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Category: Weekend MBA (page 1 of 3)

Deciding Between MBA Programs: Your Guide to Choosing the Right McCombs Format

October 28, 2025 / / Comments Off on Deciding Between MBA Programs: Your Guide to Choosing the Right McCombs Format

Choosing an MBA program is already a significant decision, but what happens when you find yourself drawn to multiple formats? At the McCombs School of Business, we understand this dilemma. Our Hildebrand MBA portfolio offers five distinct program options across Austin, Dallas, and Houston, each designed for different career stages and lifestyle needs.

Many prospective students discover that several programs appeal to them for different reasons. Maybe you’re torn between the immersive experience of our Full-Time MBA and the flexibility of continuing to work while earning your degree. Or perhaps you’re deciding between our Dallas and Houston Working Professional locations. The good news? You don’t have to choose just one when applying.

We’ve created detailed program comparisons to help you understand specific differences between Executive MBA vs. Part-Time MBA, Part-Time vs. Full-Time MBA, and Executive MBA vs. MBA formats. But what if multiple programs still appeal to you after reviewing these resources? Here’s your strategic guide to applying to more than one McCombs MBA format while maximizing your chances of admission.

Understanding McCombs’ Multiple Application Process

The Reality: You Can Apply to Multiple Programs

McCombs supports applicants who want to apply to multiple programs within our Hildebrand MBA portfolio. This flexibility exists because we recognize that your career goals, personal circumstances, and professional situation may make more than one program format viable for your success.

Here’s what you need to know upfront: each application is evaluated separately, and you’ll receive separate admissions decisions. The admissions committee for each program assesses candidates based on that program’s specific criteria and competitive landscape. Simply put, admission to one program doesn’t guarantee admission to another.

Three Strategic Scenarios for Multiple Applications

Scenario 1: Full-Time vs. Working Professional If you’re genuinely undecided about leaving your current job to become a full-time student, you can pursue both paths. This scenario requires creating separate applications for each program type. The same approach applies if you’re considering our Full-Time MBA alongside our Executive MBA program.

Your application strategy (in writing and in dialogue) should reflect the distinct nature of these paths—full-time students often focus on both personal and career transformation and exploration, while working professionals emphasize advancement or pivots within their current trajectory.

Scenario 2: Multiple Working Professional Locations Interested in both our Dallas and Austin programs for working professionals because your flexible work hours allow you to consider either program’s schedule? Start by speaking with our admissions team to determine your primary preference based on work schedule, lifestyle, and commute considerations. Other factors to consider are your target industries, the network of peers, and personal commitments.

You’ll only need to start one Working Professional MBA application. Then, use your optional essay and admissions interview to clarify your interest in the other location and explain why both would work for your situation.

Scenario 3: Executive MBA vs. Working Professional For candidates who are considering both programs and meet the minimum requirements for both programs, we recommend starting your Executive MBA application first. For example, if you live in Dallas and want to stay local but are also interested in the Executive program’s peer group and curriculum approach.

In your optional essay and interview, indicate your interest in the Working Professional program. You’ll be simultaneously evaluated for both programs based on your Executive MBA application materials.

Key Process Benefits

The multiple application process includes several applicant-friendly features. You’ll receive an automatic application fee waiver for your second application. If you’ve completed components like letters of recommendation, test scores, or your resume, we can transfer these materials to avoid duplicating your work.

If you start an application but realize mid-process that you want to apply to a different program instead, reach out to our admissions team. We can help guide your next steps and potentially save you time by transferring completed components to your new desired application.

Critical Differences That Impact Your Strategy

Application Pool and Competition Dynamics

Understanding the competitive landscape for each program is crucial for your strategy. Our Full-Time MBA attracts 2,000+ applicants from around the world, creating a highly diverse but intensely competitive pool. These candidates often have varied professional backgrounds and are seeking transformational career changes.

In contrast, our Working Professional and Executive programs draw more regional, focused applicant pools. These candidates typically have established careers in specific industries and clear advancement or career pivot goals. The evaluation criteria and competitive dynamics differ significantly between these pools.

Remember: Admission to one McCombs program doesn’t guarantee admission to another. Each admissions committee evaluates candidates against their specific program requirements and peer group. The only exception is that all three working professional programs work collaboratively for admissions evaluation.

Scholarship and Financial Aid Variations

Scholarship opportunities and criteria vary substantially across our Hildebrand MBA programs. Full-Time MBA scholarships often emphasize academic achievement, leadership potential, and diversity factors, with several merit-based awards available.

Working Professional program scholarships typically consider professional accomplishments and alignment of goals, academic readiness, employer support, and community involvement. The structure and availability of these awards reflect the different financial situations and career stages of working professionals.

Executive MBA financial aid takes a different approach, recognizing that these candidates often have different funding sources and financial priorities. Understanding these variations helps you set realistic expectations and plan your financial strategy.

Application Timeline and Process Differences

The application cycles differ between programs, which impacts your strategic planning. Our Full-Time MBA operates on three rounds with fixed application review and decision release dates. All applications in each round are reviewed together, and decisions are announced simultaneously.

Working Professional and Executive programs accept applications on a rolling basis across four rounds. This means you may receive your decision much earlier than the posted “decision delivery” date, sometimes within weeks of submitting a complete application if all required components are completed quickly.

Post-Submission Requirements

After submitting your application, the process varies by program type. Full-Time MBA applicants complete a required video assessment and may participate in an optional interview with a current student.

Working Professional and Executive applicants face a more extensive post-submission process, including both a required video assessment and a required interview with a member of our admissions team. This reflects the different evaluation approaches for working professionals and executives.

Strategic Application Approach

Research and Preparation Phase

Before applying to multiple programs, invest time in deep research beyond our comparison guides. Connect with current students and alumni from each program type you’re considering. Their insights about day-to-day experiences, career outcomes, and program culture will help you craft compelling applications.

Assess your readiness for different application processes and requirements. The interview formats, essay prompts, and evaluation criteria vary between programs, so prepare accordingly.

Tailoring Your Applications

This cannot be overstated: customize each application thoroughly. The biggest mistake applicants make is trying to use a “one-size-fits-all” approach across multiple programs. Your career goals as a Full-Time MBA candidate will differ significantly from your objectives as a Working Professional.

Full-Time applications often emphasize exploration, career changes, and transformational growth. Working Professional applications typically focus on advancement, career pivots, skill development, and leadership within established career paths. Executive MBA applications highlight senior-level leadership challenges and strategic thinking.

Make sure each application authentically reflects why that specific program format aligns with your goals, timeline, and circumstances.

Managing Multiple Applications Effectively

Coordinate your timeline carefully across different admission cycles. The rolling admission process for Working Professional and Executive programs means you might receive decisions at different times, affecting your planning. It’s okay to communicate with the admissions team your varying timelines.

Balance application quality with quantity. It’s better to submit two excellent, tailored applications than three generic ones. Focus your energy on the programs that truly fit your situation and show that you’ve envisioned yourself here.

Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from our admissions team throughout the process. We’re here to help you navigate these decisions and put your best foot forward.

Making Your Final Decision

If Accepted to Multiple Programs

Congratulations—this is a good problem to have! Compare more than just acceptance letters. Look at financial packages, program start dates, and any changes in your professional or personal circumstances since you applied.

Consider which program aligns best with your current situation, not just your situation when you applied months earlier. Your work environment, family circumstances, or career priorities may have evolved. Reach out to an admissions team member if you have any uncertainty.

Decision Timeline Management

Pay close attention to deposit deadlines and commitment requirements, which vary between programs. Communicate clearly with our admissions team about your timeline and decision process.

If you need to withdraw from a program you won’t attend, do so gracefully and promptly. This courtesy helps us manage our incoming class and may benefit future applicants on waiting lists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply to all five McCombs MBA programs? While technically possible, we don’t recommend this approach. Focus on the 2-3 programs that genuinely align with your goals and circumstances. Quality applications to fewer programs typically yield better results than generic applications to many programs.

What happens if I want to switch programs mid-application? Contact our admissions team immediately. We can often transfer completed components like recommendations and test scores to a new application, saving you significant time and effort.

How do scholarship opportunities compare between programs? Each program has distinct scholarship criteria and availability. Full-Time programs often offer more merit-based awards, while Working Professional and Executive scholarships may emphasize professional accomplishments and employer partnerships.

Will applying to multiple programs hurt my chances? No, if done thoughtfully. Each application is evaluated independently. However, generic applications that don’t demonstrate genuine interest in each specific program can hurt your chances.

What if my work situation changes after I apply? This happens frequently. Contact our admissions team to discuss how changes might affect your program choice or application status. We can often provide guidance or flexibility.

How do I explain applying to multiple formats in interviews? Be honest about your decision-making process and demonstrate that you’ve thoroughly researched each program. Show how different scenarios in your life or career might make different formats appropriate.

Next Steps: Your Action Plan

Start with a consultation with our admissions team to discuss your specific situation and goals. We can help you determine which programs make sense for your circumstances and provide personalized guidance on the application process.

Attend program-specific information sessions for each format you’re considering. These sessions provide detailed insights you won’t find in our general materials and offer opportunities to connect with current students and alumni.

Develop a clear application timeline that accounts for different deadlines, requirements, and decision dates. This planning prevents last-minute scrambling and ensures you can dedicate appropriate time to each application.

Ready to explore your options within our Hildebrand MBA portfolio? Contact our admissions team to schedule a personalized consultation. We’re here to help you navigate this important decision and find the program format that best fits your career goals and life circumstances.

Your MBA journey starts with choosing the right path—and at McCombs, we’re committed to helping you find yours.

Executive MBA vs MBA: Picking the Perfect Fit

October 23, 2025 / / Comments Off on Executive MBA vs MBA: Picking the Perfect Fit

You’re ready to sharpen your leadership skills, expand your network, and accelerate your career—but which path will get you there faster, an Executive MBA (Master of Business Administration) or a traditional MBA? The decision isn’t just academic; it’s a pivotal career move that shapes your trajectory for years to come.

First, the baseline: every McCombs MBA program leads to the same prestigious degree, taught by the same world-class faculty who travel from Austin to teach in Dallas and Houston, and backed by a similar robust career support system. The differences come down to format, pacing, and who each program is designed to serve best. 

An Executive MBA (EMBA) caters to seasoned professionals who want to expand their strategic knowledge and executive network while they keep working, blending advanced strategy with peer-to-peer insight from fellow executives. A traditional MBA, on the other hand, immerses early- to mid-career professionals in foundational business disciplines, unlocking opportunities to pivot industries or leap ahead in their current field.

This blog breaks down these options side by side so you can confidently choose the McCombs path that aligns with your goals and lifestyle.

Understanding the Executive MBA (EMBA) Experience

Here at Texas McCombs School of Business, our Executive MBA is tailor-made for high-achievers who may lead teams or manage P&Ls and want to amplify their impact without stepping away from the office. Consider how these admission and profile benchmarks set the tone for every cohort:

  • Minimum of eight years of professional experience, including at least five in leadership roles – ensuring the classroom feels more like a boardroom than a lecture hall. 
  • A demonstrated track record of strategic decision-making and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Clear motivation to accelerate into senior or C-suite positions while maintaining full-time employment.
  • Commitment to sharing industry insights and mentoring classmates as part of a collaborative executive community.

Beyond the MBA resume requirements, the EMBA format itself is designed around executive workloads. Executive MBA students meet in Austin one weekend each month, allowing students from across the country to stay fully engaged at work, then commuting to immerse themselves in learning. Students meet for class from Thursday through Saturday, creating an intensive yet manageable rhythm. 

The program also includes six strategic immersions that deepen learning and build cohort bonds. Between on-campus sessions, students unite for six high-impact immersions — a five-day orientation in Austin, experiential learning weekends in New York and Washington, D.C., and a six-day global immersion, a four-day academic intensive in Austin, and a three-day executive retreat in the Texas Hill Country — blending classroom theory with real-world market observations. This one weekend per month cadence lets executives stay career-focused while broadening their strategic lens.

Strategic Leadership and Applied Learning

The EMBA curriculum zeroes in on the advanced competencies seasoned leaders crave by weaving together leadership labs, global strategy modules, and rigorous financial management courses, all delivered in a cohort model that mirrors an executive task force. Every assignment encourages EMBA students to bring live business challenges to class, apply analytical frameworks, and return to the office Monday ready to act. 

Small class sizes foster candid dialogue and executive-level coaching, while peer-to-peer learning pairs leaders from various industries to solve shared challenges in real time. Cross-functional projects sharpen decision-making under uncertainty and build a toolkit for enterprise-wide execution, and faculty with deep industry ties bring the latest market shifts into the classroom, ensuring immediate relevance.

Together, these elements transform theory into action — bridging the gap between academic insight and boardroom execution, and setting the stage for a look at how the traditional MBA develops broad business foundations.

Career Advancement and Alumni Network

EMBA graduates leave with more than a diploma; they gain momentum toward C-suite roles and a lifetime of career support. Like all McCombs MBA alumni, they receive alumni career management for life, unlocking coaching, resources, and networking long after graduation. EMBA students gain access to exclusive executive-level networking events and industry roundtables, benefit from alumni mentorship each semester, and receive introductions that often lead to internal promotions or new leadership roles. 

Graduates also join a 25,000-plus strong McCombs alumni community, a network spanning every major industry and region. While EMBAs leverage their current positions for vertical growth, traditional MBA candidates often pursue broader career pivots, highlighting the distinct career advancement opportunities for EMBA versus MBA students.

Breaking Down the Traditional MBA Pathways

Early- and mid-career professionals, typically those with two to ten years of experience, often choose a traditional MBA to gain broad business fluency, pivot industries, or accelerate into management roles. We meet these goals through multiple formats. The Full-Time MBA delivers an immersive, two-year on-campus experience in Austin. Working professionals can opt for the Evening MBA in Austin or Weekend MBA programs in Dallas and Houston, balancing rigorous coursework with weekday careers while still tapping into the same Austin-based faculty and resources.

Foundational Business Skills and Team Learning

A traditional MBA builds a rock-solid base across every major business function, with courses spanning finance, marketing, operations, strategy, and leadership, all designed to sharpen analytical thinking and cross-functional collaboration. They also bolster leadership skills and business management capabilities for present and future success.

Case-based discussions put applicants in the decision-maker’s seat, testing strategies against real market conditions, while consulting practicums pair student teams with corporate partners to solve pressing challenges. Leadership labs and simulations foster self-awareness, interpersonal influence, and ethical decision-making, and campus recruiting events connect students with Fortune 500 firms, high-growth startups, and global nonprofits, expanding networks well beyond Austin. 

Together, these experiences translate classroom theory into on-the-ground results, empowering students to step confidently into their next role.

Career Advancement, Funding, and ROI

Traditional MBA students benefit from our robust career management center, which offers personalized coaching, industry treks, and on-campus interviews that open doors to consulting, tech, finance, and more. 

While cost considerations differ between program types, both pathways come with tailored support: both programs offer veterans benefits, private loans, and federal loans for MBA students. 

For executives weighing the higher price tag of an EMBA, resources such as tuition and financial aid details, veterans benefits, federal and private loans, and the salary increases many graduates see within months provide guidance. Evaluating these financial variables alongside your career timeline ensures you maximize return on investment — one of several key differences between the programs.

Key Differences Between EMBA and MBA at McCombs

Choosing between completing the application process for the two pathways comes down to aligning program design with where you are and where you want to go:

  • Career stage & experience: EMBAs average eight or more years in the workforce with substantial leadership responsibilities, while MBAs typically bring two to ten years of experience and are poised for a big pivot or acceleration.
  • Schedule & format: Executives gather on campus one weekend each month and complete six immersive residencies; MBA students pick from a full-time, evening, or weekend cadence that matches their current workload.
  • Curriculum focus: EMBA coursework targets enterprise-level strategy and executive decision-making; the MBA builds foundational breadth across every business discipline.
  • Networking style: EMBAs collaborate with senior peers facing similar C-suite challenges; MBA candidates cultivate broad, cross-industry connections through class projects and campus recruiting.
  • ROI timeline: EMBA and part-time program learners apply lessons Monday morning and often see immediate workplace impact; Full-Time MBA graduates leverage internships or recruiting pipelines to land new roles within months of graduation.

Here’s how those differences translate into community and connection:

25,000+ people ready to vouch for you — that’s the strength of our alumni network, which pairs students with mentors each semester and rallies graduates to pull resumes from the stack when hiring. EMBA cohorts bond through executive roundtables and global residencies, creating lifelong advisory boards. MBA students gain a uniquely international cohort, expanding cultural perspectives and global reach after graduation.

Across every format, alumni frequently return to campus for mock interviews, guest lectures, and industry deep dives, ensuring you always have experts in your corner.

Making Your Decision: Which Path Fits Your Career Goals?

Start by taking a clear-eyed look at where you stand — and where you want to land. 

Map Your Career Stage and Total Years of Experience

If you’ve been leading teams for nearly a decade, the EMBA’s executive focus will likely feel spot-on. Earlier in your journey? A traditional MBA offers the foundational breadth to pivot or accelerate.

Gauge Your Bandwidth

Are you able to step away from work for a full-time program, or do you need a one-weekend-per-month cadence that keeps your career momentum humming?

Define Your Endgame

Are you angling for an internal promotion to a vice-president role, or planning a bold industry switch that requires internship experience and campus recruiting?

Pressure-Rest Funding and ROI

Review employer sponsorship policies, compare scholarship options, and revisit the EMBA tuition and financial aid details already discussed to weigh how quickly each path can pay dividends.

Tap Into the Human Network

Schedule a conversation with our admissions team, connect with alumni on LinkedIn, and attend a virtual info session to hear first-hand how each program shapes careers.

Before you click over to program pages, run through this quick checklist:

  • Evaluate your time commitment: Weekends, evenings, or full-time immersion.
  • Project your ROI timeline: Immediate on-the-job impact versus post-graduation career change.
  • Outline your financing mix: Employer support, loans, scholarships, or personal savings.
  • Identify must-have experiences: Global residencies, campus leadership roles, or industry treks.
  • Reach out to mentors and family: Your support system matters just as much as any syllabus.

Armed with these insights, you’re ready to explore every McCombs MBA pathway with confidence.

Take Your Next Step: Explore All McCombs MBA Programs

Your future is calling — answer it with a McCombs Hildebrand MBA pathway that matches your ambition and lifestyle. Whether you’re eyeing the Full-Time MBA or pursuing executive leadership, each program connects you to world-class faculty, a 25,000-plus alumni network, and the flexibility to keep life in motion.

Ready to dive deeper?

  • Explore the McCombs Executive MBA program for one-weekend-per-month learning that accelerates seasoned leaders into strategic roles.
  • Discover the McCombs Full-Time MBA program and immerse yourself in Austin’s innovative ecosystem for two transformative years.
  • Balance work and study with the McCombs Evening MBA program, designed for professionals who want to lead without pressing pause on their careers.
  • Leverage regional flexibility through the McCombs Weekend MBA in Dallas or Houston, where Austin-based faculty bring top-tier instruction to your backyard. 

No matter which option you choose, you’ll join a collaborative, forward-looking community that equips you to lead through disruption and make a lasting impact. Take your next step today — the McCombs family is ready to welcome you.

Choosing the Path to an MBA

What If I Went Back to School? The Moment Hope Knew She Needed Her MBA

August 14, 2025 / / Comments Off on What If I Went Back to School? The Moment Hope Knew She Needed Her MBA

When Hope Perri sat down with her manager for her performance review, she had a clear goal in mind. As a senior associate at consulting firm Alvarez and Marsal, she wanted to become more engaged in the business – she was interested in learning how to improve leadership skills.

“I just put it out there,” Hope recalls. “I asked, ‘What if I went back to school?’”

Her manager’s response was immediate: “Go for it.” Hope knew the statistics at her firm — nine out of ten managing directors have earned their MBA. She was ready to join that cohort — and explore her career advancement pathways.

Finding the Right Fit

In 2023, Hope enrolled in UT Austin’s Weekend MBA program in Houston — a working professional graduate program designed for those like Hope who want to pursue a part time MBA while working. (That’s one of two Weekend MBA programs offered by UT, the other located in Dallas.) The program brings Austin faculty to Houston, creating an accessible option for working professionals who can’t relocate that helps it stand apart from other programs.

“We get Austin brought to us every other weekend,” Hope explained.

The decision wasn’t just about career advancement. During the pandemic, Hope had missed the face-to-face relationships with teachers. Going back to school, she believed, would help her “reclaim that in-person experience, those relationships with my professors,” she said, which would help “solidify” her learning while supporting her evolving leadership philosophy.

Making the Sacrifice Work

The time commitment was significant — giving up weekend time that could be spent with family. But Hope saw it as an investment in her future.

“I wanted to know that I had achieved my dreams and my career aspirations,” she said. In choosing to do an MBA, Hope wanted to give herself “the tools to put my family in the very best position that I possibly could.”

Hope had long been drawn to UT. “The football games, the school pride, the incredibly prestigious academics — it was unlike anything I’d seen growing up. I told myself, ‘I have to find a way to get to UT.’”

Inspired by a New Management Style

While in the MBA program, she learned a new leadership philosophy that changed her approach to management. Before the program, Hope had been a self-titled “helicopter parent” at work — when her employees would “trip and stumble, I immediately came in to fix it,” she said. But this, she learned, wasn’t effective. Instead, it meant that Hope “was doing the work twice, holding their hand through it,” to ensure accuracy. But Professor Martins guided her in a new direction, teaching her to give employees opportunities to empower themselves and develop. “Now I’m there to help if needed,” Hope explained, “but I won’t touch your task. That’s not what you need from me, and it doesn’t work long-term.”

Building Unexpected Connections

Instead of the cutthroat environment she expected, Hope found something completely different. She knew the MBA program would be about networking — but she didn’t realize what else she would come away with.

During Orientation’s Accounting Boot Camp, Hope laughed when her professor told her that the person seated next to her would probably become her best friend. But when she met Sarah Terrazas, she gained more than just a study-partner. Hope and Sarah would work together late nights, yes, but they would also go on to develop a deep friendship. “I have the world’s greatest best friend from this program,” Hope said. This is the “best friend I called when I found out I was expecting my daughter,” she said, as well as “the biggest reason I was able to continue my second year while pregnant. Wherever I looked, she was there supporting me — with water, a kind word, a decaf coffee.”

“But it’s not just that,” Hope continued. “Our entire class is incredibly close. We are so invested in each other. I came out of this program with friends who I can’t wait to continue to cheer on in all aspects of their lives.”  The friendships and support network she found have become a cornerstone of her experience. “When you’re working full time and balancing life, having people who understand your schedule and push you forward makes all the difference,” she said.

Learning That Translates

The faculty connection proved equally valuable. “They genuinely care for you,” Hope said. “I’ve been able to go to my professor and get his opinion on things at work, and ask ‘Am I thinking about this the right way?’” The insights she gained directly applied to her daily work — a key element of MBA career progression.

The curriculum’s broad, interdisciplinary approach gave Hope a perspective on multiple business areas.  Students learn core business concepts – finance, accounting, statistics and marketing — while studying alongside working professionals from sectors they want to explore. “You’re not being taught what to think; you’re being taught a framework, which you can apply whatever way you want,” she said. “McCombs graduates are taught to think for themselves first.”

Community Impact

The program emphasizes what Hope calls “cohort three” — the community of the class, the community of their families, and the community of Houston. “We try to foster the connections between all of them; not just the class, but the people who are making a sacrifice for you.”

The Houston community runs especially deep. “If we have a passion and a drive to give back to that community, to stay in that community,” Hope said, “we can take the lessons and knowledge and lived experiences that we’re having in Houston and put that forward to make Houston a better place.”

Hope’s commitment to both her studies and community paid off — she received a promotion at Alvarez & Marsal during the program, demonstrating how the MBA experience can accelerate career growth in real time.

More Than an Education

For Hope, UT represents more than a school — it’s a support system. Her weekend MBA program is a family, she said. “And you don’t need to be in Austin to experience that.”

This supportive environment has helped her develop a leadership philosophy she can carry with her beyond campus. “If you want to challenge yourself to be a better person, and a better thinker,” Hope said, “UT is where you should be.”

Start Your McCombs Journey

Ready to begin your MBA journey? Learn more about the Hildebrand MBA at Texas McCombs. For detailed information about application components and deadlines, check out our Application Process page.

Hook ’em!

Texas McCombs MBA Application: Letter of Recommendation

Everything to Know About the MBA Recommendation Letter

July 19, 2025 / / Comments Off on Everything to Know About the MBA Recommendation Letter

An MBA recommendation letter is a concise, third-party endorsement that spotlights your leadership potential, professional achievements, and character. It’s a powerful narrative that can validate the claims you make elsewhere in your application and reveal dimensions of your experience that transcripts, test scores, and resumes can’t capture.

Admissions committees at every world-class school of business, including Texas McCombs, lean on these letters to understand how you lead teams, tackle challenges, and inspire results. A compelling MBA recommendation can elevate your entire application, while a lukewarm note may undermine your competitiveness in the admissions process.

Texas McCombs sets clear expectations and deadlines for the recommendation process, so it’s smart to get familiar with them well before you hit “submit.” Knowing what we require — and when — gives you the runway to choose the right advocate and equip them to advocate for you brilliantly.

With this guide, you’ll have a roadmap to secure an MBA recommendation letter that underscores your value and aligns perfectly with Texas McCombs’ emphasis on leadership, innovation, and community impact.

What Is an MBA Recommendation Letter: Definition and Importance

Think of your MBA recommendation letter as a professional spotlight — one that’s directed by someone who has witnessed your growth firsthand. Its primary purpose is to deliver a credible, third-party evaluation of your abilities, leadership potential, and character. When a direct supervisor or respected mentor vouches for your performance with specific examples, admissions committees gain invaluable insight into who you are.

They balance quantitative metrics — like GPA, test scores, and master program courses — with qualitative evidence of how you collaborate, make decisions, and elevate those around you. A well-crafted recommendation helps schools envision you thriving in team projects, case competitions, and future boardrooms.

Texas McCombs sees each letter as a chance to confirm your readiness to lead through disruption and contribute to a dynamic community. 

Our Recommendation Letter Requirements

Texas McCombs keeps the process straightforward: you need one professional recommendation submitted through our online application portal. We strongly prefer a direct supervisor or someone who manages your work, because they can speak in detail to your impact, leadership style, and growth trajectory. Academic references are rarely as effective given the context and nature of the relationship.

We use the industry-standard Common Letter of Recommendation (LOR) format, designed to streamline the process for both applicants and recommenders. That means we do not accept a traditional “Dear Admissions Committee” attachment, nor do we allow recommenders to write “please see attached letter” in the form. Instead, they’ll answer targeted questions inside the portal, ensuring each response aligns with the competencies our admissions committee values.

Here’s how the submission works:

  1. While completing your application, you’ll enter your recommender’s email address.
  2. Our system immediately sends an invitation with secure login details.
  3. Once your recommender submits the form, you’ll receive an automated confirmation email.

Behind the scenes, our reviewers evaluate each recommendation alongside your essays, resume, and test scores, looking for consistency and depth. We want specific examples that highlight leadership potential, collaboration, and integrity — qualities central to the Texas McCombs culture.

Here’s an example of the standard recommendation template your advocate will follow.

What Should a Strong MBA Recommendation Letter Include?

Admissions readers scan hundreds of letters every cycle, so a standout MBA recommendation hits two marks simultaneously: it showcases the qualities Texas McCombs values most, and it delivers those insights in a clear, structured narrative.

Below are the attributes our committee looks for:

  • Leadership potential
  • Professional achievements and impact
  • Collaboration and communication skills
  • Problem-solving ability under pressure
  • Integrity and character

A powerful letter recommendation follows a simple, effective framework:

  • Introduction: Who the recommender is, how long they’ve known you, and what their relationship with you is — like a direct report, boss, or peer.
  • Key qualities + stories: Concrete anecdotes that illustrate your leadership, teamwork, and strategic thinking.
  • Constructive feedback: Honest reflection on an area of growth and how you responded.
  • Final endorsement: A definitive statement of support, complete with contact information.

Here’s a concise excerpt that captures these elements:

“As Jane’s direct supervisor for three years, I’ve watched her transform an underperforming analytics team into a high-impact unit that increased revenue forecasting accuracy by 18%. She pairs data fluency with empathetic leadership, motivating colleagues across finance, marketing, and private equity sales to rally behind bold, data-driven strategies. When I tasked her with leading a cross-border project, she navigated cultural nuances and tight timelines with integrity, delivering results ahead of schedule. I strongly recommend Jane for the Texas McCombs MBA program, confident she’ll elevate classroom discussions and team outcomes alike.”

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Even seasoned leaders can stumble when they write MBA recommendation letters. Watch out for these traps:

  • Generic language that could describe anyone in your cohort.
  • Vague praise without numbers, timelines, or specific examples.
  • Missed deadlines that delay your entire MBA package. 
  • Accidental references to another school business — a quick credibility killer.

Instead, ensure you follow these quick tips:

  • Provide your recommender with your résumé, personal statement, and key deadlines.
  • Highlight two or three accomplishments you’d love them to emphasize.
  • Set up time to discuss your request for a recommendation before entering the person’s email address in the application. This will give them a heads up on your expectations and ensure you’re aligned. 
  • Send gentle reminders as the deadline approaches; a timely letter reflects well on your organizational skills.

How To Choose and Ask the Right Advocate

Your recommender isn’t just writing a letter; they’re championing your candidacy to the MBA admissions team. Selecting the right advocate — and equipping them to succeed — can determine whether your application narrative feels cohesive and compelling.

Who Makes the Strongest Advocate?

When it comes to your academic future, not just anyone will be able to recommend you. Here are the best people to ask:

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. 

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 MBA 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.  

What To Hand Over

  • An updated résumé highlighting key achievements.
  • A brief summary of your career goals and MBA objectives.
  • A one-pager on the Texas McCombs program highlights that excites you.
  • A clear reminder of the application deadline and submission process.

Inside the Common LOR form, your recommender will answer three core questions:

  • A 50-word description of your working relationship and role.
  • A 500-word assessment of your principal strengths compared with peers.
  • A 500-word account of the most important constructive feedback they’ve given you and your response.

Communicating With Your Recommenders

Clear communication unlocks stronger letters and smoother timelines. Make sure you:

  • Ask four to six weeks before the deadline. 
  • Explain the online submission steps and deadlines up front.
  • Offer to meet or call to answer any questions about the MBA program.
  • Provide gentle, periodic reminders — especially one week before the due date.
  • Confirm receipt once the system notifies you that the recommendation has arrived.

Expressing Gratitude

A thoughtful thank-you reinforces professional relationships and reflects the integrity McCombs cherishes. Simple yet meaningful gestures include:

  • A handwritten note detailing how their mentorship has shaped your career.
  • A small gift card to their favorite coffee shop or bookstore.
  • An update email once you receive your admissions decision, regardless of the outcome.

By closing the loop with genuine appreciation, you not only honor their effort but also strengthen a professional bond that can last well beyond your MBA journey.

Find the People That Have Your Back

Strong recommendations don’t materialize overnight. They grow from authentic professional relationships and careful planning. Start early, brief your advocate thoroughly, and build in extra time so they can craft vivid, data-driven stories that elevate your application.

For Full-Time MBA applicants, the letter of recommendation is due at the round deadline — though if it is missing, our team reaches out and they have a chance to get it in within a reasonable time to be considered for that round. On the other hand, Working Professional and Executive applicants must turn in their request for a letter of recommendation by the application deadline, but don’t have to be completed by then. Generally, McCombs recommends you have them finished by the time you wrap up your interview and video assessment. 

Aim to give your recommender at least a four-week buffer before these dates so last-minute hurdles — travel, client crises, or tech glitches — don’t derail your timeline.

Need more insight? We’re always here to clarify requirements, share best practices, and ensure you feel confident every step of the way. Take the next steps on your MBA application and find the right people to advocate for your professional experience today.

Texas McCombs MBA Application: MBA Interview

What To Expect in an MBA Interview and How To Prepare

July 15, 2025 / / Comments Off on What To Expect in an MBA Interview and How To Prepare

An MBA interview is a focused, conversational meeting — usually 20 to 45 minutes — where an admissions team member, current student, or alumni interviewer evaluates your readiness for business school. It’s your opportunity to move beyond written essays and test scores, bringing your leadership stories and career goals to life.

Within the broader MBA admission journey, this personal interview serves as a pivotal touchpoint. The admissions committee uses it to confirm the strengths they’ve already seen in your application and to gauge qualities that transcripts can’t capture: presence, communication skills, and shared values with the MBA program.

Reaching the interview stage signals you’ve cleared the first hurdle of the application process. .

You’re Invited to an MBA Interview: What Does It Mean?

First, let’s decode the invitation itself. If you’re applying to the Working Professional or Executive MBA at Texas McCombs, an interview with our admissions team is required, in addition to your video assessment. For Full-Time MBA applicants, the interview is optional and led by current student peers — an extra chance to share insights that may not appear elsewhere in your application.

What sets the McCombs application process apart from other business schools is that all applicants get to complete all application components, including the interview. Keep in mind that the interviews help us verify the qualities we value most: authentic motivation, collaborative spirit, and readiness to lead through disruption. They also give you space to ask thoughtful questions and confirm that McCombs is the right launchpad for your goals.

Remember, every interaction with the Texas McCombs community — from a quick email to a chat with our receptionist — shapes your candidacy. Treat each moment of engagement as a chance to demonstrate professionalism, curiosity, and genuine enthusiasm for our MBA program.

What Is the Interviewer Looking for? Our Interview Process

At Texas McCombs, interviewers listen for more than just polished answers. They’re tuning into three core signals: executive presence, clear and concise communication, and genuine enthusiasm for our community and culture.

The conversation centers on three key competencies:

  • Motivation: We want to see that you understand how an MBA — specifically a Texas McCombs MBA — fits into your journey and advances your professional goals, and that you’re energized by the journey ahead.
  • Collaboration: Successful MBA candidates show self-awareness of their strengths, rely on teammates’ expertise when needed, and elevate group outcomes.
  • Preparedness: Particularly for the Working Professional and Executive MBA candidates, we want to see that you’ve done your homework on the specific program you’re applying to, understand its unique resources and format, and have thoughtfully considered how you’ll manage the demands of graduate study alongside your current responsibilities. This includes having the support systems in place —  whether from your employer, family, or both —  to help you succeed throughout the program.

Here’s what you can expect from our MBA interview process:

  • Format: All Working Professional and Executive MBA interviews are virtual, one-on-one with admissions staff, and last 20–30 minutes. Full-Time MBA optional interviews are also virtual, 20 minutes and led by current students.
  • Typical length: Expect a 20-30-minute window depending on the program, giving adequate time for brief introductions, answering behavioral questions, and Q&A.
  • Tone: Think conversational yet evaluative. We’re eager to learn about you, help you learn more about us, but we’re also measuring fit with our collaborative culture.
  • Virtual vs. in-person: If you ever encounter an in-person setting (at another school or future round), remember to build rapport through firm handshakes and eye contact. In virtual rooms, give enough time to test technology, frame good lighting and camera view, and maintain steady engagement on camera.

How To Prepare for an MBA Interview

Strategic preparation turns a good MBA interview into a memorable one. Here are our tips for preparing for your MBA interview:

Review Your Application in Advance

Start by rereading your entire application — essays, resumes, and short answers — to ensure every story you share in the interview aligns with what you’ve already submitted. Refreshing these details also helps you address any potential weak spots, such as an unconventional career pivot, with confidence and clarity. Don’t shy away from having a copy of your resume in front of you for reference!

Understand the Program’s Specifics

Understand our core values, coursework, opportunities to engage outside of the classroom, and career resources so you can connect them directly to your goals. Showing that you’ve done the homework demonstrates respect for the admissions committee and underscores why McCombs is the ideal launchpad for your next chapter.

Practice Common MBA Interview Questions

When it comes to MBA interview preparation, practice is non-negotiable. Conduct mock interviews with a mentor or peer and lean on behavioral frameworks like the STAR method to structure your responses. Rehearse answers out loud until they feel natural, not scripted. As you practice, focus on concise storytelling, specific and relevant examples, tie back the outcome, and genuine enthusiasm.

To help you cover every angle, follow this quick hit list of interview best practices:

  • Identify 2–3 personal stories that highlight leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork.
  • Prepare succinct answers to common MBA interview questions, using real metrics when possible. Practice saying these answers out loud.
  • Dress professionally (just as you would for an in-person interview), test your technology, and plan to log in early for virtual interviews.
  • Craft thoughtful questions that showcase your curiosity about the program, culture, and community.
  • Practice closing strong by summarizing your values alignment and reiterating enthusiasm for admission.

On interview day, take care of both mind and body. A short walk, deep-breathing exercises, or a quick mindfulness session can calm nerves and sharpen focus. When the conversation ends, thank your interviewer and confirm next steps — you’ll be ready for the questions ahead.

Common MBA Interview Questions + How To Answer Them

While every MBA interviewer brings a unique style, most conversations revolve around four themes: background and motivation, professional experience, behavioral scenarios, and career fit. Preparing clear, story-driven answers for each category keeps you agile in the moment.

Below is a collection of common MBA interview questions, paired with guidance on how to craft winning responses.

Background & Motivation

Why do you want to pursue an MBA?

Connect your past experience, current skill gaps, and future ambitions. Show that the MBA is the strategic bridge, not a detour or something to get done on your bucket list.

Why McCombs specifically?

Reference courses and faculty, engagement with current/past students, student organizations or the program’s collaborative culture that align with your goals. Show you’ve done your homework by mentioning conversations with current students or alumni and explain what aspects of the Texas McCombs community – whether it’s the innovative spirit, professional network in your city, or specific program resources – make it the right fit for your journey. Demonstrate you’ve envisioned yourself here.

Professional Experience

Tell me about a time you overcame a professional challenge.

Use the STAR method — Situation, Task, Action, Result — quantifying outcomes whenever possible.

Describe a leadership experience.

Highlight how you motivated others, navigated complexity, and delivered measurable impact.

Behavioral & Situational

Give an example of working with a difficult team member.

Emphasize empathy, active listening, and constructive conflict resolution.

How do you handle conflict?

Illustrate a step-by-step approach: identify root causes, facilitate open dialogue, and commit to a shared solution.

Goals

What are your short- and long-term career goals?

Outline a clear career trajectory with specific timeframes. Show how your short-term goal connects to your long-term vision — whether that’s a natural progression in your current field (for WP/EMBA candidates) or a strategic pivot to a new industry or function (often the case for Full-time candidates). Either way, demonstrate that your MBA is the intentional bridge between where you’ve been and where you’re headed. Tie both goals to relevant McCombs resources that will help you get there.

How will McCombs help you achieve those goals?

Mention specific classes, co-curricular resources, or experiential learning opportunities that will accelerate your journey.

Answering these specific questions with authenticity not only showcases your readiness but also underscores your fit with our community.

Explore the Full Application Process

Interview day is just one piece of the larger admissions puzzle. Texas McCombs designs every step — from essays and video assessments to letters of recommendation — with a human-centered, future-focused lens. Each component invites you to showcase your collaborative spirit, clarify your motivations, and highlight the impact you plan to make.

Whether you choose to schedule an interview, engage with student ambassadors, or join a virtual information session, remember that every touchpoint is an opportunity to reinforce your story. Select the options that best align with your goals and approach them with the same enthusiasm you’d bring to a boardroom pitch.

Ready to dive deeper? Explore our application process to discover timelines, requirements, and insider tips that will help you present a standout application. We look forward to learning more about your journey — and potentially welcoming you to the Texas McCombs family.

Explore our application process and take the next steps toward pursuing an MBA.

Texas McCombs MBA Application: Video Assessment

The Ultimate Guide to MBA Video Assessment: Tips, Strategies, and Examples

July 11, 2025 / / Comments Off on The Ultimate Guide to MBA Video Assessment: Tips, Strategies, and Examples

MBA video assessments have become an integral part of the modern business school application process. These virtual screenings allow admissions committees to evaluate your communication skills, personality, and cultural fit beyond what’s possible through transcripts and essays alone. Understanding how to excel in MBA video assessments can positively impact your admissions chances.

At Texas McCombs, our MBA video assessment is an essential component that helps us see beyond your written application and get to know you as an individual. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about MBA video assessments, from preparation strategies to examples of successful responses. By the end, you’ll have the confidence and knowledge to showcase your best self during this important part of your application process.

What are MBA Video Assessments?

MBA video assessments are timed video recordings that business schools use to evaluate prospective students’ verbal communication skills, professionalism, and get to know you. Unlike traditional in-person interviews, these assessments are typically completed on your own schedule using platforms like Kira or similar video software.

Most MBA video assessments follow a similar format: you’ll receive a series of prompts or questions with limited time to prepare and respond. Response times typically range from 60 to 120 seconds per question, with some programs allowing up to 3 minutes for complex scenarios.

The Importance of MBA Video Assessments in Admissions

Why Business Schools Use Video Assessments

MBA video assessments serve multiple purposes in the admissions process. They help admissions committees assess your ability to think on your feet, communicate clearly under pressure, and demonstrate the soft skills essential for MBA success. These assessments also provide insight into your personality and alignment with the program’s values.

Video assessments are particularly valuable for evaluating international candidates whose first language may not be English, as they demonstrate real-time communication abilities that written essays cannot capture. Additionally, they help admissions committees put a face and voice to your application, making you more memorable in a competitive applicant pool.

What Admissions Committees Evaluate

When reviewing MBA video assessments, admissions committees typically look for several key competencies:

Communication Skills: Your ability to articulate thoughts clearly, concisely, and confidently in English while thinking on your feet.

Adaptability and Resilience: How you handle unexpected questions or challenges while remaining composed under pressure and demonstrating openness to feedback.

Leadership and Ambition: Evidence of your ability to influence others, drive results, and strategically solve complex problems with an enterprising approach.

Clear Goals: Thoughtful decision-making in pursuing an MBA with a long-term vision for achieving your career objectives.

Empathy and Inclusivity: How you advocate for all voices in the room to be heard and navigate difficult conversations and situations.  

Personal Interests: Your ability to explain what drives you outside of work, demonstrating well-rounded interests that shape your personality.

Professionalism and Poise: Mature, professional conduct appropriate for business settings while maintaining authenticity.

Essential Tips for MBA Video Assessment Preparation

Research the School and Program

Before beginning your MBA video assessment preparation, thoroughly research the specific business school and the program you’re applying to. Understand their values, culture, and what they’re looking for in candidates. Review their website, attend information sessions, and connect with current students or alumni to gain insights.

Many programs will ask why you’re interested in their specific MBA program, so having detailed knowledge about their unique offerings, faculty, clubs, and career services will help you provide compelling, specific responses.

Master the Technical Requirements

McCombs’ Video Assessments are conducted through the Kira platform. It will require a desktop or laptop computer (no iPhones/iPads) 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! Most browsers are compatible (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera) but the platform will not work well on Safari.

Test your technology setup multiple times before the actual assessment. Ensure your camera is at eye level, your lighting is flattering, and your background is professional and distraction-free.

Practice Responding to Questions

The practice opportunities provided by the assessment platforms are invaluable. Take advantage of unlimited practice sessions prior to recording your actual video responses to:

  • Get comfortable with the technology and format (yes, you will be talking to yourself)
  • Practice timing your responses (McCombs’ prompts are between 90-120 second responses, depending on the program you are applying to)
  • Refine your delivery and non-verbal body language
  • Test different response structures

Develop Your Core Stories

Prepare 5-7 compelling stories that demonstrate your key strengths and experiences. These should cover:

  • Leadership experience
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Overcoming challenges
  • Professional achievements
  • Personal interests or hobbies
  • Career goals and motivation for MBA

Structure each story using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to ensure clear, impactful responses within time constraints. Consider practicing with friends, family, or career counselors who can provide feedback on your communication style, clarity, and professionalism.

Proven Strategies for MBA Video Assessment Success

Structure your stories using the STAR method. Most successful MBA video assessment responses follow a simple structure:

  • First 15-20 seconds: Set up the Situation and Task
  • Next 45-60 seconds: Detail your specific Actions and the Results
  • Final 15-20 seconds: Brief reflection or key takeaway (connect to MBA goals if the question specifically asks for it)

This structure ensures you address the question completely while staying within time limits, in the case of McCombs, responses times allotted are between 90-120 seconds and you may only record your response once.

Tip: Always include a specific, concrete example. Vague responses don’t demonstrate your capabilities or give the admissions committee insight into how you think and operate.

Professional Presentation Tips

Dress Professionally: Wear business attire as you would for an in-person interview. Solid colors work better on camera than patterns or stripes.

Maintain Eye Contact: Look directly at the camera, not the screen, to create the impression of eye contact. Do not read answers from your screen; typically, this is obvious to the admissions committee and is distracting.

Use Confident Body Language: Sit up straight, use natural hand gestures, and smile genuinely when appropriate.

Speak Clearly and Pace Yourself: Avoid rushing through responses. Speak at a measured pace and enunciate clearly.

Managing Nerves and Pressure

Video assessments can feel unnatural and stressful. To manage anxiety:

  • Practice deep breathing exercises before starting
  • Remind yourself that you can take a moment to collect your thoughts
  • Focus on having a conversation rather than giving a performance
  • Remember that some nervousness is normal and expected

Example of Previous Kira Question & Response

Question: At Texas McCombs we value leadership. Tell us about your most significant leadership experience.

Strong Response Example: In my role as a team lead at a growing financial services firm, I was asked to oversee a project aimed at improving client onboarding. I brought together colleagues from different departments, set clear goals, and created a timeline that kept us on track. By encouraging open communication and collaboration, we reduced onboarding time by 30% and improved client satisfaction scores. This experience taught me how to lead with empathy, keep teams aligned, and deliver results—qualities I’m excited to bring to McCombs.

Why This Works: This response lets the evaluator know what you do, what was the objective of the assignment, and the direct result and impact of your action. It is a specific example that is relatable to how a student can contribute to the program.

McCombs-specific Video Assessment: What to Expect

This exciting part of your application journey begins shortly after you submit your MBA application. Here’s what you need to know about completing your video assessment:

Invitation: Once you submit your application, you’ll receive an invitation from Kira to complete the Hildebrand MBA Video Assessment.

Time Frame: You’ll have 7 days from receiving access to the video assessment platform to complete your assessment. Mark your calendar and plan accordingly!

Structure: The video assessment consists of 4-5 question prompts and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. You’ll have between 90-120 (again, depending on the MBA program you’re applying to!) seconds to answer each prompt.

Practice Opportunity. Don’t worry about going in cold! You’ll have the chance to practice with the camera and platform before recording your actual responses for submitting. Take advantage of this to get comfortable with the format and technology. However, when you actually go to record your responses, you will only have ONE attempt per question.

Your Path to MBA Video Assessment Success

MBA video assessments represent both a challenge and an opportunity in your business school application journey. By understanding what admissions committees are looking for, preparing thoroughly, and presenting yourself authentically, you can turn this component into a competitive advantage. The key to success lies in balancing professionalism with authenticity, demonstrating your qualifications while letting your personality shine through.

With proper preparation and the right mindset, your MBA video assessment can help set your application apart and open the door to your future business school success. Take advantage of every practice opportunity, stay true to yourself, and approach your assessment with confidence. Your future MBA classmates and career are waiting on the other side of this important milestone.

Ready to take the next step? Visit our MBA admissions page to learn more about application requirements and deadlines. For additional resources and insights into the Hildebrand MBA at Texas McCombs experience, follow us on social media or register for an admissions event.

Texas McCombs MBA Application: Test Options & Waiver

Should You Take the GMAT, GRE, EA or Request a Test Waiver? A Strategic Guide for MBA Applicants

July 3, 2025 / / Comments Off on Should You Take the GMAT, GRE, EA or Request a Test Waiver? A Strategic Guide for MBA Applicants

The landscape of MBA admissions has evolved significantly in recent years, particularly around standardized testing requirements. While tests like the GMAT and GRE continue to play important roles in the application process, many top programs now offer more flexible approaches to demonstrating your readiness for rigorous graduate business education.

At McCombs, we understand that exceptional candidates come from various backgrounds and may showcase their analytical abilities in different ways. Whether you’re considering taking a standardized test or exploring waiver options, this guide will help you make the most informed decision for your MBA application strategy.

Understanding Standardized Test Value and Limitations

Why Standardized Tests Still Matter

Standardized tests have remained central to MBA admissions for several compelling reasons. They provide a common metric to compare candidates from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, making it easier for admissions committees to evaluate applicants regardless of undergraduate institution or country of origin.

Research consistently shows that higher scores on standardized tests correlate with stronger academic performance and program completion rates in business school. These scores, particularly in quantitative areas, help schools assess a candidate’s ability to handle rigorous coursework in subjects like financial modeling, operations research, and data analysis.

For many candidates, a strong standardized test score can also compensate for weaker areas in their profile. If you have a lower undergraduate GPA or limited quantitative coursework, an impressive GMAT or GRE score can significantly enhance your candidacy, especially for highly competitive programs where every advantage matters.

The Shift Toward Flexibility

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a trend that was already emerging in MBA admissions: greater flexibility around testing requirements. Many business schools began offering test waivers or optional submission policies, recognizing that talented professionals might demonstrate their capabilities through alternative means.

This shift has created several benefits. Test waivers can increase accessibility for mid-career professionals, international applicants, and those with strong profiles who may excel in business environments but struggle with traditional testing formats. Rather than relying solely on one exam score, schools can now evaluate candidates more holistically using academic transcripts, professional experience, and specialized certifications as evidence of readiness.

However, this flexibility comes with important considerations. Some critics argue that waiving tests can introduce more subjectivity into admissions decisions, making it harder to compare candidates objectively. There’s also ongoing discussion about how test-optional policies affect student preparation and program outcomes.

When Taking a Test Provides Competitive Advantage

While waivers offer valuable flexibility, taking a standardized test still provides competitive advantages in many situations. If you have a lower undergraduate GPA or limited quantitative coursework, a strong test score can significantly boost your profile and demonstrate your academic readiness.

Similarly, if you’re applying to highly competitive programs where marginal advantages matter, submitting an impressive test score alongside other strong application components can set you apart from other candidates. Test scores also remain important factors in program rankings, so many top schools continue to value strong performance.

For candidates with less extensive professional experience or those transitioning from non-business backgrounds, a solid test score provides concrete evidence of your analytical abilities and commitment to graduate business education.

Your Test Options: McCombs accepts the GMAT, GRE, and Executive Assessment (EA), and our admissions committee does not have a preference between test types. 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. 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.

When Waivers Make Strategic Sense

Waiver requests make the most strategic sense when you can demonstrate quantitative and analytical excellence through other means. If you have strong academic credentials and substantial professional experience with clear analytical responsibilities, these accomplishments may provide more compelling evidence than a test score alone. Professional experience enhances your academic foundations; it cannot substitute for weak quantitative academic performance.

Waivers are also strategic for candidates whose time and energy are better invested in other application components. If you’re confident in your quantitative background and prefer to focus on crafting exceptional essays, building relationships for recommendations, or preparing for the interview, a waiver request allows that flexibility.

Consider your overall application narrative as well. If your professional story and career goals are strongly aligned with your target program, and you have clear evidence of analytical success, a waiver request can allow admissions committees to focus on these compelling elements rather than a single test score.

Full-Time MBA students who are admitted without a valid GRE, GMAT or EA score will be required to enroll in Accelerated Foundations Program, a one-week quantitative prep series taught by McCombs faculty. There is a cost associated with this requirement for incoming students with a waiver. Consideration for scholarship awards: Scholarships at Texas McCombs are competitive, merit-based and limited in number. All Full-Time and Working Professional MBA candidates are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. There are no scholarships available for Executive MBA candidates.

Scholarship decisions are based on a longstanding holistic review process considering your entire application and serves to assess the overall strength of your candidacy, including readiness for academic rigor, career goals, leadership potential, and fit with our program culture. Though all candidates are eligible for merit-based scholarships, a valid test score provides the admissions committee a concrete data point that may strengthen a candidate’s position for scholarship awards. Additionally, for Working Professional MBAs, scholarships are more likely awarded early in the application cycle, making it advantageous to apply in earlier rounds.

Assessing Your Quantitative Profile Strength

Before deciding between testing and waiver requests, honestly assess your quantitative profile. Review your undergraduate coursework, professional experience, and any additional credentials to determine whether they provide compelling evidence of analytical capabilities.

Strong quantitative profiles typically include undergraduate performance in analytical subjects, professional roles requiring data analysis or financial modeling, leadership of quantitative projects, completion of relevant certifications or advanced coursework, and demonstrated success in analytically demanding environments.

If your background includes these elements and you can articulate them clearly in your application, a waiver request may be the right choice. However, remember that academic performance in quantitative subjects is the foundation; professional experience enhances but cannot replace strong academic credentials. If your quantitative background is less robust, taking a standardized test might strengthen your overall candidacy.

Making Your Strategic Decision

The decision between taking a standardized test and requesting a test waiver depends on several key factors:

Consider taking a test if you:

  • Have a lower undergraduate GPA (such as under 3.0) or limited quantitative coursework
  • Are applying to highly competitive programs where every advantage matters
  • Have less extensive professional experience or are intending to change careers
  • Need to provide concrete evidence of your analytical readiness for admissions evaluation
  • Want to maximize your scholarship potential (especially for Working Professional candidates applying in early rounds and Full-Time candidates applying in any round)

Consider requesting a waiver if you:

  • Have strong academic credentials preferably 3.0 GPA or higher with solid performance in quantitative courses AND 3+ years of progressive professional experience with analytical and leadership responsibilities
  • Hold advanced degrees or professional certifications (CFA, CPA, etc.) in addition to meeting the academic and experience requirements
  • Can demonstrate analytical abilities through both your transcript and professional achievements
  • Prefer to invest time in perfecting other application elements (only if you meet the academic criteria)

Remember: At McCombs, we evaluate waiver requests through a comprehensive review process that considers academic performance first, then professional experience. Academic credentials play the primary role – a strong undergraduate GPA, preferably with a 3.0 GPA or higher, especially in quantitative subjects like mathematics, engineering, economics, or business, is strongly recommended to be approved for a test waiver.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Deciding between taking a standardized test and requesting a waiver is an important strategic choice in your MBA application process. At McCombs, we’re committed to evaluating each candidate holistically and finding the approach that best showcases your unique strengths and readiness for graduate business education.

Whether you choose to submit test scores or request a waiver, focus on presenting the strongest possible evidence of your analytical capabilities, professional achievements, and potential for success in our program.

Ready to apply for a test waiver? Read our detailed guide on How to Successfully Apply for an MBA Test Waiver at McCombs for step-by-step instructions, application tips, and everything you need to know about the waiver process.

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

For more MBA application insights and tips, subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about admissions trends, application deadlines, and program updates.

Texas McCombs MBA Essay Prompts & Optional Statement

MBA Essay Tips: How to Successfully Answer Texas McCombs Essay Prompts 2025-2026

July 1, 2025 / / Comments Off on MBA Essay Tips: How to Successfully Answer Texas McCombs Essay Prompts 2025-2026

Well-crafted MBA essays can significantly strengthen your business school application. For Texas McCombs applicants, the 2025-2026 cycle brings focused essay prompts that require strategic thinking and authentic storytelling. This guide provides essential MBA essay tips while breaking down exactly how to tackle McCombs’ specific requirements.

Why MBA Essays Matter for Your Application Success

MBA essays serve as your primary storytelling tool, transforming your application from a collection of statistics (GPA, test score, resume) into a compelling, true-to-you narrative that reveals your values, motivations, and aspirations. Texas McCombs seeks students who will actively engage with their community and leverage the program’s resources for meaningful growth.

For applicants, essays provide multiple critical advantages:

Personal Differentiation: In a pool of candidates with similar qualifications, your essays offer the primary way to stand out by showcasing unique experiences, perspectives, and personal qualities that aren’t evident elsewhere in your application.

Demonstrating Alignment: Through your essays, you can articulate not only your reasons for pursuing an MBA, but also how your goals and values resonate with McCombs’ culture and resources. This alignment often plays a pivotal role in admissions decisions.

Revealing Leadership Potential: Essays provide space to showcase the qualities that indicate future leadership success – resilience, initiative, clear purpose, and the ability to inspire others through your experiences and vision.

Showcasing Written Communication: Your essays offer admissions committees insight into your ability to organize thoughts, articulate ideas clearly, and present compelling arguments – skills that matter in business school discussions, case presentations, and professional settings.

For admissions committees, essays provide the “color” to complement the “black and white” of transcripts and test scores. They help committees understand you as a person, not just a profile, while assessing cultural alignment, authenticity, and your potential to contribute meaningfully to the MBA community.

Understanding the 2025-2026 Texas McCombs Essay Prompts

Texas McCombs has streamlined its essay section for the current admissions cycle, featuring two required prompts with 250-word limits each, plus an optional statement.

Essay 1: Your MBA Journey Reflection

Prompt: “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: Core Values and Leadership

Prompt: “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.”

This prompt gives you the opportunity to connect personal values to leadership style, life path, and future MBA experience. Don’t shy away from being your authentic self!

Optional Statement Guidelines

Use the 250-word optional statement only to address specific gaps or concerns in your application. Examples include:

  • Work experience gaps longer than 4-6 months
  • Why you chose a recommender that isn’t a direct supervisor
  • Additional context for academic performance issues
  • For Working Professional MBA candidates: If you live outside the metro area of your intended program, explain your plan to commute or relocate.

Honestly, the most important piece of advice we can provide you on the optional statement is to remember that it is just that– optional. Only applicants who feel some piece of their profile deserves more explanation should submit an optional statement.

Note: This section of the application is not designed for you to tell us more about your extracurricular activities or expand upon the essay prompt. While we love to see how excited you are to share additional information with us, there are other ways to let the admissions committee know about additional projects or passions. Your resume and the video assessment are better forums for these additional details. Optional statements should focus on filling gaps or answering questions we are likely to have about you.

Essential MBA Essay Writing Tips for McCombs Success

Start with Thorough Research and Planning

Before writing, invest time understanding McCombs’ culture, values, and unique offerings. Review the website, connect with current students and alumni, and attend information sessions and events.

Create a brainstorming document listing:

  • Specific McCombs programs, student organizations, and opportunities that align with your goals
  • Personal experiences that demonstrate your core values
  • Leadership examples that show growth potential
  • Ways you can contribute to the McCombs community

Craft Authentic, Specific Stories

Generic responses kill MBA applications. Admissions committees are skilled at detecting insincerity and generic or AI-generated content—they actively seek essays that are personal, specific, and genuine, revealing what truly drives you as an applicant. While you may use AI tools for research or grammar checking, all submitted text must be written by you and reflect your voice and experiences.

Remember that authenticity trumps perfection. Committees value vulnerability, introspection, and real stories over flawless grammar or “safe” answers. Instead of writing “I want to develop leadership skills,” share specific moments that reveal your character and demonstrate resilience, initiative, and clear purpose—qualities that signal leadership potential.

Strong MBA essays include:

  • Specific details that only you could write
  • Clear connections between past experiences and future goals
  • Quantifiable results when possible
  • Genuine reflection on growth and learning
  • Evidence of self-awareness and maturity

Structure Your Essays for Maximum Impact

For Essay 1 (Future Reflection):

  • Open with a specific scene from your imagined post-MBA life
  • Connect this vision to specific McCombs resources and experiences
  • Detail how you contributed to and benefited from the community
  • Close by reinforcing why McCombs was the perfect choice

For Essay 2 (Core Values):

  • Begin with your chosen core value and its personal significance
  • Share a specific story demonstrating this value in action
  • Analyze how this value shaped your decisions and leadership approach
  • Project how this value will enhance your McCombs experience and contributions

Address the Prompts Directly and Completely

McCombs essays require you to stay on prompt while working within tight word limits. Every sentence should advance your narrative and address the specific question asked. Avoid the temptation to recycle essays from other schools—admissions committees can spot recycled content immediately.

Common MBA Essay Mistakes to Avoid

Understanding what doesn’t work is just as important as knowing what does. Remember: essays are not a formality.

Generic School Praise and Recycled Content

Avoid vague statements like “McCombs has an excellent reputation,” “McCombs is a top-ranked institution,” or “McCombs has a nationally recognized brand.” Admissions committees can immediately spot recycled content from other applications. Instead, reference specific professors, programs, or initiatives that align with your goals. School-specific customization demonstrates genuine interest and fit.

Overuse of Business Jargon

Skip buzzwords like “synergistic” or “innovative solutions.” Write in clear, conversational language that reveals your personality.

Ignoring Word Limits

With only 250 words per prompt, every word counts. Use strong verbs, eliminate unnecessary phrases or run-on sentences, and focus on your most compelling points.

Failing to Show Growth

Don’t just list accomplishments. Demonstrate self-awareness by reflecting on what you learned from challenges and how these experiences shaped your perspective.

Optimizing Your McCombs Application Strategy

Create Strategic Cohesion Across Application Components

Your essays shouldn’t exist in isolation. Strategic storytelling requires cohesion across essays, resume, goal statements, and interviews to present a unified, credible narrative. Ensure your essays complement rather than repeat information from other application components, using them to provide context and depth to your professional achievements while revealing personal motivations.

Demonstrate Genuine Interest in McCombs

Reference specific aspects of the McCombs experience that excite you. This might include particular courses, student organizations, the Texas ecosystem, or faculty research that aligns with your interests.

Make sure that the information you’re referencing is specific to the program you are applying to, not McCombs as a whole or generically what’s available at UT Austin.

Show Your Potential Community Impact

McCombs values collaborative engaged students. In both essays, illustrate how you’ll contribute to classroom discussions, student organizations, and the broader McCombs network.

The Review and Revision Process

Get Multiple Perspectives

Share your essays with trusted mentors, colleagues, or friends who can provide honest feedback. Look for reviewers who know you well enough to verify that your essays authentically represent your voice and experiences.

Focus on Clarity and Concision

Read each essay aloud to identify awkward phrasing or unclear transitions. With strict word limits, every sentence must serve a purpose.

Proofread Meticulously

Typos and grammatical errors can undermine otherwise strong essays. Use spell-check tools, but also manually review for commonly missed errors like wrong word usage or missing words.

Timeline and Submission Tips

Start your MBA essay writing process at least 6-8 weeks before the application deadline. This allows time for multiple drafts, feedback incorporation, and final polishing.

Remember that successful MBA essays require patience and multiple revisions. Your first draft is just the beginning of the process.

Making Your Mark at McCombs

Texas McCombs seeks students who will actively engage with their community and leverage the program’s resources for meaningful growth. Your essays should demonstrate not just why you want an MBA, but specifically why McCombs aligns with your values, goals, and potential contributions.

The most successful applicants use these essays to paint a clear picture of how they’ll maximize their McCombs experience while adding value to their classmates and the broader community.

By following these MBA essay tips and thoroughly addressing each McCombs prompt, you’ll position yourself as a strong candidate ready to thrive in Texas and beyond. Take time to craft authentic, specific responses that showcase your unique perspective and potential impact on the McCombs community.

Ready to start writing your next chapter? Visit our MBA admissions page to learn more about application requirements and deadlines. For additional resources and insights into the Hildebrand MBA at Texas McCombs experience, follow us on social media or register for an admissions event to connect with current students, alumni, and admissions staff who can help bring your MBA aspirations to life.

First-Semester Residency Experience for McCombs MBAs in Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston

January 10, 2025 / / Comments Off on First-Semester Residency Experience for McCombs MBAs in Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston

Texas McCombs brings the power of a UT Austin MBA to working professionals based in Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston. Designed for ambitious professionals in these dynamic markets, the programs meet on alternating weekends, allowing students to maintain their career momentum while earning a degree from one of the nation’s top business schools. Our renowned McCombs faculty travel from Austin to you to teach all MBA courses over the two-year program, delivering the same rigorous curriculum as our Austin-based programs.

Our Working Professional programs at McCombs are intentionally structured to foster connections and community. Not only does each new incoming class start their MBA experience with a one-week Academic Intensive in Austin at the main UT campus, but when returning to their respective campuses, the class will participate in a required first-semester residency program. During the first semester, students will stay at the Virgin Dallas or Hotel ZaZa in Houston (depending on their campus) on Friday nights of class weekends. This unique feature of our Dallas and Houston programs serves as a foundation for building a professional network and creating a tight-knit MBA community.

“Staying at the hotel has been game-changing for forming relationships! Being in the same space makes it easy to grab a quick dinner, have impromptu study sessions, or just hang out and unwind after a long day. It’s created this immersive environment where we’re always connecting and supporting each other, which has helped me dive fully into the program and build some awesome friendships along the way,” Arshad Chowdhury (Houston MBA ’26) said.

The residency requirement, which occurs on Friday nights during seven weekends in the first semester, transforms standard class weekends into immersive MBA experiences. By staying together under one roof, students naturally create opportunities for meaningful interactions beyond the classroom. Whether you’re brainstorming over breakfast, conducting impromptu study sessions in the hotel lobby, or sharing stories over dinner at nearby restaurants, these moments forge connections that extend far beyond your MBA journey.

For working professionals juggling demanding careers and MBA studies, the residency program offers multiple advantages:

  • Maximized Time Management: With no Friday evening commute, students can transition seamlessly from work to class to networking, making the most of the weekend schedule.
  • Dedicated Focus: The hotel environment provides a professional setting away from daily responsibilities, allowing students to fully immerse themselves in the MBA experience.
  • Natural Networking: Sharing a common space creates organic opportunities for relationship-building with classmates from unique industries and backgrounds.
  • Work-Life Integration: The program’s structure helps students balance MBA commitments with personal life – students can participate fully in Friday evening activities while maintaining family time on other weekends.

The residency experience adapts seamlessly to various lifestyles. Local students appreciate the flexibility to briefly return home if needed – whether to walk the dog or check in on family – before rejoining classmates for evening activities. For those balancing family life, the residency offers a unique opportunity to occasionally include spouses and partners in social activities, helping them feel connected to your MBA journey while also providing you with dedicated time for uninterrupted networking and studying away from the busy home environment. Students traveling from outside the metropolitan area benefit from eliminated commute times, while all participants gain a dedicated space for fostering meaningful connections.

“The hotel residency has been a relaxing, end of the week experience that both cohorts look forward to. After class, we all meet and discuss our work week as well as our upcoming Saturday class. I’m truly grateful that McCombs offers us fun and unique ways to spend time with each other outside of just class time,” Marcus Patterson (Dallas MBA ’26) said.

Both the Virgin Dallas and Hotel ZaZa Houston offer sophisticated environments conducive to both studying and socializing, with comfortable spaces for group work and nearby venues for team dinners and informal gatherings. The carefully chosen locations and upscale amenities create an ideal setting for both formal and casual interactions that strengthen class bonds.

Many of our students identify the first-semester residency as a pivotal element in their MBA journey. Beyond the immediate benefits of community building and networking, the relationships formed during these weekends often evolve into lasting professional partnerships and friendships. Alumni frequently cite these shared experiences as instrumental in creating the strong bonds that define the McCombs network.

“The hotel residency helped to turbo charge the relationship building with the staff and my peers. Getting to spend additional hours outside of class getting to know each other on a personal level really helped me get closer with students not in my cohort or study group. Even though the hotel residency is only for one semester, the friendships formed during that time are still strong to this day,” Nicole Gonzalez (Houston MBA ’25) said.

“The hotel residency created a unique, shared experience that facilitated lasting connections with classmates in a collaborative setting,” Sofia Angeles (Dallas MBA ’25) said. “Daily interactions-built familiarity, evolving into genuine friendships and a professional support network. These bonds have been instrumental throughout the program, offering a solid foundation both now and into the future. Huge bonus for commuting students like myself!”

The best part? This transformative component is already built into student’s tuition, making it a seamless part of their MBA investment. Whether you’re collaborating on case studies late into the evening, meeting classmates’ families during weekend visits, or planning your next career move over coffee, the residency program creates the perfect environment for building the relationships that make the McCombs MBA experience truly exceptional.

Sign up to receive Weekend MBA news here, and register for an admissions event at our Dallas/Fort Worth or Houston campus to meet program staff, current students, and alumni.

Applications for the Weekend MBA are open, and the final deadline to apply is May 30, 2025.

Learn more on our website and contact us with any questions.

Questions about Weekend MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth? Contact: TexasMBADFW@mccombs.utexas.edu

Questions about the Weekend MBA at Houston?  Contact: TexasMBAHouston@mccombs.utexas.edu

creating connections: the working professional MBA experience

Creating Connections: The Working Professional MBA Student Experience

December 18, 2024 / / Comments Off on Creating Connections: The Working Professional MBA Student Experience

The McCombs Working Professional MBA programs are offered to those who want a Texas McCombs MBA general management degree while continuing to work full time and without foregoing two years of work experience. Ranked #7 in the country (US News & World Report, 2024), the programs offer a robust curriculum, with the addition of new elective offerings that allow students to tailor their degree. The Working Professional MBA is available in three locations – Austin (Monday and Tuesday evenings), Dallas (alternating weekends), and Houston (alternating weekends) with all classes taught by top-tier McCombs faculty who travel to each campus. All programs begin in August and last 21 months until graduation in May.

The Working Professional MBA programs are designed to help students build business knowledge and leadership skills that can be immediately applied in the workplace. By offering a rigorous curriculum, co-curricular resources like the Career Management and McCombs+ Experiential Learning teams, and access to the robust Longhorn alumni network, students develop a professional toolkit that extends far beyond the classroom.

“The program intentionally fosters a strong MBA community through cohort-based learning, hotel residency experiences, student organizations, and a week-long international study tour, creating lasting connections that will serve students throughout their careers,” Rodrigo Malta, Managing Director of MBA Recruiting & Admissions said.  

The vibrant community and unique student experience of the Working Professional MBA programs are best described by the voices of those who live it every day. We’ve gathered perspectives from both first year and second-year students across the Evening, Dallas, and Houston cohorts to provide an inside look at life as a McCombs Working Professional MBA.

Academic Intensives

For your very first day of class, you will be starting at the main UT Austin campus for a week-long immersion in August. Academic Intensives happen at the beginning of your first semester, then you will return at the beginning of each semester in your second year for electives. Students can expect to participate in three intensives.

“Academic Intensives were a great way to kick off the program! From the first day you arrive through team collaboration, you begin working closely with classmates to overcome projects and challenges helping to build a real connection with your peers. Plus, bonding over Austin’s local food and music scene also helped foster a feeling like family, setting a supportive tone for the whole program,” Arshad Chowdhury (Houston, MBA ’26) said.

The first intensive starts with a day of orientation, then you will jump straight into your academic classes the rest of the week combined with Career Management and McCombs+ sessions. We still leave time for students to socialize – offering program planned activities, such as a welcome dinner and often other UT or McCombs hosted events.

“My classmates and I were very intentional about building a relationship with each other during Academic Intensives,” Marcus Patterson (Dallas, MBA ’26) said. “There would be groups of us who’d workout together in the morning, as well as groups of us who would have dinner and play games in the lobby during the evening. Those friendships have helped form a solid foundation to build on during our MBA program.”

While in Austin, every student is provided their own hotel room near campus. Most meals are provided, including breakfast and lunch, and some dinners. Meals and accommodations are covered in the program cost. The week is intense, but students gain a great amount of learning and networking during the week, along with time to explore campus and the city of Austin!

“Returning to Austin the second year allowed me to connect with students that I had not had a chance to because I was focused on getting to know my classmates in the first AI,” Nicole Gonzalez (Houston, MBA ’25) said. “I loved that I got to see the Austin and Dallas students that went on the global trip with me to Chile and catch up with them. The second AI was super enjoyable and fun to me and I am glad we will have a third in a few months!”

Cohorts and Study Groups

Each incoming class is placed into cohorts at the beginning of the program and take all classes with their cohorts in the first year. The cohort-based model offers a collaborative learning environment, helping students to network and support one another in their classes.

“Study groups promote teamwork, deepen learning, and create a collaborative environment where different perspectives are valued (and needed),” Evan Wehr (Evening, MBA ’26) said. “I’ve been surprised by the number of sensitive assignments we’ve received, and that our groups have all managed to navigate those discussions diplomatically. That has certainly been an enhancement to the overall learning experience.”

In your second semester, you will be assigned to new cohorts and study groups, which encourages student interaction and community building. Within each cohort, students are assigned into study groups of 4-5 students whom you will meet with to complete assignments, study for quizzes/tests, write papers and make presentations, etc. Study groups are created to promote diversity across backgrounds and strengths.

“The cohort model fostered a strong sense of community, with classmates from all backgrounds contributing unique perspectives to each discussion. Study groups encouraged collaboration that mirrored real-world teamwork, building trust and camaraderie,” Sofia Angeles (Dallas, MBA ‘25) said. “This approach gave me not only knowledge but also a network of professionals I can lean on and learn from.”

Hotel Residencies

There are several designated portions of the program where students are placed in a hotel block to encourage community and build camaraderie. During the Intensives and electives at the main UT Austin campus, all students will be provided a hotel on campus to facilitate engagement with one another and enhance relationship building. Also, during the final class weekend of the program for capstone celebrations, all programs will have hotel accommodations in their respective cities as a final hurrah before graduation.

In the Dallas and Houston programs, students stay at a nearby hotel on class weekends during the fall semester of the first year, with each student getting their own room, which is included in the program cost.

“The hotel residency created a unique, shared experience that facilitated lasting connections with classmates in a collaborative setting,” Sofia said. “Daily interactions-built familiarity, evolving into genuine friendships and a professional support network. These bonds have been instrumental throughout the program, offering a solid foundation both now and into the future. This was a huge bonus for commuting students like myself!”

“The hotel residency helped to turbo charge the relationship building with the staff and my peers. Getting to spend additional hours outside of class getting to know each other on a personal level really helped me get closer with students not in my cohort or study group. Even though the hotel residency is only for one semester, the friendships formed during that time are still strong to this day,” Nicole said.

In Houston, students stay at the Hotel Zaza Museum District; In Dallas, students stay at the Virgin Hotel Dallas – both are a short drive from campus. This first semester residency experience allows students to build community with one another and faculty. Typically, students go to the hotel immediately following class on Friday and socialize at the hotel bar or nearby dining options. As an added benefit, for some students, this decreases commute time or offers a place to stay if they are traveling in from outside the metroplex. For others, this allows students to focus on building relationships or on academics as they meet with their study groups.

“Staying at the hotel has been game-changing for forming relationships! Being in the same space makes it easy to grab a quick dinner, have impromptu study sessions, or just hang out and unwind after a long day. It’s created this immersive environment where we’re always connecting and supporting each other, which has helped me dive fully into the program and build some awesome friendships along the way,” Arshad said.

Student Organizations

There are student-led clubs at each campus location. These are opportunities for students to connect with peers of similar interest and to make a meaningful impact in your MBA community.

“As a leader in Graduate Women in Business and a member of the McCombs Admission Committee, I’ve gained access to a wider network within UT and McCombs. These roles have allowed me to mentor incoming students and connect with a community of women who empower each other through events and networking opportunities,” Reanna Jones (Evening, MBA ’25) said.

The most popular organizations include Graduate Business Council (GBC), Graduate Women in Business (GWiB), and McCombs Ambassador Committee (MAC). There are also other professional clubs for shared interest, such as Consulting Club, CleanTech Club, Entrepreneurship Club, etc.

“Participating in student organizations bridged me to McCombs and UT’s larger professional community, allowing me to connect with alumni, industry leaders, and professors beyond the classroom. These interactions opened doors to valuable mentorship and career guidance, making my network extensive and versatile. As a GBC leader, active MAC member, McCombs+ participant each semester, and natural cheerleader for the WP MBA, I’m proud to give back to a program that keeps giving to me,” Sofia said.

All organizations are student led, which allows students to step up into leadership for their class. Also, students can start a new club if they want!

Global Study Course Trips

One of the most memorable aspects of the program is the Global Studies course in your first-year spring semester, which incorporates a week-long international study tour in May providing students with a global perspective on business and leadership. Typically, there are 7-8 global destinations to choose from, spanning all continents except Australia and Antarctica. This past year, courses were offered in Portugal, Vietnam, Morrocco, Croatia, South Korea, Kenya, Chile, and Slovakia.

“Kenya was incredible! The global trip exposed me to new cultural and business perspectives, practices, and lessons, teaching me the nuances of conducting business globally. Seeing strategies adapted to different markets firsthand enriched my approach to global strategy in my role and aligns with my goal to work more extensively in the diverse landscape of global business and give back as a citizen of the world,” Sofia said.

“My global trip experience in Vietnam was fantastic. We spent the week meeting with and learning from business leaders in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City representing diverse industries, including fintech investment, sustainable urban development, shipping and logistics, and textile manufacturing,” Marion Krueger (Evening, MBA ’25) said. “Despite the country’s complicated and painful history, the Vietnamese people with whom we met were unfailingly resilient and optimistic about the future. There is so much potential for innovation and growth, and Vietnam is poised to realize it. This forward-thinking approach to seizing opportunities inspired me and reflects the university motto: ‘What starts here changes the world.’”

“I was very interested in the global trip to Chile to see what working in Latin America would be like. I grew up in Venezuela until I was 10 but had never worked in Latin America so getting to spend a week in Chile and see how business was conducted there really opened my eyes to the possibility of working abroad in the future. My goal now is to have an expat assignment in either Latin America or the Middle East,” Nicole said.

Students from all 3 Working Professional programs travel together to learn how business is done in another country, as well as experience another culture.

“I anticipate the global trip will offer invaluable opportunities to strengthen bonds with my peers across McCombs programs, including those located in Dallas and Houston. The shared experience of exploring global business practices will certainly provide a broader perspective on the program, how business can be done, and how global supply chains come together,” Wehr said.

These international study tours will follow an itinerary including business visits and cultural experiences, and most meals are provided including breakfast/lunch each day and a couple of dinners. In the course, students gain background knowledge of the history, culture, politics, and economics of the region, enhancing their knowledge and understanding of global business.

Elective Offerings 

Working Professional students are now able to enjoy customization in their coursework due to the recently redesigned curriculum. There are a total of five electives during the two-year program. The first elective choice will be selecting one of the global destinations for your global trip (referenced above). Then in your second year you will take 4 electives, with the format of 2 electives for each semester.

Of the 4 electives in your second year, 1 will be a technology elective with course options focused on artificial intelligence. The other 3 electives will be general management courses, with course options across different core classes in Finance, Marketing, Strategy, Leadership, etc. These courses are subject to change every semester as we take into consideration student demand, market trends, faculty accessibility, and more.

“My elective choices allowed me to specialize in areas crucial to my career, like advocacy and strategic negotiation. These electives equipped me with tools to manage high-stakes discussions, balancing the bottom line with credibility and long-term influence. This blend of core and elective courses has made me more adaptable and confident in my professional role,” Sofia said.

Wrap-Up

The vibrant community, enriching student experience, and customizable curriculum of the McCombs Working Professional MBA combine to create a truly transformative graduate program. Through collaborative cohorts, engaging global experiences, and active student organizations, Working Professional MBA students develop a robust professional network that will serve them long after graduation. With a continued focus on innovation and responsiveness to student needs, the McCombs Working Professional MBA programs are designed to advance the next generation of business leaders.

To learn more about Texas McCombs, visit us online, join us at an upcoming event, and sign up to receive MBA news.The Working Professional MBA applications are open and reviewed on a rolling basis. Learn more about our application process and deadlines here.

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