McCombs School of Business
Master in Professional Accounting (MPA)
MPA : Traditional MPA : FAQ—Admissions

MPA Program:  Frequently Asked Questions

Requirements for Admission The Admissions Process Application Materials I have a 3-year bachelor’s degree. Am I eligible to apply to the MPA program?
All applicants must possess the equivalent of the four-year U.S. bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Many degrees conferred by institutions outside of the U.S., while ostensibly referred to with the name "bachelor's" do not meet this four-year standard. The Graduate and International Admissions Center (GIAC) determines this equivalency based on the official transcripts required for the application process.

For example, for applicants who attended undergraduate institutions in India, the University of Texas at Austin does not consider the Bachelor’s of Communication equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.  Therefore, applicants holding this three-year degree are not eligible for admission to our graduate school programs.  However, applicants who have already completed (and have been awarded) a master’s degree in India in addition to their bachelor’s degree are eligible for graduate study.  Please note that partial completion of the master’s program will not make you eligible for our graduate programs.  In addition, applicants who hold Associate memberships with the Institute of Chartered Accountancy in addition to their bachelor’s degree may be eligible for graduate study at UT.  Please contact the Graduate and International Admissions Center (GIAC) with any questions and for more information.  GIAC’s contact information can be found at this website: http://www.utexas.edu/student/admissions/about/contact.html.
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What pre-enrollment courses are required?
Pre-enrollment requirements include one semester each of the following:

Calculus
Intro to statistics
Intro to macroeconomics
Intro to microeconomics
Intro to financial accounting

For more information, including course descriptions, please visit our website at: http://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/mpa/traditional/advising/prereqs.asp.  
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Do I need to complete all pre-enrollment courses prior to applying to the MPA program?
Students may apply prior to completing this coursework; however, the completion of the courses can strengthen an application.  Students must complete Introduction to Financial Accounting or the equivalent prior to the start of the MPA program.  Students who have not completed this course at another institution will be required to enroll in ACC 311-Fundamentals of Financial Accounting in the first 6-week summer session, which usually starts in late May/early June.  ACC 311 (or the equivalent) is a prerequisite to ACC 381-Financial Accounting, which is offered in the second summer session.  Students are required to complete the remainder of the pre-enrollment requirements by the end of the first semester of enrollment.  Please note that these courses will not count toward the MPA degree and completing this coursework after enrolling in the MPA program can extend your graduation date.
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Does one need an undergraduate degree in accounting to apply to the MPA program?
We accommodate students who hold bachelor’s degrees from any discipline. For information about our student profile, please visit our website at: http://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/mpa/traditional/profile.asp.
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Is work experience required to apply?
Work experience is not required but can strengthen an application.
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What are the characteristics of a strong applicant?
The admissions committee carefully considers each completed application, with particular attention to personal essays, prior academic performance, letters of recommendation, extracurricular and community activities, honors and achievements, test scores, and work history (if applicable).  Personal characteristics that add to the diversity of the class may also be considered such as country of citizenship, multi-lingual skills, and socioeconomic history.  In general, the MPA Program looks for well-rounded students with balanced strengths in motivation, academic ability, communication skills, and quantitative skills.  For detailed information, please visit our website at: http://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/mpa/traditional/admissions/apply.asp#characteristics.
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What are my chances of getting into the MPA Program?
Unfortunately, we cannot give you an estimate on your chances of being admitted to the MPA program.  Each application is evaluated in its entirety and in comparison with the rest of the applicant pool for a particular year.  Please refer to the previous question regarding characteristics of a strong application for more information.
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The Admissions Process

How exactly do I apply?
For step-by-step instructions, please visit our website on the application process at: http://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/mpa/traditional/admissions/apply.asp.
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Is an interview required as part of the admissions process?
An interview is not required and cannot be requested as part of the MPA admissions process.  Our MPA academic and career advisors are more than happy to meet with prospective students to answer questions about the program, admissions process, and/or career possibilities.  To set up an appointment, please call the MPA Program Office at (512) 471-6559.
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What is the application deadline date?
The application deadline for international students is February 1.  The deadline for U.S. permanent residents or citizens is March 1.
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How can I check the status of my application materials?
We do not collect the application materials in the MPA program office. To see if your paperwork has been received by the Graduate and International Admissions Center (GIAC), please check online at: http://utdirect.utexas.edu/nr/appstat.html.  You will be required to login using your UT EID and password, which are given to you after submitting your online application. If you have questions about the status of your application materials after viewing the online information, please contact GIAC directly. GIAC’s contact information can be found at this website: http://www.utexas.edu/student/admissions/about/contact.html.  During peak processing times, it may take from 7 to 21 working days for your documents to be loaded into GIAC’s computer system. Please allow an appropriate amount of time to pass before expecting to see these credentials on the status check website. Credentials are stamped with the date on which they are received by GIAC and will be considered “on time” if this date meets your application deadline.
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Most of my application materials will be in by the deadline except for my GMAT scores. Can the admissions committee accept a copy of my score report until the official scores arrive?
All application materials, including the official test scores, must be received before the admissions committee will review your file for an admissions decision.  Applications completed after the application deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.
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When will I hear if I got accepted into the MPA program? Do you utilize a rolling admissions process?
The majority of admissions decisions for applications completed by the deadline are made in mid to late March and no later than April 15.  Applications completed after the submission deadlines will be considered on a space-available basis.
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How will I find out if I am accepted into the MPA program?
Your decision will be immediately posted online at: http://utdirect.utexas.edu/nr/appstat.html.  In addition, you will receive a letter in the mail from the Graduate and International Admissions Center once a decision has been reached.  Students who are accepted to the MPA program also will receive an email notification and be sent an admissions packet in the mail.
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I have been admitted to another university and the acceptance deadline is approaching, yet I haven’t received an admission decision from UT’s MPA program. Is there anything I can do to receive an earlier decision?
If you should receive an admission offer from another university and need to respond to the offer before you receive a decision from UT, please email the name of the university and the admission response deadline to Keri Ledezma at keri.ledezma@mccombs.utexas.edu.  Although the admissions committee cannot guarantee an earlier admission decision, we will do our best to accommodate your request.
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If I apply this year and am not admitted, is there anything special I need to do to reapply next year?
Most application materials are kept on file for one year, so you may reapply for the subsequent fall semester using the majority of the application materials that you submitted this year.  Please mention in a cover letter that you are reapplying from last year.  For detailed information on the reapplication process, please visit our website at: http://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/mpa/traditional/admissions/apply.asp#reapplications.
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Application Materials

What are the application materials that must be submitted?
The required application materials include the following:
  • Online application
  • Application fee ($80 U.S.; $100 international)
  • Statement of purpose essay
  • Resume
  • 2 letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts from all institutions attended
  • Competitive GMAT score
  • Competitive TOEFL score (international applicants from non-English-speaking countries)
  • Copy of U.S. permanent resident card (if applicable)
For detailed information and downloadable recommendation forms, please visit our website at: http://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/mpa/traditional/admissions/apply-online.asp.
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Can I complete a paper application?
Because the online Texas Common Application is the fastest, safest, and most efficient method of applying, we no longer accept paper applications.  The online application can be saved and returned to as often as needed before officially submitting it (just make note of your application number, as directed).  We prefer essays to be submitted online, as well.
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Where should the mailed portion of the application be sent?
The mailed portion of the application should be sent in one packet directly to the Graduate and International Admissions Center (GIAC) at:

Postal Address:
GIAC
The University of Texas at Austin
P.O. Box 7608
Austin, Texas 78713-7608

OR
Courier Address:
GIAC
The University of Texas at Austin
2608 Whitis Avenue
Austin, Texas 78712-1534
Phone: 512-475-7391

Please do not send any application materials to the MPA Program Office.
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Can I waive the application fee?
We do not grant requests for waivers or deferrals of the MPA application fee.
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What length should the application essay be?
If you are submitting your essay online (preferred), it must be no longer than 120 eighty-character lines of text (including spaces and blank lines).  If you are mailing in a paper copy of your essay, please put your full name, date of birth, and the Applytexas application ID and/or UT EID at the top of each page.  Your essay should be typed and generally no longer than two pages.
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Who should write my letters of recommendation?
Choose references who know you in an academic or professional context and are familiar with your academic achievements, credentials, career aspirations, and work history (if applicable).  References should speak to your personal qualities, career potential, and potential to succeed in the classroom.  In addition to completing the recommendation form, references are asked to provide a narrative statement.  A free-form recommendation letter is fine for this purpose.
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Can I submit more than two recommendation letters?
Although only two recommendation letters are required for the MPA application, applicants are welcome to submit more than two letters, if preferred.  All recommendation letters that are submitted will be reviewed.
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What is the minimum GMAT score the MPA Program will consider?
Although the MPA program does not impose a minimum GMAT score, it is considered an important component of the MPA application.  We consider the GMAT in the context of a holistic review of all admissions criteria.  The GMAT test score range and average for the current MPA class can be found on our website at: http://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/mpa/traditional/profile.asp.
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Can the GMAT requirement be waived? Does the MPA Program accept the GRE instead of the GMAT?
The GMAT is one of many factors–-including recommendations, essays, undergraduate GPA, etc.–- that we consider when reviewing an application. Therefore, all applicants to the MPA program are required to submit GMAT scores. The GRE cannot be substituted in its place.
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How long are GMAT test scores valid?
GMAT scores are valid for five years from the test date.  As long as you submit the application and the test score is submitted by ETS before the expiration of the exam, we can use the score for admission purposes. In other words, the exam does not have to be valid at the time of enrollment.  For example, if you took the exam in November of 2001 and submit the scores and application by November 2006, we can use the scores for the entire application cycle for fall 2007.  If you do not submit the scores by November 2006, you would need to retake the exam.
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If I retake the GMAT or TOEFL, which scores are considered?
If you retake the GMAT or TOEFL, the higher of the two scores will be considered (scores are not averaged).  If you have submitted all application materials and plan to retake the GMAT or TOEFL, please inform Keri Ledezma (via email at keri.ledezma@mccombs.utexas.edu) of your original score and new test date, or the admissions committee may make a decision based on your first set of scores.  Please note that if your new scores arrive after the submission deadline, then your application will be considered on a space-available basis.
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Can the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) be accepted in lieu of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and what is the preferred minimum score?
Yes, we accept either TOEFL or IELTS test scores. The MPA Program prefers a minimum TOEFL score of 620 (paper-based exam), 260 (computer-based exam), or 105 (internet-based exam) or a minimum IELTS overall band score of 7.5.
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Which applicants must submit the TOEFL or IELTS?
The University of Texas at Austin requires that international students whose native language is not English must submit scores on the TOEFL or IELTS.
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Can the TOEFL/IELTS requirement be waived?
The TOEFL or IELTS is not required for U.S. citizens or U.S. Permanent Residents and in the following circumstances for non-U.S. residents:
  • If the applicant’s native language is English. (English must be the only official language of the country of which the applicant is a citizen).
  • If the applicant has a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university from a country in which English is the only official language as well as the language of instruction.
In the above situations, the TOEFL/IELTS requirement is waived automatically - you do not need to request a waiver.

If neither of the above circumstances applies to your particular situation as an international applicant, then you are required to include a TOEFL or IELTS score with your MPA application.  If you studied a graduate degree in an English-only speaking country, your TOEFL/IELTS score requirement will not be waived automatically. However, you may request that a copy of your expired TOEFL or IELTS score report be used for your MPA application.  Please email the following information to Keri Ledezma (at keri.ledezma@mccombs.utexas.edu): your TOEFL or IELTS score, the university where you studied your degree, your graduate degree major, your graduation date, and the total length of time spent in the U.S.
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When do TOEFL and IELTS scores expire?
Both the TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. As long as you submit the application and the test score is submitted by ETS before the expiration of the exam, we can use the score for admission purposes. In other words, the exam does not have to be valid at the time of enrollment. For example, if you took the exam in November of 2004 and submit the scores and application before November 2006, we can use the scores for the entire application cycle for fall 2007. If you do not submit the scores by November 2006, you would need to retake the exam. However, if you studied a graduate degree in an English-only speaking country and your TOEFL/IELTS test score from that graduate application has expired, you may request that a copy of your expired TOEFL or IELTS score report be used for your MPA application. Please email the following information to Keri Ledezma (at keri.ledezma@mccombs.utexas.edu): your TOEFL or IELTS score, the university where you studied your degree, your graduate degree major, your graduation date, and the total length of time spent in the U.S.
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What if I do not meet the MPA program’s preferred minimum score on the TOEFL or IELTS?
Because English skills are essential for success in the MPA program and recruiting process, meeting the preferred minimum score requirement strengthens your application.
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Do I need to submit high school transcripts?
It is not necessary for you to submit your high school grades in order to be considered eligible for admission into the MPA program.
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Do I need original transcripts?
In order to be considered, official college transcripts (and translations of foreign language transcripts) bear the facsimile signature of the registrar and seal of the issuing institution.  Even if courses taken at one institution are recorded on another college's transcript, transcripts must be submitted from the institution at which courses were taken.  Please contact the Graduate and International Admissions Center (GIAC) for more information.  GIAC’s contact information can be found at this website: http://www.utexas.edu/student/admissions/about/contact.html.
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I studied abroad for one semester and the credit appears on my U.S. undergraduate transcript. Do I need to submit the transcript from the foreign university where I studied abroad?
If the study abroad was just for one semester and the credit appears on your U.S. transcript, you will not need to request a transcript from the foreign university.  However, if you studied more than one semester abroad, you will need to request the transcript from the foreign university.
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What GPA is calculated for MPA admissions?
The Graduate and International Admissions Center calculates your GPA using only upper-division coursework and any non-professional graduate work. The GPA is based on a 4.0 scale.  Upper-division coursework is loosely defined as courses taken during your junior and senior years (i.e., final two years of college).
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I’m an international applicant. Do I need to submit my Certification of Financial Responsibility and supporting financial documents with my application?
International applicants will need to submit the Certification of Financial Responsibility form to the International office if admitted to the MPA program.  However, this documentation can also be submitted at the time of application to simplify the process.  The I-20 cannot be released after a student is admitted until these documents have been received.
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