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

• Expired (taken 5+ years ago) GMAT, GRE, or EA score is submitted

or

• General Test Waiver (merit-based) petition 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. More details on how to submit test scores or petition for a test waiver 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 MBA:

• GMAT and EA: 396-44-40
• 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 another graduate/terminal degree application).

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.

Full-Time MBA students who were admitted without a valid GRE, GMAT or EA score will be required to enroll in Accelerated Foundations Program, a one week quantitative prep series taught by McCombs faculty.

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

TOEFL or IELTS Waivers

International applicants who meet one of the following criteria will be granted a TOEFL or 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. Please visit UT’s International Student page for a list of qualifying countries.
• 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 5-10 business days after application submission.

Applicants must provide official transcripts from every high education institution they have attended, with the exception of junior or technical college. Domestic (U.S.) 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. Block out your social security number on all documents before uploading.

You must upload your transcripts twice during the application process. First, within the application, prior to paying the application fee. This copy will be sent to McCombs. After paying your application fee, you will be asked to upload your transcripts again. This copy will be sent to the Office of Graduate Admissions.

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

Resume

Within your application, you will provide your professional resume. Typically, two years of full-time post-bachelor’s work experience (not internships) are required for admission. 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 your resume and application essay. 

Letter of Recommendation

 We require one recommendation from a person who has supervised your work and/or assessed your performance.

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:

1. Please provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant, and if applicable, the applicant’s role in your organization. (50 words)

 

1. 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)

 

1. 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 as soon as you start your application.

MBA ESSAY PROMPTS

The essay prompts serve as a powerful storytelling tool, allowing you to share narratives and insights that may not be captured elsewhere in your application. The essay section has been refreshed for the 2024-2025 cycle, now featuring three prompts with a 250-word limit for each response. These are purposefully designed to elicit thoughtful and introspective responses that reveal your motivations, values, and aspirations.

Please complete the required essay prompts below and upload them to your application prior to submission.

Essay 1 – 250 Words
At Texas McCombs, we do things a little differently. We embrace those who take the initiative and forge new paths. What ambitious goal or change do you aim to achieve with an MBA, and why is Texas McCombs your ideal launch pad?   

Essay 2 – 250 Words
Here, you are what’s next. At this pivotal crossroads where you’re deciding your future path, the Texas McCombs MBA experience will equip you with the tools and mindset to make “what’s next” happen in your career. Please share unique qualities you possess that highlight your potential to shake up the status quo in your professional life.

Essay 3 – 250 Words
The University of Texas at Austin’s motto, “What starts here changes the world,” embodies a spirit of impact and transformation. What fuels your drive to lead change and make your mark in the world?

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)

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 are introducing a dynamic video assessment component, 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 Admissions Committee 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 reconciling the application fee. Applicants have 7 days to complete the assessment upon receiving access to the video submission platform.

There will be 5 question prompts and applicants will have 1-3 minutes to answer each prompt.

MBA 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 virtual and in-person events 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 virtual interview. 

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.