mccombs mba application – Texas McCombs MBA Insider

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.

One of the most vital parts of the MBA application process at Texas McCombs is the human component – “Human-Centered, Future-Focused” is part of our core values for a reason. 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.

We invite all MBA applicants to close out their application process in a human-centered way through a short, optional peer interview.

These interactive virtual sessions present a valuable opportunity for our applicants to connect with Full-Time MBA students and leaving a lasting positive impression on Texas McCombs.

The optional interview will last about 20 minutes and is available throughout the round. The student ambassador will introduce themselves and ask you a few questions.

We recommend having up to three 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.

Roughly a week after the round deadline, you will receive an email with a link to our online platform to 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?

No! There are plenty of ways for the admissions committee to get to know you without the optional peer 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.

Will I know who my peer interviewer is ahead of time?

Yes. You will be able to select your student host based on their interests and MBA involvement. However, you do not need to limit yourself to scheduling with someone with similar interests; all of our interviewers are current students and will be able to share their experiences with you regardless of background. In addition, some applicants prefer to select a date and time that is most convenient for them rather than search for slots based on shared interests.

Can I conduct my interview in-person?

No. All of our peer 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 peer 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: Peer 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 answer for fear of not being given an opportunity later on 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.

Know What We’re Looking For: We listen for confidence, clear and concise communication, and overall genuine enthusiasm.

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 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. The option of a short peer interview allows you to engage with our current Full-Time MBA students, leaving a lasting positive impression on the Texas McCombs community.

Whether you choose to participate in the interview or explore other avenues of engagement, keep in mind that every interaction counts and can contribute to your MBA candidacy. We hope you’ll embrace the chance to make a personal impact and take a step closer toward your future at Texas McCombs.

Good luck and Hook ’em!

Texas McCombs MBA Insider

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