UT McCombs MBA Essay Tips for 2019-2020
The UT McCombs School of Business is a globally recognized MBA program, located in Austin, Texas, a center of technology and business for the region. When you are getting ready to draft your Texas McCombas MBA application, consider that entrepreneurship is a huge focus.
Along with Management Consulting, Clean Tech, Innovation Leadership and Supply Chain & Operations Management, Entrepreneurship is a top 5 concentration. Class size at Texas McCombs MBA is small and close knit, and the students backgrounds are diverse.
Stacey Kammerdiener, Texas MBA Admissions Officer, advises prospective students: Be honest. These essays are our way to learn more about you. Our students value authenticity and we look for essays that reflect your authentic self. More great advice for your Texas McCombs MBA application can be found at the Texas MBA Insider blog.
If you want more assistance, we can help! Contact Stacy Blackman Consulting for a free evaluation and more tips on your Texas McCombs MBA application. For additional information on applying, please visit the McCombs admissions website.
Essay One
We will learn a lot about your professional background through your resume and letter of recommendation. We want to get to know you further. Please introduce yourself using an essays of 250 words, OR a video introduction of one minute.
An open-ended essay with a creative option (the video) can be intimidating. Instead of focusing on whether you want to use an essay or a video, start thinking about what you want to communicate. Your Texas McCombs MBA application is a way to introduce yourself to the admissions committee. Also, of course your new study group.
As the Texas Admissions Blog reminds you, While your professional life is important, this essay is your opportunity to share who you are outside of the bullet points on your resume. The best Texas McCombas MBA application essays will dive deep into your motivations and aspirations.
Also, get into your cultural background, formative moments in your life and friends, family and colleagues who have influenced you. To identify key stories you want to tell in your Texas McCombs MBA application, think about those pivotal moments of change.
Life transitions can spark your essay topics
For many people, the transition from high school to college and from college to work led to personal change. Others had formative childhood experiences. Or experiences that led to shifts in perspective, like travel or living outside your home country. Any one of these moments could be a good way to illustrate your values and what motivates you.
Once you have identified the content of your essay you can decide how to present it. A video could give you the opportunity to add elements of emotion, such as humor, that are harder in writing. With a video you can include graphics, photos or other visual elements. Note that you should appear in the video for the bulk of it. If your story works better in writing you should choose the written essay instead.
If you choose a video essay, write a script for your video. Think about the bullet points you want to cover, and any important points. If you decide to talk into the camera, make sure you rehearse. Consider having a friend or family member there so you can talk to a person instead of the camera.
Try to edit the video after you record footage to keep it smooth and on topic. Either way, make sure you take the time to record several takes of the video content so you can choose the best one to submit to McCombs.
Essay Two
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 opportunity to demonstrate your fit with the Texas McCombs MBA program. As part of your homework for the Texas McCombs MBA application you should learn as much as possible about the school. Now you can combine your research with your own aspirations and goals.
Use your imagination and think about how you might describe your Texas McCombs MBA experience at graduation. Youll likely have had both professional and personal growth. Also, met interesting people who will be part of your lifelong network. The Admissions Blog reminds you We have also already reviewed your short and long term goals. Essay two is meant to explain to us how you believe McCombs will help get you there.
To help you get started, research some of the unique opportunities at McCombs like the Venture Labs, if you have entrepreneurial dreams. Another great program is The MBA+ Program, with opportunities to work with influential companies. Being part of the city of Austin also is a unique benefit to the program that you may want to consider.
For example, maybe you were interested in working for a major technology firm to learn product manager skills to use in starting your own business. While at McCombs you might have tested ideas with the Venture Labs. You could have also consulted for major companies like Adobe or HP to learn how large companies worked. These experiences were probably formative as you made career plans.
Dont forget the personal McCombs has an active and engaged student culture with student clubs you likely joined. And your classmates and friends you made were definitely an influence!
Optional Statement
Please provide any additional information you believe is important and/or address any areas of concern that will be beneficial to the Admissions Committee in considering your application (e.g. unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, academic performance, or extenuating personal circumstances). (250 words)
This optional essay provides space for you to explain anything that needs context. Some areas that may need explanation for your Texas McCombs MBA application include: lower than average test scores, any grades below a C on your transcript, academic probation or a significant resume gap. Keep your explanation concise and factual. Also, focus on context for the issue instead of excuses.