application tips – Texas McCombs MBA Insider

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Texas McCombs MBA Application: Letter of Recommendation

Who Should Advocate for You? Selecting the Right Recommender for Your MBA Application

The letter of recommendation is a crucial component of your application to the Texas McCombs MBA program. It provides the admissions committee with valuable insights into your professional abilities, character, and potential for success in the program.

The Texas McCombs MBA application requires one professional letter of recommendation. This should come from someone who has supervised your work or assessed your performance during your career.

Choosing the right recommender is important. A strong letter can significantly enhance your application and help you stand out in a competitive pool. However, unlike other application components, you’re relying on someone else to provide this letter.

Selecting a recommender can be challenging, as each applicant’s circumstances are unique. To help you make the best choice, we’ve outlined several scenarios below. Use these as a guide to identify the most suitable recommender for your situation.

YOUR SUPERVISOR

Your current direct supervisor is traditionally the best choice. This is likely the person in your network who knows your strengths and weaknesses better than anyone else. However, this may not be a viable option for you. Perhaps you aren’t able to communicate to your employer that you’re applying to business school, or you do not work with your direct boss that closely. It could also be that you attained a new role recently and your current supervisor has not had a chance to work with you very much. Or you’re an entrepreneur & don’t have a supervisor.

All of these are valid reasons to look for other recommendation sources but remember that if you do not ask your current supervisor to write your recommendation letter, we do ask that you explain your choice in the Optional Statement.

YOUR FORMER SUPERVISOR

If you cannot ask your current direct supervisor to write your recommendation, maybe you can ask a previous supervisor? Depending on how recently you worked with them, the “old boss” may be the best choice, especially if you had a strong professional relationship with that person. This is also a very common option.

YOUR INDIRECT SUPERVISOR

Asking an indirect supervisor can be another option, especially if you’ve worked with this person closely on past assignments or long-term projects. This is a nice alternative to a supervisor that you may not work with closely.

YOUR CLIENT OR VENDOR

This type of recommendation source is especially useful for entrepreneurs or for applicants who work for a family business. If you work for a family business, it is preferred that you ask an individual outside of your family to write your letter of recommendation.

YOUR MENTOR

Mentors inside or outside of your workplace are great to have in your corner when it comes time to apply to business school. However, be sure that your mentor has a clear understanding of your current professional value, not just your potential or future goals. Select a mentor with whom you have worked on measurable tasks to ensure that they will provide a recommendation with depth. Keep in mind that the admissions committee is looking for someone who has worked with you professionally.

OTHER OPTIONS

There are many individuals who may fall in the category of “other recommenders.” For example, a former professor, a colleague, or a coach.

When it comes to these options: use your best judgment. An undergraduate professor may not be the best person to address some of the questions posed on the recommendation form and we’re looking mainly at your post-undergraduate work experience. Direct reports should never submit a letter of recommendation on behalf of their boss, so steer clear of that scenario. And don’t focus only on title– the CEO of a large company may sound like an impressive recommendation, but unless they work with you closely, the recommendation letter will likely fall short of delivering on the information that the admissions committee is looking for.

YOU’VE CHOSEN A RECOMMENDER. WHAT’S NEXT?

First, before asking your recommender to take this on, keep in mind that they are likely a busy individual – be sure to give them plenty of notice prior to an approaching application deadline.

Secondly, give them a heads-up about your request. You don’t want to blindly email someone and ask them to write something for you without having a conversation. Sometimes it’s good to revisit certain projects you worked on with them. Most importantly, explain to your recommender why you’re pursuing an MBA. Giving them some context behind your ask will go a long way and will likely result in a stronger letter.

Finally, make sure you give them all the info on the recommendation before you ask. Texas McCombs uses the GMAC Common Letter of Recommendation. Your recommender will be asked to assess specific competencies and traits, as well as answer three explicit questions.

Pro Tip: Get a head start! You can complete this section of your application as soon as you begin. This allows your recommender to receive the request immediately and start working on it while you’re still completing other parts of your application. Early action can lead to a more thoughtful, comprehensive recommendation.

While there will be other programs using this form, some schools will ask a series of different questions. If you’re applying to more than one MBA, you may be asking your recommender to fill out and separately submit different forms.

STANDING OUT IN YOUR LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

While you won’t be writing the letter yourself, there are ways you can help ensure your recommendation stands out:

1. Choose wisely: Select a recommender who can speak in detail about your professional achievements and growth potential.

2. Provide context: Brief your recommender on your MBA goals and why you’re choosing Texas McCombs. This helps them tailor their letter to our program.

3. Highlight specific examples: Remind your recommender of key projects or situations where you demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, or other relevant skills.

4. Encourage honesty: A balanced view that includes areas for improvement can actually strengthen your application, showing self-awareness and growth potential.

5. Ensure alignment: If possible, discuss with your recommender how their letter can complement other parts of your application without repeating information.

6. Follow up: Gently remind your recommender of deadlines and express your appreciation for their time and effort.

Your letter of recommendation is a powerful tool in your MBA application arsenal. It offers a unique opportunity for someone else to advocate for your candidacy and provide external validation of your skills and potential. By carefully selecting your recommender and providing them with the right context and information, you can ensure that this crucial component of your application truly shines.

Remember, the Texas McCombs MBA program values authenticity and seeks candidates who will contribute to our unique and collaborative community. A thoughtful, genuine recommendation that highlights your unique strengths and experiences can make a significant difference in your application. As you move forward in the application process, approach your recommendation with the same care and strategic thinking you apply to other aspects of your MBA journey. Your future at Texas McCombs may well be influenced by the strength of this important letter.

If you have any questions during the application process, we’re here to help. Please visit our website for details on applying to each program and follow us on Instagram for an inside look into the Texas McCombs MBA.

Texas McCombs MBA Application: Crafting Your Resume

Showcasing Work Experience in Your MBA Application

July 17, 2024 / Texas MBA Admissions / Comments Off

Your resume is a crucial component of your Texas McCombs MBA application. It’s your opportunity to showcase your professional journey and demonstrate your fit for the program. The MBA Admissions Committee looks for a balance between the quantity and quality of your work experience.

Keep your MBA resume to about one page, focusing on your most impactful experiences. While full-time roles after your undergraduate degree are typically considered work experience, relevant internships, part-time work, and significant leadership in extracurricular activities can also be valuable. The key is showing how these experiences have prepared you for an MBA.

When reviewing your application, our committee considers all components holistically. We balance various factors, much like a scale. For your resume specifically, we weigh the quantity of your experience (years worked) against its quality (the depth and impact of your contributions). This balanced approach helps us gain a comprehensive understanding of your professional background and potential fit with our program.

QUANTITY

Say that you are the CEO of a mid-size corporation. Wonderful! Oh, you just started in this position? That’s an amazing accomplishment, but perhaps you’d still admit that your knowledge and expertise in such a new position wouldn’t be as developed as someone who’s been doing it for a few years.

Or maybe you have been in the same job for 10 years. Wow! No doubt you are a go-to person when it comes to that role, but could it mean that perhaps you didn’t take as much initiative or demonstrate the leadership qualities required to launch you to the next level? Or perhaps you have only had a project manager role for a year, but in that time, you’ve produced measurable results and demonstrated leadership. In these cases, the quality of your work experience matters more.

QUALITY

A general job title like “Project Manager” may seem lackluster but could be exciting. Don’t let us make assumptions. Take every opportunity on your application to illustrate just WHAT about your job made your experience rich and rewarding.

On the flip side, a Chief Operating Officer title sounds impressive, but what kind of company did you work for and how extensive were your duties? An impressive title with naught to back it up won’t move the needle in your favor when it comes to work experience.

HIGHLIGHTING YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE

The takeaway on work experience: Years, titles, and accomplishments are not, by themselves, deciding factors. To help you provide us with a clear picture, here are our top tips for highlighting the quality and quantity of your work experience on your resume:

1. Include Specific Dates: Always list both the month and year for the start and end dates of each position. For example, use “June 2022-August 2024” rather than just “2022-2024.” This level of detail allows us to accurately assess your timeline and understand any gaps in your work history. If there are gaps, don’t worry – you can address these in the optional statement in your application if needed.

2. Tailor Content: You may have heard the adage that your resume should be tailored to your audience, which is true. But customizing your resume may simply entail reordering or swapping out bullet points. Remember, a resume is a summary of your relevant experience, not necessarily all of it.

3. Emphasize Results: We don’t just want a summary. We want to know whether you generated results from your work. If the person replacing you could copy and paste your resume bullet points into their resume, that’s probably a sign your bullet points need to better emphasize your individual contributions in the role.

4. Avoid Redundancy: Think of each line on your resume as a valuable piece of real estate. Consider the incremental value that each line on your resume provides for you as a candidate. If you have performed the same task in multiple roles, is it necessary to list that same task more than once on your resume? Likely not.

5. Show Balance: We want to see a “balanced” candidate – someone who has been strong in the classroom and in the workplace while participating in extracurricular activities and having unique interests outside of work. Consider creating an “Additional” section to detail your activities and interests for use as a potential conversation starter.

6. Utilize White Space: Great resume content can only be great if a reader can easily access it. That’s where resume readability comes into play. Don’t forget to use your white space effectively. A resume is not about cramming as much as you can onto the page. Rather, give your content some space to breathe.

7. Enlist Proofreaders: Perhaps the most important element of a resume is that it is free of errors. A single spelling, grammatical, or formatting error can hurt even the most impressive resume. Have multiple individuals proofread your resume.

8. Convey Personal Brand: What do you think of when you think of global brands like Apple, Nike, or Google? What words come to mind? Now, when we read your resume, what words do you want to come to mind about you? Have a peer give your resume a 30-second review and see if the words you want to pop for a reader, do.

Your resume is important, but it’s only one data point for you as a candidate. By focusing on both the quantity and quality of your experiences and following these tips, you can create a resume that effectively communicates your professional journey and potential.

Remember, the goal is not just to list your job duties, but to tell the story of your career progression, achievements, and readiness for an MBA program. Your resume should leave the admissions committee eager to learn more about you through the rest of your application.

At Texas McCombs, we value candidates who can demonstrate a balance of professional accomplishments, leadership potential, and personal growth. Use your resume to show us how you embody these qualities and how you’re prepared to contribute to and benefit from our dynamic MBA community. With a well-crafted resume, you’re taking a significant step towards making a lasting impression in your MBA application.

If you have any questions during the application process, we’re here to help.  Please visit our website  for details on applying to each program and follow us on Instagram for an inside look into the Texas McCombs MBA.

Texas McCombs MBA Application: MBA Interview

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

July 15, 2024 / Texas MBA Admissions / Comments Off

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

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

WHEN AND HOW TO ACCESS YOUR ADMISSIONS INTERVIEW

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

IS AN INTERVIEW REQUIRED?

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

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

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

WHAT IS THE INTERVIEWER LOOKING FOR?

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

Motivation

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

Collaboration

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

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE INTERVIEW

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

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

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

WILL I KNOW WHO MY INTERVIEWER IS AHEAD OF TIME?

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

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

CAN I CONDUCT MY INTERVIEW IN PERSON?

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

OUR TOP INTERVIEW TIPS

Be On Time: Arriving on time is “Interviewing 101,” yet it still manages to trip up even the most prepared of candidates. Please follow all the instructions in your confirmation email about how to connect with your interviewer.
Test your Connection: Interviews require a desktop or laptop computer (no iPhone/iPad) with a functioning webcam, microphone, and internet connection. We recommend connecting directly to your internet for the most reliable internet connection – and make sure you have plenty of charge on your laptop or that you are plugged in!
Pace Yourself: You’d be surprised how many times, at the end of an applicant’s long answer, we are asked to repeat the original question. Most often this happens to people who try to put too much into the first answer for fear of not being given an opportunity later to address their prepared examples. Keep your responses concise and keep in mind the short duration of the interview.
Be Professional but Loosen Up: Given our program’s famously friendly culture, our interviews are relatively informal. If you still find yourself nervous, practice your answers in front of a mirror or with a friend or colleague and ask them how you did. Did you answer the question? Did you rush through it? Take a moment to outline your answer in your mind first, and then address it calmly and confidently. Don’t get too comfortable, though. While we’re an easy-going group, maintaining an appropriate level of professionalism is always a good idea. This includes professional language and attire.
Come with questions: If you choose to participate in this optional interview, prepare thoughtful questions to make the most of this opportunity. A good list of questions for your interviewer can illustrate a few key things about you as a candidate: You’ve done your research, you care about our program, you have envisioned yourself as a Texas McCombs MBA, and you can formulate coherent thoughts under pressure.

Here is a list of topics to consider:

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

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

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

If you have any questions during the application process, we’re here to help. Please visit our website for details on applying to each program and follow us on Instagram for an inside look into the Texas McCombs MBA.

Texas McCombs MBA Application: Video Assessment

Lights, Camera, MBA: Mastering the Texas McCombs Video Assessment

July 11, 2024 / Texas MBA Admissions / Comments Off

The Texas McCombs MBA video assessment continues to be a crucial component of our application process. This dynamic tool allows us to see beyond the written application and get to know you as an individual. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through what to expect, what we’re looking for, and how to put your best foot forward in this unique opportunity to showcase your personality, communication skills, and fit for our program.

WHEN AND HOW TO ACCESS YOUR VIDEO ASSESSMENT

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 your application is submitted and your fee is paid (or waived), you’ll receive an invitation to complete the Texas McCombs 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 a series of question prompts and will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. You’ll have a maximum of 90 seconds to answer each prompt.
Practice Opportunity. Don’t worry about going in cold! You’ll have the chance to practice before submitting. Take advantage of this to get comfortable with the format and technology.

WHAT IS THE ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE LOOKING FOR?

This application requirement helps the admissions committee better understand who you are in your own voice and allows us to assess your communication skills. Within the video assessment we are evaluating the following competencies, important for every Texas McCombs MBA student:

Adaptability / Resilience

We are looking for applicants that demonstrate adaptability and resilience through their positive mindset and ability to navigate unexpected circumstances and change. Successful applicants see failure as a learning experience and an opportunity to grow, demonstrated by their coachability and openness to feedback.

Empathy/Inclusivity

Texas McCombs MBA students demonstrate empathy by understanding others’ perspectives. The Admissions Committee is looking for candidates that advocate for under-represented voices and navigate difficult conversations/situations appropriately.

Ambition

The Admissions Committee is looking for candidates that demonstrate ambition and have the ability to deliver results. They show potential to strategically synthesize information to solve complex problems at a high level. They utilize an enterprising and tenacious approach to problem solving and are intellectually curious.

Goals

A strong applicant puts significant thought and consideration into their decision making in applying for this program. They have long term vision in how they plan to achieve their goals.

Personal Interests

We are looking for applicants that are able to explain what drives them outside of work and career. They are well-rounded and display interests and passions in their personal life. Their personality is shaped by various hobbies or interests.

Verbal Communication

The Admissions Committee is looking for candidates that are excellent verbal communicators. They are proficient and skilled in speaking and presenting in the English language, and they can articulate their thoughts clearly. Strong applicants are engaging, and they can think on their feet.

Professionalism/Poise

Strong applicants display maturity, poise, answers questions, and conduct themselves in a professional manner. They present themselves professionally and can conduct themselves appropriately in a business setting.

TOP TIPS

Practice: You will have the ability to practice responding to test questions for as long as you wish. Take advantage of the opportunity! The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll be with the technology when answering the real prompts.
Test Technology: Virtual 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.
Pace Yourself: A big reason that we limit responses to 90 seconds is because it is GREAT practice for your MBA experience. Keeping responses concise, yet clear, is important when recruiting for U.S.-based jobs. However, make sure you answer the question in full! Those practice questions will be a great way to gauge what three minutes feels like when responding to a question.
Be Professional but Loosen Up: If you still find yourself nervous, practice your answers in front of a mirror or with a friend or colleague and ask them how you did. Did you answer the question? Did you rush through it? Take a moment to outline your answer in your mind first, and then address it calmly and confidently. Don’t get too comfortable, though. While we’re an easy-going group, maintaining an appropriate level of professionalism is always a good idea. This includes professional language and attire.

Here’s our final piece of advice: The video assessment is your official opportunity to share your story, provide examples, and tell us why you chose McCombs in your own voice, like no one else can. Take advantage of this opportunity! It can be just the thing the Admissions Committee needs to understand the rest of your application elements and gives us the chance to get to know you better.

We’re excited to see the real you come through in your responses and to gain a deeper understanding of how you’ll contribute to and thrive in our unique and dynamic MBA community. Approach the assessment with confidence, preparation, and your personality. We can’t wait to meet you – virtually for now, and hopefully in person as part of our next MBA class.

If you have any questions during the application process, we’re here to help. Please visit our website for details on applying to each program and follow us on Instagram for an inside look into the Texas McCombs MBA.

Texas McCombs MBA Application: Test Options & Waiver

Guide to MBA Standardized Test Options and Waivers

July 3, 2024 / Texas MBA Admissions / Comments Off

As we enter the 2024-2025 admissions cycle, Texas McCombs is proud to continue to offer applicants standardized test flexibility while maintaining our commitment to academic excellence. Preparing for and taking an MBA admissions exam is one of the best ways to get your mind back into academic mode as you prepare for business school.

Texas McCombs MBA Admissions is excited to share that MBA candidates will continue to have several options when considering how to complete the standardized test requirement in their application. All applicants are required to submit a GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment (EA) score. We will waive the testing requirement if:

Expired (taken 5+ years ago) GMAT, GRE, or EA score is submitted

General Test Waiver (merit-based) is submitted and approved by the Admissions Committee

Standardized exams like the GMAT, GRE, and EA evaluate a candidate’s academic preparedness for the rigor of business school and is one metric used to compare candidates within a large pool of applicants.

Note that the majority of applicants applying to the Full-Time MBA program take either the GMAT or GRE due to the competitiveness of the pool. Submitting a strong, valid test score will give the Admissions Committee an additional, relevant data point that may strengthen a candidate’s position for admission and/or scholarship award.

In addition, studying for and taking the exam – for some, even taking it multiple times – can show the Admissions Committee your commitment to the competitive business school application process and how you may approach academic challenges as a student.

This post contains a lot of information, broken down into four sections:

Should I Petition for a Test Waiver?
Which Exam is Right for You?
Impact of Your Test Score
Submitting Your Chosen Test

SHOULD I PETITION FOR A TEST WAIVER?

To be considered for a test waiver, an applicant must have:

A minimum of three years* of substantive and progressing post-undergraduate work experience, preferably of an analytical or quantitative nature.

AND at least one of the following:

Completion of an undergraduate degree, with strong academic record, preferably with analytical or quantitative courses.
Completion of a graduate degree, with strong academic record, preferably in an analytical or quantitative discipline.

The Admissions Committee will be reviewing your academic history closely, with a focus on analytical or quantitative courses. To improve chances of petition approval, we highly advise applicants to have an overall GPA of 3.0 or more.

*Three years by the time you would begin classes in the Fall of your first year.

WHICH EXAM IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

The Admissions Committee does not prefer one test over the other in terms of demonstrating your preparedness for business school, but it is important to think about which exam is best for you as an individual. There are different reasons to consider taking the GMAT vs the GRE vs the EA.

While the GMAT and GRE tests both 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.

Both The GMAT and GRE are adaptive, which means that your success in answering questions correctly has an impact on the future questions you are given. But the tests deliver adaptive questions in different ways.

The GMAT is adaptive by question. When you get an answer correct, the next question is more difficult, and when you get an answer wrong, the next question is less difficult. This also means that once you answer a question, you can’t go back to that question.
The GRE is adaptive by section. If you do well on the first verbal section, you get a more difficult version of the next verbal section and vice versa.

We have included some more details about the GMAT, GRE, and EA below, but if you are unsure which exam is best for you, here are our tips:

We recommend taking some practice tests! There’s a chance you may be more comfortable with one test format over the other. At the end of the day, the choice of which exam to take is yours.
Build in study time and leave yourself enough room on the calendar to retake an exam if necessary. If you’re not happy with your score, you can retake either test. While many candidates take the test only once thinking it will fulfill the requirement, others recognize that a second effort is likely to yield improvement. It comes at the cost of additional time and another test fee, but the payoff can be significant if it makes you a stronger candidate.
Make sure you submit your application as confidently as possible and with a score you feel good about.

GMAT

For many years, the GMAT was the only standardized test accepted by business schools, but in the last decade, that has changed. Like Texas McCombs, many schools accept the GMAT, GRE, and EA with no preference for one test over another. However, it’s important to be aware that the GMAT is still used by some large consulting and investment banking companies as a baseline qualifier for the recruiting process. If consulting or I-banking are in your sights, this means that the GMAT is the best choice.

The Fine Print: Not ALL consulting and investment banking firms look at your GMAT – boutique consulting firms, for example, typically do not ask for your score. So, this is not a one-size-fits-all rule but is something to consider if those industries are of interest to you.

GRE

Sometimes the GRE is the best choice for applicants who have already completed a Master’s degree or those who are pursuing their MBA in conjunction with other Master’s degrees, for example, our dual degree programs. Taking only the GRE allows you to apply to both programs separately with one score, a convenience factor that most dual-degree applicants appreciate.

Executive Assessment (EA)

In 2016 GMAC (who also administers the GMAT exam) saw the need for a new exam, designed specifically for the needs of MBA applicants who have a significant amount of work experience.

Today, almost 100 MBA programs, Full-Time, Professional, and Executive, accept the EA. Unlike the GMAT or GRE, the EA is a readiness exam and a benchmark for academic preparedness.

Learn more about the EA at gmac.com/executive-assessment.

IMPACT OF A TEST SCORE

Understanding the potential impact of your test score goes beyond just meeting an application requirement. Your score can influence multiple aspects of your MBA journey, from your admissions prospects to future career opportunities. Let’s explore how your test performance might shape your path at Texas McCombs and beyond.

Future Employment

Before you make a final decision on your testing options or a waiver petition, 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 top-tier consulting and investment banking firms do ask for a candidate’s test scores, and both industries historically have favored the GMAT.

You should consider taking the GMAT, GRE or EA as another opportunity to not only impress the Admissions Committee, but also potential employers.

Academic History

Does your undergraduate or graduate transcript accurately reflect your academic ability? If your GPA is low, and you do not submit a strong test score, the Admissions Committee may have concerns about your ability to succeed in the rigorous MBA curriculum.

One other factor to consider is whether your quantitative ability shines elsewhere in your application. While many of our MBA students come to McCombs from non-quantitative majors, these applicants are typically able to prove their quantitative prowess through their test scores. If you come from a non-quantitative background and do not submit a strong test score, you will need to find other areas within your background or experience that can demonstrate your quantitative skills.

At the end of the day, we want to make sure that you are set up to succeed academically in the program. If the Admissions Committee has concerns about your quantitative ability, it may impact your chance of admission, or you may be required to complete pre-MBA coursework prior to admission and/or prior to enrollment.

Scholarships

Scholarship awards are competitive and limited in number. Scholarship decisions are based on a longstanding holistic review process that considers 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. Submitting a strong, valid test score will give the Admissions Committee an additional, relevant data point that may strengthen a candidate’s position for scholarship awards.

SUBMITTING YOUR CHOSEN TEST

Once you’ve decided on the test or waiver that best aligns with your strengths and goals, it’s crucial to submit your scores correctly and on time. Here’s what you need to know:

Self-reporting: Always self-report your scores in your application, regardless of which test you choose.
Official reports: Ensure that official score reports are sent directly to UT-Austin by the testing agency.
Timing: Be mindful of processing times. It can take up to 3-4 weeks for new scores to be processed, so plan accordingly.
Online tests: If taking the GMAT, GRE, or EA online, allow up to two weeks to receive your score from the testing agency.
Deadline adherence: Remember, you must have your test score in hand by the application deadline to submit your application.

By following these steps, you ensure that your chosen test score is properly considered as part of your application package.

Submitting Current GMAT, GRE, Or EA Scores

For current scores, you must self-report your test scores in your application as well as have official score reports sent directly to UT-Austin by the testing agency. The date your official scores are sent to UT-Austin by the testing agency should be no later than the application round deadline, as it can take up to 3-4 weeks for new scores to be processed. If you are taking the GMAT, GRE, or EA online, allow up to two weeks to receive your score from the testing agency. You must have your test score in hand by the application deadline to submit your application.

Submitting Expired GRE, GMAT, or EA Scores

For expired scores (5 years or older), you must self-report your score and upload proof of the test score in the application. Examples of proof for expired test scores include a score report you received previously from the testing agency OR documentation from another educational institution that previously received the score (e.g. for another graduate/terminal degree application).

Submitting a General Test Waiver Petition

To complete a merit-based test waiver petition, candidates must submit a short statement highlighting the merits of their request, an up-to-date resume, and undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts.

Create a UT EID if you do not already have one.
Submit the merit-based test waiver petition form prior to submitting your application. The merit-based test waiver petition form can also be accessed via the test scores section of the application. UT EID Log-in is required.

Approval for the test waiver petition is merit-based and takes into account your work experience and academic history. The Admissions Committee will be assessing your academic and professional background, looking for evidence of demonstrated readiness – specifically in quantitative subjects – for the rigorous MBA curriculum.

A decision on your test waiver petition will be shared via email 5-10 business days after petition submission. Test waiver petitions must be submitted no later than 7 days prior to the application deadline for the round to which you are applying.

Test waivers are not available for applicants who have already sent scores to UT-Austin.

FINAL THOUGHTS

We understand that each applicant brings a unique set of experiences and strengths to our program. Our flexible approach to standardized testing reflects our commitment to holistic admissions, allowing you to present your best self to the admissions committee.

As you evaluate your testing options or consider a test waiver petition, we challenge you to critically assess the quantitative data points in your application. Think carefully about what will truly strengthen your overall MBA candidacy. While some applicants may have a compelling case without a test score, others may significantly enhance their chances of admission (and potentially scholarship opportunities) by submitting a strong test result.

Remember, objectivity is key. Take a step back and evaluate how the quantitative aspects of your application—be it test scores, GPA, or professional achievements—come together to showcase your readiness for the rigors of our MBA program. This self-assessment will help ensure you put your best foot forward in the admissions process.

Whether you choose to take the GMAT, GRE, EA, or petition for a waiver, keep in mind that this is just one component of your application. Focus on presenting a well-rounded picture of your potential across all aspects of your candidacy. We’re excited to learn more about you and how you’ll contribute to and grow within the Texas McCombs community.

Visit Texas McCombs MBA to learn more about our programs and upcoming events, or take a peek into student life on Instagram. Check out our Application Process page for more information on application components. Please reach out to the MBA Admissions Team with any questions.

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