Traditional MPA applicants:

GMAT and GRE test scores are optional for the Texas McCombs MPA admissions application. Applicants will not be disadvantaged in the admissions process if they do not submit test scores, and applicants who feel that their test scores reflect their potential for success in graduate school may submit scores for consideration. 

If you opt to submit GMAT or GRE scores, you will provide either your test scores or a future test date in the online application and arrange to have an official score report sent directly from the testing agency to The University of Texas at Austin. If you report test scores or a future test date in the application, the admissions committee will hold on a decision until the official test scores are received. Please notify the MPA admissions team if your testing plans change after you submit your application.

Should you submit GMAT or GRE scores? Here are some factors to consider.

Holistic Application Review

MPA admissions decisions are based on a holistic review process that considers your entire application and serves to assess the overall strength of your candidacy, including, but not limited to, readiness for academic rigor, leadership potential, career goals and fit with our program.  Previous academic performance, non-academic achievements, essays and letters of recommendation play an important role in the application review. The admissions committee will look for evidence of skills and attributes that contribute to success in the MPA program, such as maturity, determination, attention to detail, analytical aptitude, evidence of personal and/or professional growth, and communication and interpersonal skills.

Academic History 

Does your undergraduate or graduate transcript accurately reflect your academic ability? If not, one way to demonstrate your ability to succeed in our rigorous MPA program is to submit strong GMAT or GRE test scores.  

Are your quantitative abilities reflected elsewhere in your application? If you do not have a quantitative or business background, you can demonstrate your quantitative abilities through the GMAT or GRE. Both tests include a quantitative section. As an alternative or in addition to submitting GMAT or GRE scores, you can highlight areas in your background that demonstrate quantitative or business skills, such as strong grades in the pre-enrollment courses, a relevant internship or a leadership role in a student or volunteer organization.

Internships and Other Extracurricular Activities 

Although full-time work experience is not required to apply to the Texas McCombs MPA program, full-time employment or internships and volunteer, leadership and other extracurricular activities are viewed positively in the application review. For those with limited experiences, a strong standardized test score can make your application more competitive. 

Additional Considerations

• Overall class profile: For MPA incoming classes, the average GMAT total score (for the new “GMAT Focus” edition that launched in November 2023) was 628 for the fall 2024 incoming class, with a range of 565-685. For the previous GMAT (10th edition, which ended in January 2024), the average score was typically 650, and the average GRE total score (V+Q) is typically 320. The average GPA in upper-level classes is typically 3.75.
• The admissions committee does not have a preference for either the GMAT or GRE exam. Either test can demonstrate academic potential for business school.
• Be sure to plan ahead! It typically takes at least 3 weeks for your official score report to be received and uploaded to your application record.
• Once an official score report has been received, it becomes a part of a submitted application record and cannot be removed.
• If you retake a test, we will consider only the score report with the highest total score. Please notify the MPA admissions team if you plan to retake an exam.
• View additional application tips in this admissions blog before crafting your application.

Need more advice?

Attend an information session, send us an email with your questions, or schedule a consultation with our admissions team.