McCombs 2021 Full-Time MBA Admissions Updates
In response to the continued global pandemic, The McCombs School of Business has made recent updates to their admissions process to provide as much support and flexibility to applicants as possible, while still maintaining our admissions standards and quality of the class. Below are key changes for the McCombs 2021 Full-Time MBA admissions updates.
All fall admissions events and interviews will be conducted virtually
With the health and safety of students and faculty in mind, McCombs has decided to conduct all fall admissions events and interviews virtually to minimize the number of prospective students and applicants on campus. McCombs will also suspend all fall admissions travel for in-person recruitment events and although many of these events will also be conducted virtually. We look forward to delivering a superior virtual experience so that all prospective students and applicants get a peek at Longhorn life.
Adding a Round 4 deadline for U.S. citizens and permanent residents
McCombs 2021 full-time MBA admissions updates include plans to continue the Round 4 deadline (U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents only) for the Full-Time MBA 2020-2021 admissions cycle. The goal is to give applicantsmore time to submit an application in anticipation of potential delays caused by COVID-19. McCombs is unable to accept applications from international candidates after Round 3 due to the time it takes to process the I-20, schedule/conduct visa interviews, and the issuance of an F1 visa in time for the start of the program. Round 3 remains the final round for international applicants. More info on the application process and all deadlines: https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/MBA/Full-Time/Application-Process
Petition for a COVID-19 related test waiver
Texas McCombs MBA applicants that are unable to take the GMAT/GRE and/or English proficiency exam (TOEFL/IELTS) in person or online can petition for a COVID-19 test waiver. It is important to note that if an applicant is able to take the exam in person or virtually, they are still required to do so. GMAC and ETS have introduced remote testing options for the GMAT, GRE, EA and TOEFL exams for candidates impacted by COVID-19, and the majority of testing centers have reopened globally and have added stringent health and safety precautions. However, if applicants are unable to take an exam for both of the following reasons, they may submit a test waiver petition form for consideration.
Criteria for requesting a COVID-19 test waiver:
· You are unable to take an exam online due to lack of availability in your region, technology or other test-taking requirements (e.g. device availability or compatibility, slow internet connection, testing environment).
AND
· You are unable to take an exam in-person at a designated testing center due to lack of availability in your region or because you or someone in your household is immunocompromised.
The COVID-19 test waiver is NOT available to applicants who have already sent official GMAT, GRE, EA, TOEFL or IELTS scores to UT Austin. Once McComb’s receives a test score, it becomes an official part of the candidate’s record and cannot be removed. Prospective students and applicants can learn more about the Texas McCombs MBA COVID-19 Test Waiver here.
Additional McCombs Resources
Business School Degree Cheat Sheet: What Type of Degree Should You Get?
An MBA is the most common type of master’s degree for b-schoolers, as it encompasses a vast array of skill sets and opens the door to roles in a multitude of industries. Though the MBA is versatile, there may be another high-level graduate degree that is better suited to your individual needs. No need to go cross-eyed looking through each school’s offerings to figure out which degree is best for you. We’ve created a cheat sheet to help you find out what type of business school degree is right for you.
Hot MBA Jobs: Computer and Information Systems Manager
For those looking to pursue a management career at the tech end of the business world, Computer and Information Systems Manager may be a promising career to pursue.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the growth rate for this job at 12 percent over the next eight years. But, are you not sure where to begin? Below, we’ve put together a guide to help you determine if this is the career for you.
What is a Computer and Information Systems Manager?
The Computer and Information Systems Manager (or IT Manager) runs the company activities related to computers and tech. They must assess the needs of an organization to determine the appropriate hardware and software to both meet demands of and enhance the efficiency of company business. In addition to installing and maintaining hardware and software, IT Managers must stay abreast of new tech developments so that they can pitch ideas to upper-management should they identify an opportunity to implement technology that would advance the company’s mission. The IT Manager also directs and organizes the efforts of the lower-level positions in the IT department.
There are different types of Computer and Information System Managers, so duties may be more specifically tailored depending on the specific title. For example, an IT Security Manager would work with the tech as it pertains to protecting an organization’s security interests.
Am I A Good Fit?
IT Managers possess solid analytical skills. People in this role need to be able accurately evaluate a company’s needs and determine which products would enhance productivity. They must also be able to analyze any tech and management issues to ensure that their department runs smoothly. They are solid, decisive leaders and creative thinkers. Communication skills are essential, as IT Managers must communicate directions to those working under them, as well as deliver presentations to higher-level execs.
In 2017, the average base pay for a Computer and Information Systems Manager, according to Glassdoor, was $106,092 in the United States.
Education and Where to Begin
The minimum degree requirement for a Computer and Information Systems Manager is generally a bachelor’s with a tech-related major. However, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, companies often require graduate degrees, and earning an MBA could prove to be a huge asset. If you are looking to pursue this title, it may be beneficial to start with entry-level tech positions in your field to gain a few years of experience before applying to a manager position.
An MBA program with a top-notch tech education may be a good place to start if you’re hoping to become an IT Manager. In 2018, U.S. News made a list of the best MBA Information Systems programs. Below, we’ve pulled some of our favorite MBAs from the list:
Sloan School of Management – MIT
It should come as no surprise that MIT Sloan tops the list of best Information Systems programs. MIT has long been hallowed ground for the technologically-inclined, so it makes sense that the school’s MBA program also caters to those with a bent toward tech, with 26.2 percent of the 2017 graduating class pursuing careers in the software and internet industries.
McCombs School of Business – University of Texas at Austin
McCombs, which has a nationally-ranked MBA in Information Systems program, is a desirable choice for the STEM-savvy. According to the McCombs employment report, 30 percent of the class of 2016 pursued jobs in the tech industry.
Scheller College of Business – Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech’ Scheller College of Business is an excellent choice for aspiring IT Managers. Forbes states, “Because many students are interested in more quantitative and technical areas, such as operations management and information technology management, Scheller is often viewed as a heavily quantitatively based program.” Roughly 21 percent of the Scheller class of 2017 landed tech-related jobs.
Leavey School of Business – Santa Clara University
For Silicon Valley hopefuls, the Leavey School of Business may be a wise school to consider. With flexible options like the Online and Evening MBA’s, Leavey allows students to tailor the program to their schedule. This may be desirable for those trying to balance internships or work and family life.
Inside the McCombs MBA Class of 2020
After its exhaustive evaluation of more than 2,000 applications from around the world, UT Austin’s McCombs School of Business just released a first look at the profile of its full-time MBA Class of 2020. This coming year, the admissions committee chose a diverse and highly driven cross-section of MBAs-to-be.
Meet the McCombs Full-Time MBA Class of 2020
The McCombs admissions team thoughtfully considered the class by connecting with applicants through a variety of outlets including MBA events, the online application, and applicant visits to campus. Here are a few of statistical highlights McCombs wants to share about its incoming students:
- 289 students total
- 38 percent female
- 25 percent international students
- 703 average GMAT score
- 5.6 years of work experience on average
- 28 years old on average
The experience the incoming Class of 2020 will bring to campus is equally diverse. The top four pre-MBA industries include consulting (15 percent), finance/banking (14 percent), technology (13 percent), and energy (13 percent). Other industries represented in the class are government, consumer products, media/entertainment, healthcare, real estate, manufacturing, non-profit, retail, travel, and venture capital, among others.
Part of what helped the McCombs admissions team assemble such an accomplished incoming class is the school’s increasingly strong performance in closely watched MBA rankings. The school’s MBA program was ranked 17th by U.S. News and first place in terms in the category of “Best Value.” This later accolade was influenced in great part by the strong return on investment McCombs graduates report and the support of a dedicated career management team. Some 92 percent of the Class of 2017 received job offers with an average starting salary of $116,403, along with a signing bonus of $28,280.
Apply for the McCombs Class of 2021
If you’re interested in joining McCombs’ next full-time MBA Class of 2021, applications open soon. You can prepare by taking a look at the school’s new application essay topics, attending an upcoming MBA event, or reading McCombs’ GMAT/GRE blog series.
This article has been edited and republished with permissions from our sister site, Clear Admit.
The Texas MBA Programs Guide: Houston vs. Dallas
If you’re looking to earn a Texas MBA, where should you go to school? Should you choose a top MBA program in Dallas or Houston? First, we need to take a look at the cities.
Living in Dallas vs. Houston
First, let’s take a look at the cost of living in Dallas vs. Houston. According to Numbeo, the world’s most extensive database containing user contributed data about cities, the overall cost of living is relatively similar: $4,242 in Houston compared to $4,000 in Dallas. Houston barely edges out Dallas with a slightly higher cost of living, and here’s how that’s broken down.
- Consumer Prices: 35 percent higher in Houston
- Rent Prices: 7.30 percent higher in Houston
- Restaurant Prices: 27 percent higher in Houston
- Groceries Cost: 95 percent higher in Houston
- Local Purchasing Power: 26 percent lower in Houston
Other things to consider when choosing between Dallas and Houston include:
- Industries
- Houston is known for being the oil capital and is an ideal location for jobs in the energy industry.
- Dallas, on the other hand, is known for real estate (Tramelle Crow is headquartered here), as well as hedge funds and asset management firms.
- Economic Development: According to Site Selection Magazine, Houston and Dallas are comparatively equal when it comes to economic development, ranking second and third respectively.
- Top Companies: Houston edges out Dallas for being home to more Fortune 500 companies. In fact, Houston is home to 27 top companies compared to 14 in Dallas. However, they rank second and third respectively.
However, according to Forbes, “while Houston and Dallas have decent amenities (and having better ones surely wouldn’t hurt), they aren’t places that offer a unique lifestyle brand, such as charming architecture or a cutting-edge arts scene.”
Texas MBA Programs
The next step is to compare the top three MBA programs in each city. In particular, we wanted to take a look at the tuition rates (two years), GMAT averages, and post-graduation salaries at each program in each city to get a well-rounded picture.
Overall, there are a few things to note right away.
- The top full-time MBA programs in both cities are ranked well. However, Houston programs tend to rank higher on major ranking sites such as The Economist and Bloomberg Businessweek.
- Houston tends to be more expensive regarding tuition ($93,052 vs. $69,191), but it also pays a higher salary ($110,000 vs. $92,000). This balances out with around a $25,000 difference in tuition and a $20,00 difference in post-graduation salary.
- Finally, GMAT averages for class profiles tend to be higher in Houston as well (688 vs. 660).
Here’s how it all breaks down per school.
Top 3 Houston MBA Programs
McCombs School of Business – University of Texas at Austin
The McCombs School of Business offers a full-time MBA, an Evening MBA, a Weekend MBA, and an Executive MBA program. And it’s considered one of the top business schools in the country, consistently ranking highly on various lists, including ranking 28 according to The Economist.
- Tuition Rates (two years): $91,000
- GMAT Averages: 703
- Post-Grad Salaries (Mean): $117,068
Rice University – Jones Graduate School of Business
The Jones Graduate School at Rice University offers a full-time MBA program, an MBA for Professionals (part-time), and an Executive MBA Program. The school’s full-time MBA program ranked 10th on the Bloomberg Businessweek list in 2017.
- Tuition Rates (two years): $116,000
- GMAT Averages: 711
- Post-Grad Salaries (Mean): $112,158
Mays Business School – Texas A&M University
The Mays Business School has both a full-time MBA program as well as a part-time Professional MBA program. In addition, the school offers an Executive MBA. In 2017, The full-time MBA program ranked 20th overall by Forbes, and 22nd overall by Bloomberg Businessweek.
- Tuition Rates (two years): $72,158
- GMAT Averages: 649
- Post-Grad Salaries (Mean): $103,299
Top 3 Dallas MBA Programs
Naveen Jindal School of Management – University of Texas at Dallas
The Naveen Jindal School offers a full-time MBA, part-time Professional MBA, Executive MBA, and Global Leadership Executive MBA program. The full-time MBA is well ranked according to the U.S. News & World Report, ranking 16th among public university programs in the U.S.
- Tuition Rates (two years): $27,603
- GMAT Averages: 678
- Post-Grad Salaries (Mean): $86,644
Cox School of Business – Southern Methodist University
The Cox School of Business at SMU offers a full-time MBA, Fast Track MBA, Professional MBA (part-time), and an Executive MBA program. Most recently, SMU Cox achieved its first Financial Times ranking at 91st.
- Tuition Rates (two years): $91,952
- GMAT Averages: 661
- Post-Grad Salaries (Mean): $96,587
Neeley School of Business – Texas Christian University
At the Neeley School of Business at TCU, MBA applicants can apply to the full-time MBA, Accelerated MBA, Professional MBA (part-time), Accelerated Professional MBA, or MBA for Energy Professionals program. The Economist ranked the Neeley School MBA ranks 61st overall on its most-recent ranking.
- Tuition Rates (two years): $88,020
- GMAT Averages: 640
- Post-Grad Salaries (Mean): $93,010
Dallas vs. Houston Breakdown in Charts
When breaking down the data between MBA programs in Dallas and Houston, here’s what it looks like:
Texas MBA Tuition
Texas MBA GMAT Averages
Texas MBA Post-Graduation Salaries
UT Austin Opens New Business School Building, and More – Houston News
Let’s take a look some of the biggest business school news coming out of Houston business schools this week.
New Rowling Hall is Future of Business Education at UT Austin – McCombs Newsroom
The McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin recently celebrated the opening of its new 497,500-square-foot graduate business facility, Robert B. Rowling Hall. The new building will be home to the school’s MBA and M.S. in Technology Commercialization programs, the Jon Brumley Texas Venture Labs, the John C. Goff Labs, and the Center for Leadership and Ethics.
“Rowling Hall will enrich the individual journeys and experiences of each student who learns here,” said Gregory L. Fenves, president of the university. “This magnificent building is a testament to the vision of Robert and Terry Rowling, and their belief in the power of a UT education, which propelled the project from the beginning.”
You can learn more about Rowling Hall here.
Bauer Lecturer Named Educator of the Year – Bauer News Center
Dan Ramey, a lecturer for the University of Houston Bauer College of Business’ Department of Accountancy & Taxation, is the first-ever recipient of the Educator of the Year Award. Presented by the Greater Houston Area Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, Ramey was recognized for his contributions to anti-fraud education within his college and university.
“It is an honor and privilege to be able to work with such a great group of faculty, staff, and students,” Ramey said. “Teaching the two classes is the highlight of my week. I love being a part of the students as they go out into the business world, and I sincerely hope that I am successfully preparing them, academically and professionally, to succeed in accounting and business.”
You can read more about Ramey and the Award here.
Mays to Celebrate EY as 2018 Corporate Partner of the Year – Mays Impacts
The Mays Business School has named EY its Corporate Partner of the Year, and announced March 22 as EY Corporate Day at the Mays Business School. One of the leading employers of Mays graduates, EY (formerly Ernst & Young) is one of the largest professional services firms in the world, and part of the “Big Four” accounting firms.
“When selecting this year’s honoree, EY came quickly to mind because of their reciprocal partnership with the school,” said Mays Dean Eli Jones. “Not only do they provide financial support and devote their time to our students, they also groom our graduates for management positions. It is a cycle of success.”
For more information about the events planned that day, you can contact Cindy Billington or visit here.
