• Texas McCombs School of Business Essay Tips and Examples

July 11, 2023

Jeremy Shinewald

Texas McCombs Essay Analysis - mbaMission

The McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin asks for just one relatively brief yet still revelatory essay from its applicants. Applicants are asked to write a cover letter to the admissions committee essentially making a pitch for why they want (or need) to earn a Texas McCombs MBA. Anyone with a potential problem area or unclear element in their profile can also submit an optional essay to address the issue(s). While minimal, the Texas McCombs essay still gives applicants ample opportunity to provide meaningful insight into their characters and strengths. Our more in-depth analysis of the program’s essay prompt(s) for 2023–2024 follows.

Texas McCombs Essay Analysis, 2023–2024

Essay 1: 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).

We can understand that this essay prompt might initially be intimidating for some candidates, but once we break things down for you, we hope you will feel more confident in your ability to write a strong essay in response. Along with this prompt, McCombs offers the following elaboration: “The application cover letter is a critical means of assessing an applicant’s motivation for attending the McCombs School of Business, their background and goals, and their communication and writing skills. Strong applications convey careful research on Texas McCombs and enthusiasm for the program.” In short, the admissions committee wants to know (1)what your professional path and goals are, (2) why you feel you need an MBA, and (3) why you want to earn your MBA at McCombs. These are all just basic components of a traditional personal statement that most schools ask for. Not so scary now, right? 

The broad scope of this essay prompt allows you a great amount of freedom to choose and share the information you believe is most important for your candidacy. And the 500-word maximum is equal to roughly four or five short paragraphs. Basically, McCombs wants to know about your professional past, your goals, and why you need its MBA program to facilitate or accelerate your career. Be sure to relate your strengths to your professional aspirations, sharing illustrative examples. Definitely take the time to research your desired path and potential firms, if you have not done so already, to understand what is involved and the skills and qualities required. 

After discussing your accomplishments along with any other elements of your profile that you feel make you a strong candidate for the Texas McCombs MBA program, strive to relate these achievements and qualities to the school’s offerings and community. Without using the actual words “why McCombs?” and “how do you expect to engage with our community?,” the school is nevertheless asking you for precisely this line of information. The admissions committee essentially wants to know what has compelled you to choose McCombs in particular for your MBA and how you will take advantage of specific resources and experiences it offers. The assumption is that something you have learned about McCombs leads you to believe that its MBA program will provide the experience, knowledge, skills, exposure, and/or other element you need to reach your goals. Likewise, something makes you feel you would fit well with the McCombs environment and be comfortable there. So what has given you that impression? All the top MBA programs want reassurance that the candidates they admit have not applied simply because of the school’s reputation or ranking but rather because they are truly excited to be a part of the community and to benefit from that specific learning experience. McCombs is not simply seeking warm bodies with which to fill its classrooms; it is striving to add to a long history of effective global business leaders and a network of alumni dedicated to the school and each other. Demonstrating your authentic interest in the program by offering concrete examples and drawing clear connections between who you want to be and what the school offers is key to crafting a compelling essay response.

If you have targeted McCombs because you feel it is the right program for you, you likely already have an idea of why that is true and how you would function as part of its community. If you do not yet have a handle on these points, you definitely need to start (now!) researching the school thoroughly, including interacting directly with students and/or alumni. Identify at least one (ideally more) resource, offering, or quality that McCombs has that is unique or that it excels in that directly relates to what you need to attain your post-MBA goals. And do not just offer a list—you must explain how the identified element(s) will fulfill particular needs for you.  

As we noted earlier, this essay covers the core components of a traditional personal statement, just presented in a different form. To better prepare yourself to write your essay response, download a free copy of our Personal Statement Guide , which offers more in-depth advice on addressing these topics, along with illustrative examples. 

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). (250 words)

We tend to believe that the best use of the optional essay is to explain confusing or problematic issues in your candidacy, and this prompt offers an opportunity to do just that. So, if you need to, this is your chance to address any questions an admissions officer might have about your profile. Consider downloading a free copy of our mbaMission Optional Essays Guide , in which we offer detailed advice on deciding whether to submit an optional essay and on how best to approach writing such a submission, with multiple examples.

However, because McCombs does not stipulate that you can only discuss a problem area in this essay, you have some leeway to share anything you think might be pivotal or particularly compelling. We caution you against trying to fill this space simply because you fear that not doing so would somehow count against you. Remember, by submitting an additional essay, you are asking the admissions committee to do extra work on your behalf, so you need to make sure that time is warranted. If you are using the essay to emphasize something that if omitted would render your application incomplete, take this opportunity to write a very brief narrative that reveals this key new aspect of your candidacy.

To learn more about the essays for other top business schools, visit our  MBA Essay Tips and Examples Resources Page .

2023-2024 B-Schools Outside the Top 15 Business School Essays MBA Essay Tips University of Texas at Austin (McCombs)

Tags: business school essay MBA application essays optional essay Texas McCombs

Upcoming Events

  • Jan 30, 2024 Your 2024 MBA Action Plan (Online)
  • Jan 31, 2024 Decoding the HBS Interview (Online)
  • Feb 27, 2024 Choosing the Right B-School (Online)

Upcoming Deadlines

  • Feb 1, 2024 Penn State Smeal (Round 3)
  • Feb 8, 2024 Esade (Round 4)
  • Feb 22, 2024 Duke Fuqua (Round 3)
  • Feb 25, 2024 Ohio Fisher (Round 3)
  • Feb 27, 2024 Vanderbilt Owen (Round 3)

Click here to see the complete deadlines

2023–2024 MBA Essay Tips

  • Berkeley Haas School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
  • BU Questrom School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
  • Cambridge Judge Business School Essay Tips and Examples
  • Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
  • Chicago Booth School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
  • Columbia Business School Essay Tips and Examples
  • Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management Essay and Examples
  • Dartmouth Tuck School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
  • Duke Fuqua School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
  • Emory Goizueta Business School Essay Tips and Examples
  • Esade Essay Tips and Examples
  • Georgetown McDonough School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
  • Harvard Business School 2+2 Deferred MBA Program Essay Analysis 2024
  • Harvard Business School Essay Tips and Examples
  • HEC Paris Essay Tips and Examples
  • HKUST Business School Essay Tips and Examples
  • IE Business School Essay Tips and Examples
  • IESE Business School Essay Tips and Examples
  • INSEAD Essay Tips and Examples
  • International Institute for Management Development (IMD) Essay Tips and Examples
  • Ivey Business School Essay Tips and Examples
  • London Business School Essay Tips and Examples
  • Michigan Ross School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
  • MIT Sloan School of Management Essay Tips and Examples
  • Northwestern Kellogg School of Management Essay Tips and Examples
  • Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business Essay Tips and Examples
  • NYU Stern School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
  • Ohio Fisher College of Business Essay Tips and Examples
  • Oxford Saïd Business School Essay Tips and Examples
  • SMU Cox School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
  • Stanford Graduate School of Business Application Essay Tips and Examples
  • The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management Essay Tips and Examples
  • The Wharton School Essay Tips and Examples
  • Toronto Rotman School of Management Essay Tips and Examples
  • UCLA Anderson School of Management Essay Tips and Examples
  • UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School Essay Tips and Examples
  • USC Marshall School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
  • UVA Darden School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
  • UW Foster School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
  • Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management Essay Analysis, 2023–2024
  • Villanova School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
  • Yale School of Management Essay Tips and Examples

Click here for the 2022–2023 MBA Essay Tips

MBA Program Updates

  • Berkeley-Haas
  • Boston University (Questrom)
  • Cambridge Judge Business School
  • Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper)
  • Columbia University (Columbia Business School)
  • Consortium for Graduate Study in Management
  • Cornell University (Johnson)
  • Dartmouth College (Tuck)
  • Duke University (Fuqua)
  • Emory University (Goizueta)
  • George Washington University (GWSB)
  • Georgetown University (McDonough)
  • Harvard University (Harvard Business School)
  • IE Business School
  • IESE Business School
  • Indian School of Business
  • Indiana University (Kelley)
  • Ivey Business School
  • London Business School
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan)
  • New York University (Stern)
  • Northwestern University (Kellogg)
  • Notre Dame (Mendoza)
  • Ohio State University (Fisher College)
  • Oxford University (Saïd Business School)
  • Penn State Smeal College of Business
  • Rotman School of Management
  • Saïd Business School
  • Southern Methodist University (Cox School of Business)
  • Stanford University (Stanford Graduate School of Business)
  • University of California Los Angeles (Anderson)
  • University of Cambridge (Judge)
  • University of Chicago (Booth)
  • University of London (London Business School)
  • University of Michigan (Ross)
  • University of North Carolina (Kenan-Flagler)
  • University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)
  • University of Southern California (Marshall)
  • University of Texas at Austin (McCombs)
  • University of Virginia (Darden)
  • Vanderbilt University (Owen)
  • Villanova School of Business
  • Yale University (School of Management)

Full-Time MBA

Application Process

The Full-Time MBA application for Fall 2024 enrollment is open! We invite you to learn more about our updated application components below. Your future awaits.

  • Full-Time MBA Events
  • Student Experience
  • Tuition & Financial Aid

Applying to Texas McCombs

Application steps, check eligibility.

The University of Texas at Austin requires graduate school applicants to have earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. or a  comparable degree from a foreign institution. 

To prepare to apply for your MBA:

  • Start your MBA Application
  • Obtain copies of your official transcripts, have official test scores sent to UT Austin, or submit a test waiver petition .
  • Get to know MBA program details and culture by meeting staff, students, and alumni at an MBA event .
  • Review the  Texas McCombs MBA Insider  for tips on the application process.
  • Connect with our current students  to gain additional insight from someone who has successfully gone through the process.
  • Send us an email  with your application questions.

You will receive more details on the applicant portal once you start your application.

Complete your Texas McCombs MBA application by the submission deadline for the round in which you are applying. This includes all relevant application components - essay, transcripts, self-reported test scores, letter of recommendation, resume, etc.

Pay the application fee. Your application fee invoice will be available 1-2 business days after application submission. Complete your video assessment within 7 days of invitation.  All applicants are required to complete the video assessment.

Complete your file with UT's Office of Graduate Admissions. The Office of Graduate Admissions is responsible for verifying the validity of your test scores, transcripts, and degrees. 1-2 business days after application submission, upload copies of official transcripts and confirm receipt of official test scores.

Meet with a McCombs Ambassador Committee member for an optional Peer Interview.  This 30 -minute session is optional but highly encouraged.   

Once you've submitted your application, you can monitor your application status via the Applicant Community page. While we review your application, we encourage you to check your email inbox for application updates.

Did you receive a promotion, or did you re-take the GMAT, GRE, or EA exam since you submitted your application? If you have a substantial update to your application, please contact us . There is no guarantee that your update(s) will be considered for evaluation of your candidacy. 

All applicants are reviewed in rounds. The Admissions Committee will make a decision by the date published during the round in which you submit your application.

Once a decision has been released on your application, you will receive an automated email to view your admissions decision. All admissions decisions are final for the application cycle.

Employment and Recommendation Verification

To safeguard the integrity of the admission process, Texas McCombs partners with Re Vera Services to conduct an employment and recommendation verification. If it is determined that there has been any misrepresentation in an applicant’s MBA application, McCombs reserves the right to rescind the offer of admission. There will be a required fee paid directly to Re Vera Services at a base price of $120 USD. The verification process must be completed by the deadline specified by the MBA program office.

Full-Time MBA Application Updates

We have implemented updates to our MBA application that reflect our dedication to reducing bias, fostering inclusivity, and improving accessibility in the admissions process. We extended the application submission window and added a Round 4 deadline. We are bringing back the video assessment and introducing an optional peer interview, providing avenues for self-expression and authentic conversation.

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.

Application Due: October 10, 2023

Decision Delivered: December 14, 2023

Enrollment Deposit Deadline: February 1, 2024

Application Due: January 5, 2024

Decision Delivered: March 21, 2024

Enrollment Deposit Deadline: April 25, 2024

ROUND 3* (International Applicant Deadline)

Application Due: March 26, 2024

Decision Delivered: May 2, 2024

Enrollment Deposit Deadline: May 16, 2024

Application Due: May 9, 2024

Decision Delivered: June 6, 2024

Enrollment Deposit Deadline: June 13, 2024

Application Components

As part of our commitment to enabling applicants to showcase their unique voices and improve accessibility of the application process, we invite every applicant to engage with and complete all application components – including the Video Assessment and Optional Peer Interview.

Standardized Tests and Waivers

All Full-Time MBA applicants are required to submit a GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE, or EA score. We will waive the testing requirement if:

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

The MBA Admissions Committee does not have a preference on which test you take, and there is no minimum score. You can review our Full-Time MBA class profile for test score averages. Learn more about the different test options. More details on how to submit test scores can be found below.

Current Test Scores (taken within 5 years):

For current scores (taken within 5 years), you must self-report your test scores in your application as well as have official score reports sent directly to UT Austin by the testing agency. The date that your official scores are sent to UT Austin by the testing agency should be no later than the application round deadline, as it can take up to four weeks for new scores to be processed.  

School codes for Texas McCombs:  

  • GMAT and Executive Assessment (EA): 396-44-45  
  • GRE: 6882  

Expired Test Scores (taken 5+ years ago)

For expired test scores (taken 5+ years ago) you must self-report your score and upload proof of the test score in the application. Examples of proof for expired test scores include a score report you previously received from the testing agency OR documentation from another educational institution that previously received the score ( e.g. for a nother graduate/terminal degree application).

Learn more  about the different test options.

General Test Waiver (merit-based)

A merit-based test waiver is available by request prior to submitting your  application. Waivers/Exceptions are not available for applicants who  have already sent scores to UT.

More information on criteria, instructions on how to submit, and other details can be found on our  merit-based test waiver pdf.

English Proficiency Tests and Waivers

All international applicants are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS prior to the submission deadline for the round in which they are applying. TOEFL and IELTS test scores expire two years from the test date. We do not consider "Super Scores," i.e. TOEFL "MyBest Scores". 

School codes:

  • TOEFL: 6882
  • IELTS: Submitted electronically through IELTS score delivery service (send to "The University of Texas at Austin" account) or mailed to one of the addresses below.

The University of Texas at Austin Office of Graduate Admissions P.O. Box 7608 Austin, TX 78713-7608

Or, if the courier service does not deliver to P.O. Boxes:

Graduate and International Admissions Center UT Administration Building 1616 Guadalupe St., Suite 4.202 Austin, TX 78701

TOEFL or IELTS Waivers

A waiver of the TOEFL or IELTS is automatically granted if you are an international applicant and have earned an undergraduate degree in a country where the only official language is English. Please visit UT's International Student page  for more information and a list of qualifying countries.

Applicants who meet one of the following criteria may also be eligible for a TOEFL/IELTS waiver:

  • You have lived and worked full-time in the U.S. or in a country where English is the only official language for at least two of the past four years (refer to the country list linked above).
  • You hold a master's degree from a college or university located in the U.S. or from a country where English is the only official language (refer to the country list above).
  • You were educated solely in English for your undergraduate and/or prior graduate degree in a country where English is not the only official language. 

If you do not meet any of these conditions, you are required to submit the TOEFL or IELTS exam without exception. Waivers are processed 7-10 business days after application submission.

Transcripts

Evaluating your academic history is a two-step process.

  • Transcript Evaluation - Evaluation is completed by the admissions committee to ensure you can manage the academic rigor of the program. You will be asked to upload copies of your official transcripts/mark sheets to Texas McCombs  prior to application fee payment.
  • Transcript Validation - This step is completed by the UT Office of Graduate Admissions . During the validation process, your degree is verified and your GPA is calculated using upper-division courses and Master's/Ph.D. You will be asked to upload copies of your official transcripts/mark sheets to the Office of Graduate Admissions after  the application fee payment. 

Domestic transcripts must have been produced by the issuing institution within the past calendar year. If documents are written in a language other than English, complete and official English translations must be uploaded together with the original language transcripts/mark sheets. It is critical that you block out social security numbers on all documents before uploading. 

Please read these instructions prior to uploading your transcripts to the Office of Graduate Admissions . 

Tip: Don't want to wait for a copy of your transcripts to reach you in the mail? Ask your registrar if they are able to email you directly with a pdf copy of your official transcripts. 

Within your application, you will provide your professional resume. We strongly suggest that all applicants have at least two years of full-time post-bachelor's work experience (not internships). Full-time work experience is calculated up until the time of enrollment (the start of classes). This encompasses all work completed since your bachelor's degree, including teaching, military service, and government experience (e.g. the Peace Corps).

Other types of experience can be explained fully in the application essay or optional statement.

We recommend keeping your resume to one page unless you have more than 10 years of work experience.  

Learn more about highlighting your work experience.

Cover Letter and Optional Statement

The application cover letter is a critical means of assessing an applicant's motivation for attending the McCombs School of Business, their background and goals, and their communication and writing skills. Strong applications convey careful research on Texas McCombs and enthusiasm for the program.

Please complete the required cover letter prompt below and upload it to your application prior to submission.

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

LIMIT: 500 words 

Optional Statement

Please explain any gaps in work experience, choice of recommender, and/or academic performance issues that may help the admission committee in reviewing your application. (Limit: 250 words)

Learn more about preparing your cover letter.  

Letter of Recommendation

We require one recommendation from a person who has supervised your work and/or assessed your performance. The Admissions Committee limits each application to one letter of recommendation and cannot accept additional recommendations.

While completing your application, you will be able to send your recommender an invitation to submit their recommendation. Professional recommendations are strongly recommended (i.e. direct supervisor, indirect supervisor, or a client). If you are unable to request a letter of recommendation from your direct supervisor or feel that another recommender would be more appropriate, please explain why in your optional essay statement.  Once your letter of recommendation is received, you will receive an automated email.

While completing the recommendation form, your recommender will be asked to assess specific competencies and traits, and they will also be asked to answer the following three questions:

  • Please provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant, and if applicable, the applicant's role in your organization. (50 words)
  • How does the performance of the applicant compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? For example, what are the applicant's principal strengths? (Recommended word count: 500 words)
  • Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant's response. (Recommended word count: 500 words)

Your recommender will also have the option to upload a response to the optional question: "Is there anything else we should know about the applicant?"

Tip: Give your recommender plenty of time to submit their recommendation by sending them an invitation via the application. Once you start your application, you can save your progress.

Learn more about  choosing your recommender on our MBA Insider Blog.

Application Fee

Payment of the non-refundable $200 application fee is required. Accepted forms of payment are Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, a U.S. Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), or a U.S. eCheck.  

Application Fee Waivers  

MBA applicants who meet one or more of the following criteria may qualify for an application fee waiver:        

  • Veteran or current U.S. military service member    
  • Teach for America participant (current or alumnus)  
  • Forté MBA Launch participant (current or alumnus)
  • Fulbright participant (current or alumnus)
  • Access Fellow
  • MLT MBA Prep Fellow
  • Former Pell Grant Recipient  

We are unable to offer application fee waivers based on financial need.   Payment of the application fee prior to processing a waiver will not be refunded.   If you apply to more than one Texas McCombs MBA program during the same admissions cycle, you are required to pay only the first application fee.

U.S. Permanent Residents

If you are a U.S. permanent resident, after you have submitted your application and paid the application fee, you will be required to upload a copy of the front and back of your permanent resident card. This option is only available after you have paid your application fee in full. Applicants who have applied for U.S. permanent residency but who do not yet have the card in hand, must apply to Texas McCombs as an international applicant. Should your card arrive after, you may notify GIAC to update your status.  

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.

All applicants  will  be required  to complete the Video Assessment shortly after submitting their application and paying the fee. Applicants have 7 days to complete the assessment upon receiving access to the video submission platform. There will be 4 question prompts and applicants will have 90 seconds to answer each prompt.  

Learn more  on our MBA Insider Blog.

Texas McCombs Peer Interviews

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.

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mccombs mba essay questions

June 29, 2023

University of Texas McCombs MBA Essay Tips and Deadlines [2023 – 2024]

mccombs mba essay questions

Texas McCombs combines rigor with a passionate community, including passion for the MBA program. The school’s single required question reflects this value; the adcom invites you to demonstrate deep familiarity with the program , connected to your unique vision for the future. It has a practical slant. Convey concrete goals, and make a case for how the McCombs program is ideally suited to prepare you to achieve them.

The school has introduced some significant changes to its essays this season. It has gone from two required essays to one required essay and dropped the “Please introduce yourself” question/video. 

Ready to get to work on your Texas McCombs application? Read on. 

■ McCombs application essay tips

■ McCombs application deadlines

■ McCombs class profile

For great advice, listen to Get Accepted to UT Austin McCombs , a podcast interview with Rodrigo Malta, managing director of MBA Marketing, Recruiting, and Admissions at Texas McCombs.

McCombs application essay tips

Mccombs required essay.

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 

The cover letter is a new essay format for Texas. MIT Sloan also uses a similar cover letter instead of a traditional essay. The purpose for this approach is twofold. First, the adcom wants to see what information you consider most pertinent about yourself and how you present that information, and second, it wants evidence that you have truly researched their program. What you say in this letter can reveal a lot about you and your reasons for wanting to earn an MBA at McCombs, so don’t just copy and paste sentences from your resume! Your answer should be thoughtful and concise.

Yes, “summarizing your aspirations” is essentially asking you about your goals. How do you see your short-term plan leading to your long-term plan?  Be as specific as possible. For example, if you are changing careers, state why you are attracted to a different path, what you know about it, who you know who works in the industry, and most importantly, what skills you already possess that are relevant to this new position. Don’t just say, for example, that you want to be a consultant. Why? Which area of consulting? With what company? And why would a consulting firm want to hire you? What do you know, and what impact have you made in the past? The MBA is not a magic wand – admissions wants to see that your expectations are realistic and feasible. 

The best way to show what you can do is to give specific examples of what you have already done. Don’t just say, “I’m a good problem solver.” Prove it! And note that the adcom is also requesting “personal experiences.” This will give them a good idea of your fit for their program. Texas has a very close-knit and intensely loyal community, so based on your hobbies and interests, what specific clubs or organizations would you be involved with? And what would you share with your classmates that might be special? McCombs wants to be sure you understand what the program offers and why it is the one that will best prepare you for your desired career path. 

To reiterate, the purpose of the cover letter is to elicit specific information about you and your goals and how the Texas McCombs MBA will prepare you to attain those goals. The adcom doesn’t want generalizations. Make sure you really know the program well – explore the website, connect with students, and above all, attend in-person or virtual admission events to learn more and ask questions that you can’t find answers for anywhere else.

A Note about applying to b-school from Rodrigo Malta, managing director of MBA Marketing, Recruiting, and Admissions at Texas McCombs

McCombs Optional Essay

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.

If you write the optional essay , present information that is essential for the adcom to have to be able to fully understand your candidacy. If you do not have any concerns to address, you could explore a RELEVANT topic not addressed in your application. Be succinct; don’t take the lack of word limit as an invitation to write a book. If you believe your candidacy is well represented without the optional essay, that is totally fine; don’t write an optional essay just to write one.

McCombs application deadlines

Source: Texas McCombs website

***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with Texas McCombs directly to verify its essay questions, instructions, and deadlines.***

McCombs Class Profile

Here is a look at the Texas McCombs MBA Class of 2024 (data taken from the McCombs website ):

Class size: 220

Average age: 29

Middle 80% of age range: 26-32

Female students: 35%

International students: 28%

U.S. minority students: 36%

Underrepresented minority students: 17%

Consortium members: 29

Forte MBA fellows: 38

Dual degree students (MD, JD, Master of Public Affairs): 21

Average years of work experience: 5.7

Middle 80% range of years of work experience: 3-8.5

U.S. military service: 13%

Average undergrad GPA: 3.48

Undergrad institutions: 149

First-generation college: 11%

Advanced degree holders: 13%

Undergraduate majors:

  • Business/economics: 33%
  • Humanities: 15%
  • Other majors: 13%

Average GMAT score: 706

Middle 80% range of GMAT scores: 660-750

Average GRE Verbal score: 160

Middle 80% range of GRE Verbal scores: 155-167

Average GRE Quant score: 159

Middle 80% range of GRE Quant scores: 152-166 

Has this blog post helped you feel more confident about approaching your McCombs application? We hope so. It’s our mission to help smart, talented applicants like you gain acceptance to your target schools. With so much at stake, why not hire a consultant whose expertise and personalized guidance can help you make your dream come true? We have several flexible consulting options. Click here to get started today!

Christie St John

Dr. Christie St-John has more than 25 years of higher ed and admissions experience, including ten years in admissions at Dartmouth Tuck. She was formerly the director of MBA recruiting and admissions, director of international relations, and an adjunct faculty member at Vanderbilt University. Having also served on the board of directors of the MBA Career Services & Employer Alliance and the Consortium for Graduate Studies in Management, Christie has a deep knowledge of MBA and other graduate admissions. Want Christie to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!

Related Resources:

  • Why MBA? , a guide to writing the goals essay
  • Get Accepted to UT Austin McCombs , podcast Episode 452
  • Top MBA Essay Questions: How to Answer Them Right

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Texas McCombs Essay Tips and Application Deadlines: 2022-2023

mccombs mba essay questions

Texas McCombs has released its full-time MBA essay questions and deadlines for the 2022–2023 application cycle. This year, the school has added a video assessment to its application, giving applicants the opportunity to share their story with the admissions committee in their own voice.

If you are interested in the McCombs MBA program, check out the latest class profile to assess if the program may be a strong fit for you.

Accepted students had an average GMAT score of 708 and an average of 5.5 years of work experience. The class of 2023 consists of 38% women, 37% US minority students, and 24% international citizens.

The 2022-2023 Texas McCombs Application Deadlines Are:

Round 1:  October 11, 2022

Round 2:  January 4, 2023

Round 3:  March 28, 2023

mccombs mba essay questions

2022–2023 Texas McCombs Essays:

Essay 1: Picture yourself at graduation. Describe how you spent your time as a Texas McCombs MBA to achieve your personal and professional goals. (500 words)

We like to think of this essay as the speech you would give at graduation from McCombs. Do not let the structure confuse you:

Start with where you are today but expressed as “When I started at McCombs I was an engineer at Tesla.” Talk briefly about what you had accomplished and the skills you had mastered. Then briefly state why you wanted an MBA from there: what you wanted to get out of it.

You should use a good chunk of this essay to discuss the classes you want to take and the activities you want to pursue – just like you would in many other essays – but in the past tense. Show what you want to learn (expressed as what you learned) and how it will supplement your experience and knowledge. This is the central part of the essay: what you will do (did) at McCombs and how you will draw (drew) value from the experience, for example, “The class with Professor Smith taught me to integrate complex data into my analysis of environmental problems.”

End with a shortened version of your goals, for which you are now well positioned (remember, you are speaking at graduation from McCombs). So, at graduation you might already have landed the job you sought in your short-term goals and you will be working toward your long-term goals.

In writing about your activities on campus, we recommend you consider McCombs’s culture and values and show that you have researched the fit between you and the school, demonstrating your involvement and sense of community.

mccombs mba essay questions

Video Assessment: Texas McCombs is excited to introduce the Video Assessment as a new application component for the 2022-23 admissions cycle. Given all applicants will complete the Video Assessment, MBA candidates will have 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.

All applicants will be required to complete the Video Assessment shortly after submitting their application and paying the fee. Applicants have 7 days to complete the assessment upon receiving access to the video submission platform. There will be 7 question prompts and applicants will have 3 minutes to answer each prompt.

Optional Statement: 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.

Only those with extenuating circumstances should respond to the optional Texas McCombs essay. Take a look at Personal MBA Coach’s blog on optional essays and additional application extras for guidance.

If you are seeking additional help with your Texas McCombs application, visit our comprehensive services to learn how Personal MBA Coach can help set you up for success.

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The Texas McCombs MBA Interview – What to Expect + Sample Questions

Oct 28, 2023

mccombs mba essay questions

How the McCombs Interview works 

Who is mccombs looking for, how can you prepare for your mccombs interview, what to do if you get a question you haven’t prepared an answer for, secure your spot at mccombs.

UPDATE : This article was originally posted on February 14, 2020. It has been updated with 2023/24 information and tips below. 

Located in one of the fastest-growing cities in the US, with numerous tech giants (think Amazon, Tesla, Samsung) beefing up their presence in the Texas capital, UT Austin’s McCombs School of Business is increasingly a top choice program for savvy MBA applicants. 

However, with a strong focus on entrepreneurship and access to the massive Longhorn network, the competition to join McCombs’ MBA program is increasingly steep. 

That’s why we’ve prepared this guide to help you use your McCombs admissions interview to stand out. We’ve rounded up not only our best tips but have also included sample interview questions to ensure you give your McCombs interview your best shot. 

Making sure you shine during your McCombs interview is no easy task. 

Since McCombs interviews are blind, they are highly focused on your CV content and standard MBA interview questions (both “ foundation ” and behavioral). 

During the interview, the interviewer is also trying to gauge how solid your motivations for wanting to pursue an MBA are and how interested you seem in the McCombs. 

Our clients who have interviewed with McCombs in the past say that the interviewer was very friendly and demonstrated a genuine interest in their answers . Though questions do tend to focus on standard MBA interview questions, be ready for anything. 

Who will interview you?

Though UT typically offers 4 types of interviews, all interviews will be held online for the foreseeable future . After being invited to interview, you will be given further instructions on how to schedule your interview

Will the interviewer have read my application?

The McCombs interview is blind, meaning the second-year student or admissions committee member will only have access to your CV. This means that you can repeat examples from your essays if you choose to. 

How long will the McCombs interview last?

Most reports indicate that the interview will last between 30-60 minutes. 

Texas McCombs students

(Photo courtesy of @ utexasmccombs on Instagram)

“It has been said that McCombs MBAs are relentlessly driven, yet they are the first to jump in and encourage and support each other to excel.” Texas McCombs MBA Insider

This year, McCombs admitted 241 students to its highly competitive MBA program. With a strong emphasis on diversity, there is no “typical” McCombs student, yet the average student admitted to the Class of 2025 had an average GMAT score of 704 or a GRE of Q161/V160 and 5.9 years of work experience.

In fact, according to Dean Raji Srinivasan, diversity is key to the McCombs experience. In her words:

“ In a continually complex and changing world, students need global acumen, the skills to operate and collaborate effectively, with a mind-set that transcends geographic and cultural boundaries.

At McCombs, we recognize and value a diverse and inclusive culture by acknowledging the unique and different perspectives of our different community members.

We believe that an inclusive learning environment is key to unlocking students’ potential and prepare them to be strong leaders in transforming business and industry—solving the problems of tomorrow and having a positive impact on society.”

In short, McCombs is looking for candidates who want to make a positive impact on the world through their careers. If this sounds like the community for you, you’ll face the challenging task of convincing the school’s admissions committee that you deserve to be a Longhorn. 

Though no interview is 100% predictable, McCombs interviews do tend to center around a fairly standard list of MBA interview questions. As such, we have prepared some model questions below that previous candidates have received in their past McCombs interviews. 

SAMPLE MCCOMBS INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

The questions below are drawn from our clients’ interview reports, as well as from sites like clearadmit.com . Though these are not all the potential questions you could possibly receive during your McCombs interview, preparing for these (and any follow-up questions you think you might be asked) should give you a very solid foundation for your interview. 

STARTING UP QUESTIONS

  • Tell me about yourself. (Expect follow-up questions)
  • What do you do in your current job?
  • Why did you choose your university?
  • What was your undergraduate experience like?
  • What is your greatest career achievement thus far?
  • What is the most rewarding part of your work? The most challenging?
  • What are your short-term and long-term career goals?
  • Name a few firms you would like to work at after your MBA.
  • Why do you want an MBA?
  • Why McCombs?
  • What will you contribute to McCombs?
  • What types of clubs/activities do you want to get involved in at McCombs?
  • What other schools have you applied to? If you get into all of them, how will you choose where to go?
  • Have you visited campus? Spoken with alumni?

LEADERSHIP & TEAMWORK

  • Tell me about a time when you didn’t get along with your team. What did you do?
  • Tell me about one instance when you disagreed with your boss and how you handled the situation
  • What is your leadership style?
  • Tell me about a time you were a leader. 

MISCELLANEOUS BEHAVIORAL

  • How would your friends describe you?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • Tell me about a time you failed. 
  • Tell me about a time you were part of a team, yet your actions were detrimental to the whole team. How did you recover?
  • Tell me about a time you faced a challenge at work. 
  • Tell me about a piece of feedback you have received. How did you respond?
  • Tell me about a time you came up with a creative solution to a problem. 
  • Tell me something you learned about yourself during the application process. 
  • Is there anything else you would like us to know about you?
  • Is there anything you wished I had asked you?
  • Questions for me?

We have found that answering real interview questions on the spot is a much better means of preparation than reading lists of interview questions for most candidates.

We highly suggest you take a look at mock interview questions and sample interview responses before your interview . 

Our MBA Resource Center has dozens of real interview mocks from McCombs, as well as detailed guides to help you prepare for questions ranging from “Why our MBA program?” to “Tell us about a time you failed.”

The Ellin Lolis Consulting MBA Resource Center is your one-stop shop for interview success. Click to join !

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If you’re still not quite confident with your interview skills, our interview experts can help you craft your answers or prepare you for the UT McCombs interview through mock interviews tailored to your profile. 

Despite your most diligent preparation, you will almost always receive a question you had not prepared. 

First, stay calm and take a deep breath . You have already made it this far in the process, and one question will not trip you up!

Second, make sure you directly answer the question the interviewer asked you. For example, if the interviewer asks you about a time you had to deal with a difficult manager, make sure to tell a story about a difficult manager and how you handled the situation. 

If you’re having trouble thinking of an answer or an example to support your answer , however, take a drink of water to give yourself a few more minutes to think. If you really can’t think of an example from your personal or professional experience, you can use a hypothetical answer about how you would act in a certain situation. 

Finally, assume that the interviewer is testing how you think on your feet and respond to questions you didn’t prepare in advance. Though your answer might not be as polished as if you’d had weeks to rehearse it, smile and confidently respond to show you can handle any question they throw at you. 

MBA interviews eliminate up to 50% of candidates , so preparing adequately is a vitally important aspect of a successful MBA application process.

Preparing to excel in your interviews without the objective feedback and professional guidance of an MBA expert, however, isn’t easy or effective. This is why our team of MBA experts offers personalized interview preparation and personal branding help, ensuring you’re on-brand and on-message while remaining authentic to your values and who you are.

Interested in learning more about MBA interview preparation and practice or any other aspects of the MBA application process? 

Get in touch and discover how our personalized, 1:1 interview preparation can help you turn an interview into an admission. 

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2023-2024 Texas McCombs MBA Essay Analysis and Tips

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  • August 28, 2023

If you’re gearing up to dive into the world of business education and have your sights set on the Texas McCombs MBA program for the 2024 intake, you’re in the right place. Crafting an outstanding application requires more than just numbers and bullet points – it’s all about telling your unique story.

texam mccombs mba essay analysis

In this article, we’re going to be your trusty guides as we break down the essay prompts for Texas McCombs MBA admissions. Get ready to uncover what they’re really asking, how to approach them like a pro, and sprinkle in some insider tips to make your application shine.

Opening Paragraph

Concluding paragraph, draft & re-draft, optional essay, texas mccombs mba essay analysis.

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)

A standard cover letter adheres to a specific structure, including the salutation, opening paragraph, main body, and closing paragraph. It also incorporates important details like the date, addresses, names of the sender and recipient, complimentary close, and signature.

However, for this essay, it’s advised to omit these formal elements and concentrate solely on the three main paragraphs. But what exactly should each of these paragraphs contain?

T he opening paragraph serves as an introduction where you introduce yourself and explain your interest in the Texas MBA program. Here, you can show your enthusiasm for the McCombs MBA program by directly connecting it to your future aspirations.

For instance, the diverse range of opportunities at McCombs, such as [mention specific opportunities], will provide me with essential soft skills [provide specific skills] to enhance my portfolio. As I navigate the complexities of negotiations, a crucial aspect of establishing my cloud storage solutions start-up, McCombs is the ideal platform to help me thrive.

Conclude this paragraph by highlighting how your qualities align with the traits the admissions committee values.

Below is the list of qualities:

  • Acceptance of constructive criticism
  • Dedication to continuous self-improvement
  • Adaptability/Resilience
  • Empathy/Inclusivity
  • Collaboration

In the main body of your cover letter, focus on your skills, qualifications, and experience that make you a suitable candidate for the full-time MBA program.

Summarize your professional work experience and highlight any relevant certifications or awards you’ve earned.

Take a look at the curriculum for each semester and assess your familiarity with different topics and fields.

Discuss your familiarity with subjects like Financial Accounting or Statistics and how you’ve acquired that knowledge.

Mention your desire to learn more about areas like Operations or Marketing Management to enhance your skill set, improve your managerial abilities, and transition into new roles.

In the final paragraph, explain why you’re a strong candidate for the program. Highlight how your strengths align with the MBA program’s goals and contribute to a dynamic cohort.

Emphasize how your diverse experience can make you an effective team player, culturally aware, and a skilled negotiator.

Discuss how your wide-ranging experience across different fields can enrich case study discussions and contribute to various discussions during the program.

Do you want to impress the Texas McCombs’ Adcom?

At Admit Expert, we have helped hundreds of students get into top MBA programs around the world. We would be happy to help you too. Schedule a free call with us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your goals.

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How to write the Texas Mc Combs MBA Essay

Follow these tips to write effectively:

Mastering the cover letter format can be challenging, requiring several revisions to organize your ideas and maintain a smooth narrative flow. Take the time to revise your initial draft and refer to sample cover letters that can help in this process.

To make the most of the limited 500-word space, eliminate filler words and unnecessary adjectives. Opt for using impactful keywords that can be expanded without requiring exposition.

Review your arguments for positioning yourself as a strong candidate, and consider redrafting if needed, with an objective perspective in mind.

Before you begin writing your essay, ensure you’re familiar with the program. This involves conducting thorough research by exploring the program’s website, reading brochures, skimming through the curriculum, and reading information about professors, their expertise, publications, interviews, panel discussions, or conferences.

Consider connecting with program graduates for mentorship or insights, but only after you’ve done your preliminary research.

A key aspect the admissions committee looks for is your ability to explain why McCombs is your choice and how it aligns with your goals, as well as why you’re a suitable candidate for McCombs.

Displaying an in-depth understanding of the program demonstrates your genuine interest in joining and contributing to the institution.

Please explain any gaps in work experience, choice of recommender, and/or academic performance issues that may help the admission committee in reviewing your application.

Address any employment gaps or academic concerns honestly, providing a clear and concise explanation of the challenges you faced and how you have overcome them. This will demonstrate your determination and resilience as a candidate.

Focus on highlighting your strengths and unique qualities that set you apart. Discuss your engagement in extracurricular activities, such as local philanthropic drives, sports, or hobbies, and explain how these experiences have shaped you as a person and contributed to your work ethic.

Ensure that your narrative centers around your suitability as a candidate and adds value to the discussion of your candidacy for the program. Avoid irrelevant information and stay focused on showcasing your potential to thrive in the MBA program.

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