This year, the Texas McCombs MBA admissions committee has revealed a new set of essays. These new essays are also intended to promote accessibility while minimizing bias. This modification reduces the number of necessary essays from two to one and includes a video evaluation.
The Texas McCombs MBA admissions committee introduced a Texas McCombs Admissions Connection this year. This is a Zoom meeting where applicants may ask questions to a member of the community directly.
The UT McCombs School of Business is a worldwide acclaimed MBA school in Austin, Texas, a regional center of technology and business. So, when preparing, keep in mind that entrepreneurship is a major focus. Entrepreneurship along with Management Consulting, Clean Tech, Innovation Leadership, and Supply Chain & Operations Management are the main focal points of the program.
Remember, the Texas McCombs MBA class size is small and close-knit. So let us examine the new essay questions and breakdowns.
Looking for additional MBA programs closer to the West Coast?
THE TEXAS MCCOMBS MBA APPLICATION
ESSAY ONE
Picture yourself at graduation. Describe how you spent your time as a Texas McCombs MBA to achieve your personal and professional goals. (500 words)
This essay is your chance to show how well you fit into the Texas McCombs MBA program. As part of your preparation for the Texas McCombs MBA application, you should study everything you can about the institution. You may mix your research with your goals here.
Consider how you could explain your Texas McCombs MBA experience to a future employer. You will most likely have grown professionally as well as personally. You will also have met fascinating people who will become part of your lifelong network.
Researching Texas McCombs is key.
To get started, look at some of McCombs' unique options, such as the Venture Labs, if you have entrepreneurial ambitions. Another excellent curriculum is The MBA+ Program, which includes opportunities to work with important corporations. Living in Austin is another advantage of the program.
For example, if you wanted to work for a large technology company to develop product management skills before starting your own business, you may have tested ideas with the Venture Labs while at McCombs. You may have also worked as a consultant for big corporations such as Adobe or HP to learn how giant corporations operate. These events were most likely influential in your professional decisions.
Don't neglect the personal aspect of the application essay. McCombs offers a lively student culture, with which you should get involved. Aditionally, after you graduate, your classmates and new acquaintances are surely influential.
VIDEO ASSESSMENT
The video assessment is virtual and on-demand, so applicants can complete it from anywhere in the world at a time in the day convenient to them. The video assessment will help the Admissions Committee evaluate the following competencies:
Adaptability/Resilience Ambition
Motivation Career Goals
Empathy/Inclusivity Verbal Communication
Collaboration Self-AwarenessApplicants will be asked to use the video assessment tool to record responses to seven questions, with each response lasting no more than three minutes 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. Applicants will have seven days from the invitation to complete 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 practice your delivery. More tips will be provided in the coming weeks.
Though McCombs will offer additional information, you may use this video assessment to begin thinking about what you want to say to the admissions committee.
For example, your cultural background or formative life experiences. Consider your friends, family, and coworkers who have inspired you. Think about critical transformations in your life you have experienced and brainstorm interesting anecdotes.
Life transitions can spark your Texas McCombs MBA application essay topics.
For many people, the journey from high school to college, or from college to job, results in a significant personal transformation. Other experiences, like travel or living abroad, or formative childhood experiences or events have lead to shifts in perspective. These kinds of personal events may be a great opportunity to demonstrate your values and communicaate what inspires you.
This video assessment allows you to be personable - show emotion or make a funny joke. These moments are otherwise difficult to portray in text. Think about bullet points and important topics you wish to include. Make sure you practice speaking into the camera before you start. Maybe bring a friend or family member and place them behind the camera so you can speak to them directly instead of just the camera.
OPTIONAL STATEMENT
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 explain about their candidacy that is not addressed elsewhere.
An optional essay allows you to elaborate on anything that requires further explanation. For example, low test scores, grades below a C, academic probation, or a big résumé gap are all areas to explain for your Texas McCombs MBA application. Keep your explanation brief and to the point. Also, instead of making excuses, rather explain the context of the challenge.