Executive MBA is Now Test-Optional

Texas McCombs no longer requires GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment scores for the Executive MBA program. We evaluate candidates holistically, based on professional experience, academic background, and leadership potential.

To be eligible for the Executive MBA program, applicants must have a minimum of 8 years of professional work experience. If you have a strong test score, you’re welcome to include it as part of your application

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)
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• 2. 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)
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• 3. 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 2025-2026 cycle, now featuring two 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

• Imagine yourself at the completion of your MBA journey. Why was pursuing your MBA at Texas McCombs the right decision for your personal and professional growth? Reflect on how you made the most of your time in the program—academically, through hands-on learning opportunities, and within the McCombs community.
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• Highlight how you contributed to the McCombs community and used its resources to grow personally and professionally. Consider sharing how you applied what you learned in the program to your work.

Essay 2

• Reflect on a core value that defines you. Share a specific example of how it has guided your decisions and actions, and explain how it will shape your contributions and growth as a McCombs MBA student.
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• Highlight how this value has influenced your leadership style and life path, and how it will shape your MBA experience.

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. Applicants have 7 days to complete the assessment upon receiving access to the video submission platform.

There will be 4 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 Working Professional & Executive MBA applicants are required to complete a virtual interview with a member of the Admissions 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.