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Full-Time MBA Application: 2022-2023 Updates and Changes

Full-Time MBA Application Changes: Increasing Accessibility and Minimizing Bias 

June 2, 2022 / / 3 Comments

Each cycle, the Texas McCombs Full-Time MBA Admissions Team reviews MBA application requirements to ensure our admissions process is as equitable and fair as possible. This upcoming cycle, we are excited to announce some changes to our application components that help reduce bias and ensure our application process continues to be accessible and inclusive.   

Being human centered and future focused is at the core of what we do at Texas McCombs, and the updates to our application components were informed by the evaluation processes our MBA students experience in their job search, while also increasing the opportunities for applicants to showcase who they are as an individual. Stay tuned for our blog series on key application components over the summer and mark your calendar for our Full-Time MBA Class of 2025 application opening in August 2022. 

APPLICATION COMPONENTS FOR THE 2022-2023 ADMISSIONS CYCLE 

Our admissions committee dedicates itself to a meticulous, holistic review of each application. Our objective is to determine if you are a good fit for Texas McCombs and to be sure that we are the right school for you and your goals. There are no fixed criteria or weighted portions of the application. The following application components will be required this cycle: 

APPLICATION DEADLINES 

Applications for the Full-Time MBA program are accepted in three rounds, and the program enrolls annually every August. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM Central Time on the deadline date for each round. 

  • Round 1: October 11, 2022 
  • Round 2: January 5, 2023 
  • Round 3: March 28, 2023 

 CHANGES TO TESTING REQUIREMENTS 

To provide MBA candidates with more flexibility, we are excited to share that applicants have more options than ever before when considering how to complete the standardized test requirement in their application. All applicants are required to submit a GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment (EA) score. We will waive the testing requirement if: 

  • Expired (taken 5+ years ago) GMAT, GRE, or EA score is submitted or
  • General Test Waiver (merit-based) is approved 

Standardized exams like the GRE, GMAT, and EA help us to evaluate a candidate’s academic preparedness for the rigor of business school and is also one metric used to compare candidates within a large pool of applicants. However, there are some scenarios where a candidate’s application might shine without the standardized test.

Learn more about the criteria required to apply for a general test waiver. 

Note that the majority of applicants applying to the Full-Time MBA program take either the GMAT or the GRE due to the competitiveness of the pool. In many cases, having a strong GMAT or GRE score will make you more competitive for both admission and scholarship opportunities. Learn more about the different test options. 

CHANGES TO ESSAY REQUIREMENTS 

The written essay is a critical means of assessing an applicant’s background and goals, communication and writing skills, and motivation for attending Texas McCombs. In order to streamline the application process,  the Full-Time MBA Admissions Team has reduced the number of required essays from two to one.

The essay prompt for the 2022-2023 admissions cycle is as follows:

Picture yourself at graduation. Describe how you spent your time as a Texas McCombs MBA to achieve your personal and professional goals. (500 words) 

Additionally, and if applicable, applicants can provide an optional statement in the essay section of the application. Applicants should only provide an optional statement if there is something they wish to explain about their candidacy that is not addressed elsewhere. 

VIDEO ASSESSMENT 

Texas McCombs is excited to introduce the video assessment as a new application component for the 2022-23 Full-Time MBA admissions cycle. All applicants will complete the video assessment, which will give MBA candidates increased accessibility to the application process and the opportunity to share their story with us in their own voice.  Through the video assessment, the Admissions Committee will have a chance to experience the “real” you, beyond a resume, test scores, and transcripts. Lastly, the video assessment will enable Texas McCombs to reduce bias in the admissions process by providing all applicants with a structured and consistent assessment experience.  

MBA candidates with a submitted application, whose application fee has been paid or waived will be invited to take part in our Texas McCombs Video Assessment. The video assessment is virtual and on-demand, so applicants can complete it from anywhere in the world at a time in the day convenient to them. The video assessment will help the Admissions Committee evaluate the following competencies that are crucial for the fit and success of our students within the program and their future careers: 

Adaptability/Resilience  Ambition 
Motivation  Career Goals 
Empathy/Inclusivity  Verbal Communication 
Collaboration  Self-Awareness 

 Applicants will be asked to use the video assessment tool to record responses to seven questions, with each response lasting no more than three minutes each. Detailed instructions will be provided with the video assessment invitation so you know what to expect, and applicants will have the opportunity to practice as many times as they wish before completing the final video assessment.  Applicants will have seven days from the invitation to complete the final video assessment. 

This is your time to show us your personality and enthusiasm! We recommend that you prepare for the video assessment similarly to how you might prepare for an interview.  Think reflectively about your work experience, strengths, weaknesses, and practice your delivery. More tips will be provided in the coming weeks. 

TEXAS McCOMBS ADMISSIONS CONNECTION 

One of the most vital parts of the MBA application process at Texas McCombs is the human component. We pride ourselves on 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 by signing up for a “Texas McCombs Admissions Connection” after completing all other MBA application requirements.  These live, virtual get-to-know-you sessions are an opportunity for our applicants to engage directly with a Full-Time MBA student. While not required, registering for and attending an Admissions Connection session is highly encouraged.  

These sessions are NOT your traditional admissions interview.  MBA applicants will have 15 minutes with a member of the McCombs Ambassador Committee (MAC) to ask questions about the program/student experience, discuss information about their candidacy that is not addressed elsewhere, and align on the next steps in the application process. You will be able to choose your host whenever you register for a slot. There is no evaluative component to this session, although your student host will be able to pass along any information you share to the admissions committee.   

Because the session will last approximately 15 minutes, we recommend applicants to come prepared with 3–5 questions about the MBA program and/or next steps in the application process  

Admissions Connection FAQs

Texas McCombs is committed to reducing bias while ensuring our application process continues to be accessible and inclusive. By expanding our testing options and inviting all applicants to participate in our new Admissions Connection and Video Assessment components, we are delivering on this commitment in a more equitable way.  

 The Full-Time MBA 2022-2023 Application will open in August. Stay tuned for our blog series on key application components over the summer. Please sign up for MBA news and follow us on Instagram at @UTexasMBA to stay updated.

Join us at an upcoming event to connect and learn more about Texas McCombs.

Hook ’em! 

The Full-Time MBA – Applying in Round 3

March 9, 2022 / / Comments Off on The Full-Time MBA – Applying in Round 3

Our Round 3 deadline for the full-time MBA Program is right around the corner on March 29, 2022!

One of the most common questions we receive from applicants is whether they should submit in Round 3 or wait until the following cycle to apply. Round 3 tends to be a smaller round because some candidates 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, but each year the number varies. We can’t say it enough– A strong, complete, well-researched application always stands out. 

“The Admissions Committee uses Round 3 to fill out the incoming class. We wouldn’t have a Round 3 if we didn’t need it! Some of our best students applied in the last round – maybe they were waiting for that higher score or promotion, or maybe they just decided a little later in the year that they wanted to pursue an MBA.” 

– Stacey Batas, Director of Full-Time MBA Recruiting & Admissions

Below we break down some of the reasons why students chose to apply in the third round, and why it was still a great option for them. 

Student Perspectives 

Bradford Smith headshot

Bradford Smith
Full-Time MBA ’22

Bradford Smith, Full-Time MBA ’22, shared his experience applying in Round 3.

In the summer of 2019, Bradford Smith started thinking about business school. He took the GMAT to see how he would do and thought that if he studied more he could score higher and be ready to apply. He and his girlfriend were living in Los Angeles, California at the time and both agreed they could both use a change of scenery. He noticed the Round 2 deadline was quickly approaching and decided to wait until Round 3 to give him extra time to study for tests and submit his application.

“I didn’t feel comfortable applying with the GMAT score I had, so I figured I’d wait until Round 3. I studied more and got a score that I felt good about and thought well, I don’t want to have to wait another year so I’ll just go for it.” 

To prepare his application, Bradford first reached out to his recommender to give them as much time as possible. During this time he was actively studying for the GMAT and taking practice tests.  He also asked his friends to read through his essays and give him feedback. He suggests that applicants be honest about their stories and try to share as much as they can about themselves.

“It’s a tough process because you get, at least from my perspective, self-conscious. It’s hard to have the blinders on because there’s always going to be someone that has an impressive resume or a crazier story, but everyone has something unique about them. It’s more about being honest and not trying to fit into a box. I wouldn’t worry about trying to scrape something together that makes you think you’re more impressive. I would focus on something that is genuine, and have some of your good friends read it because odds are, they probably know a lot about you and can help you craft it.” 

Renee Beauchamp headshot

Renee Beauchamp
Full-Time MBA ’22

Renee Beauchamp, Full-Time MBA ’22, also applied to McCombs in Round 3.

In July 2019, Renee was living in New York and decided she wanted to go to business school. By that time, the Round 1 deadline had passed and she knew she wanted to take some time with her application.

 

“I listened to the advice that most business schools tell hopeful admits – to apply when I felt I had the strongest application. Fall of 2019, I was focused on building and strengthening that application until I just had to go for it in Round 3.”

Renee says she chose McCombs because of the connections she felt between the admissions team and the student that interviewed her. She was looking to be in an energetic, entrepreneurial city and had visited Austin before and loved it. When she was admitted, she had a little more than two months’ notice before starting school, and within a month, she was living in Austin.

“I understand the worry associated with this process especially when you feel like you’re late to the game. I encourage applicants to stay positive, submit the best application you can, and be confident that that’s enough. Also, it doesn’t hurt to create advocates! Build relationships with people who can root for you and put in a good word.”

Tips from the Admissions Committee

  • Submit your application only when you’re 99.9% ready. Supplemental application materials submitted after a round deadline are incredibly 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 11:59 PM Central Time on the day of the deadline. Stay aware of deadlines, and give yourself extra time to account for technical difficulties that arise for some applicants every round, every year. 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 for the Full-Time MBA program until the round deadline has passed. 
  • 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. 

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

Meet the Working Professional and Executive MBA Admissions Team

January 24, 2022 / / Comments Off on Meet the Working Professional and Executive MBA Admissions Team

Every year, the Texas McCombs Working Professional and Executive  MBA Admissions Team meets with hundreds of people interested in pursuing their MBA. Our Admissions Officers are experts in helping people navigate the application process and cultivating a class of diverse ideas and talents.

Get to know more about them, below. 🤘

Rodrigo Malta HeadshotRodrigo Malta
Managing Director of MBA Recruiting and Admissions

Rodrigo Malta, also known as Digo, is originally from Brazil and immigrated to the United States during high school. He earned his MBA from the University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business, and his bachelor’s degree in management from Missouri State University. Before and after his MBA, Digo worked for Fortune 100 companies in internal audit and marketing in the telecom and technology industries. 

One of Rodrigo’s proudest moments was becoming a United States citizen in 2008, which was the same year Rodrigo joined Texas McCombs as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions, Lead Diversity Recruiter for the Full-Time MBA program.

“I was a McCombs Ambassador Committee co-chair as an MBA student and that experience ignited my passion for admissions and higher education. In 2008, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to transition from tech to higher education and never looked back.”

He now serves as Managing Director of MBA Marketing, Recruitment and Admissions over Texas McCombs’ Full Time, Evening, Weekend – Dallas, Weekend – Houston, and Executive MBA programs. His most rewarding experience is working with his team and representing the Longhorn Community all over the world. Digo is an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is passionate about building a collaborative work environment where individuals can be their authentic selves. 

“We bring together students from all corners of the world with unique personal stories and varied professional backgrounds. Add in our award-winning faculty members and this is the perfect recipe for lively class discussions and an amazing learning environment.”

Digo says the best thing you can do when applying to Texas McCombs is to be authentic and ensure your application highlights who you are personally and professionally.

“Focus on the things you can control and be yourself. Engage with us in a purposeful manner, but do not over do it.”

When Digo is not reading applications, you can find him at the movies, enjoying tacos and margaritas, or spending time with his husband and two dogs.

Connect with Rodrigo on LinkedIn.

Sharon Barrett HeadshotSharon Barrett
Director of Working Professional and Executive MBA Recruiting and Admissions

Sharon Barrett grew up in Houston but has called Austin home for over 30 years. She is a University of Texas alumna and has worked on the McCombs MBA Admissions Team for 13 years. Before McCombs, she spent time in marketing and program management at various financial institutions and professional associations. 

“I love our team. Everyone is very dedicated and mission-driven. We are energized by our students who bring the UT slogan ‘What Starts Here Changes the World’ to life!”

Sharon enjoys getting to know the students and seeing all the different paths the MBAs take when they graduate.

“I’m constantly rewarded by seeing the career trajectory of our alumni over the years. Every week my LinkedIn account announces numerous promotions and career advancement stories. Our students and alumni are truly amazing!”

When applying to McCombs, Sharon says it’s important to remain professional and understand the application components.

“Keep in mind that every interaction you have with a university is part of your candidacy. Take care to keep emails and inquiries professional. Our application process is also a bit different from most other universities. It’s always refreshing when applicants have read through and understand our process before getting started.”

If you’ve been thinking about getting about getting an MBA, Sharon says to just go for it.

“Speaking from a personal perspective, getting your MBA never gets easier or cheaper. Just do it!”

Connect with Sharon on LinkedIn.

Christie Jenkins HeadshotChristie Jenkins
Evening MBA Recruiting and Admissions Officer

Christie Jenkins is from Vernon, Texas, a 10-ish stoplight town near the Texas Panhandle. She attended the University of Oklahoma for undergrad and earned her MBA from the Working Professional program at The University of Illinois. 

Christie discovered her love for admissions when she was a campus tour guide during her undergrad.

“…it turns out, I love talking about why you should get an education. There weren’t a lot of opportunities around me growing up in rural Texas, and higher education has opened doors for me that I would’ve never dreamed of as a kid. I love being able to help others accomplish more than they ever imagined too.”

Christie encourages applicants to set themselves up for success by taking their time with their applications, attending events, and reaching out to admissions or current students.

“Stepping outside of your comfort zone to apply for something – especially when you’re not sure if it will work out – is scary. I encourage you to go for it and give it your best effort anyway. Attend an application overview workshop to hear all of our tips. Give yourself plenty of time and commit genuine effort into studying for the GMAT, GRE, or EA. Ask a friend to review your essays and resume. Prepare for your admissions interview in the same way you would a job interview. Don’t sell yourself short by sandbagging it and not giving it your best effort. Doing these things will not only help you earn admission, but they will also help you prepare for the program and get the most out of it.”

Christie joined the Admissions and Recruiting team in April 2020. She says she chose McCombs because she likes working with the best and brightest.

“Texas McCombs is the best MBA program in Texas, and the Evening MBA program is ranked #7 in the country. It’s inspiring to be in an environment around faculty and staff who are the best at what they do, and students who are the future business leaders of the world.”

If you are still on the fence about applying, Christie has some advice.

“Don’t count yourself out. Looking at our rankings and class profile can be intimidating; and while I am proud of the prestige of our program and the accomplishments of our students and faculty, it may make our programs seem out of reach to some applicants. We are looking for students from all walks of life and we understand that you can bring more to the program than what is on your resume and transcripts. Research shows that having a diversity of backgrounds in the room leads to better outcomes in business and creates a richer experience for everyone in the classroom.”

Christie says that earning her MBA was one of the best decisions she has ever made.

“Getting my MBA was challenging in the best way, personally and professionally rewarding, and exposed me to new skills and ways of thinking that I may not have encountered otherwise. But beyond all the tangible benefits, it gave me the confidence to speak up when I have an idea to share, ask questions when something doesn’t make sense to me, and know I can get through any paper, no matter how dense or boring it is.”

Connect with Christie on LinkedIn.

Emily Le HeadshotEmily Le
MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth Recruiting and Admissions Officer

Emily Le is a UT alumna who grew up in Plano, Texas. After completing her undergrad at the McCombs School of Business, she earned her Master’s in Accounting at the University of Southern California and started her career in Big 4 Public Accounting. After several years in finance then switching to recruiting, she realized her passion for relationships and helping people. 

“After having a front-row seat to my husband going through the MBA program and the impact the experience had on his professional and personal development, I knew I wanted to be involved in helping future MBA students attain their goals while maintaining the McCombs culture.” 

Emily advises all MBAs to “go all-in” when it comes to networking and building relationships within the MBA program through the various opportunities provided early on such as Austin Intensives, residency, and cohorts.

“Even though this is a part-time program, our MBA program is deliberately designed to foster community. It’s conducive for developing camaraderie for student organizations, identifying teammates for micro-consulting projects, networking for future business contacts, and also to build deep friendships that will last beyond the MBA program. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to the alumni network, especially if you identify someone who is on a similar career track to what you’re interested in.”

Emily says the applicants that stand out can clearly articulate how their background ties to their career goals, and how they will leverage the resources in the McCombs MBA to achieve these goals.

“Getting your MBA should not be an impulsive decision or just another degree to add to your resume. We want to see you have been thoughtful in exploring your options and done your research. Likewise, be prepared in your interview to clearly communicate your experiences and why McCombs is right for you. Interviewers can tell when you are holding back or giving cliché answers. We want to actually know YOU and your journey, your goals, and your passions. At the same time, it’s important to still maintain professionalism during an interview.” 

Connect with Emily on LinkedIn.

Melanie's headshotMelanie Krugel
MBA at Houston Recruiting and Admissions Officer

Melanie Krugel grew up in Dallas, Texas, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Kansas and a master’s degree in Communications and Leadership from Gonzaga University.

Melanie was inspired to work in admissions by her previous admissions counselor at the University of Kansas.  She said her counselor was integral in helping her throughout her admissions process, helping her convince her parents to let her go to school out of state, and helping her feel a part of the community.

Melanie joined the Admissions and Recruiting team in September 2021, bringing her diverse recruitment and admissions experience to McCombs.

“I absolutely love my job and being in MBA Recruitment! I have the honor and privilege to be part of my student’s MBA journeys from the beginning, graduation, and beyond. These relationships that I have built with my students over time have been incredibly rewarding and I love that I have gotten to be with them every step of the way. To me, there is nothing better than being able to personally deliver the great news that they have been admitted to our program and be a support system for them the rest of the process. I love getting to hear about job and internship offers, being someone that they can come to if things don’t go to plan, and being part of other milestones and life events along the way.”

Melanie chose McCombs for our reputation and world-class education.

“Growing up in Texas I was always aware of UT and the amazing programs offered. I had always heard about how incredible our MBA curriculum was, the expansive alumni network, the dedication to diversity and inclusion, and how phenomenal our students, staff, and faculty are. Before joining McCombs I spent several years in Student Affairs and went on to start my MBA Admissions career at the University of Pittsburgh Katz Graduate School of Business as their Assistant Director of Admissions and Diversity Recruiter. After relocating to Texas and a brief time working in Law School admissions, I realized that I missed working in MBA admissions and there was no better place to be in Texas than at McCombs! I love having the opportunity to recruit new, diverse, and talented Longhorns in the Houston area while still being connected to the UT Campus in Austin.”

For applicants looking to apply to McCombs, Melanie advises you to do your research and take the time to truly build a comprehensive and thoughtful set of essays.

“Getting your MBA is not only a commitment to being in school for two years of your life; it is also a commitment to bettering your personal and professional life. It is so important to really get to know the schools that you are looking at and the people that make up their community. By attending information sessions, visiting campus, and spending time with their students, faculty, and staff you can get a better idea of if you are a good fit for them, and most importantly, if they are a good fit for you.”

Connect with Melanie on LinkedIn.

Talk with our MBA Admissions Team at an upcoming admissions chat, info session, or any other MBA event. 

The working professional & executive mba application: essay writing tips

Working Professional and Executive MBA Essay Questions

October 19, 2021 / / Comments Off on Working Professional and Executive MBA Essay Questions

The essays in your MBA application are an important part of sharing your unique story. The most successful essays thoughtfully address the prompts, clearly communicate why you want to attend Texas McCombs, and authentically share who you are. We’ve shared some tips below to aid you in submitting a strong set of essays.

Texas McCombs MBA Essay 1

We will learn a lot about your professional background through your resume and letter of recommendation, but we want to get to know you further. Please introduce yourself. Select only one communication method for your response

a. Write an essay (250 words)
b. Share a video introduction (one minute in length)

First, this prompt is purposely open-ended. It grants you the freedom to introduce yourself in a way that is genuinely “you.” Think about what gives you energy and recharges you. When you first meet someone, what’s your personal elevator pitch? How does it share your values? Give us a well-rounded mix of information in this essay so we can better understand you beyond your work life.

Don’t forget about the first sentence of the prompt: “We will learn a lot about your professional background through your resume and letter of recommendation.” The admissions committee already read your resume, letter of recommendation, education history, and goals. While your professional life is important, this essay is your opportunity to share who you are outside of those components.

Finally, the choice is yours: written essay or video. We have seen significant success with both mediums and do not have a preference for one over the other. Therefore, play to your strengths! If your skill is in writing, focus on the essay. If you’re not shy in front of a camera, then record a video. However, if you do submit a video, keep in mind that sending us a photo slideshow isn’t advisable. These slideshow submissions don’t grant the admissions committee the chance to actually see and hear from you, which is really what we are looking for in a video submission. Have fun with either submission and do not take this essay for granted— it can go a long way in setting the stage for your MBA application and creating another great impression.

Texas McCombs MBA Essay 2

Describe how the Texas McCombs MBA will help you realize your professional aspirations, and the unique knowledge and experiences you have to share with your classmates. (500 words)

Essay Two provides an opportunity to explain why you’re applying to Texas McCombs.

By answering the first part of the prompt, we will understand why the Texas McCombs MBA, your career plan, and discover how you want to develop yourself both in and out of the classroom. What classes, organizations, and experiential opportunities specifically relate to your career plan? Connect the dots between your goals and how McCombs will get you there.

By answering the second part of the prompt, we will learn what you will bring to the program.  How do you envision yourself becoming an active member of our community? What personal and professional attributes and experiences will you be sharing with your classmates?

Make sure to give us specifics. If you’ve engaged with the program, you know there is a lot to look forward to: challenging classes, organizations, student/alumni networking, award-winning professors, unique career-oriented opportunities…the list goes on. Illustrate what attributes of the program you plan to take full advantage of and how you plan to make a positive impact while you are a student. What will be your MBA legacy? Convince us that you are indispensable to our community.

MBA Optional Statement

Please provide any additional information you believe is important or address any areas of concern that you believe will be beneficial to MBA Admissions in considering your application (e.g. gaps in work experience, choice of recommender, academic performance, or extenuating personal circumstances). If living outside of the metro area that the program is held in, please provide explanation regarding your plans to commute or relocate to the program location. (250 words)

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 tell us more about your extracurricular activities or expand upon your personal introduction. 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. The bottom of your resume or your interview are likely better forums for these details. Optional statements should focus on filling gaps or answering questions we are likely to have about you.

Our Top Essay Writing Tips

  • 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.
  • 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 in an effort 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 and time limits that are given.
  • 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.

We hope these insights into the essay prompts give you some ideas to think about and some points to revisit as you write (and rewrite) your essays. Good luck and happy applying!

Please reach out to the MBA Admissions Team with any questions.

Hook ’em!

woman sitting down using a laptop. an orange banner reads "Reapplying to Texas McCombs"

How to Reapply for Your MBA

October 12, 2021 / / Comments Off on How to Reapply for Your MBA

With each new admissions cycle, questions come in from those who have applied in the past about applying again to join the next class of Texas McCombs MBAs. 

First, having applied in a previous year is not considered a negative factor in your application. We are pleased to see your continued interest in the program and will evaluate your new application on its merits and in the context of the new applicant pool, just as if you are applying for the first time. Below is an overview of important info and tips for reapplying to the MBA program that we hope you find helpful.

Application

All candidates reapplying are required to complete a new application, new essays,  a new resume, and pay the application fee. Our essay prompts can change from year to year, so copying and pasting your essay responses from a previous application cycle is not recommended. In addition, rewriting your essays shows effort!

Review essays and application components for:

Official Transcripts

We keep your official transcript on file for one year. You will need to submit your transcripts again if you have taken any additional coursework or if you applied more than one year ago. You can always review your application status on the “MyStatus” page to make sure you have current transcripts.

Test Scores

GMAT  and GRE  scores are also kept on file for one year and overall, scores are valid five years after the date the test is taken. For TOEFL scores, this period is two years. The McCombs Admissions Committee considers only the highest total submitted score in the evaluation of applications.

Recommendation Letter 

Although not required, we suggest you submit a new letter of recommendation. Determine if another recommender may provide a more current, insightful, and thorough perspective on your experience. If you choose to submit a prior recommendation, you will need to email MBA Admissions with a request to resubmit.

How Have You Improved?

While completing your application, you will be asked, “Since your previous application, what steps have you taken to enhance your candidacy?” The Admissions Committee reviews this answer closely so please ensure that you spend time reflecting on and explaining these improvements.

Choosing to re-apply to the MBA program shows perseverance and dedication. We encourage you to consider giving yourself a fresh start when you approach your new application. Think through and reassess your application, address any weak areas, and add new information that may be helpful in the admission process.

Please reach out to us at TexasMBA@mccombs.utexas.edu with any questions. We look forward to receiving your new application.

Good luck and Hook ’em!

Submitting Your Full-Time MBA Application blog banner

Submitting Your Full-Time MBA Application

October 7, 2021 / / Comments Off on Submitting Your Full-Time MBA Application

The 2021-2022 Full-Time MBA application is now open!

We usually receive questions about application deadlines and whether or not it matters when you submit your application– Round 1, 2, or 3.

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.

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 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

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.

Applying later is okay! 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.

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 incredibly 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. 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/EA, 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!

photo of woman at a laptop with an orange banner that reads "The MBA Application Building Your Resume"

How to Highlight Your Work Experience

September 17, 2021 / / Comments Off on How to Highlight Your Work Experience

This MBA Insider content comes from Sharon Barrett, Director of Working Professional & Executive MBA Admissions.

When evaluating your application, our MBA Admissions Committee aims for a complete picture of your qualifications and fit with the program. It’s all about perspective. We look  at your application as if we are holding a scale, balancing all the parts.

When considering the specific experience on your resume, on one side there’s a raw number of years (Quantity), and on the other is your job experience (Quality).

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 actually be pretty 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 Office 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.

The take-away 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:

Blue graphic that reads 7 Tips for a Better Resume

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 you can onto the page. Rather, give your content some space to breathe.
  6. 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.
  7. Convey Personal Brand – What do you think of when you think of great 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, actually do.

Remember, your resume is important, but it’s only one data point for you as a candidate. Years of work experience give only one sense of you as a candidate, so use your resume to make the quality of those years really stand out.

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

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.

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