Texas McCombs MBA Insider

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Apply Now to Start Fall 2021

2021 Working Professional and Executive MBA
Applications are Open

June 1, 2021 / / Comments Off on 2021 Working Professional and Executive MBA
Applications are Open

The Texas McCombs  Executive MBA, MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth and MBA at Houston programs are accepting applications for Fall 2021 on a space-available basis. If you were unable to submit before the last deadline, this is a great opportunity to start in August as part of the Class of 2023 without waiting another year to begin your MBA.

Your McCombs Application

 

 

Note: Spots are not guaranteed. If any classes fill, the application for that program will close.

Applying Now vs. Earlier in the Cycle

In contrast to full-time MBAs, working professional MBA classes fill up later in the cycle. Your chance for admission is the same now as if you had applied in earlier rounds. And there are many reasons to consider starting your MBA this fall:

  • An MBA will provide you with the leadership and business skills to help with post-COVID organizational change.
  • You’ll gain a supportive network of classmates, alumni, faculty, and staff– there are over 100,000 McCombs alumni around the world.
  • Texas McCombs provides unmatched career support for working professional students.
  • All applicants submitting for Fall 2021 before the application closes will receive an application fee waiver worth a $200 USD value.

Testing and Scores

All applicants should note that our testing options have changed for this cycle

UPDATE 6/22/21 – TEST WAIVER FOR DALLAS/FORT WORTH AND HOUSTON MBA APPLICANTS:

General Test Waiver: Although submitting a strong test score is always advised, Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston MBA applicants may submit a petition to waive the test score by using the Optional Essay within the application to share the reasons for considering your application without a score. (i.e. strong undergrad/graduate GPA, certifications, extensive work experience) Waiver petitions are considered along with the rest of your application components and reviewed holistically. The MBA Admissions Committee will view each applicants’ petition in the context of their entire application and render a decision based on the application as a whole, versus a separate decision on just the waiver.

Ready to Apply?

The best time to apply is always when you feel you are ready to start the program and have a strong application. All applicants applying to the program must be prepared to start the program in August 2021.

If you have any questions now about starting the program, please contact us:

 

Student Spotlight: Shams
Mammadli, MBA at Houston Class of 2021

April 12, 2021 / / Comments Off on Student Spotlight: Shams
Mammadli, MBA at Houston Class of 2021
Shams' Headshot

Shams Mammadli
MBA ’21

Shams Mammadli was born on the coast of Baku, Azerbaijan. She grew up there for most of her childhood and later, her education would take her all over the world.

As MBA graduation approaches, Shams is reflecting on her time at McCombs and how her upbringing shaped the worldview she brings to the MBA program.

An International Perspective

Multiculturalism is embedded into the very roots of Azerbaijan. Its culture is a fusion of two factors: the Soviet Union’s 70-year influence on the country and its Eastern European geography. It’s the combination of these two factors that provided Shams with fluency in four languages.

Shams (left) and her mother (right)

Shams Mammadli (left) and her mother (right) during her childhood.

“Imagine growing up in a family where you speak Azeri to your grandma but Russian to your mom; a childhood where your school classes are held in Russian, but you only watch Turkish cartoons; you grow up in a city with mosques, synagogues, and churches.”

The omnipresent immersion of different cultures molded Shams’ perspective of the world to this day. “It becomes a part of you,” she says. “I feel truly fortunate for having experienced such a level of multiculturalism this early and having seen the benefits it poses to society.”

Shams graduated from Azerbaijan State University of Economics with a bachelor’s degree in International Economic Relations in 2014. Aside from Baku, Shams has lived in Moscow, London, and Kansas in pursuit of her education.

“I learned very early on how to feel at home anywhere in the world.”

If There’s a Will, There’s a Way

Regardless of location, there is one common link that has driven Shams all her life: entrepreneurship. 

“It’s what gets me excited: To hear others build something and turn their ideas into reality.”

Shams with a bouquet from her flower entrepreneurial business

Shams Mammadli holding a bouquet of flowers from her entrepreneurial venture, Precious Flowers Houston.

A few years ago, Shams took a leap of faith and started Precious Flowers Houston, an online boutique specializing in floral arrangements packaged in customized boxes. Here, she became familiar with the startup process from start to finish, namely, “designing the website, marketing, networking and building relationships with vendors, communicating with customers, and creating the arrangements.”

This startup allowed her entrepreneurial drive to blossom, but she attributes her biggest lesson learned as something more personal:

“Following your dreams is always worth it, and if there’s a will, there’s a way.”

Currently, Shams is a financial analyst at Leschaco, a transportation and logistics company based out of Germany. Although corporate finance is different from individual entrepreneurship, Shams says her entrepreneurial experience is a “useful foundation” to set her up for future success.

Shams’ Why McCombs 

In 2015, through the Diversity Immigrant Visa program, Shams and her husband moved to the United States. 

“As someone who has been traveling quite frequently and is always ready for a new challenge, I didn’t think twice before leaving everything behind and moving to the other side of the world.”

Shams in front of a University of Texas crest mounted on the wall

Shams at The University of Texas at Austin

However, Shams’ #WhyMcCombs moment almost happened back in 2014, when she was still living in Baku, Azerbaijan. She had started an application for her MBA degree at Texas McCombs, but never got around to submitting it because the prospect of it seemed, “so far and unattainable.” Nevertheless, be it a coincidence or destiny, Shams finally submitted and got admitted to the Texas McCombs MBA at Houston program in 2019, after she moved to the city.

Some of the key factors that played a role in Shams’ decision to apply to Texas McCombs were the university’s prestige and the Longhorn network:

“Apart from being a top-ranked program, it’s really the people that make it an amazing place to be — the admissions office, professors, classmates, and the great alumni network that is always willing to help and support.”

Shams attended information sessions held by other universities, but says that she quickly knew McCombs stood out and would be her home. 

“Right from the start, I could tell Texas McCombs is a community of people that genuinely value diversity and are passionate about doing incredible things for the world.”

The Road Ahead

While at McCombs, Shams has worked on multiple projects that have accelerated her knowledge of the type of work she’d like to do after graduation. 

Shams (middle) with her McCombs classmates

Shams (middle) along with her Texas McCombs at Houston classmates.

Shams says that MBA+ projects have allowed her to, “try on different hats,” and decide whether a specific venture would be something she’d want to pursue full-time. This past summer, she completed a mergers & acquisitions MBA+ Project in the healthcare industry, and currently she is working on a  sustainability project for United Airlines — an experience that’s completely new to her. 

“I believe McCombs provides all the resources for those who want to make most out of their experience.”

With graduation just around the corner, Shams is planning to pursue a corporate finance opportunity with a tech company focusing on product development and strategy. However, true to her first true passion, she’s hoping to pursue another entrepreneurial venture sometime down the road.

 

Visit Texas McCombs MBA to find out more about all our programs, events, and community, or take a peek into student life on Instagram.

Hook ’em!

MBA and ROI

Your MBA Return on Investment

March 26, 2021 / / Comments Off on Your MBA Return on Investment

 

Pursuing an MBA is a significant commitment of time and financial resources. At Texas McCombs, we understand that finding the best return on your MBA investment (ROI) is a priority. We are proud to have been consistently named a “Best Value” among Top 20 MBA programs!

In addition to (McCombs) having the lowest tuition and fees out of the top 20 schools for the last two years, McCombs’ grads had the largest gap between how much students made after graduation and how much they owed." U.S. News, 2017

As you evaluate the ROI for business schools you are considering, remember that the benefits of a top-ranked MBA go way beyond the potential for a higher salary.  Growing your professional network, and the expansion of knowledge and skills should also play a role in evaluating  ROI.

 

Expand Your Network

Texas McCombs is a globally recognized brand. When you join the program, you gain priceless membership in a lifelong alumni network that will continue to support and accelerate your career. Our alumni take great pride in giving back to this campus by helping mentor, support – and often hire – Texas McCombs students. Being a UT Austin alumni connects you to the most innovative leaders, thinkers, and doers around the world. You are a Longhorn for life.

The Texas McCombs and UT Austin Network

500,000+ UT Alumni
25,000+ MBA Alumni
100,000+ McCombs Alumni
30+ McCombs Alumni Chapters

 

The Numbers

Of course tuition and living costs are also considered in your ROI. Your individual considerations will vary when it comes to funding your MBA, but it’s always good to note current estimated tuition for the year you plan to start the program, cost of living, and any anticipated scholarships or financial aid.

Texas McCombs MBA Tuition

Current estimated annual tuition rate for the Full-Time MBA is $51,020 for Texas residents and $56,572 for non-Texas residents.

Texas McCombs MBA compares favorably against the national averages of $60,000 & $65,000, respectively, charged by other top 20 MBA programs at public universities. And the average annual tuition rate for private institutions in the top 10 is $72,485.

On average, 40-45% of admitted Texas McCombs Full-time MBA students receive scholarship offers.

Cost of Living in Austin

The cost of living in Austin is less than in many major cities. What costs $1 here is:
$1.56 in New York,
$1.43 in San Francisco,
$1.32 in Boston,
$1.30 in Los Angeles,
$1.29 in Seattle, and
$1.18 in Chicago

Texas consistently ranks as one of the nation’s most favorable business climates. Read more about the cost of living here.

 

Knowledge & Skills

While most graduate programs narrow your subject matter expertise through extensive research activities on a specific topic, an MBA curriculum allows you to learn about a variety of industries and business functions resulting in increased flexibility in potential career paths.

Texas McCombs is currently ranked in the top 3 for Business Analytics, Marketing and Accounting– we are consistently no. 1 for Accounting.  The MBA also offers a new “Leading for Impact” curriculum component to provide focused individual assessment & leadership coaching within your MBA.

The value of your graduate degree is measured in more than dollars and cents. If you have any questions about the opportunities offered at Texas McCombs or how your goals may fit with our program, please reach out to us.

After Admission: Deciding Your
MBA Offer

February 1, 2021 / / Comments Off on After Admission: Deciding Your
MBA Offer

Making it through the MBA application process to receive an offer of admission from Texas McCombs is a big accomplishment! But it is not the end of your MBA admissions journey. The decision process goes both ways and you must accept your offer of admission to be enrolled in the next class. As a driven and competitive MBA candidate,  you may be deciding between offers at multiple business schools. Everyone’s individual decision is different, but a few common themes always come up when we ask our students, “Why McCombs?”

The City

Austin, Texas tops rankings for quality of life, growth, tech and innovation year after year. ATX was named the No. 1 Best Place to Live by U.S. News & World Report in 2017, 2018, and 2019!

A few photos of Austin - Lake Travis, the city, the Capitol, & a concert

The MBA program moved into a new, world-class facility in 2018. Robert B. Rowling Hall sits at the intersection of the university and the Austin business community, acting as a launchpad for ideas. Open, transparent, and flexibly designed, the building creates the physical space for you to engage, collaborate and learn experientially. Our dedication to excellence, plus our new home, made us a Top Ten Business School to Watch in 2021.

Rowling Hall exterior

Robert B. Rowling Hall, Graduate Business Building, UT Austin

The Network

Right at the center of Austin is the McCombs School of Business–  a tight-knit, driven community of students, staff and faculty, making up part of one of the largest university networks in the world:

500,000+ UTY Austin Alumni, 100,000+ McCombs Alumni, 25,000+ MBA Alumni

Our MBA culture is famously welcoming and our students come from diverse backgrounds that make our community dynamic and inspiring. It has been said that McCombs MBAs are relentlessly driven, yet they are the first to jump in and encourage and support each other to excel. Connect with current MBA students to learn more about what sets us apart.

Texas McCombs MBA Consortium Students at Rowling Hall, fall 2018

Texas McCombs Consortium MBA students at Orientation 2018

The Focus on the Future

Texas McCombs is human-centered and future-focused, meaning we have our eye on what’s coming next in business– from the exciting research coming out of McCombs every day to the many rankings where we are among the best schools in the nation. We strive to be a top business school, giving our students the best possible experience. Recently, we landed on six Top 10 lists in Princeton Review’s 2021 rankings, including No. 1 Best Campus Environment for the third year in a row!

Visit Texas McCombs MBA to find out more about all our programs, events, and community, or take a peek into student life on Instagram. Hook ’em!

Student Spotlight: Daniel
Hinkson, MBA at Houston Class of 2021

November 11, 2020 / / Comments Off on Student Spotlight: Daniel
Hinkson, MBA at Houston Class of 2021

For Daniel Hinkson, a veteran MBA at Houston student, a degree from Texas McCombs is a way to transform his military experience into a successful career in business.

From the Army to the Business World

Photo of Daniel Hinkson

“Following my transition out of the Army, I realized my peers in the corporate sector had significant business experiences and knowledge I lacked. Conversely, the knowledge and experiences I had in the Army were vast and invaluable, but I felt a needed to close the business knowledge gap.”

After graduating from the United States Military Academy in 2012 Daniel commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer in the Army. He got married and then moved six times in six years, including two tours in Afghanistan. His career is most notably highlighted by his time serving as an Army Ranger in the 75th Ranger Regiment. Now, Daniel has transitioned out of the Army and works as a Project Engineer for Enerflex Ltd. 

“The military exposes leaders to a vast number of different personalities and backgrounds. It is the ultimate melting pot of societies coming together to be greater than themselves. The McCombs School of Business strives for this same type of diverse unification in support of greater purpose, even to change the world.”

Balancing Work, Life and Family

The biggest advantage of the Working Professional MBA program for Daniel has been the alternating weekend class format that allows him to prioritize family time with his wife and two young children.

Daniel with his wife and kids outside of the McCombs School of Business building in Austin Texas.

Daniel with his wife and children on campus at UT Austin .

“Like many looking to advance their careers through an MBA, I was not ready to pursue a full-time education. The MBA at Houston program offered me the greatest flexibility while still providing an interesting and challenging curriculum. The every-other-weekend format also allowed for decompression time that I could dedicate to my family.”

Daniel’s “Why McCombs?”

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Student Spotlight: Jonathan Razack, MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth Class of 2021

November 5, 2020 / / Comments Off on Student Spotlight: Jonathan Razack, MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth Class of 2021

As a 17-year-old high school graduate, Jonathan (Jon) Razack was faced with the universal life decision of what to do next. He had a goal of joining  the military; however, his parents encouraged him to take a different direction. Below, he tells the compelling story of how he was able to make both paths work for his future, eventually landing at Texas McCombs.

Jon Razack

Jon Razack, MBA 2021

The American Dream

Jon was born in Fort Worth to immigrant parents who came to Texas hoping to find new opportunities. Eventually they became naturalized U.S. citizens and started a business where Jon worked as a teenager. Upon graduating high school, he was at a crossroads: should he follow the route of heading to a traditional college, as his parents always wanted, or follow his dream to go into military service?

I learned the meaning of a strong work ethic from my parents who bootstrapped capital to start their own business. I gained a big appreciation for how much work it takes to own your own business. My parents are my heroes, and while I always wanted to be in the U.S. Army, college was really important to them, especially as immigrants.

Jon eventually chose to attend college at the  Virginia Military Institute, where he studied economics and business. He didn’t give up on his military dream, but instead put it on hold just a little while, deciding to prepare himself for business success with a degree before enlisting in the military. After graduation he became an infantry officer, fulfilling his dream and starting a new chapter of his life in the U.S. Army.

Military Life

In 2011 Jon became a Ranger qualified Infantry Officer, leading specialized teams of Paratroopers, from groups of less than 10 up to 200.

two soldiers holding an American flag

Jon Razack’s team during his time in the military.

After spending five years in this role, Jon retooled his skill set and spent his last two years in the Army as a Battalion Senior Intelligence Officer at Fort Lewis, Washington. From there he began to look at industry options outside of the military where his problem-solving and leadership skills would transfer. This eventually led to his career transition back in Dallas.

Transition was surprisingly easier and harder in some respects. I was away from home for 12 years doing a lot of traveling, so I was ready to come back home.

As soon as he got out of the military, he was recruited for the Leadership Development Program at CoreLogic, where he worked in Product Management and did internal consulting for company process optimization. Eventually, he was leading his own sales team.

I liked sales because it was similar to the leadership skills I used in the infantry for over five years. I had the right mentorship, and it made my industry transition so much easier.

To Jon, one of the biggest reasons why he enjoyed his time at CoreLogic was because of the mentorship. He says his mentors took time to help him apply his military skills towards both the training program and his current job as Director of Operations for CoreLogic’s mortgage business. After two years of working there, however, Jon knew that his transition still needed an extra push.

I’ve always known that I’d be needing an MBA to bridge the seven year gap I didn’t spend in an industry. I had developed leadership and problem solving skills from my time in the Army, but I needed to learn how to apply that conceptually in the business world and accelerate my learning curve.

Jon’s MBA Journey

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How to Have a Successful MBA Interview

October 21, 2020 / / Comments Off on How to Have a Successful MBA Interview

We understand that if you are planning to apply this application cycle , you may be affected by challenges posed by COVID-19. The University of Texas continues to prioritize your safety and you can stay updated on safety measures and announcements via Protect Texas Together.

After you submit your MBA application, you may receive an invitation to interview.  The weeks after submitting create a new set of questions, especially because of the current restrictions for on-campus visits and virtual interviews. Common questions include:  What interview format options are there? What sort of questions will I be asked? Who conducts the interview? How should I prepare?

Different schools have different interview processes. It’s important to be familiar with how the Texas McCombs MBA runs the virtual interview experience. Be sure to read all confirmation emails and instructions very carefully.

Interviews Are Invitation Only 

Currently, all interviews are being conducted virtually.

Full-Time MBA Program Interviewers
For our Full-Time MBA program, interviews will be conducted by a current MBA student, MBA Alumnus, or MBA Admissions staff.

Working Professional MBA Program Interviewers
For our working , interviews will be conducted by the dedicated Admissions Officer for your program.

If you receive an interview invitation, an email will point you to our online platform and allow you to select an interview time slot that works with your schedule. There is a deadline to complete your interview, so be sure to schedule it as early as you can.

Interview invitations can come at any time during the application round. You will want to check your email (and  your Spam Folder) regularly after you submit your application  so you can  respond to our invitation and secure your preferred time slot.

An Un-Biased Approach  

Going into each interview, our interviewers do not have access to anything about you or your application, except for your resume. (Even so, it’s always a good idea to have a copy of your resume on-hand during the conversation.)

All of our interviewers are fully trained on conducting an interview that is professional, fair, impartial and helpful. Interviews typically last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.

Most interviews follow the general framework of introductions, questions from the interviewer for you to answer, then leave time  at the end for you to ask questions about the program and/or application process.

Top 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 Technology: Virtual interviews are being conducted through Zoom. If you don’t have one already, create a Zoom account. You’ll want to find a good space to conduct your interview, ideally with good lighting, stable internet, and access to a plug. We recommend connecting directly to your internet for the most reliable internet connection.
  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 on to address their prepared examples.  Don’t worry, you will have time to get to it.  Plus, there is often an opportunity at the end of an interview to mention anything you didn’t address in the formal line of questioning.
  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, as if you were interviewing for a job.
  5. Know What We’re Looking For: We listen for confidence, clear and concise communication of career goals, concrete examples of teamwork and leadership, in-depth knowledge of our MBA program, and overall genuine enthusiasm.  Also, the interview can be a place to showcase secondary skills that are difficult for us to determine solely based on your application: interview skills, self-awareness, communication style, and “hire-ability.” Keep these in mind so we can get a feel for the application intangibles.
  6. Come with questions: 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 an MBA, and you can formulate coherent thoughts under pressure. We usually leave anywhere from 10-15 minutes for questions, so limit your list to 2-3 good ones and have a few backups.

Some applicants anticipate an interview and feel nervous, which is natural. If you are nervous, here is some key advice: The interview is your official opportunity to share your story, provide examples, and tell us why you chose McCombs 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!

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 the Texas McCombs MBA.

Student Spotlight: Elsa Wright, MBA at Houston Class of 2021

September 3, 2020 / / 1 Comment

When Texas McCombs MBA at Houston student, Elsa Wright, has a goal, she meets it. While working in the waste management and sustainability industry in Houston, Texas, her goal was senior leadership at her company. Like many professional women, Elsa wondered if she would be able to achieve all her career goals alongside her personal goal of having a family. Below, Elsa shares how she navigated these goals & priorities, overcame her struggle with imposter syndrome, and eventually enrolled in the MBA program. Juggling graduate degree work, motherhood, and marriage in the midst of a pandemic has definitely been a challenge, but Elsa has shown that determination and belief in oneself will ultimately lead you to success.

PHOTO: Elsa's Headshot. She has short brown hair and is wearing a red dress shirt with a black blazer.

Elsa Wright, Texas McCombs MBA ’21

Getting Her MBA

Elsa was eager to gain the foundational knowledge and skills needed to move into a leadership role in her career and knew an MBA from Texas McCombs could get her there. As a minority woman and mother, Elsa faced the realities of the world head-on.

“With recent events in the news, a lot of people have become more aware of the struggles that minorities face every day — struggles that stem into career growth,” she says. “I struggled with the idea that I had to achieve a master’s degree to be on the same playing field as many of my white male counterparts who hadn’t. Intelligence could be equally distributed among our society, but opportunities are not always.”

Elsa says she has struggled with imposter syndrome her entire life and her biggest piece of advice to anyone, especially women and mothers, considering an MBA is: “Just do it!”

“I have personally spent more time considering the idea and deciding to make the leap than I have spent actually getting my MBA,” Elsa says. “I felt that maybe I wasn’t ready, that I should wait for my son to get older, or that an MBA is just too competitive and I might not get in.”

Impostor syndrome— the false belief that others have overestimated your capabilities or that you’re not good enough— disproportionately affects women more than men — especially women of color. One of the direct factors contributing to impostor syndrome is the lack of women in organizational leadership, according to a 2019 Lean In study. The business world, including the realm of business education, has made strides in recent years, but there is still much work to be done toward equity and gender parity.

When narrowing down her prospective MBA schools, Texas McCombs appealed to her because of the prestige, atmosphere, and flexibility it offered.

PHOTO: Elsa standing in front of the University of Texas tower.

Elsa Wright standing in front of the UT tower at sunset.

“As I researched MBA programs, I found that Texas McCombs was the highest ranked in Texas. I attended the info sessions, and instantly felt what I like to call ‘the warm and fuzzy feeling.’ I felt welcomed with open arms, and could feel such a forward-thinking attitude that I could not resist being a part of.”

“The Working Professional program understands and respects that, as a working professional, we’re undergoing a journey,” she says. “The program didn’t require a specialization, but instead teaches you how to speak all languages of business, which allows me to explore where my career may take me instead of fixating on a specific career path.”

The moment she stepped on campus, Elsa knew that Texas McCombs would be her home for the next two years.

“I’ll never forget, it was our very first day of Austin Intensives and Assistant Dean, Joe Stephens, spoke in front of the entire Working Professional class of ’21: He said:

‘For those of you that may suffer from imposter syndrome and feel like you don’t belong here or deserve to be here, I am here to tell you that you do belong, and you do deserve it. We chose you because you have something to offer this program.’

To this day, those words resonate inside me and push me forward to make a difference.”

Pivoting to Online Learning

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Everything You Need to Know About the Texas McCombs MBA COVID-19 Test Waiver

August 20, 2020 / / 3 Comments

 

Standardized exams like the GRE, GMAT, EA, TOEFL & IELTS help us to 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.

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. 

However, we understand that many are experiencing hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic and that these challenges may be affecting your applications plans and ability to take an exam. Due to the unprecedented circumstances, we are providing applicants who are unable to take an exam in person or online the opportunity to petition for a test score waiver.

Here, our Admissions Team answers some questions you might have about the Texas McCombs MBA COVID-19 test waiver, including who the waiver is for and how it might impact your application. 

Who is eligible for a COVID-19 test waiver? 

Applicants who meet both of the criteria below have the opportunity to petition for a special test waiver:

  • You are unable to take an exam in-person at a designated testing center due to lack of availability in your region, or because you or someone in your household is immunocompromised, AND    
  • You are unable to take an exam online due to lack of availability in your region, technology or other test-taking requirements (e.g. device availability or compatibility, slow internet connection, testing environment) 

If you do not meet both of these criteria, we require that you complete the standardized tests prior to submitting your application.  Both GMAC and ETS have introduced remote testing options for the  GMAT, GRE, EA, and TOEFL exams for candidates impacted by coronavirus, and the majority of testing centers have re-opened globally with stringent health and safety precautions.   

How do I request a COVID-19 test waiver? 

If you meet both requirements above and would like to request a COVID-19 test waiver, please email TexasMBA@mccombs.utexas.edu to receive a link to the petition and to learn more about the test exception process.  

Is there a deadline to request a COVID-19 test waiver? 

The test waiver petition must be approved by the admissions committee before you submit your application to McCombs. The admissions committee may take up to five business days to review your petition, so please complete the petition 10-15 days prior to your planned application submission date.

How does a test waiver impact my application? 

If you are approved for the COVID-19 test waiver, you may be asking yourself, “What are my chances for admission?” 

The truth is that by removing one component from your application, your other components will carry more weight in the committee’s final decision. Below are some items to consider as you craft your application. 

Academic History 

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

One other factor to consider is whether or not 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 quant prowess through the GMAT or GRE. If you come from a non-quantitative background and qualify for a test waiver, 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.  

Work Experience 

Your work experience will be reviewed thoroughly by the committee for leadership potential, progression and/or increasing responsibilities, and achievements. Generally, the level of responsibility someone has within a company correlates positively to how they will perform in a rigorous graduate educational program.  For those with less than the average work experience, a standardized test score may make your application more competitive. 

If you have any professional certifications, such as the CPA, CFA, Series 7, or others – be sure to highlight these on your resume and within your application, as attaining these types of certifications helps show the committee your academic readiness.  Advanced or terminal degrees should also be highlighted.  

Career Goals 

If your post-MBA career goal is to work in management consulting or investment banking, employers in these industries may ask that you provide your GMAT score when applying for internships or full-time positions. If you qualify for a test waiver and are considering pursuing post-MBA jobs in these industries, it is important that you are aware of this before enrolling because you may end up having to take the exam to apply for these roles. 

Scholarships 

Scholarship awards are competitive and limited in number. Scholarship decisions are based on a longstanding holistic review process that takes into account 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 an application without a test score may limit the information available to award a merit-based scholarship.   

One other note: Admission deferral requests for the Full-Time MBA program will not be considered if you gain admission to Texas McCombs and have a test exception. 

What if I’m an international student and am not able to take the TOEFL or IELTS? 

If you are an international student who does not qualify for our standard TOEFL/IELTS waiver based on work experience and/or education history, but you meet the criteria for a COVID-19 test waiver, you may be asked to prove your mastery of English via other avenues, such as a meeting with an admissions committee member or an additional essay request. In addition, if admitted you may be required to enroll in and pay for the pre-MBA Business English Program, which occurs in June 2021.  

Final Thoughts on the COVID-19 Test Waiver

The COVID-19 test waiver is intended only for those who cannot take the exams in person or virtually due to circumstances beyond their control.  If you qualify for a test waiver and believe that your application will not be negatively impacted by the lack of a test score, we encourage you to submit the petition and apply when you are ready. However, it is important to remember that we have multiple application rounds for a reason! For some, it may be best to wait to apply until you can submit with test score in-hand.  The decision will be different for every applicant, and we encourage you to approach this thoughtfully.   

We wish you well during these difficult times. Please contact us if you have any questions, and best of luck on your application! 

Full-Time MBA Rounds

When Should You Submit Your MBA Application?

July 22, 2020 / / Comments Off on When Should You Submit Your MBA Application?

The 2020-2021 Full-Time MBA application will open soon, and the Admissions Committee is accepting applications in four rounds this cycle. We usually receive questions about application deadlines and whether or not it matters when you submit your application– Round 1, 2, 3 or 4.

You should NEVER rush to submit your MBA application simply to take advantage of “more spots.” – The Admissions Committee’s best application round advice

Timing is a key factor in your overall application strategy. A lot of details go into deciding which round to apply, and one answer is not right for everyone. So, let’s break it down by round so you can get a clearer picture of when might be the best time for you to hit “Submit.”

Round One

Round 1 is a good choice for a couple of reasons:

  1. It is our first priority scholarship deadline– If you want to be considered for all merit-based scholarships, Round 1 is your best shot. As each round closes, our scholarship funding pool decreases.
  2.  All of our spots are still available! Plus, historically we’ve received fewer applications in R1 than in R2.

But, the best piece of advice for any round is that you should NEVER rush to submit your MBA application simply to take advantage of “more spots” or “more funding.”  Once you submit your application, you cannot “re-submit” a stronger application in a later round for the same term of entry. If you skip important preparation, including a formal test prep, articulating your “why MBA,” or conducting research just to be able to submit in Round 1, you could end up with a test score and application that doesn’t reflect you at your best.

In any case, submitting in Round 1 might not be a good idea, especially if you know that you can improve a component of your application. Waiting to apply until all aspects of your application are strong is always the best approach.

Round Two

Applying later is okay, too! If we filled up the class in Round 1, the Admissions Committee might be out of a job by February. Round 2 is traditionally our largest round, and receives many strong applicants. Scholarships and fellowships are still available and all information and data included in your application help the Admission Committee allocate scholarship awards. In short: A strong application will stand out in any round.

Round Three

Round 3 tends to be a smaller round. Many applicants in Round 3 simply didn’t realize an MBA was an option or on their radar until later in the application cycle. Historically, we always have spots available in Round 3 (which is why we have a Round 3), but each year the number varies. We can’t say it enough– A strong, complete, well-researched application always stands out.

It’s also worth noting that for international students this is the last round to apply.

Round Four

Round 4 is the newest round– an opportunity for those in a similar situation as Round 3, and for those not wanting to wait until next cycle. Many of the applicants who apply in this round are engaging in the MBA process later due to career, life, and employment changes or goals. Others will apply in this round because they are ready to start in the fall rather than waiting another year. Due to the limited and competitive nature of funding, one can expect a decrease in scholarship availability.

Before you hit “Submit,” points to keep in mind:

  • Submit your application only when you’re 99.9% ready. Supplemental application materials submitted after a round deadline are risky, since there is no guarantee the Admissions Committee will see them. Once your file is read, we will not re-review again based upon new information received post-deadline.
  • Don’t wait until the last minute! We are not able to accept applications submitted after 11:59pm CT on the day of the deadline. Technical difficulties plague applicants every round, every year. Stay aware of deadlines the best you can, so you don’t become a cautionary tale. In the interest of a fair process, we don’t make exceptions to our deadlines, no matter what reason you have for a late submission.
  • Be patient. The Admissions Committee does not begin reviewing applications until the round deadline has passed. In other words, you might be far ahead and submit your application in August, but we won’t begin reviewing any submissions until after the Round 1 deadline in October.
  • The Admissions Committee does not provide individual feedback on applications, out of fairness to all applicants and due to the volume of requests we receive.

If you feel good about your application, we encourage you to apply but if you aren’t ready yet (i.e.: You need to retake your GMAT/GRE, rework your essay, or wait for a promotion at work to come through), don’t risk it– wait until you’re confident in your application before hitting the “Submit” button.

We look forward to reviewing your application this year, and are always here to answer your questions about applying. Hook ’em!

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