Following the release of the UT Austin MBA application deadlines earlier this month, the admissions committee has released its 2016-2017 McCombs essay topics.

While the wording has changed slightly, the subject matter of this year’s two required prompts and optional essay is quite similar to those from last admissions season. Applicants are asked to introduce themselves to their potential cohort via essay or video in the first response, and to comment on how the McCombs MBA is ideal for them in the second.

Here are the 2016-2017 UT Austin / McCombs Essay Topics:

Essay 1: The University of Texas at Austin values unique perspectives and cultivates a collaborative environment of distinct individual contributions. It is the first day of orientation. You are meeting your study group, comprised of five of your classmates from various backgrounds. Please introduce yourself to your new team, highlighting what drives you in your personal and professional life.

Select only one communication method that you would like to use for your response.

• Write an essay (250 words)
• Share a video introduction (one minute)

Essay 2: Based on your post-MBA goals and what drives you in your personal and professional life, why is the Texas MBA the ideal program for you and how do you plan to engage in our community? (500 words)

Optional Essay: Please provide any additional information you believe is important and/or address any areas of concern that will be beneficial to the Admissions Committee in considering your application (e.g. unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, academic performance, or extenuating personal circumstances). (250 words)