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The UT Austin McCombs School of Business offers a highly regarded MBA program for individuals looking to advance their careers in the world of business. With a rich history and a focus on academic excellence, McCombs provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today's rapidly changing business landscape.
Located in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas, the UT Austin McCombs School of Business is consistently ranked among the top business schools in the nation. The school is known for its rigorous curriculum, accomplished faculty, and strong network of alumni. Students at McCombs have the advantage of being part of a cutting-edge business community in a city that embraces innovation and entrepreneurship.
The McCombs School of Business offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including a highly regarded MBA program that consistently ranks among the top in the country. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in business fundamentals while also allowing for specialization in areas such as finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
UT Austin McCombs Class Profile (2025)
- Location: Austin, TX
- Class Size: 241
- Acceptance Rate: 28.5%
- Average Work Experience: 5.9 years
- Median GMAT: 704
- Median GRE: 160 (Verbal), 161 (Quant)
- Average GPA: 3.46
- Women: 35%
- International: 26%
- U.S. Military: 14%
- First-Generation: 20%
Each year, UT Austin McCombs admits a diverse and talented group of students into their MBA program. The class of 2025 is no exception. With an average GMAT score of 704, this score reflects their ability to excel in a rigorous academic environment and their potential to make significant contributions to the business world. The class is also highly diverse, with students hailing from a variety of industries and backgrounds.
The incoming class comprises individuals from various industries, including finance, technology, healthcare, and consulting, among others. This diversity of professional backgrounds allows for a cross-pollination of ideas and expertise, creating a dynamic learning environment where students can gain insights from different sectors and apply them to real-world business challenges.
2024-2025 Application Overview
Applying to the UT Austin McCombs MBA program requires careful attention to the application requirements and deadlines. For the 2024-2025 admissions cycle, prospective students will need to submit their applications by the specified deadlines. In addition to the application form, applicants will need to provide their GMAT or GRE scores, essays, letters of recommendation, and undergo an interview process.
UT Austin McCombs Deadlines
Round 1: October 15, 2024
- Decisions Released: December 17, 2024
Round 2: January 15, 2025
- Decisions Released: March 27, 2025
Round 3: April 1, 2025
- Decisions Released: April 29, 2025
Round 4: May 15, 2025
- Decisions Released: June 5, 2025
The application deadlines for the UT Austin McCombs MBA program vary depending on whether you are applying for the full-time program, the part-time program, or the executive program. It is important to review the specific deadlines for each program to ensure your application is submitted on time.
For the full-time program, the application deadline is typically in the early fall, allowing prospective students ample time to gather all the necessary materials and complete their application. The part-time program has a separate deadline, usually in the late spring, to accommodate working professionals who wish to pursue their MBA while continuing to work. The executive program, designed for senior-level executives, has its own unique deadline to cater to the needs and schedules of busy professionals.
Meeting the application deadlines is crucial as late submissions may not be considered, and prospective students may have to wait for the next admissions cycle to apply.
Read: The Ultimate MBA Application Guide (2024)
GMAT/GRE
As part of the application process, prospective students are required to submit their GMAT or GRE scores. These standardized tests help the admissions committee evaluate an applicant's quantitative and verbal reasoning abilities. It is recommended to take the GMAT or GRE well in advance of the application deadline to allow for ample preparation. Please note that Austin McCombs will waive the testing requirement if you have taken an expired (5+ years ago) GMAT, GRE, or EA score is submitted.
To read more, click here: GMAT vs. GRE for Business School—Which to Take and How to Ace Both
Austin McCombs Essays
Applicants to the McCombs MBA program are required to submit essays as part of their application. These essays provide an opportunity for applicants to showcase their personal and professional accomplishments, goals, and motivations. It is crucial to spend time crafting thoughtful and well-written essays that highlight your unique strengths and experiences.
When writing your essays, it is essential to be authentic and genuine. Admissions committees value honesty and want to understand who you are as an individual, beyond your academic and professional achievements. It is also beneficial to have others review your essays for feedback and to ensure clarity and coherence.
The following essay prompts are required to upload them to your application prior to submission.
Required Essays
Essay #1: 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? (250 words)
Essay #2: 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. (250 words)
Essay #3: 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? (250 words)
Optional Essay
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)
Learn more here: How to Write a Powerful MBA Essay—With Example
Letters of Recommendation
The UT Austin McCombs requires one recommendation letter from a person who has supervised your work or assessed your performance. The Admissions Committee only accepts one letter per application and does not allow additional recommendations.
During the application process, you can invite your recommender to submit their recommendation through the online system. It is strongly advised to choose a professional recommender, such as a direct supervisor, indirect supervisor, or client. If you cannot request a letter from your direct supervisor or believe another recommender is more suitable, explain your reasoning in the optional essay statement. Once the recommendation letter is submitted, you will receive an automated confirmation email. Your recommender will be asked to evaluate specific competencies and traits, and answer three targeted questions in the recommendation form.
Letter of Reference Questions:
- Please provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant, and if applicable, the applicant's role in your organization. (50 words)
- 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)
- 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)
Learn more here: How to Get the Perfect MBA Recommendation Letter—With Examples. Also, click here for our free Leland Recommender Prep Template.
Austin McCombs Interviews
Qualified applicants to the McCombs MBA program may be invited to participate in an interview. The interview allows the admissions committee to further evaluate an applicant's fit for the program and assess their communication and interpersonal skills. It is essential to prepare for the interview by researching the program, reviewing your application materials, and practicing common interview questions.
The interview format may vary, with some applicants being invited for in-person interviews, while others may have virtual interviews. Regardless of the format, it is important to approach the interview with confidence and professionalism. Dressing appropriately, maintaining good eye contact, and demonstrating active listening skills are all important aspects of a successful interview.
During the interview, be prepared to discuss your background, experiences, and goals. It is also beneficial to have thoughtful questions prepared for the interviewer, as this demonstrates your genuine interest in the program and allows you to gather more information about the McCombs MBA experience.
After the interview, it is a good practice to send a thank-you note or email to the interviewer to express your appreciation for their time and consideration. This small gesture can leave a positive impression and reinforce your interest in the program.
Read more here: How to Ace Your MBA Interview: With Prep Questions & Answers and How to Nail Your Virtual MBA Interview
Other UT Austin McCombs Application Items
Application Fee
To confirm the application, you submit a non-refundable fee of $200. This is automatically waived for Teach for America participant and U.S. military personnel. If you completed the Forté MBA Launch or Fulbright program, you can request the fee to be waived.
Academic Transcripts
UT Austin McCombs evaluates your academic history through a two-step process. First, the admissions committee conducts a transcript evaluation to ensure you can handle the program's academic rigor. You will need to upload copies of your official transcripts or mark sheets to Texas McCombs before paying the application fee. Second, the UT Office of Graduate Admissions performs a transcript validation. This process verifies your degree and calculates your GPA using upper-division courses and any Master's or Ph.D. coursework. After paying the application fee, you must upload copies of your official transcripts or mark sheets to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Domestic transcripts must be issued within the past calendar year, and if they are in a language other than English, complete and official English translations must accompany the original documents. Ensure you block out social security numbers on all documents before uploading.
Resume
Within your application to UT Austin McCombs, you will need to provide your professional resume. The school strongly suggests that all applicants have at least two years of full-time post-bachelor's work experience, excluding internships. This work experience should be calculated up until the time of enrollment, encompassing all roles completed since earning your bachelor's degree, including teaching, military service, and government experience. If you have other types of relevant experience, you can fully explain them in the application essay or optional statement. It is recommended to keep your resume to one page unless you have more than ten years of work experience.
Learn more here: How to Craft the Ultimate MBA Resume—With Examples
UT Austin McCombs Tuition and Costs (2024-2025)
Estimated One-Year Tuition and Fees
- Texas Resident: $53,818
- Non-Texas Resident: $59,684
UT Austin McCombs Program Overview
The UT Austin McCombs MBA program is a comprehensive and rigorous program that prepares students for leadership roles in the business world. The program is designed to provide a solid foundation in business fundamentals while also offering opportunities for specialization and experiential learning.
Required Curriculum
UT Austin McCombs's MBA core curriculum is purposefully designed to develop the essential skills that leaders need to make informed decisions, analyze data, communicate effectively, and execute strategic visions for change. The core curriculum offers rigorous coverage of key functional areas with interrelated classes that build upon and complement each other.
First-Year Course Breakdown
Fall
- Financial Management
- Statistics
- Marketing Management
- Operations Management
- Strategic Career Planning
Spring
- Strategic Management
- Custom Core #2 (second of four Custom Core* classes)
- Custom Core #3 (third of four Custom Core* classes)
- Custom Core #4 (fourth of four Custom Core* classes)
- Elective
- Elective
Second Year
In the second year, students have the opportunity to customize their MBA experience by choosing from a wide range of elective courses. These electives allow students to explore areas of interest and gain expertise in specific fields. The second year also includes a capstone project where students apply their knowledge and skills to solve real business problems.
Read: Top 25 MBA Programs' Application Deadlines (2025)
UT Austin McCombs Deferred MBA Program
The UT Austin McCombs School of Business offers a deferred MBA program for exceptional undergraduate students who want to secure their spot in the MBA program before gaining work experience. The program allows students to pursue their undergraduate degrees while also preparing for their future MBA studies.
UT Austin McCombs Joint Degree Programs
MBA/MD — Dell Medical School
The MBA/MD dual degree program at the University of Texas at Austin is exclusively available to second-year MD students currently enrolled at Dell Medical School. This unique program allows these medical students to pursue an MBA alongside their Doctor of Medicine degree, equipping them with a robust business acumen to complement their medical expertise.
MBA/JD — UT Austin School of Law
For those interested in the MBA/JD dual degree program at UT Austin, applicants who are not currently enrolled in the Austin Law program need to apply to the School of Law through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and also complete the Texas MBA application. On the other hand, current Austin Law students should complete both the Texas MBA application and the dual degree program application via ApplyTexas.
Read: The 25 Best JD-MBA Programs for Dual-Degree Applicants
MBA/MSSW — Steve Hicks School of Social Work
For those interested in the MBA/MSSW dual degree program at UT Austin, applicants who are not currently enrolled in the School of Social Work need to apply directly to the School of Social Work and also complete the Texas MBA application. In contrast, current Social Work students are only required to submit the Texas MBA application.
McCombs offers several joint degree programs that allow students to earn both an MBA and another advanced degree simultaneously. These joint degree programs are designed to give students a competitive edge by providing a unique combination of business and specialized knowledge.
Final Note
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