Note: The 1-1 interview is an optional component for the full-time MBA program application.
"If you have not had the chance to get to know us and would like an additional opportunity to convey something that might not be conveyed elsewhere in the application, we might recommend signing up for a peer interview. ... The interview may serve as an additional data point for the committee, but it is not required for admissions consideration." - Application Instructions
Prompt: Imagine yourself at the completion of your MBA journey.
Why was pursuing your MBA at Texas McCombs the right decision for your personal and professional growth? Reflect on how you made the most of your time in the program — academically, through hands-on learning opportunities, and within the McCombs community.
Highlight how you contributed to the McCombs community and used its resources to grow both professionally and personally. (250 words maximum)
You will be writing in the past tense, as if you have already attended the MBA program and are about to graduate. This is the essay to demonstrate how well you have gotten to know McCombs through research, information sessions, and talking with current students. However, because this essay is so short, you will have to be very selective in what you decide to focus upon.
Quickly describe: How did you pursue your career while at McCombs, and how did McCombs assist you? This would require describing your short-term goal(s), but in retrospect, as if you have already started achieving that goal.
This goal should go beyond more money or a better career for yourself. You should describe a mission goal. In other words, starting this new career fresh out of McCombs, how will you positively impact your organization, your industry, and/or your community?
Who have you met at McCombs? What have they said to you that two years later might still ring true? Add a quote from someone whom you have talked to at the school. (As you know, McCombs weighs whether you have taken the time to meet students and admissions officers from the school. This is especially crucial if you live in Austin!)
In describing how you contributed to the MBA program or community, you may include 1-2 of the following:
Prompt: Reflect on a core value that defines you. Share a specific example of how it has guided your decisions and actions, and explain how it will shape your contributions and growth as a McCombs MBA student.
Highlight how this value has influenced your leadership style and life path, and how it will shape your MBA experience. (250 words maximum)
Definition of values: a person's principles or standards of behavior; one's judgment of what is important in life.
Before writing, do some brainstorming.
Define what values are important to you. Also, why are they important to you?
Then answer how have those values have influenced decisions and actions at work or in your personal life.
Choose one value that has influenced you into action. If you have not taken action, then that is not the value to write about.
In writing about this value and how it has guided you in action, be sure to explain your decision-making. Clearly, McCombs wants to understand better how you think.
Finally, answer these questions at the end:
Remember that McCombs is not only trying to find out more about why you feel driven to pursue particular career goals, but also what is most important to you. They are looking to better understand your personality and which aspects of your background are driving you in your life.
Prompt: 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. (250 words maximum)
Use to address:
Use this essay to turn a potential weakness into a strength. Tell the Admissions Committee what happened and why it happened. Be honest in your self-evaluation. Most importantly, tell them what you have learned from the negative experience, and how this learning has influenced future actions.
You must plan to connect directly with a full-time MBA student - McCombs states directly that it is ENCOURAGED, which means, "if you can, do it." You should plan to do this after you have submitted your application and the Video Assessment, and paid your application fee.
You will receive an invitation after you have completed your application. You will be able to choose your host whenever you register for a slot. While not required, registering for and attending an Admissions Connection session is highly encouraged.
All Full-Time MBA applicants are encouraged but not required to complete a virtual interview with a member of the McCombs Ambassador Committee. The interview format is behavioral-question based and lasts 20-30 minutes including time for your questions.
These interactive virtual sessions present a valuable opportunity for our applicants to connect with the MBA community, showcase their collaborative skills, reaffirm their motivation for pursuing an MBA, and leave a lasting positive impression on Texas McCombs.
Prompt: All applicants must complete a video assessment.
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.
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.
The video assessment 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:
McCombs provides the following information: