Welcome 2026-2027 McCombs ApplicantsJoin McCombs chat | Add to my Schools | MBA Applicants WhatsApp CommunityHey everyone!
As the new admissions cycle officially gets underway, this thread is the central home for everyone applying to the Texas McCombs MBA program for the 2027 intake. Whether you are prepping for Round 1 in October or planning a strategy for the winter deadlines, this is your community space to share updates, bounce ideas around, and help each other through the application journey.
Use this space to:
- 🤝 Network with fellow applicants and swap profile insights.
- 📝 Discuss essay strategies—from the creative graduation "look-back" prompt (picturing yourself at the end of your MBA) to highlighting a defining core value, both packed into tight 250-word limits.
- 💡 Brainstorm how to showcase fit with the uniquely collaborative McCombs culture, experiential opportunities like the MBA+ Leadership program, and the massive energy of the Austin business ecosystem.
- 📅 Track timelines together—from hitting the submit button to handling the required video assessment and sharing interview invites.
Drop a comment below to introduce yourself! Let us know your industry background, what round you're aiming for, or your thoughts on how to stand out in the application.
Applications for the Full-Time MBA program are accepted in three rounds, and the program enrolls annually every August.Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM Central Time on the deadline date for each round.Round 1Application Due: October 15, 2025Decision Delivered: December 16, 2025Round 2Application Due: January 15, 2026Decision Delivered: March 26, 2026Round 3Application Due: April 1, 2026Decision Delivered: May 7, 2026| McCombs MBA Essays 2023-24 |
| 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. Highlight how you contributed to the McCombs community and used its resources to grow both professionally and personally. (250 words) |
| 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. Highlight how this value has influenced your leadership style and life path, and how it will shape your MBA experience. (250 words) |
Essay 3 Optional | 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) |
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UT AUSTIN GMAT CLUB SPOTLIGHT KEY TAKEAWAYS 2026PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTSTepper offers a STEM-designated MBA in three formats: full-time, online hybrid, and accelerated. The full-time program is 21 months with an internship, while the online hybrid allows students to work while studying. The accelerated option is for those with a business undergraduate degree, completing in 12-16 months.
CURRICULUM & SPECIALIZATIONSThe curriculum emphasizes analytics, business fundamentals, and leadership. Students can choose from 14 concentrations, including AI in Business and Entrepreneurship. The program allows for customization, with students often graduating with multiple concentrations.
ADMISSIONSApplication requirements include a resume, transcripts, test scores (GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment), and a professional recommendation. A written essay and a two-minute video essay about career goals are required. Application fee is waived for attendees of the session, and test waivers are available within the application.
CAREER OUTCOMESThe Master's Career Center supports students with career counseling and events. Average starting salary for graduates is $154,000, with 83% receiving job offers within three months of graduation. Top employers include Amazon, Deloitte, and McKinsey.
COMMUNITY & LOCATIONTepper's smaller class size fosters a close-knit community. Located in Pittsburgh, the city offers a high quality of life with affordable living and numerous cultural and recreational activities. Students benefit from Carnegie Mellon's broader university ecosystem, with access to electives across various disciplines.
UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIESTepper integrates AI into its curriculum, offering courses like machine learning for business. The Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship provides resources like seed funding and mentorship. Students can engage in capstone projects with startups and companies, enhancing practical learning experiences.
UPDATE FROM DAY 2 SESSION (JUN 11, KAREENA, ASSOC. DIRECTOR)• BECCI program (Business English and Cultural Immersion) eases international students into US academic/cultural life
• International financing: private loans via
Prodigy Finance and Empower (no US federal loans)
• Merit scholarships automatic - no separate application
• Common applicant mistakes called out: applying before profile is strongest, neglecting the video essay, under-preparing for interviews
• All work experience counts, including internships and contract work; explain career gaps in the optional essay
| McCombs Class Profile Class of '26 |
| Average GPA | 3.46
|
| Average WE | 6 |
| Average GMAT | 704 |
| Average GRE | 321 |
| Average Age | 29 |
| McCombs Application Stats Class of '25 |
| Applicants | 1889 |
| Accepted | 716 |
| Acceptance Rate | 38% |
| Enrolled | 241 |
| Yield Rate | 65% |
| McCombs Class Profile Class of '24 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.46 |
| Avg. WE | 71 |
| Average GMAT | 706 |
| Median GMAT | 710 |
| Avg. GMAT Domestic | 699 |
| Avg. GMAT International | 714 |
| % GRE | 30% |
| Avg GRE Quant | 162 |
| Avg. GRE Verbal | 161 |
| Avg. Total GRE | 323 |
| McCombs Employment Data Class of '23 |
| Employed at Graduation | 81% |
| Employed 3 Months | 91% |
| Average Salary | $157,735 |
| Average Bonus | $32,915 |
| Salary and Bonus | $190,650 |