Texas McCombs MBA Insider

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Choosing a Test for Your MBA Career Search

This is the third in a series of posts on GMAT/GRE testing. We encourage you to review previous posts, if you have not already. This content was written by Dave Jackson, Senior Admissions Officer, Dallas/Fort Worth MBA.

Before you make a final decision on which test to take, it’s best to research some of your target companies or industries and determine two things:

The extent to which they evaluate a test score in reviewing job candidates.
Whether they have a preference for one of the tests. At McCombs, we have found that most consulting and investment banking firms do look at the candidate’s score, and both industries historically have favored the GMAT.

Regardless of which test you take, you should consider it as another opportunity to not only impress the Admissions Committee, but also potential employers.

The Benefits of MBA Test Prep

December 22, 2017 / Texas McCombs MBA / 1 Comment

This is the second in a series of posts on GMAT/GRE testing. We encourage you to review all posts. This content was written by Dave Jackson, Senior Admissions Officer, Dallas/Fort Worth MBA.

Once you’ve done your research on the format and content of the GMAT and GRE tests, you’re ready to settle on which one you want to take and start your preparation.

If you still need a review of each test to help you navigate the details, see our previous post examining both test options.

Test preparation is critical. The tests are rigorous, but your prep has the advantage of getting you in the right mindset for entering a top MBA program– where the exams and workload will be just as challenging, if not more so.

Prep tools include books that take you through the format of the test and offer practice exams, as well as formal prep classes (in person or online) and tutoring that can cost hundreds of dollars. Going with a more affordable option can work for some candidates.

“If you did well on the SAT or if you have a rigorous math background, you might be able to prepare on your own.”

– Jamie Nelson, an instructor with Manhattan Prep, which offers test prep classes in Dallas, Houston and Austin.

Here are some top prep tips from students and test prep instructors:

Examining Your MBA Application Test Options

December 7, 2017 / Texas McCombs MBA / Comments Off

This is the first in a four-part series of posts on GMAT/GRE testing. We encourage you to review all posts. This content was written by Dave Jackson, Senior Admissions Officer, Dallas/Fort Worth MBA.

It can be the most stressful part of an MBA application-– the requirement to take either the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

At McCombs, the Admissions Committee does not waive this requirement for any of our Working Professional MBA programs (Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, or the Austin Evening programs) or for our Full-Time program.

So your first question will be: Which test do I take?

Like coffee vs. tea, or vanilla vs. chocolate ice cream, the choice is entirely yours. We have no preference, though more of our students end up choosing the GMAT because it is designed to prepare candidates specifically for business school. And some professions, like consulting and investment banking, do prefer that you have a GMAT score to report. (More on this can be found in our third post of this series.)

While both tests have quantitative and verbal sections, they have noticeable differences. We encourage you to do your research and take practice tests to learn each test’s points of emphasis, and how they are scored.

Here are some key differences between the GMAT and GRE:

From Around the World to the Texas MBA Program

November 16, 2017 / Texas McCombs MBA / Comments Off

McCombs recently held our annual International Night! For the past 14 years, International Night, hosted by IMBASA (International MBA Student Association) & the MBA+ Leadership Program, has been the largest MBA event of the year, attracting 1000+ attendees.

Texas MBAs from all over the world shared their culture with their classmates through food, dancing, traditional games, and entertainment. Texas MBA students, staff, alumni, and their families took a break from their academic rigors to rediscover the diversity of McCombs.

Military Community at McCombs

October 25, 2017 / Texas McCombs MBA / Comments Off

McCombs recognizes the value military veterans bring to our campus. Our community is one of support, collaboration, and dedication to prepare you for career success, which is why the Texas MBA is consistently a top-ranked program for military MBAs.

Transitioning from military life to civilian life can be challenging. An MBA degree can be a great resource for veterans to enhance their business skills and transition into a civilian role in the business community.

We Invite You to Learn More at the Texas MBA Military Forum!

The Texas MBA Military Forum offers future military MBAs the opportunity to meet many of the former military members currently enrolled in the Texas MBA Program, meet our top-rated faculty, and network with Texas MBA military alumni. Through this event, you’ll learn how to successfully transition from your military career to a top MBA program, as well as discover all of the resources available to you at The University of Texas at Austin.

Registration for this event has passed. Our next Military Forum will be in the fall of 2018.

The McCombs School of Business and The University of Texas at Austin offer many resources to aid in the transition into civilian life and returning to school full-time to earn your MBA. See below for some of resources available to vets enrolled at McCombs.

The Ins & Outs of the Executive MBA Test Waiver

October 5, 2017 / Texas McCombs MBA / Comments Off

From Director of Texas Executive MBA Admissions, Sharon Barrett:

Hands down, this is the most common question I get from Executive MBA candidates:

“How does the test waiver work and do I qualify?”

So here’s the lowdown– First and foremost, the Executive MBA is the only Texas MBA program that accepts applicants’ petitions to waive the GMAT or GRE exam requirement. (Key words being “applicant” and “petition.”) And everyone’s case is different, so there’s no recipe to follow, no checklist, and no guarantee that if you do certain things, you’ll get a waiver.

The MBA Admissions committee views each applicants’ petition in the context of their entire application, and renders a decision on the application versus a separate decision on just the waiver.

Here are the areas of consideration when reviewing an application with a petition for a test waiver:

The Non-Traditional MBA Candidate

July 18, 2017 / Texas McCombs MBA / Comments Off

The following was written by Samantha Frapart, Texas McCombs MBA ’17.

I thought I couldn’t get into business school. With my double-major in English and Ecology, five years in non-profits, and my natural aversion to words like “Nasdaq” and “synergy,” how could I convince admissions teams that I belonged in their MBA programs? Well, after graduating from McCombs in May of 2017, I’m here to happily debunk one of the greatest myths of business school: The non-traditional candidate.

Contrary to popular belief, business programs aren’t looking for human calculators. They are looking for students eager to foster strong teams, willing to negotiate & compromise, and ready to share diverse perspectives. In management classes, I was able to add a unique viewpoint to discussions on anything from government regulations to corporate social responsibility. Though I looked to my study-team for help with my finance homework, I was able to offer equally important business lessons like proper brief-structure and design thinking.

We all have something to offer, it’s just a matter of figuring out what that is and letting it shine through.

Though I assure you “non-traditional” is a thing of the past, I know this process can feel daunting. So with the Texas Full-Time MBA application opening soon, I’d like to share some helpful tips from my experience (before and during business school) in hopes that it might ease your worries and prepare you for the fantastic two years ahead.

Landing Your Dream Job with Texas MBA Career Management

June 30, 2017 / Texas McCombs MBA / Comments Off

A big part of your MBA journey begins after you graduate– You’ll move up in your industry, transition into a different industry, or leverage your strong McCombs network to establish your own business ventures.

At the Texas MBA Program, our Career Management & Employment Services teams are devoted to making sure that no matter where your career takes you next, you”ll be successful.

Your Texas MBA degree starts paying dividends immediately. In 2015, Forbes named us the 3rd-highest return on investment (ROI) among all public MBA programs in the U.S.

Essay Writing Tips from Texas Full-Time MBA Admissions

June 27, 2017 / Texas McCombs MBA / Comments Off

The below is from Stacey Kammerdiener, Senior Texas Full-Time MBA Admissions Officer

As you think about how to approach the essays in your Texas Full-Time MBA application, your best shot at successfully answering the essay prompts is to approach them thoughtfully. The purpose of these essays is to understand why you want to attend McCombs and to learn more about you professionally and personally. While it may be tempting, do us (and yourself) a favor and avoid the snooze-fest/shock-factor extremes. Instead, approach your essays genuinely and with reflection. Armed with a few insider tips from the Admissions Committee below, you will be well on your way to submitting a strong application.

Register Now: Texas Full-Time MBA Program Summer & Fall Events!

June 12, 2017 / Texas McCombs MBA / Comments Off

It’s almost time for the 2017-2018 application season! Where’s the best place to start if you plan to apply? Meet the Texas Full-Time MBA Program at one of our many events this summer and fall to learn more and ask any questions you may have.

Whether you’re looking to visit us on campus in Austin, or meet up with us in a city near you, there are plenty of opportunities for you to learn about the value proposition of an MBA, what it’s like to be a Texas MBA student, life in Austin, and how you can put together your best application. Register Now!

The 2017 Tour Event Season

Our admissions staff and alumni will be traveling around the globe for the next several months to meet you and answer your questions. Visit our tour events page for event details and registration information. Events will be confirmed and added throughout the season, so be sure to check back periodically.

Visit Us on Campus in Austin.

Join us for an info session on campus in Austin to take an in-depth look into what sets the Texas Full-Time MBA Program apart from the competition. Information sessions are your opportunity to hear a program overview, visit our campus, and ask any questions you may have about the application process.

Register for a Texas MBA Coffee Chat in Your City!

Our students will be across the United States this summer for amazing internship opportunities. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to meet a student for coffee in your city and learn firsthand what sets our program apart from the rest. These informal meetings will be taking place in a variety of cities so students can directly address your questions.

We encourage you to stay in touch and we look forward to meeting you. If you have any questions, please send us an email. See you soon!