Texas McCombs MBA Insider

Tag: whymccombs (page 3 of 9)

photo of a person on a laptop with a banner that reads "Full-Time MBA Application: Essay and Optional Statement

The Full-Time MBA Cover Letter and Optional Statement

June 27, 2023 / / Comments Off on The Full-Time MBA Cover Letter and Optional Statement

MBA Cover Letter

The application cover letter is a critical means of learning who you are as an applicant and assessing your communication and writing skills. Here is the prompt to help guide you in writing the application cover letter:

Please write an application cover letter summarizing your aspirations, qualifications, personal and professional experiences that make you a strong candidate for the Texas Full-Time MBA program. (max 500)

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 the MBA Admissions Committee in considering your application. (e.g. gaps in work experience, choice of recommender, academic performance, or extenuating personal circumstances) (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 of their profile deserves more explanation should submit an optional statement. This section of the application is not to designed for you to tell us more about your extracurricular activities or expand upon the essay prompt. 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. Your resume and the video assessment are better forums for these additional details. Optional statements should focus on filling gaps or answering questions we are likely to have about you. 

Our Tips for Writing Your Cover Letter

  • 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. We actually want your submission to be in cover letter form! Approach this as you would drafting a cover letter for a job – who are you, why do you want to come to McCombs, and how will you contribute to the program?
  • Be honest. The cover letter is a way to learn more about you. Our community values authenticity and we look for submissions that reflect your authentic self.
  • Have someone you trust read over your cover letter. 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 written portions of our application give you some ideas to think about and some points to revisit as you write (and rewrite) your cover letter. Good luck, and happy applying!

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. 

person at a laptop with a banner that reads "Full-Time MBA Application: Video Assessment"

Getting to Know You Through the Video Assessment

June 21, 2023 / / 1 Comment

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

  1. 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.  
  1. 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.  
  1. 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. 
  1. 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. 

Full-Time MBA Application 2023-2024 Updates and Changes

What’s New in the 2023-24
Texas McCombs Full-Time
MBA Application

June 13, 2023 / / 5 Comments

Texas McCombs is delighted to unveil the 2023-24 Full-Time MBA application deadline and components, featuring significant updates that reflect our dedication to reducing bias, fostering inclusivity, and improving accessibility in the admissions process. We are excited to offer an extended application submission window, including our Round 4 deadline, providing applicants with more time to carefully prepare and submit their materials. Additionally, in recognition of the unique profiles of our applicants, we are expanding our standardized test options to include the GMAT Focus, GMAT, GRE, and Executive Assessment, and ongoing merit-based test waiver.

As part of our commitment to enabling applicants to showcase their unique voices, we are bringing back the video assessment component and introducing an optional peer interview, providing enhanced avenues for self-expression as well as authentic conversation. These updates aim to create an inclusive and welcoming admissions experience, ensuring prospective students have an equal opportunity to shine and contribute to our vibrant community at Texas McCombs.

APPLICATION COMPONENTS FOR THE 2023-2024 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 we are the right school for you and your goals. There are no fixed criteria or weighted portions of the application. Unless otherwise noted, the following application components will be required this cycle:

  • Standardized Test (GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE, Executive Assessment) or merit-based waiver
  • English Proficiency Test (TOEFL, IELTS) or waiver (international students only)
  • Undergraduate transcripts and graduate transcripts (if applicable)
  • Resume
  • One Professional Recommendation
  • One Written Application Cover Letter
  • Video Assessment
  • Optional: Peer Interview

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Applications for the Full-Time MBA program are accepted in four 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 10, 2023
  • Round 2: January 5, 2024
  • Round 3: March 26, 2024*
  • Round 4: May 9, 2024

*Final deadline for international applicants.

STANDARDIZED TESTING REQUIREMENTS

To provide MBA candidates with additional flexibility, 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, GMAT Focus, 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
  • General Test Waiver (merit-based) is approved

Standardized exams like the GRE, GMAT, GMAT Focus, 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.

Once the GMAT Focus is launched in late fall, Texas McCombs will accept both the current GMAT test type and the new GMAT Focus test type.

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.

APPLICATION COVER LETTER

The application cover letter is a critical means of learning who you are as an applicant and assessing your communication and writing skills. Here is the prompt to help guide you in writing the application cover letter:

Please write an application cover letter summarizing your aspirations, qualifications, and personal and professional experiences that make you a strong candidate for the Texas Full-Time MBA program.

LIMIT: 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 address about their candidacy that is not addressed elsewhere.

VIDEO ASSESSMENT

Texas McCombs has always been at the forefront of innovation and continuous improvement, consistently seeking new ways to enhance the application process for prospective MBA candidates. In line with our school mission and values, we introduced a dynamic video assessment component as part of the 2022-23 admission cycle, offering an alternative approach to a more traditional essay and interview format. Given all applicants will complete the video assessment, MBA candidates will have increased access to the application process and the opportunity to share their stories 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. Each applicant will have 7 days from the invitation to complete the assessment. The video assessment is asynchronous and will help the admissions committee evaluate your career goals and the following competencies that are crucial for the fit and success of our students within the program and their future careers:

Adaptability/Resilience

Empathy/Inclusivity

Ambition

Goals

Well-Roundedness

Verbal Communication

Professionalism/Poise 

Each video assessment will start with a fun, non-evaluative question that will help the admissions team learn who you are as a person, then applicants will be asked 4 additional questions, for a total of 5 responses, with each response lasting no more than 90 seconds 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.

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 work on your delivery.

OPTIONAL: PEER INTERVIEW

One of the most vital parts of the MBA application process at Texas McCombs is the human component – “Human-Centered, Future-Focused” is our mantra 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 and complete a short, optional virtual interview. While not required, registering for and completing an interview is highly encouraged.  

These interactive virtual sessions present a valuable opportunity for our applicants to connect with Full-Time MBA students, showcasing their collaborative skills, reaffirming their motivation for pursuing an MBA and leaving a lasting positive impression on Texas McCombs.

The optional interview will last 20-30 minutes and are available throughout the round.  The student ambassador will introduce themselves and ask you up to 3 questions that focus on collaboration and your motivation.  The rest of the time is yours to ask 2-3 questions that are top of mind.

OUR COMMITMENT

These enhancements to our application components exemplify our commitment to a human-centered, future-focused approach. We deeply value each candidate’s individual journey and recognize the potential they bring to our program. Join us at Texas McCombs as we shape a class of talented individuals with various perspectives, pioneering a path toward a brighter and more impactful future in business education.

Learn more about the MBA Application Components.

Visit Texas McCombs MBA to learn more about our programs and upcoming events, or take a peek into student life on Instagram. Check out our Application Process page for more information on application components. Please reach out to the MBA Admissions Team with any questions.

Good luck and Hook ’em!

picture of Chris Stafford with text that reads "MBA STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Chris Stafford, Weekend MBA at Houston '24"

Chris Stafford Reignites MBA at Houston eQual to Foster Community for LGBTQ+ Students

April 5, 2023 / / Comments Off on Chris Stafford Reignites MBA at Houston eQual to Foster Community for LGBTQ+ Students
Written by Meena Anderson. 

Chris Stafford, MBA at Houston Class of 2024, is reigniting the Weekend MBA program’s eQual chapter, an organization aimed at fostering community and solidarity among LGBTQ+ MBA students. 

“When I started the Fall semester in Houston, I learned that eQual Houston had fizzled away during COVID-19 and needed fresh blood to give it a restart,” Chris says. “I know how important it is for community engagement and representation both internally and externally. I think it’s really important to have LGBTQ+ representation in the program and also for students to get involved in the local LGBTQ+ community.”

Alongside completing his MBA, Chris is employed at ExxonMobil. Prior to his MBA journey, he graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in 2010 and served as an Officer in the Navy Reserves. 

Photo of chris in his navy uniform standing outside of a navy hospital ship.

Chris during his time in the Navy Reserve in 2011.

“The ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ policy (DADT) was still in place while I was a Midshipman at USMMA and for the beginning part of my time as an Officer in the Reserves, this policy required that I keep my identity as a gay man a secret and live my life ‘in the closet,’” Chris says. “I actually wrote my admissions essay to McCombs about the repeal of DADT and how it shaped my career. Serving under the DADT policy was not easy and surely presented lots of obstacles, but I am a stronger person for it.”

Photo of chris and his husband kissing at their wedding.

Chris and his husband, Tyler, kiss during their wedding.

Chris says his background in maritime operations and trading influenced his decision to apply to the Weekend MBA at Houston program.

“I really want to grow my business acumen and enhance my understanding of different aspects of business that I have yet to be exposed to. My employer is very supportive of me getting my MBA and I am really hoping to bring back to the office what I am learning at McCombs,” he says. “When trying to decide on where to go for my MBA, there were a few options locally here in Houston I was considering. I wanted a strong academic program with a large network, great reputation and prestige and a big school atmosphere.”

After settling in at the program, Chris and his classmates got in contact with the Dallas and Austin chapters of eQual, who were instrumental in helping reboot the organization for the Houston program.

“We plan to link up with both Austin and Dallas eQual groups more in the future and try to host some joint events,”  Chris says. “We announced to our classmates on National Coming Out Day that eQual was back and that started the buzz. We had significant interest and were super excited to get it going.”

For the future of Houston’s eQual endeavors, Chris and other organizers in the group plan to engage with the local community and increase awareness about topics of diversity and inclusion.

Chris and his husband hold up a rainbow pride flag

Chris and Tyler pose with a rainbow Pride flag at Cross Fit.

“We plan to get involved in local philanthropic and volunteer endeavors, for example the Houston Pride Parade and Montrose Center,” he says. “We plan to bring in guest speakers to speak to eQual about inclusion and diversity in the workplace, and hopefully get local executives that identify as LGBTQ+ to speak to our cohorts about their experiences in the corporate world.”

Ultimately, Chris’ goal is to uplift and support the McCombs — and extended — LGBTQ+ community in both the corporate world and their academic ventures.

“Our main goal is to be a voice for the students in the Houston MBA program, especially those of us that identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community and our allies. We strive to protect and promote an inclusive and safe environment and celebrate diversity in all forms within the program. We want to leverage LGBTQ+ alumni to help mentor and recruit students that are a part of the eQual group, as well as act as a recruiting tool for the admission team to continue to admit diverse classes in the future.”

Visit Texas McCombs MBA to learn more about our programs and upcoming events, or take a peek into student life on Instagram. Please reach out to the MBA Admissions Team with any questions.

Hook ’em!

Just announced: Full-Time MBA Round 4

Admissions Announcement: Texas McCombs Full-Time MBA Adds Round 4 for Fall 2023 Entry

February 20, 2023 / / 3 Comments

The Round 3 application deadline to the Texas McCombs Full-Time MBA program is slated for March 28, 2023. However, economic uncertainty has impacted many prospective students around the world. With many prospective students facing layoffs or uncertainty in their professional situation, our team believes an additional application round will be helpful for those needing a little more time to work on their application and evaluate their next professional step.

In response, Texas McCombs will add a fourth round to the Full-Time MBA Class of 2025. The Round 4 application deadline is Thursday, May 11, 2023.

Stacey Batas, Director of Full-Time MBA Recruiting and Admissions, provides insight on the addition of a new application round and advice for navigating the application.

Who is eligible to apply in Round 4?

Any U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident of the U.S. is eligible to apply in the new round. Round 4 is not open to international applicants due to issues with visa documentation timelines.

Are you still offering application fee waivers or test waivers to Round 4 applicants?

Yes! We have one more application fee waiver-eligible event, open to both Round 3 and Round 4 applicants in this application cycle. In order to obtain the waiver, you must register for and attend our Application Overview Virtual Session on March 7 at 8AM CT.  Register here.

As with other rounds, test waiver petitions are also available and can be found on our website. If you are considering applying in Round 4 and would like to submit your application without a GMAT, GRE or Executive Assessment exam, please read this document carefully to see if you’re eligible and submit the waiver form by no later than May 4, or 7 days before the deadline.

Are there still financial aid or scholarship opportunities available to Round 4 applicants?

It’s hard for the admissions team to predict merit-based scholarship availability for future rounds, since it depends on how many scholarships we have to award at that point in the cycle. Admitted students will be notified within their acceptance letter if they receive any merit-based scholarship funding from McCombs.

How will Round 4 work? When will decisions be released?

Round 4 will work much like our other rounds – you need to submit your application by 11:59 PM  CT on May 11, 2023.   Decisions will be released on or before June 8, and the enrollment deposit deadline for those admitted will be June 15.

I was laid off. How do I explain being laid off in my application?

Though unfortunate and stressful, lay-offs happen! Once you upload your resume on the “Employment Information” section of the application, there will be a question asking whether or not you’re currently employed full-time. If the answer is no, you’ll be given a chance to explain your situation. This response is limited to 255 characters, so you don’t have to go into full detail here! If you’d like to include additional details about your employment to the admissions committee, complete the optional statement for us to review.

I was laid off and I don’t have a professional recommender. What are my other options?

There are lots of great sources for recommendation letters! Here are some of our tips to help you choose a recommender who knows you well and can speak to your strengths.

What are the benefits of applying in Round 4 vs. applying next cycle?

The biggest benefit is that you potentially won’t need to wait a full year to enroll! Round 4 is a great option for those who definitely know they want to go to McCombs, but who may have figured that out a little later in the game. We’d also like to dispel the myth that having to reapply the following cycle is a bad thing. We value re-applicants and never look down on someone who applied late cycle and then re-applied the following fall.

What advice would you give to an applicant submitting in Round 4?

Get to know us! We’re hosting campus visits until late April and will be hosting virtual events to help you navigate the application process. Attending our events can also help you craft your essay and prepare for the video assessment.

Visit Texas McCombs MBA to learn more about our programs and upcoming events, or take a peek into student life on Instagram. Please reach out to the MBA Admissions Team with any questions.

Older posts Newer posts

The Latest RSS Items

  • No items found in feed URL: http://feeds.feedburner.com/StefaniasBlog?format=xml. You requested 5 items.

    • powered by RSS Just Better 1.4 plugin

    © 2024 Texas McCombs MBA Insider

    Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑

    Skip to toolbar