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How I Aced My Business School Application

Applying to business school? Two graduate students at the University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business share how they nailed their applications

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Thu Oct 24 2024

BusinessBecause
A graduate business degree can be a gateway to some of the world’s most influential careers—but the application process is intensely competitive, and can vary vastly from student to student, with personal experience and professional background coming into play. 

For most US business school programs, you need to submit a comprehensive application package. This typically includes a resume, transcript, references, essays, and sometimes a video assessment.

If you're looking to apply, speaking to current students or alums—ideally from your target programs—can help you to prepare well.

To get some top tips on how to ace your application, BusinessBecause spoke to two current students at the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin. Find out how they landed seats on the MBA and a master's program—and you could too!


1. Be ready to share your motivations

If you've made the decision to apply to business school, you’ll be keen to accelerate or change your career. Knowing how to frame your career path to the admissions panel can help you tackle your application form.  

Alex Kim (pictured right) first joined the army in 2018. He worked as an infantry officer for three years in Alaska, before joining a mental health non- f14f26026241ebf659b6c0c51ba32dbb03387796.jpg profit in Austin. For Alex, the management skills he gained through both experiences motivated him to apply for an MBA at UT Austin.

By comparison, Arden Silva’s path to business school started on very different terrain. Having completed an undergrad degree in business administration at UT Austin, they decided a career in data science was their calling—and where better to apply than to their alma mater’s MS in Information Technology and Management (MSITM)?   

So, with their motivations ready, how did Alex and Arden successfully land a place at b-school? 


2. Decide on the GMATor other admission test—and prepare well for it!

While the school's MS and MPA programs at UT Austin are test optional, applicants can submit a GMAT or GRE score if they feel it strengthens their overall profile.

Alex chose to take the GMAT to do just this, and got going with the prep right away:

“The first thing I did was I took a practical exam provided by mba.com to see where I was at and to understand what my weaknesses were," he says. "I found that it was the quantitative part that I was slightly lacking at, so that's what I focused on. Then every two weeks or so, I would take another practical exam to see where I was at.”

If you're applying to UT Austin or another test-optimal school, but don't have a strong work experience background or the quantitative prerequisites, applying yourself to study and scoring highly in a standardized test, as Alex did, can show the potential you bring to the program.

At UT Austin, MBA candidates can submit scores from the GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment (EA), or they may be eligible for a test waiver depending on their background and qualifications.

Expert tip: “When you build your application timeline, I would say plan to take the GMAT at least twice. That way, if something happens the first time that you take it—maybe you're sick, or something goes wrong on your way to the testing center—you already have the possibility of a second take,” says Rodrigo Malta, assistant dean of MBA recruiting and admissions at UT Austin. 


3. Optimize your resume 

If you have a non-corporate or business background you may need to consider how you frame your experience. This is exactly what Alex did.

“I had to translate my military experience over to make it broader so that people who haven't been in the military can understand what I did,” he said. “To help do that, I had people at the school look at my resume and give me feedback. That’s why I think I was successful.” 6ddb8a2f56c39a92f91d932641743cb038191ec8.jpg

Though Arden's route to their program was more linear, they needed to illustrate their skills clearly to show why the MS was the right choice.

Says Arden (pictured) : “For the MSITM program, I included how I interpreted business requirements, and how I then used those business requirements to implement a technical solution in my undergrad at UT. We also did a capstone project, so I included that in my resume.”

Expert tip:

“For the students who are still in undergrad or just coming out, extracurriculars are big [for the resume]. We want to know what they were involved in and what leadership opportunities they may have had, because they haven’t necessarily had the opportunity to do full-time work experience in most cases,” says  Emily Schatzle, director of admissions for MS programs at UT Austin.


4. Tackle the essay

The application essay is a great way to show what experience and outlook you’re bringing to the program and how you’re ready to learn.For Alex this meant understanding why he wanted to do an MBA. “This was a strong starting point for me, because I had a very clear path in my head of how I ended up there,” he says.

 This avoids a frequent mistake that Rodrigo highlights. He says: “A common pitfall that I see applicants have challenges with is overly focusing on their professional trajectory and accomplishments. One of the things that we really try to do with the new essay prompts is open the door for applicants to tell stories about who they are and what drives them beyond work.” 

Arden took an interesting approach when drafting their essay.“I think having something that you can reflect on, even if it's just a sentence or two talking about an eventful moment that day, can make it a lot easier to form stories that you can then write about [in the essay].”

Expert tips: 

Emily adds: “Some common essay mistakes I see are students either being too vague or focusing too much on long-term goals. When I'm talking to prospective students, I usually tell them, when you're thinking about your career goals, imagine that you are in the program. You are crossing the stage at graduation. Now what's next, and how is this program helping?” says Emily.


5. Prepare for the interview 

Thinking about the questions you’re likely to be asked in your interview is obviously vital. At UT Austin, this is held as a video assessment. Alex suggests:“You want four or five stories where you had a plan, you executed the plan, and you did really well. Then you want to have one or two stories where you overcame an obstacle, as well as one or two stories where you failed and overcame that failure.”

For Arden, a good way to approach the assessment is as you would a job interview.   “You should get your star stories down, so: Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR). You should have a very concise way to talk about how you work through problems. You should also show that you're curious and you’re passionate.” 

Expert tip: 

“Unlike live interviews, video assessments lack natural cues to indicate when to stop answering a question. Therefore, practicing when to stop is crucial. Additionally, practicing for the video assessment overall is key to performing well," says Rodrigo. 

So, there you go: with these key tips, landing a place in your dream school should feel a little more achievable. Good luck!

Student Reviews

University of Texas at Austin: McCombs

Student

Verified

21/08/2023

On Campus

A very warm and academic environment

UT Austin has a warm and academic environment that promotes a sense of belonging. With numerous programs and extracurricular activities available, you will never experience boredom. The campus boasts gorgeous surroundings, and the food surpasses expectations. The academic opportunities are outstanding, and the professors show genuine dedication to helping you succeed both personally and academically.

Henry

Verified

18/08/2023

On Campus

Excellent for Data Science

The program, for gaining expertise in Data Science and Business Analytics is at its peak with lectures and a curriculum that aligns perfectly with industry standards. As a participant in this community and program, This Is Really Helping Me To Excel My Career And Growth As A Data Scientist. The course structure flawlessly represents the demands of the market equipping students with skills and knowledge to excel. The key, to success lies in completing assignments and projects.

Student

Verified

18/08/2023

On Campus

A School with all you need

A reputable public university filled with professors who are truly dedicated, to their fields of expertise. It provides chances, for networking. Is situated in a vibrant city renowned for its lively nightlife, superb coffee shops and beautiful natural surroundings. All you need is a mind and a sense of exploration to have your needs met here.

Ashley

Verified

31/07/2023

On Campus

Great Facilities

With its strong emphasis on business majors, University has gained a prominent reputation. The university provides ample chances for students to specialize in different areas of business, and its state-of-the-art labs and research centers offer significant advantages, especially for those who are pursuing a Finance major. These resources enable students to develop proficiency in utilizing the most cutting-edge technology tools available.

Student

Verified

2/05/2023

On Campus

Truly Rewarding Experience on 40 Acres

As a student at The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin), I can confidently say that my experience here has been both academically and personally enriching. The campus is not only beautiful but also located in the vibrant city of Austin, which offers a diverse range of cultural, entertainment, and networking opportunities. UT Austin's academic programs are top-notch, and the professors are incredibly knowledgeable, approachable, and genuinely invested in their students' success. The variety of courses and degree programs available caters to a wide range of interests, allowing students to explore and hone their skills in their chosen fields. The university also provides ample research opportunities, which has helped me gain hands-on experience and enhance my understanding of various subjects. Student life at UT Austin is vibrant, with over 1,000 student organizations catering to a multitude of interests, from sports and cultural clubs to academic and community service groups. The university's emphasis on diversity and inclusion creates a welcoming atmosphere that encourages open-mindedness, collaboration, and personal growth. The strong sense of community and Longhorn pride make me proud to be a part of this prestigious institution. Overall, my experience at UT Austin has been nothing short of exceptional. The combination of excellent academic programs, a supportive community, and countless opportunities for personal and professional development make this university an ideal choice for students seeking a well-rounded and rewarding educational experience.

Ben

Verified

15/11/2022

On Campus

My Opinion on My Campus

A fantastic university with lots of walking within the big campus. Courses offered here are very competitive. There are also lots of resources which makes the quality of education in this campus very good. We had amazing professors. Sporting activities are also given priority in this university for instance football and other social activities

Kingston

Verified

10/10/2022

On Campus

College Life in Texas

Texas is a beautiful place with many beautiful people. You can visit some nature parks and beaches like Big Bend. South Padre Island If you're there in February, don't miss Mardi Gras in New Orleans or Austin. You won't regret it. Campus life is very good. It is very interesting that you always meet good people from different places. So always use this international environment to meet more people and expand your understanding of the world.

Lizzie

Verified

7/10/2022

On Campus

I love it in UT

I enjoy being in UT! The first month of school is a lot of fun. Different Types of events take place in the university. You have various organizations that run campaigns and recruit new members. Free items such as backpacks, hats, Frisbees, food and more are provided on campus. The people on campus are very nice and you can feel the school spirit during sports games - it's amazing. During your four years at UT, you must attend at least one football game. There you will feel the most school spirit. In addition to the school spirit and camaraderie on campus, there is also the general joy of being in Austin. There are many different types of restaurants such as Lake Travis or Barton Springs.

Charlie

Verified

5/10/2022

On Campus

Amazing Learning Experience

The University of Texas is a great institution of higher learning, Located in a beautiful City and it offers very good courses which are very competitive and good for the global market. It has a better application process as compared to other universities hence giving students easy time during application. Learning facilities are also great with a good library for personal studies. A great teaching staff and generally a good learning environment. A variety of other activities that students can engage in for enjoyment for instance sports among others. Would easily recommend this university to the world

Student

Verified

16/04/2024

On Campus

This school is fantastic!

I believe that the University of Texas is a very good University. You meet people from all walks of life and the teachers challenge you to be the best learner when you come out. What I loved about the University of Texas was its wide streets and big buildings. I would definitely recommend this school to anyone who is starting their university career, it is fantastic and they give you many tool in order to success. Sometimes you can even get a Success counselor.