UT McCombs Class of 2028 Essay Analysis

UT Austin McCombs; 2025-26 essays have been released, with changes to essay questions.

2024/25 essay questions

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 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)

2025/26 essay question analysis

Essay 1

New this year, this question is similar to the "why an MBA and why our school?" that other schools often asks. The big difference is that a tight 250-word limit will mean that applicants should be more direct in their wording. We suggest establishing your goals in the first few sentences of your essay response, with the remainder of the essay tied to showcasing how you will use McCombs to achieve your stated goal.

Essay 2

Also new this year, this question builds upon the first question. In essay 1, you are asked to discuss your goal. In this essay, we recommend focusing on convincing the reader that you will be good at tackling your goal. This can include discussing past successes. Just make sure that you link those past successes with how you plan to thrive at McCombs. Just generically discussing your successes without those links may make it difficult for you to separate from other applicants.

Essay 3

A final new question this year, this question seeks to discover what motivates you to achieve your goal. We recommend focusing on 1-2 personal reasons why you are motivated, so as to differentiate you from other applicants who may be seeking similar goals. Applicants who instead choose to provide numerous reasons why they are motivated may struggle to connect sufficiently with the reader to differentiate from other applicants.

Optional essay

As with other schools, the optional question is available for you to explain any additional information that you may not have had the space to clarify in other parts of your application.

Other application details

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Re-applicant?

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