Texas McCombs MBA: A Deep Dive with Rodrigo Malta, Managing Director of MBA Recruiting & Admissions

By Arvind Kumar

The University of Texas’ McCombs School of Business offers a robust MBA program that exemplifies the spirit of “You Are What’s Next”, embodying an unwavering commitment to excellence, diversity, and innovation.

Arvind Kumar (Founder, admitStreet) interviewed Rodrigo Malta, Managing Director of MBA Recruiting & Admissions at McCombs School of Business, to cover topics ranging from the McCombs MBA admissions process and curriculum to post-MBA careers, scholarships, and other lesser-known aspects of the program.


Texas McCombs MBA Admissions: Applications, Essays, Interviews

Picture: Rowling Hall Exterior

admitStreet: Could you please explain the application process for Texas McCombs in detail? Specifically, what steps are involved, who evaluates applications, and other pertinent details?

Rodrigo: Let’s discuss application deadlines and timing. Our applications open annually in August, coinciding with the fall start of the MBA program. For the upcoming class of 2027, applications will open this August. Our deadlines are here.

Regarding application components, our online submission includes standard requirements typical of a top 20 MBA program in the U.S. These include a resume, cover letter, academic transcripts, essays, standardized test scores (or a test waiver petition), and general application information.

Upon submission, applicants proceed by paying the application fee and completing two additional steps: a video assessment using the Kira platform and optionally, a virtual interview conducted by one of our McCombs ambassadors: a trained first or second-year student. While the virtual interview is optional, we strongly encourage all applicants to take advantage of this opportunity to engage in a personal discussion.

Following completion of these components, the application undergoes a thorough review process. Each application receives a comprehensive evaluation by multiple reviewers before being considered by the admissions committee during scheduled meetings across the rounds.

The committee deliberates on each application, considering insights from the interview (if conducted) and video assessment, among other components. Decisions are categorized as admission, waitlist, or denial. Applicants denied admission cannot reapply in subsequent rounds within the same cycle, but are encouraged to reapply in subsequent application cycles. Waitlisted applicants have access to resources to manage their status, including submission updates and participation in waitlist webinars.

For admitted applicants—the most favorable outcome—the admissions decision includes information on any merit-based scholarships awarded. Our application process is designed to comprehensively evaluate candidates upon initial submission, ensuring transparency in scholarship determination at the time of admission. An enrollment deposit is required upon acceptance, details of which are available on our website.


admitStreet: The acceptance of GRE scores has been increasingly prevalent in top U.S. schools. A common query I often encounter is whether there is a preference between GMAT and GRE scores for MBA admissions at McCombs.

Rodrigo: That is an insightful question, and you are correct in observing the increasing percentages of our incoming class and applicant pool who submit GRE scores. At Texas McCombs, we do not exhibit a preference among the standardized tests we accept. Specifically, we welcome applications with GMAT, GRE, and the executive assessment. Extensive regression analyses have demonstrated that all three tests are reliable predictors of academic success among our students.

Our institution stands out in that we attract a significant number of candidates who opt for the GRE. Both the GMAT and GRE are nearly equally popular among our applicants, a trend that is reflected in the composition of our enrolled student body.

In recent years, we have also begun accepting the executive assessment for our full-time program. However, the percentage of applicants and enrolled students who choose this assessment remains relatively low, typically around five percent of our applicant pool.

To summarize, we maintain an impartial approach to test type in both admissions and scholarship considerations. Our scholarship decisions are based on a holistic evaluation of each candidate’s complete profile, without favoring any specific test type such as the GMAT.


admitStreet: Regarding the essay and video essay components of the McCombs application process, what guidelines or recommendations can you provide? What are some do’s and don’ts that candidates should keep in mind?

Rodrigo: The essay requirement for the previous application cycle was a cover letter format, comprising a single extended essay where applicants could elaborate on their background, career aspirations, reasons for pursuing an MBA, and their interest in Texas McCombs. For the upcoming application cycle, we are introducing a change. We now have 3 short-answer essay questions. This adjustment aims to provide clearer guidance on what we seek from applicants while offering more flexibility in the topics they choose to address.

Applicants who submitted a cover letter in the past tended to focus primarily on their professional experiences, whereas we encourage a balanced portrayal that includes personal dimensions as well. When approaching the essays, consider the following recommendations. 

Firstly, allocate sufficient time to craft your responses; this is not a task to rush through in one sitting. It may be helpful to initially jot down notes on paper or a digital platform, create outlines or ideas, set them aside, and return to refine your responses over a few days.

Before submitting your essays, ensure two critical steps. Firstly, have someone who knows you well review your essays. This person can offer insights on whether your essays authentically reflect your voice. While tools like ChatGPT can assist with sentence structure and corrections, it’s essential that your essays maintain a personal touch and do not sound overly influenced by automated tools. 

Secondly, proofread meticulously to eliminate errors such as mentioning other schools in your McCombs essays and adhere strictly to the specified word count. Ensure that each essay directly addresses the prompt provided. Many applicants inadvertently veer off-topic, which can significantly impact their application.

 I trust these guidelines will assist you in preparing strong and authentic essays for your application to Texas McCombs.


admitStreet: You mentioned the Kira video essay. Are there any specific buckets that Kira questions fall into? What dimensions are being assessed here?

Rodrigo: The video assessment is relatively brief, typically lasting between 20 to 30 minutes. Previously, our MBA admissions interview ran approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Our intention is for the combined duration of the video assessment and optional interview to remain consistent.

As we refine our approach for the upcoming year, we anticipate including approximately five questions. The initial question is designed to be more informal, allowing you to introduce yourself. This question is not evaluative; rather, it serves as an opportunity for you to directly address the admissions committee in your own voice, distinct from written essays or third-party impressions.

Subsequent prompts will focus on key competencies such as leadership, collaboration, empathy, and problem-solving. These prompts are intended to assess your abilities in these areas.

The interview component will center on your motivations for pursuing an MBA and specifically why you are interested in Texas McCombs. We place significant emphasis on assessing your alignment with our culture, particularly your capacity to work collaboratively within an academic setting.

We are committed to providing a thorough and transparent assessment process that allows applicants to showcase their strengths effectively. 


admitStreet: How can a candidate stand out in terms of their profile within an over-represented applicant pool, such as Indian males with IT backgrounds?

Rodrigo: The primary advice I would offer, applicable across all applicant pools, is to present yourself authentically. 

Ensure that your application package reflects your true identity, as this is key to setting yourself apart from other candidates. Additionally, leverage application components that allow you to showcase facets of your life beyond your professional endeavors.

While we recognize the significance of your professional trajectory and aspirations in the MBA context, standout applicants are those who go beyond these fundamentals to provide insights into their personal identities. What drives you outside of work? How do you allocate your time? Whether it’s family commitments or involvement in meaningful causes, use these components to elaborate on what matters most to you.

Avoid repeating identical stories across your application materials. It’s vital to utilize each opportunity—whether in essays, video assessments, or interviews—to provide distinct and valuable information about yourself. This strategic approach ensures that every section of your application contributes uniquely to your overall profile.

Careers @ Texas McCombs MBA

Picture: McCombs MBA Careers

admitStreet: Your latest employment statistics indicate that approximately 45% of the Class of 2023 entered consulting, 16% entered financial services, 15% entered technology, and 6% entered consumer packaged goods.

Could you elaborate on the recruitment process at McCombs? Despite the prominence of consulting and financial services, which is typical for most top 20 MBA programs, McCombs appears to offer a diverse range of career paths. How does McCombs ensure such diversity in career outcomes, and what processes are in place to help candidates achieve their desired career placements?

Rodrigo: We take great pride in our employer ecosystem and the support we provide to all our students. 

Our MBA program is relatively intimate, with a cohort size of 250 students, allowing for individualized attention. At the same time, we are part of a large university, the University of Texas at Austin, which has over 55,000 students and an alumni network exceeding 570,000 living alumni. This combination offers the best of both worlds: personalized attention and the vast resources and brand reputation of a major university.

Our collaboration with the career management team begins in July, prior to the start of the program in August. Students are assigned preparatory work leading up to orientation. During orientation, the career management team provides extensive overviews of various career paths, helping students understand the opportunities available and begin exploring them.

In the first semester, students enroll in a career management course taught by our career advisors. This course introduces students to the frameworks for marketing themselves to potential employers and ensures they are familiar with all available resources. Additionally, students can meet with advisors one-on-one to tailor their approach, address any doubts, and strategize for internships and full-time positions.

Our career management team includes specialists who focus on specific needs. For example, we have an advisor dedicated to international students, well-versed in visa regulations. We also offer specialized coaching in particular industries and functions, such as product management, to prepare students for specific interview processes.

Our approach is hands-on, utilizing established frameworks and leveraging the extensive resources of the university. This ensures that students receive comprehensive support throughout their career development journey.


admitStreet: Given around half of the 2023 class opted for consulting post-graduation, how would the program cater to folks who want to switch to product management or tech careers?

Rodrigo: This year (2023-2024) marks the first time we’ve observed a significant increase in students entering consulting roles. This shift primarily stems from reduced opportunities in tech and product management for this graduating class. 

Typically, Texas McCombs sees higher placement rates in tech, ranging from 30% to 35%. Consulting roles usually comprise between 25% and 30%, while functions like marketing and finance typically range from 15% to 20%, depending on the year. 

While this year was somewhat atypical, it underscores our capacity to offer diverse opportunities and support students in securing consulting positions, which are highly competitive. Many of these consulting roles likely differ from what students initially envisioned when applying, yet they represent significant achievements and sources of pride. 

Looking ahead, we anticipate a resurgence in tech and product management opportunities, starting as early as spring and continuing into the next fall. Austin, known as a prime location for tech, alongside Seattle and the Bay Area, offers unique advantages. Our extensive employer network allows for career pivots, as Texas McCombs is not exclusively aligned with tech, consulting, or finance, but rather provides ample opportunities across various sectors.


admitStreet: For international candidates originating from Asia, including India, where do graduates typically secure roles primarily within the U.S.? 

Rodrigo: Our class composition typically includes 25 to 30 percent international students. The majority of these students wish to remain in the United States after graduation. Those who return to their home countries or relocate to another country are usually sponsored by companies, either continuing their previous employment or returning to family businesses.

International students who remain in the U.S. often find opportunities in consulting and technology, including product management and other tech-related roles. These industries are the predominant sponsors of H-1B visas, reflecting the available opportunities for international students. It is fortunate that consulting and technology are among the strongest sectors at Texas McCombs.

Our international graduates generally enjoy excellent prospects. Geographically, Texas McCombs has a strong reputation that extends beyond the U.S., although many of our students prefer to remain in Texas. This trend is similar to other prominent MBA programs, where students often stay in the state where their school is located, such as California for UCLA and Berkeley, or New York for NYU and Columbia. Texas offers the advantage of no state income tax, allowing graduates’ salaries to go further compared to states with higher taxes.

Moreover, Texas boasts diverse opportunities across its major cities. Houston has a robust presence in banking and energy; Austin is known for its strong tech sector; and Dallas excels in financial services, manufacturing, and consulting. These industries are readily accessible, providing our students with significant advantages in their job searches.

Texas McCombs is recognized as the premier business school in the state and one of the best within a 2,000-mile radius. Additionally, Texas is experiencing a migration of tech companies from California, enhancing its status as a burgeoning tech hub. For instance, Tesla, a tech-centric automotive company, has relocated to Texas, further solidifying the state’s position in the tech industry.


admitStreet: Are you observing a trend where both large corporations and startups are gradually relocating from California to Texas? Is this migration becoming more noticeable on the ground?

Rodrigo: Both large and small to mid-sized firms contribute significantly to the business landscape. Prominent companies often capture media attention, such as Tesla, which relocated its headquarters and established a significant presence here, and Samsung, which is investing $32 billion in microchip factories near Austin. These large enterprises stimulate considerable development in smaller firms that provide essential resources and services.

Oracle’s recent move from California to Texas, followed by its shift to Nashville for its health IT sector, highlights the dynamic business environment. Austin is home to major corporations like Dell and Whole Foods Market, the latter of which is owned by Amazon. The presence of these companies underscores the city’s economic vitality.

Furthermore, many of the lesser-known companies are particularly appealing to our students due to Austin’s robust startup ecosystem. One of the unique advantages of our MBA program is its ability to provide access to this vibrant startup scene. Students often gain experience through internships or micro-consulting projects with small to mid-sized firms, which can be highly transformative. Many students discover a preference for working in smaller companies where they can wear multiple hats and make a significant impact, as opposed to being a small part of a large project in a major corporation.

Texas McCombs MBA Academics: Curriculum

Picture: McCombs MBA Careers

admitStreet: One of the strengths of the McCombs curriculum lies in its extensive array of electives and concentrations. How can prospective candidates efficiently prioritize their time and resources to maximize the benefits from these offerings during the two-year program?

Rodrigo: I appreciate that question, as the primary objective of returning to school is to gain knowledge that will enhance your career. Career advancement is contingent upon acquiring the necessary knowledge, skills, and experiential learning to apply this new expertise in your chosen field.

The curriculum at Texas McCombs is notably flexible, facilitated by our relatively small, intimate program, which allows for personalized guidance in course selection. Additionally, being part of a large university provides access to a diverse array of faculty and the opportunity to take graduate-level classes both within and outside of McCombs.

The MBA program structure places most core courses in the first semester, a particularly intensive period where students take seven courses: 4 in the first half and 3 in the second half. In the second semester, only one core course, Strategy, is required; the remainder of the curriculum consists of electives chosen by the students. With over 20 concentrations available, students can tailor their studies to align with specific industries or functions.

During orientation, students work with their career and academic advisors to develop a personalized program. This allows them to select courses across various concentrations, creating a curriculum that suits their individual goals.

For international students, it is noteworthy that certain concentrations are STEM-certified. Pursuing at least one of these concentrations is advisable for those wishing to work in the U.S. after graduation. Importantly, while focusing on a STEM-certified concentration, students can still take a variety of electives. Most concentrations require 10 to 15 or 12 to 18 credit hours, roughly equivalent to one full semester. After completing the core courses in the first semester and a concentration in the second, students still have nearly two semesters available for electives, ensuring a highly flexible educational experience.

Additionally, the option to take classes outside the business school—in the School of Public Policy, the Law School, the School of Architecture, and the School of Engineering—is particularly appealing to many MBA students.


admitStreet: To follow up on that point regarding curriculum, there are also significant experiential learning opportunities available, such as the McCombs Plus Projects Adventure Program. Could you please provide more details about what is included in this program and how students can effectively utilize it to enhance their educational experience?

Rodrigo: The McCombs Plus Program encompasses all experiential, non-curricular, and optional learning opportunities. One of the most popular components of McCombs Plus is the micro-consulting projects, typically undertaken during the first or second semester. These projects are well-defined, four to six-week assignments where groups of five to six students collaborate with a company to deliver presentations or meet specific project goals.

At the beginning of each semester, a roster of companies sponsoring these projects is made available. Students apply to participate, similar to a job application process, and the companies select the students. This provides an excellent opportunity to enhance one’s resume with experience in a new industry or function. Additionally, students have the option to create their own projects, working with our team to pitch ideas to various companies and alumni. In this scenario, students can select and build their own teams.

The program also offers communication and specialty coaches with whom students can work extensively on specific skills. For instance, a personal experience involved working closely with a communication coach to improve public speaking skills over the two-year program. These coaches cover various topics tailored to individual needs, and executive coaches are available to discuss career planning beyond the MBA program.

Another aspect of McCombs Plus includes webinars and seminars on interesting topics that do not constitute a full class. These sessions are held on Fridays when there are no classes, in the evenings, or occasionally on weekends. They feature experts delivering content in a concise format that does not require a full course commitment.

Under the McCombs Plus umbrella are all global opportunities. These include exchange programs abroad, short-term exchange programs, and the Global Connections Trip, which is a one-week program in the spring. All these opportunities are integral parts of the McCombs Plus initiative.

Texas McCombs Scholarships, Concluding Remarks

Picture: University of Texas Tower

admitStreet: What are some key dimensions that you look for while granting scholarships? Could you elaborate on the key criteria that are prioritized? 

Rodrigo: Not all candidates receive scholarship offers; however, typically 60 to 70% of our admitted students are awarded scholarships, which can range from $5,000 to full tuition. The average scholarship package, if awarded, is approximately $20,000 per year.

Scholarship recipients generally excel in one or more aspects of their application. For instance, outstanding academic history and exceptional standardized test scores can be significant differentiators in favor of a candidate. Additionally, a remarkable career trajectory, characterized by rapid promotions and increased responsibilities within a single industry, or diverse and interesting experiences across multiple functions or companies, can also set a candidate apart.

Moreover, a compelling personal story of growth and achievement, demonstrating significant progress and resilience, may also be a decisive factor in awarding a scholarship. Typically, scholarship recipients are above average in at least one of these areas, and often in two or all three.


admitStreet: What are your tips for McCombs MBA applicants?

Rodrigo: I recommend engaging with us early. We start traveling in the summer, visiting various locations in the U.S. and abroad. Attend one of our in-person events, or participate in our numerous virtual events to connect with us remotely. When you are ready, reach out to one of our ambassadors to gain a personal perspective on the McCombs experience.

Apply when you feel most prepared. Given the timing, many of you may be able to submit a strong application by the first or second deadline. Targeting these deadlines is advisable as it increases your chances for scholarships and offers more space in the class. While we do admit and enroll students from rounds three and four, applying early allows you to receive a decision sooner and better plan your participation in the MBA program in the fall.

 admitStreet: Thanks a lot, Rodrigo. We appreciate your time, and hope this will give applicants a comprehensive overview of the Texas McCombs MBA.

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