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.
