2023-2024 University of Texas McCombs MBA Essay Tips
Aug 4, 2023
- Who is McCombs looking for?
- How should I answer the essay questions?
- Make sure you get into McCombs
- UT McCombs Deadlines
Located in one of the United States’ fastest-growing cities, with Amazon planning to add 800 jobs in the area in the near future and numerous other tech giants 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 essays to stand out. We’ve rounded up our best tips to ensure you give your UT McCombs application your best shot.
1. Who is McCombs looking for?
(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 220 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 2024 had an average GMAT score of 706 or a GRE of Q160/V159 and 5.7 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.
2. How should I answer the essay questions?
2.1. essay 1 tips.
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)
Though this prompt initially may look intimidating, it’s essentially just a goals essay ! Often overlooked by applicants, goals essays are incredibly important, as they give the admissions committee your most important argument — why do you need an MBA from their school and what are you going to do with it?
For all goals essays, you should first begin with context, as goals without context often lack clarity or impact. You may want to include one mini-story or several small anecdotes to provide this context. As the prompt indicates, this should include both personal and professional stories.
Then, after you set the stage, clearly present your goals to the admissions committee. The section on your goals should include clear short-term and long-term goals, meaning you should list the job title and industry for each. Furthermore, stating the motivation you have for wanting these goals and the impact you envision generating while pursuing them is an excellent way to take your essay from good to great.
If you’re not sure exactly what your goals are, it’s a good idea to think through your arguments and define your goals before you sit down to write!
Finally, end with a section on how McCombs’s MBA program can help you continue to grow to reach your goals. You will first need to research the McCombs experience in-depth and share how you plan to take advantage of the school’s curriculum, how you plan to get involved in the community, and what you believe you can contribute to your class.
Instead, show how you are going to take advantage of McCombs’s offerings to become a more high-potential, driven professional who leaves a meaningful legacy behind. Doing this well means connecting how McCombs can help you grow with specific outcomes tied to your goals.
Need more guidance?
Our MBA Resource Center has dozens of essays that worked to get our clients admitted to help you plan out a winning UT McCombs essay.
Our library also includes guides for all top global MBA programs, detailed essay brainstorms, interview tips and mocks, CV templates, and recommendation letter guides. Click to join !
2.2. Optional Essay Tips
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)
This is not a place for you to retell your life story or sum up your interest in McCombs or need for an MBA. It is also not a place to copy and paste a strong essay you wrote for another school. Make sure you focus only on weak spots and also discuss what steps you have taken or took to rectify the weaknesses AND/OR on any other topics that strictly need explanation. McCombs is quite clear when stating what types of explanations they feel are appropriate.
Of course, there are circumstances that are not covered in the list given, but it does make it very clear that essays on, for example, why you would like to live in Texas or everyone you know at UT will not work well for this prompt.
Find additional tips and tricks to help you master the optional essay here .
2.3. Video Essay Requirements
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.
UT McCombs has retained the requirement that candidates complete a video essay as part of its application process. Though it can seem daunting at first, the video essay is a great way to share more about your interests, motivations, and personality with the admissions committee.
We recommend checking out our tips on recording an outstanding video essay here and checking out the tips posted by the UT McCombs admissions committee!
3. Make sure you get into McCombs
One of the most common mistakes we see in MBA essays is that candidates fail to tell compelling stories . This is important because if your stories are not compelling, they will not be persuasive. At the same time, they must be backed by strong examples that establish a track record of success and prove to the admissions committees why you belong at their school.
Striking this balance between content and creativity can be tough, however, as succeeding means not only choosing the right stories but ensuring they are told in an optimal manner.
This is why our iterative developmental feedback process here at Ellin Lolis Consulting helps you mold your message through the application of our storytelling expertise until it reflects exactly what makes your profile stand out and show fit with your target program.
Not only can you take advantage of our iterative feedback process through multiple edits – you can also benefit from it after a single review! If your budget is tight, our editors will be happy to help polish your text as much as possible and leave “bonus comments” so you can keep working on it on your own!
No matter how long we work with you, we will always ensure your essays shine . Sign up to work with our team of storytelling experts and get accepted.
4. UT McCombs Deadlines
Here are the deadlines for the 2023-2024 season. You can access the online application here .
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UT Austin McCombs MBA Essays Guide: Overview, Tips & Examples
Looking to ace your UT Austin McCombs MBA application? Our comprehensive guide provides an overview, valuable tips, and real examples to help you craft compelling essays that stand out.
Posted March 1, 2024
Featuring John K. , Matt K. , and Alice S.
How to Get into a Top 10 MBA Program
Wednesday, april 10.
11:00 PM UTC · 60 minutes
The University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business offers a highly regarded MBA program that attracts students from all over the world. As part of the application process, prospective students are required to submit essays that provide insights into their background, experiences, goals, and why they believe they are a good fit for the McCombs MBA program.
UT Austin McCombs Application and the Role of Essays
Applying to the UT Austin McCombs MBA program is a multi-step process that starts with completing the online application form. The application form requires you to provide personal information, academic history, professional experience, and contact details. Additionally, you will be required to submit a resume, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
One crucial component of the application process is the essays. The essays provide an opportunity for applicants to showcase their unique stories and stand out from the competition. The admissions committee uses the essays to gain insights into the applicants' personality, motivations, and potential contributions to the McCombs community.
When it comes to writing the essays, it is important to approach them with careful thought and consideration. The prompts provided by the McCombs MBA program are designed to elicit thoughtful responses that go beyond a simple reiteration of your resume or academic achievements. Instead, they aim to uncover your values, passions, and goals, allowing the admissions committee to understand what drives you and how you align with the program's mission and values.
One of the essay prompts may ask you to describe a challenging situation you have faced and how you overcame it. This is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your problem-solving skills , resilience, and ability to learn from adversity. You can delve into the details of the situation, explaining the obstacles you encountered and the steps you took to overcome them. By sharing your thought process and the lessons you learned, you can provide the admissions committee with a deeper understanding of your ability to handle challenges and grow from them.
Another essay prompt may ask you to discuss your short-term and long-term career goals. This is your chance to articulate your aspirations and demonstrate your understanding of how the McCombs MBA program can help you achieve those goals. You can discuss the specific skills, knowledge, and resources offered by the program that align with your career aspirations. Additionally, you can highlight any relevant experiences or skills you have gained in your professional journey that will contribute to your success in achieving your goals.
Furthermore, the essays provide an opportunity for you to showcase your fit with the McCombs community . You can research the program's values, initiatives, and extracurricular activities to identify aspects that resonate with you. By demonstrating an understanding of the program's culture and how you can contribute to it, you can convey your genuine interest in being a part of the McCombs community.
It is important to approach the essays with authenticity and honesty. The admissions committee is looking for applicants who are genuine and self-aware, as these qualities are essential for success in the MBA program. Take the time to reflect on your experiences, values, and goals, and craft your essays in a way that reflects your true self.
In conclusion, the essays play a vital role in the UT Austin McCombs MBA application process. They provide an opportunity for applicants to showcase their unique stories, demonstrate their fit with the program, and convey their aspirations and motivations. By approaching the essays with thoughtfulness, authenticity, and a deep understanding of the program, applicants can increase their chances of standing out and securing a spot in the prestigious McCombs MBA program.
UT Austin McCombs Essay Prompts (2023-2024)
The UT Austin McCombs MBA program typically releases essay prompts for each application cycle. The essay prompts for the 2023-2024 application cycle are as follows:
Essay Prompt 1: Describe a defining moment in your personal or professional life and explain how it shaped you.
Essay prompt 2: choose a current event or issue that you believe is significant to your future as a business leader. discuss why it is important to you and how you intend to make an impact., essay prompt 3: reflecting on your past experiences, discuss a time when you faced a challenge or setback. what did you learn from the experience, and how did it contribute to your personal growth.
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List of Expert Tips for Each McCombs Essay Prompt
Writing compelling essays that effectively address the prompts is essential to create a strong application. Here are some expert tips for each of the McCombs MBA essay prompts:
- Start with a captivating anecdote that illustrates the defining moment.
- Reflect on the impact of the defining moment on your values, beliefs, and goals.
- Share specific examples of how the defining moment influenced your decision-making or leadership abilities.
- Clearly articulate why this defining moment is relevant to your MBA application.
- Select a current event or issue that aligns with your passions and career goals.
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of the event or issue and its implications for the business world.
- Discuss your personal connection to the event or issue and how it aligns with your values and aspirations.
- Outline specific actions or initiatives you plan to take to make a meaningful impact in this area.
- Choose a significant challenge or setback that allowed you to demonstrate resilience and growth.
- Describe the specific circumstances and obstacles you faced during the experience.
- Reflect on the lessons and insights you gained from overcoming the challenge or setback.
- Explain how this experience has shaped your character, decision-making, or leadership skills.
MBA Essay Tips: How to Write Compelling Essays
Writing compelling MBA essays requires careful planning and thoughtful execution. Here are some tips to help you craft essays that leave a lasting impression:
- Understand the prompts: Take the time to thoroughly understand the essay prompts and what the admissions committee is looking for.
- Reflect on your experiences: Spend time reflecting on your personal and professional experiences to identify compelling stories and examples that align with the essay prompts.
- Focus on authenticity: Be true to yourself and showcase your unique perspective, values, and goals in your essays.
- Structure your essays: Organize your essays in a clear and coherent manner, with a captivating introduction, well-developed body paragraphs, and a strong conclusion.
- Show, don't tell: Use vivid and specific examples to illustrate your points and bring your essays to life.
- Edit and proofread: Take the time to review and edit your essays for clarity, grammar, and spelling errors. Consider seeking feedback from trusted friends or professionals.
UT Austin McCombs Essay Examples From Success Admits — With Analysis
Looking for inspiration? Success Admits is a valuable resource that provides UT Austin McCombs essay examples from successful applicants. These examples, along with expert analysis, can help you understand the elements that make a strong essay and how to effectively structure your own essays.
UT Austin McCombs Essay FAQs
Still have questions about the UT Austin McCombs MBA essays? Here are some frequently asked questions:
- Q: How long should the essays be?
- A: The recommended length for each essay is typically around 500 words. However, it's important to focus on quality over quantity.
- Q: Can I exceed the word limit?
- A: It is generally advisable to adhere to the word limit provided. Admissions committees appreciate concise and well-crafted essays.
- Q: Should I address all the essay prompts?
- A: It is highly recommended to address all the essay prompts to provide a comprehensive view of your experiences and aspirations.
By following these guidelines and investing time in crafting compelling essays, you can increase your chances of securing a spot in the UT Austin McCombs MBA program. Let your unique story shine through and demonstrate why you are a perfect fit for this renowned program.
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Advice, tips and insights from the admissions dream team., table of contents, texas mccombs mba essays: tips & strategy.
- By Sharon Joyce
To offer a more inclusive and accessible application process, The McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas in Austin continues to shift away from traditional written essays.
After introducing a required required video assessment in the 2022–23 cycle, McCombs has reduced the video questions from seven to five. McCombs has also replaced its required essay with a cover letter. The videos replace interviews, although McCombs also invites applicants to participate in a short, optional peer interview with a current Full-Time MBA student.
The school introduced the video interview l as a more accessible, personal alternative to more traditional essays and an interview. The video is designed to reduce bias in the admissions process by providing all applicants with a structured and consistent assessment experience. It helps the admissions committee experience the “real you,” beyond a resume, test scores, and transcripts, while applicants can share their story in their own voice.
Consider the new video assessment as an opportunity to showcase your personality and character, in addition to your verbal and presentation skills. As Fortuna Director Caroline Diarte Edwards says in her related article on how to prepare for the MBA video essays , “The MBA admissions committee wants a peek into who you are in an unscripted way – your motivations, your personality, your communication style. They want to know how you think on your feet (a vital skill in the MBA classroom).”
Read on for insights on what McCombs is looking for in its interview, and how you can best maximize your chances of admissions success.
The Video Assessment
After you submit your application and pay your fee, you will receive a link to complete the video assessment online. All candidates will respond to a total of five questions, and you’ll have seven days from receiving the invitation to complete the videos.
First comes a fun, get-to-know-you question that the admissions committee will not score. Then you will record a response to four questions, with a 90-second time limit for each question. You can practice as many times as you wish before completing the final video assessment. You’ll have up to 30 seconds to think, then up to 90 seconds to respond to each question.
McCombs advises you to prepare for these videos much like you would for an interview. Be prepared to answer behavioral-based questions steeped in competencies that McCombs views as central to success in business school and beyond. These top three are:
- Adaptability/Resilience
- Empathy/Inclusivity
The Admissions Committee is also looking for evidence of motivation, career goals, well-roundedness, verbal communications skills, poise and professionalism.
An example behavioral question is: “Tell me about a time you faced a challenge at work and how you influenced the outcome.” With behavioral style questions, you can expect prompts on very specific examples of what you did – along with why, what was going through your mind at the time, the impact on others, and the outcome. With only 90 seconds to work with, it’s essential to make your answers clear and concise.
It’s also smart to anticipate questions rooted in the characteristics McCombs cares about. Some possible questions that might map to the McCombs stated values include:
- Human-Centered: Tell us about a time when you helped to promote diversity and inclusion.
- Future Focused: Tell us about a time you’ve used technology to be more effective.
- Innovator Connected: Tell us about a time you gained buy-in from others on a new idea.
- Collaboratively Minded: Tell us about a time when you dealt with someone who was difficult. How did you handle that situation?
Finally, as you prepare, think about how to convey what’s not obvious in your resume, credentials, or LinkedIn profile. What will help make your application memorable, adding to your overall narrative? Reflect on the stories you want to tell and offer dimensions that might be missing from elsewhere in your application.
Optional Peer Interview
In keeping with its “Human-Centered, Future-Focused” culture, McCombs invites all MBA applicants to complete their application process in a human-centered way with a short, optional peer interview with a current student.
We encourage you to sign up for this interview. They are brief — usually 30 minutes or less with just two or three questions, followed by an opportunity for you to ask questions from the real experts: the students going through the real MBA experience right now. These interviews let you connect with potential classmates, and add another positive, personal impression of the “real you” that can cap off a winning application.
Let’s Get You In.
Fortuna Admissions is a dream team of former MBA Admissions Directors and Officers from 18 of the top 20 business schools, including Texas McCombs . With our unparalleled collective expertise, we are able to coach you to develop a clear vision of your goals for business school and beyond. We work closely with you throughout the application process and provide expert guidance at every stage to maximize your chances of admission to a top school.
Our free consultations are consistently rated as the best in the industry. To learn more about Fortuna and assess your chances of admission to Wharton and other top programs, request a free consultation .
Want More Advice?
For a deeper dive on how to shine in your MBA video assessment, including tips for preparing and sample questions, view MBA Video Essay Tips , by Fortuna’s Caroline Diarte Edwards.
- Texas McCombs New Video Assessment: What to expect & how to prepare
- 7-minute video on strategy for video essays from Melissa Jones
- B-School Profile for Texas McCombs
- Request a copy of Fortuna’s Insider Tips Report for Texas McCombs
Updated September 2023
Fortuna’s Sharon Joyce is an MBA Admissions Coach and former Berkeley Haas Associate Director of Admissions. For a candid assessment of your chances of admission success at a top MBA program, sign up for a free consultation .
- Posted on September 27, 2022
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Texas McCombs MBA Insider
- Full-Time MBA Application
- Working Professional and Executive MBA Application Tips
- MBA Community
- Full-Time MBA
- Evening MBA
- Executive MBA
- MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth
- MBA at Houston
Working Professional and Executive MBA Essay Questions
Your MBA application essays are an important part of sharing your unique story with the Admissions Committee. The most successful essays will thoughtfully address the prompts, clearly communicate why you want to attend Texas McCombs, and authentically share who you are.
There are TWO required essays for the Working Professional MBA and only ONE required essay for the Executive MBA. Additionally, you can provide an optional essay if there is something you wish to explain about your candidacy that is not addressed elsewhere in your application.
Texas McCombs MBA Essay 1 – Working Professional MBA only
Evening MBA, MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth, MBA at Houston
We want to get to know you beyond your resume and professional experience. Tell us about yourself. You can discuss your upbringing, core values, formative experiences, special talents/interests, etc. Feel free to be creative and share anything that you think the Admissions Committee will find interesting. Select only one communication method for your response. Write an essay (250 words) 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 defines you, what energizes you, or an event that has shaped or influenced who you are today. We want to see what drives you outside of your work and career, and that you are well-rounded and have passions in your personal life.
Don’t forget about the first sentence of the prompt: “We want to get to know you beyond your resume and professional experience.” The Admissions Committee has already read the rest of your application (resume, transcript, recommendation letter, etc.). We want to better understand you outside of your professional life.
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. Make sure there is clear organization and a flow to your essay. If you’re not shy in front of a camera, then record a video. However, for the video submission, we do not advise submitting a photo slideshow; this doesn’t allow the admissions committee 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 – Working Professional and Executive MBA
Essay Two provides an opportunity to explain why you want an MBA and why you’re excited about Texas McCombs.
Take time to reflect on your MBA journey and the direction you want to take in your professional career. Explain how the Texas McCombs MBA program will help you realize your professional goals, and how you will contribute to the McCombs MBA community. (500 words)
In your response, we want to understand why the Texas McCombs MBA is right for you, your aspirations and career plans, and how you want to develop yourself both in and out of the classroom. What resources, organizations, classes, and experiential opportunities specifically relate to your career plan?
TIP: Connect the dots between your career 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 to make it better than when you arrived. How do you envision yourself becoming an active member of our MBA community? Do you plan on being an active member or leader of a student organization, or even starting a new club? Let us know!
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 have a unique contribution and are indispensable to our community.
MBA Optional Statement – Working Professional and Executive MBA
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 an explanation regarding your plans to commute or relocate to the program location. (250 words)
Optional statements should focus on filling gaps or answering questions we are likely to have about you and your candidacy. 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 or professional introduction. While we love to see how excited you are to share additional information with us, the bottom of your resume or your interview are likely better ways to let the Admissions Committee know about additional projects or information.
Our Top Essay Writing Tips
- Take time to reflect, brainstorm, write, and rewrite. It will likely take more than one draft to realize your final submission.
- Stay on prompt. Make sure you are completely addressing the essay question prompts. 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.
- Keep in mind the reader. They are reading your entire application including your essays, so do not re-use content from one essay to another or assume the reader knows the professional acronyms or jargon from your job.
- Don’t copy and paste. Do not use the same content for multiple business schools. We can always spot recycled content.
- 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.
- Edit and revise. 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 were helpful and gave you some ideas to think about when writing (and rewriting) your essays. Good luck and happy applying!
Please email us if you have any questions. Join us at an upcoming event to connect and learn more about Texas McCombs. Please sign up for MBA news and follow us on Instagram at @UTexasMBA to stay updated.
Application Tips , Evening MBA , Executive MBA , MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth , MBA at Houston , Working Professional and Executive MBA Application Tips
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Texas McCombs MBA Application Essays for the Class of 2026
Are you interested in applying to the UT McCombs School of Business this year? Then get ready to start brainstorming! The Texas McCombs MBA application essays and deadlines for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle have been confirmed. Last week, the school announced several changes to its application process designed to increase accessibility and reduce bias. These changes appear in the school’s testing requirements, its video component, and the new optional peer interview.
If you’re interested in UT McCombs, this is a can’t-miss episode of the B-Schooled podcast! Erika interviews Rodrigo Malta , Managing Director, MBA Recruiting and Admissions at McCombs, who gives extremely insightful advice and information for aspiring MBAs.
UT McCombs MBA Application
This year, the Texas MBA program is foregoing the traditional MBA essay. In its place, applicants must submit a 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. (e.g., gaps in work experience, choice of recommender, academic performance, or extenuating personal circumstances)
Texas McCombs Video Assessment
From the AdCom: 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
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 to use the video assessment tool to record responses to 4 questions, 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.
The Full-Time MBA Class of 2026 application is opening in August 2023. For additional information on applying, please visit the McCombs admissions website. If you need guidance on your Texas McCombs MBA application or wish to discuss your MBA plans, reach out for a complimentary analysis of your candidacy. We’re here to help!
With deadlines around the corner, you may be interested in the world-famous SBC Flight Test . Once a full set of application materials for your initial school have been drafted, but not finalized, the application will be sent to a former admissions committee member for a one-time review, adcomm style. You’ll have the benefit of a true admissions committee review while still having the ability to tinker and change. You will receive written feedback within two business days after submitting.
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