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.
