We wanted to take some time today to comment on UT Austin’s essay questions for the coming admissions season.  Reflecting an emphasis on applicants who  have contributed to their workplace and the community and who will continue this level of engagement in an MBA program, UT Austin’s questions focus on how candidates might enrich their environments and embody the school’s “pillars of leadership”.

Essay 1: Please define your short- and long-term goals and objectives, your career progression to date, and how an MBA fits in at this time.  What makes the Texas MBA the perfect fit for you? (900 word limit)
McCombs has revised this question for this season; formerly asking about intermediate and long-term goals, McCombs now asks applicants to share their “short- and long-term” career paths: a more standard MBA career goals essay.  In approaching this essay, think about starting off with a statement about your overall goals then moving on to a discussion of your career progress.  As you write about your career and need for an MBA, you will be able to tie the discussion back to your greater professional objectives, indicating how your professional path will help you realize your goals.  Discussing how the Texas MBA fits into the picture will be key, and you can touch on how the McCombs program will provide you with the skill set necessary to begin reaching your objectives.  Taking the time to learn about the school’s curriculum, special programs and extracurricular activities - whether through a visit to campus or conversations with members of the community will pay dividends here.

Essay 2:  The Texas MBA is built around four key pillars of leadership.  Describe an experience that you have had that clearly demonstrates your leadership as it relates to one of our four pillars: 1) Responsibility/Integrity; 2) Knowledge/Understanding; 3) Collaborative/Communication; or 4) Worldview of Business and Society. (650 word limit)
A new question this year, this essay topic requires an understanding of the school’s values and a sound argument that you fit with the program in light of prior experiences.  Within this framework, though, applicants have a considerable amount of leeway in what they can discuss; examples can come from the educational, professional or extracurricular realms - so long as they relate to one of the school’s stated pillars.  Demonstrating some sort of contribution to the workplace or community will be helpful in showing how you fit into the larger picture and positively impact those around you.  Regardless of what sort of story you decide to highlight, make sure that the discussion revolves around your style of leadership and how you effectively led and motivated others.  A closing comment on the UT Austin’s program and culture would be a nice touch that ties your values and personality traits to the program’s foundation and offerings.

Essay 3: At the McCombs School of Business, you will be part of an active and diverse community.  How will you use your personal strengths and unique experiences to enrich the McCombs community during your two years in the program? (500 word limit)
Formerly one of several essay options, this prompt now stands on its own as a required question, signaling the value that McCombs places on student contribution and involvement on campus.  A strong essay would be one that touches on several qualities and involvements, illustrating a range of skills and their applicability to the MBA program.  That said, though this prompt invites a rather broad discussion, anecdotal evidence of your positive traits in action will also be important.  For that reason, it will likely make sense to hone in on 3 or 4 examples, linking each to some similar activity or contribution you could make to the classroom or an on-campus club.  Indicating what clubs, organizations, or programs you hope to participate in and how you will take on a leading role will go far in demonstrating your enthusiasm for and commitment to the program.