MBA and a clear understanding of how it will help to achieve their professional goals. Applicants should understand why Texas McCombs is the right place to pursue their studies and show enthusiasm for their goals and our MBA program.

Collaboration

We are looking for applicants that demonstrate strong collaboration skills with their ability to strategically position themselves in a group due to their self-awareness of their strengths and weaknesses. They are easy to work with and comfortable relying on others’ strengths.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE INTERVIEW

The optional interview will last approximately 20-25 minutes and is available throughout the rounds. The student ambassador will introduce themselves and ask you up to 3 questions that focus on collaboration and motivation. The rest of the time is yours to ask a few questions that are top of mind.

We recommend having 2-3 questions prepared for your student interviewer about the program and student experience. You are also welcome to discuss information about your candidacy that is not addressed elsewhere, as the interviewer can in turn provide this information to the admissions committee via a post-interview form.

Different schools have different interview processes. It’s important to be familiar with how the Texas McCombs MBA program runs the virtual interview experience. Be sure to read all confirmation emails and instructions very carefully. All optional interviews are conducted virtually by a member of the McCombs Ambassador Committee.

WILL I KNOW WHO MY INTERVIEWER IS AHEAD OF TIME?

Yes! You will have the option to select both your interviewer and your interview time slot. While some applicants prefer to focus their choice primarily on finding a time that works best for their schedule, others may prioritize selecting a specific interviewer. The choice is entirely yours, allowing you to approach the process in a way that best suits your preferences and needs.

Your chosen interviewer will have access to your name, email, and resume prior to the interview. However, they won’t have any other information about you or your application. We recommend having a copy of your resume on hand during the conversation for easy reference.

CAN I CONDUCT MY INTERVIEW IN PERSON?

No. All our MBA admissions interviews are virtual to keep all applicants (including those who cannot come to campus) on a level playing field. We do encourage applicants to visit us in person so you can get to know us, but interviews must be conducted virtually (via Zoom).

OUR TOP INTERVIEW TIPS

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 your Connection: Interviews require a desktop or laptop computer (no iPhone/iPad) with a functioning webcam, microphone, and internet connection. We recommend connecting directly to your internet for the most reliable internet connection – and make sure you have plenty of charge on your laptop or that you are plugged in!
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 to address their prepared examples. Keep your responses concise and keep in mind the short duration of the interview.
Be Professional but Loosen Up: Given our program’s famously friendly culture, our interviews are relatively informal. If you still find yourself nervous, practice your answers in front of a mirror or with a friend or colleague 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.
Come with questions: If you choose to participate in this optional interview, prepare thoughtful questions to make the most of this opportunity. 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 a Texas McCombs MBA, and you can formulate coherent thoughts under pressure.

Here is a list of topics to consider:

Discuss any aspect of your candidacy that has not already been covered in other application components.
Get to know your host and their experience at Texas McCombs. Ask them questions about their MBA journey and the McCombs community.
Ask for tips and advice on how to best navigate and spend the time between the admission decision and program kick-off.

In the competitive world of MBA applications, Texas McCombs stands out by prioritizing the human component. Our “Human-Centered, Future-Focused” values resonate throughout the entire admissions process, offering you an opportunity to showcase your collaborative skills and reaffirm your motivations for pursuing an MBA.

Whether you choose to participate in this interview or explore other avenues of connection, remember that every interaction can contribute to your MBA candidacy. We encourage you to consider which opportunities align best with your goals and preferences. Whichever path you choose, we look forward to getting to know you and potentially welcoming you to the Texas McCombs family.

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 Insider