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Texas McCombs MBA Application: Letter of Recommendation

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

July 19, 2024 / / Comments Off on 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 / / Comments Off on Showcasing Work Experience in Your MBA Application

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 / / Comments Off on The Value of the MBA Admissions Interview in Texas McCombs’ MBA Application Process

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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!
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 / / Comments Off on Lights, Camera, MBA: Mastering the Texas McCombs Video Assessment

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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!
  3. 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.
  4. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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 Essay Prompts & Optional Statement

Successfully Answering the Texas McCombs MBA Essay Prompts

July 1, 2024 / / Comments Off on Successfully Answering the Texas McCombs MBA Essay Prompts

For the 2024-2025 admissions cycle, Texas McCombs has refreshed our essay section to provide you with more opportunities to share your unique story. We’ve transitioned from a single essay to three focused prompts, each with a 250-word limit. This change allows you to showcase different facets of your personality, experiences, and aspirations. The most successful essays thoughtfully address the prompt, clearly communicate, and authentically share who you are.

TEXAS McCOMBS MBA ESSAY PROMPTS

Prompt #1: At Texas McCombs, we do things a little differently. We embrace those who take the initiative and forge new paths. What ambitious goal or change do you aim to achieve with an MBA, and why is Texas McCombs your ideal launchpad?

This prompt invites you to articulate your personal and professional ambitions and demonstrate how they align with Texas McCombs’ unique MBA offerings and culture.

Prompt #2: Here, you are what’s next. At this pivotal crossroads where you’re deciding your future path, the Texas McCombs MBA experience will equip you with the tools and mindset to make “what’s next” happen in your career. Please share unique qualities you possess that highlight your potential to shake up the status quo in your professional life.

Use this prompt to showcase your self-awareness and leadership potential. Highlight experiences or qualities that set you apart and indicate your capacity for innovation in your field.

Prompt #3: The University of Texas at Austin’s motto, “What starts here changes the world,” embodies a spirit of impact and transformation. What fuels your drive to lead change and make your mark in the world?

This prompt explores your sense of purpose and vision for creating positive change. Share experiences or values that motivate you to make a meaningful impact in the world.

TIP: You can discuss your identity, upbringing, core values, formative experiences, obstacles you’ve overcome, special talents/interests, etc. Feel free to be creative and share anything that you think the Admissions Committee will find interesting.

MBA OPTIONAL STATEMENT

The optional statement (250 words) remains available for addressing specific concerns or gaps in your application. Use this space judiciously to provide context for any areas that may raise questions, such as gaps in work experience, choice of recommender, academic performance, or extenuating personal circumstance.

Optional Statement Prompt: Please provide any additional information you believe is important or address any areas of concern that you believe will be beneficial to the MBA Admissions Committee in considering your application.

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. This section of the application is not to 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.

OUR TOP ESSAY WRITING TIPS

Before we dive into specific tips, let’s address an important topic: the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application. While AI tools can be helpful for research and editing, all essay content must be your own original work. You may use AI for brainstorming or grammar checks, but the ideas, experiences, and words in your essays should come directly from you. With that in mind, here are our top tips for crafting compelling essays:

  • Be patient with yourself. Take time to reflect, brainstorm, rewrite, and EDIT. It will likely take more than one draft to realize your final submission. With shorter essays, precision is key. Take time to refine your language and ideas.
  • Don’t copy and paste. Do not use the same content for multiple business schools. We can always spot recycled content.
  • STAY ON PROMPT. If you bypass the actual questions to tell us something you think we want to hear, you will not provide the information we are looking for. This includes sticking to the word counts. With only 250 words per prompt, be clear and concise in your responses.
  • Align with your application. Ensure your essays complement and enhance the other components of your application!
  • Be honest. These essays are our way to learn more about you. Our community values authenticity and we look for essays that reflect your authentic self.
  • Have someone you trust read over your essays. Those closest to you can provide valuable insights, feedback, and perspectives as you highlight your personal gifts and qualities.

Remember, these essays are your opportunity to go beyond your resume and bring your application life. We’re excited to learn more about you through these prompts and how you envision yourself contributing to and benefiting from the Texas McCombs community. We hope these insights into the essay prompt gives you some ideas to think about and some points to revisit as you write (and rewrite) your essay. Good luck and happy applying!

Visit Texas McCombs MBA to find out more about all our programs, submitting your application, and upcoming events.

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