With each admissions cycle, we receive questions from previous applicants about reapplying to join the next class of Hildebrand MBAs at Texas McCombs. Here’s what you need to know: if you’ve applied before, it is not seen as a negative in your application.

We value persistence and growth—qualities that many reapplicants successfully demonstrate. The Admissions Committee will evaluate your new application on its merits within the current applicant pool, treating you as a first-time candidate, while recognizing the valuable insights you’ve gained since your previous application experience.

📌 Key Takeaways:

1. Reapplying shows strength, not weakness – McCombs values persistence and treats your new application with fresh eyes.

2. Success requires genuine growth across three areas – Academic improvements (like test scores), professional storytelling (explaining how you achieved results), and clearer motivation for “Why MBA?”, “Why now?”, and “Why McCombs?”

3. Complete application refresh is mandatory – New essays, updated resume, fresh letter of recommendation recommended, and new video assessment required.

Why Reapplying to MBA Programs Shows Strength

Reapplying to MBA programs isn’t a setback—it’s a strategic opportunity. Your previous application experience gives you unique advantages: you understand what top MBA programs expect, you’ve had time to strengthen your profile, and you’re demonstrating continued commitment to the McCombs community.

McCombs MBA Reapplication Requirements

All reapplicants must submit a fresh application including:

  • New essays reflecting current essay prompts and recent program research (copying your previous essays is not recommended)
  • Updated resume showcasing recent achievements and new work history
  • Application fee for the new cycle (unless you qualify for a fee waiver this year)

Academic Records and Test Scores

Transcripts: Official transcripts remain on file for one year. Submit new transcripts if you applied more than a year ago or completed additional coursework.

Note you will need to submit your transcripts again if you have taken any additional coursework or if you applied more than one year ago. After you apply, you can always review your application status on the My Status webpage to make sure you have current transcripts.

Test Scores: GMAT, GRE, and Executive Assessment scores are valid for five years from date of exam and kept on file for one year. If you previously received a test waiver, it remains valid for your reapplication.

Note that if you have already sent us official scores, we must consider them in the evaluation process in place of a test waiver A reapplicant who previously applied with a test waiver can decide to reapply with a valid test score. The McCombs Admissions Committee considers only the highest total submitted score in the evaluation of applications.

Recommendations and Video Assessment

Letters of Recommendation: While not required to submit a new recommendation, consider asking a different recommender who can provide a fresh perspective on your professional growth and achievements.

Note that if you choose to re-use a prior recommendation, you will need to email MBA Admissions with a request to copy over the recommendation to the current year.

Video Assessment: All reapplicants must complete the current year’s video assessment, as questions and timing differ from previous cycles.

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Strategies for Improving Your MBA Reapplication

Demonstrate Clear Growth

The most critical component of reapplying to McCombs is answering: “Since your previous application, what steps have you taken to enhance your candidacy?” This question allows you to showcase:

  • Professional development through new roles, projects, or skills
  • Leadership experiences in your community or workplace
  • Personal growth that aligns with McCombs’ mission and values
  • Clearer career goals and how an MBA fits your trajectory

Focus on Genuine Growth Over Surface Changes

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According to Daniel Livsey (Full-Time MBA ’25), a successful McCombs reapplicant: “Genuine growth isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about a deeper understanding of your strengths, weaknesses, and how you have addressed them. Take the time to be genuinely honest with yourself about your application.”

Essential questions every reapplicant must answer clearly:

  • “Why an MBA?” – Your fundamental motivation
  • “Why an MBA now?” – Your timing and readiness
  • “Why McCombs?” – Your specific program fit

Avoid Common Reapplication Mistakes

  • Don’t recycle old essays – address current prompts with fresh content
  • Don’t ignore feedback – reflect on potential weaknesses from your previous application
  • Don’t rush the process – take time to genuinely improve your profile
  • Don’t apply without meaningful changes – show substantive growth since your last application

Persistence Paid Off: A McCombs Reapplicant Success Story

Daniel shares his reapplication journey:

“I needed to take a true holistic and unbiased review of my application to identify what I felt the Admissions Committee may have waitlisted me for previously. I broke my application down into academic, professional, and application-related components.”

Daniel’s comprehensive approach included:

  • Academic improvement: Retook the GMAT and improved his score by 50 points
  • Professional storytelling: Instead of just stating “increased sales by 15%,” he focused on how he achieved results through specific strategies and leadership
  • Clearer motivation: Re-evaluated his essays to better answer “Why an MBA?” and “Why McCombs?” with deeper research and conviction

“Looking back, I believe a combination of all three of these improvements took me from the waitlist to admitted,” Daniel reflects.

Making Your Reapplication Count

Timeline and Planning

Start your reapplication process early to ensure you have time to:

  • Reflect on areas for improvement
  • Gain new experiences that strengthen your candidacy
  • Craft compelling essays that demonstrate growth
  • Secure strong recommendations from current supervisors

Align with McCombs Culture

Show how your growth aligns with McCombs’ collaborative culture and “Hook ’em” spirit. Demonstrate understanding of how you’ll contribute to the Texas McCombs community based on your evolved perspective and experiences.

Resources for McCombs MBA Reapplicants

Your Path Forward

Reapplying to McCombs MBA demonstrates the resilience and commitment we value in our students. Many successful McCombs MBAs were once in your position, using their reapplication as a catalyst for growth.

Take time to honestly assess your previous application, identify areas for improvement, and showcase the meaningful ways you’ve grown. Your persistence and dedication to joining the McCombs community could be exactly what sets you apart this time.

Ready to begin your reapplication journey? Review our current application requirements and reach out to our admissions team with questions. Your MBA dreams at Texas McCombs may be closer than you think.