Shortly after you submit your MBA application and your application fee is paid or waived, you will receive an invitation to complete the Texas McCombs MBA Video Assessment! All applicants have 7 days to complete the assessment upon receiving access to the video submission platform. The Video Assessment has 5 question prompts and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. The first question will be viewed by the Admissions Committee but will not be evaluated for a score. Applicants will be allowed to practice before submitting their Video Assessment and will have no more than 90 seconds to answer each prompt.
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.Motivation
The Admissions Committee is looking for 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.
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. Successful applicants embrace and work within diverse teams.
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 a long-term vision of how they plan to achieve their goals.Well-Roundedness
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.
Tips for a Successful Video Assessment
- 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 three minutes 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 are answering the question in full! Those practice questions will be a great way to gauge what three minutes actually 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.
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.
