Texas McCombs has released its full-time MBA essay questions and deadlines for the 2025–2026 application cycle. This year, McCombs changed its MBA application essays, bringing back an old essay question and shortening it and eliminating the third essay question.
If you are interested in the McCombs MBA program, check out the latest class profile to assess if the program may be a strong fit for you.
Last year, Personal MBA Coach’s founder Scott Edinburgh sat down with Rodrigo Malta, Managing Director of Admissions at Texas McCombs. Watch the interview here to learn more about Texas McCombs and what they are looking for.
The 2025-2026 Texas McCombs Application Deadlines Are:
Round 1: October 15, 2025
Round 2: January 15, 2026
Round 3: April 1, 2026
Below, Personal MBA Coach shares this year’s McCombs essays along with our tips on how to approach them.
2025–2026 Texas McCombs Essays
Texas McCombs Essay 1: Imagine yourself at the completion of your MBA journey. Why was pursuing your MBA at Texas McCombs the right decision for your personal and professional growth? Reflect on how you made the most of your time in the program—academically, through hands-on learning opportunities, and within the McCombs community. Highlight how you contributed to the McCombs community and used its resources to grow both professionally and personally. (250 words)
This first McCombs essay mirrors a classic goals/why MBA essay, but with a bit of a twist. Instead of writing about what you plan to do, you want to take an imaginary look back at your time on campus. While writing this “graduation speech,” be sure to tell McCombs admissions directors WHY Texas McCombs is your ideal school, what you plan to do after graduating from McCombs and how you will contribute on campus. Some MBA applications allocate 500 words for this same content so it will be crucial to be succinct.
Despite the unique positioning of this essay, Personal MBA Coach recommends that you include very specific short-term and long-term plans (aka goals) here. For more on how to develop a strong goal statement, check out this article!
Once you have detailed your plans, tell McCombs how they helped prepare you to achieve them. To approach this essay, research all that Texas McCombs has to offer and select the most relevant and compelling offerings (in and out of the classroom).
As you cover these, be specific about what you will have learned by the time you graduate and how you will have added value. Keep in mind, less is more here so Personal MBA Coach recommends that you avoid a laundry list or mentioning vague contributions.
Texas McCombs Essay 2: Reflect on a core value that defines you. Share a specific example of how it has guided your decisions and actions, and explain how it will shape your contributions and growth as a McCombs MBA student.
Highlight how this value has influenced your leadership style and life path, and how it will shape your MBA experience. (250 words)
This new essay is a challenging one, as it forces candidates to reflect on what is truly important to them. Authenticity will be key when developing your answer to this question. Do not simply discuss the values that you think admissions committee members will want to hear. Instead, write about a value that you have repeatedly demonstrated in your life.
Next, discuss WHY this value is important to you and show HOW you have lived this value. With this question, candidates can and should include some personal details so that the reader can truly understand how this value has influenced their actions, beliefs, leadership style and aspirations.
Next, show McCombs how you will bring this value to campus, being careful not to repeat anything from essay 1.
We realize this is a tall order with only 250 words so make sure every word counts!
Video Assessment: Texas McCombs has always been at the forefront of innovation and continuous improvement, consistently seeking new ways to enhance the application process for prospective MBA candidates. In line with our school mission and values, we introduced a dynamic video assessment component as part of the 2022-23 admission cycle, offering an alternative approach to a more traditional essay and interview format. Given all applicants will complete the video assessment, MBA candidates will have increased access to the application process and the opportunity to share their stories with us in their own voice. Through the video assessment, the admissions committee will have a chance to experience the “real” you, beyond a resume, test scores, and transcripts. Lastly, the video assessment will enable Texas McCombs to reduce bias in the admissions process by providing all applicants with a structured and consistent assessment experience.
All applicants will be required to complete the Video Assessment shortly after submitting their application and paying the fee. Applicants have 7 days to complete the assessment upon receiving access to the video submission platform. There will be 4 question prompts and applicants will have 90 seconds to answer each prompt.
The main piece of advice here is to treat this like a formal interview: dress appropriately and use relevant examples, but ultimately remember to show the real you. For more tips on how to tackle video essays, check out this blog.
Optional Essay: 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)
Only those with extenuating circumstances should respond to the optional Texas McCombs essay. Take a look at Personal MBA Coach’s blog on optional essays and additional application extras for guidance.
If you are seeking additional help with your Texas McCombs application, visit our comprehensive services to learn how Personal MBA Coach can help set you up for success.
