ut mccombs mba essay

UT Austin McCombs MBA Essays Guide: Overview, Tips & Examples

Looking to ace your UT Austin McCombs MBA application? Our comprehensive guide provides an overview, valuable tips, and real examples to help you craft compelling essays that stand out.

Posted March 1, 2024

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The University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business offers a highly regarded MBA program that attracts students from all over the world. As part of the application process, prospective students are required to submit essays that provide insights into their background, experiences, goals, and why they believe they are a good fit for the McCombs MBA program.

UT Austin McCombs Application and the Role of Essays

Applying to the UT Austin McCombs MBA program is a multi-step process that starts with completing the online application form. The application form requires you to provide personal information, academic history, professional experience, and contact details. Additionally, you will be required to submit a resume, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.

One crucial component of the application process is the essays. The essays provide an opportunity for applicants to showcase their unique stories and stand out from the competition. The admissions committee uses the essays to gain insights into the applicants' personality, motivations, and potential contributions to the McCombs community.

When it comes to writing the essays, it is important to approach them with careful thought and consideration. The prompts provided by the McCombs MBA program are designed to elicit thoughtful responses that go beyond a simple reiteration of your resume or academic achievements. Instead, they aim to uncover your values, passions, and goals, allowing the admissions committee to understand what drives you and how you align with the program's mission and values.

One of the essay prompts may ask you to describe a challenging situation you have faced and how you overcame it. This is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your problem-solving skills , resilience, and ability to learn from adversity. You can delve into the details of the situation, explaining the obstacles you encountered and the steps you took to overcome them. By sharing your thought process and the lessons you learned, you can provide the admissions committee with a deeper understanding of your ability to handle challenges and grow from them.

Another essay prompt may ask you to discuss your short-term and long-term career goals. This is your chance to articulate your aspirations and demonstrate your understanding of how the McCombs MBA program can help you achieve those goals. You can discuss the specific skills, knowledge, and resources offered by the program that align with your career aspirations. Additionally, you can highlight any relevant experiences or skills you have gained in your professional journey that will contribute to your success in achieving your goals.

Furthermore, the essays provide an opportunity for you to showcase your fit with the McCombs community . You can research the program's values, initiatives, and extracurricular activities to identify aspects that resonate with you. By demonstrating an understanding of the program's culture and how you can contribute to it, you can convey your genuine interest in being a part of the McCombs community.

It is important to approach the essays with authenticity and honesty. The admissions committee is looking for applicants who are genuine and self-aware, as these qualities are essential for success in the MBA program. Take the time to reflect on your experiences, values, and goals, and craft your essays in a way that reflects your true self.

In conclusion, the essays play a vital role in the UT Austin McCombs MBA application process. They provide an opportunity for applicants to showcase their unique stories, demonstrate their fit with the program, and convey their aspirations and motivations. By approaching the essays with thoughtfulness, authenticity, and a deep understanding of the program, applicants can increase their chances of standing out and securing a spot in the prestigious McCombs MBA program.

UT Austin McCombs Essay Prompts (2023-2024)

The UT Austin McCombs MBA program typically releases essay prompts for each application cycle. The essay prompts for the 2023-2024 application cycle are as follows:

Essay Prompt 1: Describe a defining moment in your personal or professional life and explain how it shaped you.

Essay prompt 2: choose a current event or issue that you believe is significant to your future as a business leader. discuss why it is important to you and how you intend to make an impact., essay prompt 3: reflecting on your past experiences, discuss a time when you faced a challenge or setback. what did you learn from the experience, and how did it contribute to your personal growth.

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List of Expert Tips for Each McCombs Essay Prompt

Writing compelling essays that effectively address the prompts is essential to create a strong application. Here are some expert tips for each of the McCombs MBA essay prompts:

- Start with a captivating anecdote that illustrates the defining moment.

- Reflect on the impact of the defining moment on your values, beliefs, and goals.

- Share specific examples of how the defining moment influenced your decision-making or leadership abilities.

- Clearly articulate why this defining moment is relevant to your MBA application.

- Select a current event or issue that aligns with your passions and career goals.

- Demonstrate a deep understanding of the event or issue and its implications for the business world.

- Discuss your personal connection to the event or issue and how it aligns with your values and aspirations.

- Outline specific actions or initiatives you plan to take to make a meaningful impact in this area.

- Choose a significant challenge or setback that allowed you to demonstrate resilience and growth.

- Describe the specific circumstances and obstacles you faced during the experience.

- Reflect on the lessons and insights you gained from overcoming the challenge or setback.

- Explain how this experience has shaped your character, decision-making, or leadership skills.

MBA Essay Tips: How to Write Compelling Essays

Writing compelling MBA essays requires careful planning and thoughtful execution. Here are some tips to help you craft essays that leave a lasting impression:

• Understand the prompts: Take the time to thoroughly understand the essay prompts and what the admissions committee is looking for.
• Reflect on your experiences: Spend time reflecting on your personal and professional experiences to identify compelling stories and examples that align with the essay prompts.
• Focus on authenticity: Be true to yourself and showcase your unique perspective, values, and goals in your essays.
• Structure your essays: Organize your essays in a clear and coherent manner, with a captivating introduction, well-developed body paragraphs, and a strong conclusion.
• Show, don't tell: Use vivid and specific examples to illustrate your points and bring your essays to life.
• Edit and proofread: Take the time to review and edit your essays for clarity, grammar, and spelling errors. Consider seeking feedback from trusted friends or professionals.

UT Austin McCombs Essay Examples From Success Admits — With Analysis

Looking for inspiration? Success Admits is a valuable resource that provides UT Austin McCombs essay examples from successful applicants. These examples, along with expert analysis, can help you understand the elements that make a strong essay and how to effectively structure your own essays.

UT Austin McCombs Essay FAQs

Still have questions about the UT Austin McCombs MBA essays? Here are some frequently asked questions:

• Q: How long should the essays be?
• A: The recommended length for each essay is typically around 500 words. However, it's important to focus on quality over quantity.
• Q: Can I exceed the word limit?
• A: It is generally advisable to adhere to the word limit provided. Admissions committees appreciate concise and well-crafted essays.
• Q: Should I address all the essay prompts?
• A: It is highly recommended to address all the essay prompts to provide a comprehensive view of your experiences and aspirations.

By following these guidelines and investing time in crafting compelling essays, you can increase your chances of securing a spot in the UT Austin McCombs MBA program. Let your unique story shine through and demonstrate why you are a perfect fit for this renowned program.

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2024-2025 University of Texas McCombs MBA Essay Tips

Jun 14, 2024

• Who is McCombs looking for?
• How should I answer the essay questions?
• Make sure you get into McCombs
• UT McCombs Deadlines

Located in one of the United States’ fastest-growing cities, UT Austin’s McCombs School of Business is increasingly a top choice program for savvy MBA applicants. 

However, with a strong focus on entrepreneurship and access to the massive Longhorn network, the competition to join McCombs’ MBA program is increasingly steep. 

That’s why we’ve prepared this guide to help you use your McCombs admissions essays to stand out. We’ve rounded up our best tips to ensure you give your UT McCombs application your best shot. 

1. Who is McCombs looking for?

(Photo courtesy of @ utexasmccombs on Instagram)

“It has been said that McCombs MBAs are relentlessly driven, yet they are the first to jump in and encourage and support each other to excel.” Texas McCombs MBA Insider

This year, McCombs admitted 241 students to its highly-competitive MBA program. With a strong emphasis on diversity, there is no “typical” McCombs student, yet the average student admitted to the Class of 2025 had an average GMAT score of 704 or a GRE of Q161/V160 and 5.9 years of work experience.

In fact, according to Dean Raji Srinivasan, diversity is key to the McCombs experience. In her words, “In a continually complex and changing world, students need global acumen, the skills to operate and collaborate effectively, with a mind-set that transcends geographic and cultural boundaries.

At McCombs, we recognize and value a diverse and inclusive culture by acknowledging the unique and different perspectives of our different community members.

We believe that an inclusive learning environment is key to unlocking students’ potential and prepare them to be strong leaders in transforming business and industry—solving the problems of tomorrow and having a positive impact on society.”

In short, McCombs is looking for candidates who want to make a positive impact on the world through their careers. If this sounds like the community for you, you’ll face the challenging task of convincing the school’s admissions committee that you deserve to be a Longhorn. 

2. How should I answer the essay questions?

2.1. essay 1 tips.

Essay 1: Please write an application cover letter summarizing your aspirations, qualifications, and personal and professional experiences that make you a strong candidate for the Texas Full-Time MBA program. (Limit: 500 words)

Though this prompt initially may look intimidating, it’s essentially just a goals essay ! Often overlooked by applicants, goals essays are incredibly important, as they give the admissions committee your most important argument — why do you need an MBA from their school and what are you going to do with it? 

For all goals essays, you should first begin with context, as goals without context often lack clarity or impact. You may want to include one mini-story or several small anecdotes to provide this context. As the prompt indicates, this should include both personal and professional stories. 

Then, after you set the stage, clearly present your goals to the admissions committee. The section on your goals should include clear short-term and long-term goals, meaning you should list the job title and industry for each. Furthermore, stating the motivation you have for wanting these goals and the impact you envision generating while pursuing them is an excellent way to take your essay from good to great. 

If you’re not sure exactly what your goals are, it’s a good idea to think through your arguments and define your goals before you sit down to write! 

Finally, end with a section on how McCombs’s MBA program can help you continue to grow to reach your goals. You will first need to research the McCombs experience in-depth and share how you plan to take advantage of the school’s curriculum, how you plan to get involved in the community, and what you believe you can contribute to your class. 

Instead, show how you are going to take advantage of McCombs’s offerings to become a more high-potential, driven professional who leaves a meaningful legacy behind. Doing this well means connecting how McCombs can help you grow with specific outcomes tied to your goals.

Need more guidance? 

Our MBA Resource Center has dozens of essays that worked to get our clients admitted to help you plan out a winning UT McCombs essay. 

Our library also includes guides for all top global MBA programs, detailed essay brainstorms, interview tips and mocks, CV templates, and recommendation letter guides. Click to join ! 

2.2. Optional Essay Tips

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

This is not a place for you to retell your life story or sum up your interest in McCombs or need for an MBA. It is also not a place to copy and paste a strong essay you wrote for another school. Make sure you focus only on weak spots and also discuss what steps you have taken or took to rectify the weaknesses AND/OR on any other topics that strictly need explanation. McCombs is quite clear when stating what types of explanations they feel are appropriate. 

Of course, there are circumstances that are not covered in the list given, but it does make it very clear that essays on, for example, why you would like to live in Texas or everyone you know at UT will not work well for this prompt. 

Find additional tips and tricks to help you master the optional essay here . 

2.3. Video Essay Requirements

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.

UT McCombs has retained the requirement that candidates complete a video essay as part of its application process. Though it can seem daunting at first, the video essay is a great way to share more about your interests, motivations, and personality with the admissions committee. 

We recommend checking out our tips on recording an outstanding video essay here and checking out the tips posted by the UT McCombs admissions committee!

TOP TIP : Check out UT’s insider blog to learn more about the video essay component.

3. Make sure you get into McCombs

One of the most common mistakes we see in MBA essays is that candidates fail to tell compelling stories . This is important because if your stories are not compelling, they will not be persuasive. At the same time, they must be backed by strong examples that establish a track record of success and prove to the admissions committees why you belong at their school. 

Striking this balance between content and creativity can be tough, however, as succeeding means not only choosing the right stories but ensuring they are told in an optimal manner. 

This is why our iterative developmental feedback process here at Ellin Lolis Consulting helps you mold your message through the application of our storytelling expertise until it reflects exactly what makes your profile stand out and show fit with your target program. 

Not only can you take advantage of our iterative feedback process through multiple edits – you can also benefit from it after a single review! If your budget is tight, our editors will be happy to help polish your text as much as possible and leave “bonus comments” so you can keep working on it on your own!

No matter how long we work with you, we will always ensure your essays shine . Sign up to work with our team of storytelling experts and get accepted.

4. UT McCombs Deadlines

Here are the deadlines for the 2024-2025 season. You can access the online application here . 

Application Deadline : October 15, 2024

Interview Notification : Ongoing

Decisions Released : December 17, 2024

Application Deadline : January 15, 2025

Decisions Released : March 27, 2025

Application Deadline : April 1, 2025

Decisions Released : April 29, 2025

*Last for international students 

Application Deadline : May 15, 2025

Decisions Released : June 5, 2025

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University of Texas McCombs MBA Essay Tips and Deadlines [2023 – 2024]

Texas McCombs combines rigor with a passionate community, including passion for the MBA program. The school’s single required question reflects this value; the adcom invites you to demonstrate deep familiarity with the program , connected to your unique vision for the future. It has a practical slant. Convey concrete goals, and make a case for how the McCombs program is ideally suited to prepare you to achieve them.

The school has introduced some significant changes to its essays this season. It has gone from two required essays to one required essay and dropped the “Please introduce yourself” question/video. 

Ready to get to work on your Texas McCombs application? Read on. 

■ McCombs application essay tips

■ McCombs application deadlines

■ McCombs class profile

For great advice, listen to Get Accepted to UT Austin McCombs , a podcast interview with Rodrigo Malta, managing director of MBA Marketing, Recruiting, and Admissions at Texas McCombs.

McCombs application essay tips

Mccombs required essay.

Please write an application cover letter summarizing your aspirations, qualifications, and personal and professional experiences that make you a strong candidate for the Texas Full-Time MBA program.

LIMIT: 500 words 

The cover letter is a new essay format for Texas. MIT Sloan also uses a similar cover letter instead of a traditional essay. The purpose for this approach is twofold. First, the adcom wants to see what information you consider most pertinent about yourself and how you present that information, and second, it wants evidence that you have truly researched their program. What you say in this letter can reveal a lot about you and your reasons for wanting to earn an MBA at McCombs, so don’t just copy and paste sentences from your resume! Your answer should be thoughtful and concise.

Yes, “summarizing your aspirations” is essentially asking you about your goals. How do you see your short-term plan leading to your long-term plan?  Be as specific as possible. For example, if you are changing careers, state why you are attracted to a different path, what you know about it, who you know who works in the industry, and most importantly, what skills you already possess that are relevant to this new position. Don’t just say, for example, that you want to be a consultant. Why? Which area of consulting? With what company? And why would a consulting firm want to hire you? What do you know, and what impact have you made in the past? The MBA is not a magic wand – admissions wants to see that your expectations are realistic and feasible. 

The best way to show what you can do is to give specific examples of what you have already done. Don’t just say, “I’m a good problem solver.” Prove it! And note that the adcom is also requesting “personal experiences.” This will give them a good idea of your fit for their program. Texas has a very close-knit and intensely loyal community, so based on your hobbies and interests, what specific clubs or organizations would you be involved with? And what would you share with your classmates that might be special? McCombs wants to be sure you understand what the program offers and why it is the one that will best prepare you for your desired career path. 

To reiterate, the purpose of the cover letter is to elicit specific information about you and your goals and how the Texas McCombs MBA will prepare you to attain those goals. The adcom doesn’t want generalizations. Make sure you really know the program well – explore the website, connect with students, and above all, attend in-person or virtual admission events to learn more and ask questions that you can’t find answers for anywhere else.

A Note about applying to b-school from Rodrigo Malta, managing director of MBA Marketing, Recruiting, and Admissions at Texas McCombs

McCombs Optional Essay

If applicable, applicants can provide an optional statement in the essay section of the application. Applicants should only provide an optional statement if there is something they wish to address about their candidacy that is not addressed elsewhere.

If you write the optional essay , present information that is essential for the adcom to have to be able to fully understand your candidacy. If you do not have any concerns to address, you could explore a RELEVANT topic not addressed in your application. Be succinct; don’t take the lack of word limit as an invitation to write a book. If you believe your candidacy is well represented without the optional essay, that is totally fine; don’t write an optional essay just to write one.

McCombs application deadlines

Source: Texas McCombs website

***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with Texas McCombs directly to verify its essay questions, instructions, and deadlines.***

McCombs Class Profile

Here is a look at the Texas McCombs MBA Class of 2024 (data taken from the McCombs website ):

Class size: 220

Average age: 29

Middle 80% of age range: 26-32

Female students: 35%

International students: 28%

U.S. minority students: 36%

Underrepresented minority students: 17%

Consortium members: 29

Forte MBA fellows: 38

Dual degree students (MD, JD, Master of Public Affairs): 21

Average years of work experience: 5.7

Middle 80% range of years of work experience: 3-8.5

U.S. military service: 13%

Average undergrad GPA: 3.48

Undergrad institutions: 149

First-generation college: 11%

Advanced degree holders: 13%

Undergraduate majors:

• Business/economics: 33%
• Humanities: 15%
• Other majors: 13%

Average GMAT score: 706

Middle 80% range of GMAT scores: 660-750

Average GRE Verbal score: 160

Middle 80% range of GRE Verbal scores: 155-167

Average GRE Quant score: 159

Middle 80% range of GRE Quant scores: 152-166 

Has this blog post helped you feel more confident about approaching your McCombs application? We hope so. It’s our mission to help smart, talented applicants like you gain acceptance to your target schools. With so much at stake, why not hire a consultant whose expertise and personalized guidance can help you make your dream come true? We have several flexible consulting options. Click here to get started today!

Dr. Christie St-John has more than 25 years of higher ed and admissions experience, including ten years in admissions at Dartmouth Tuck. She was formerly the director of MBA recruiting and admissions, director of international relations, and an adjunct faculty member at Vanderbilt University. Having also served on the board of directors of the MBA Career Services & Employer Alliance and the Consortium for Graduate Studies in Management, Christie has a deep knowledge of MBA and other graduate admissions. Want Christie to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!

Related Resources:

• Why MBA? , a guide to writing the goals essay
• Get Accepted to UT Austin McCombs , podcast Episode 452
• Top MBA Essay Questions: How to Answer Them Right

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2024-2025 MBA Essays: Tips for UT Austin McCombs

At Menlo Coaching, we noticed that most MBA essays will fall into one of a number of categories: personal essays, career goals essays, behavioral essays, etc. Read ahead for our expert guide on approaching these essays for UT McCombs.

Career Goals

• Essay 1: At Texas McCombs, we do things a little differently. We embrace those who take the initiative and forge new paths. What ambitious goal or change do you aim to achieve with an MBA, and why is Texas McCombs your ideal launch pad? (Limit: 250 words)

Personal Statement Essay

• Essay 2: Here, you are what’s next. At this pivotal crossroads where you’re deciding your future path, the Texas McCombs MBA experience will equip you with the tools and mindset to make “what’s next” happen in your career. Please share unique qualities you posess that highlight your potential to shake up the status quo in your professional life. (Limit: 250 words)

Behavioral Essay

• Essay 3: The University of Texas at Austin’s motto, “What starts here changes the world,” embodies a spirit of impact and transformation. What fuels your drive to lead change and make your mark in the world? (Limit: 250 words)

Optional Statement

• 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)

Video Assessment

• 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.  Learn more  on our MBA Insider Blog.

The Career Goals Essay

You’re not the only one hoping you’ll have a job after you’ve graduated with your MBA. Admissions committees are looking for students who are motivated and clear in their intentions so that when they get a job post-grad, they’ll be more willing to speak positively of their experience in the program. And, of course, in the hopes that their alumni will earn enough money to become a donor to the school one day.  

There are three aspects to the career goals essay: 

• What you want your future profession to look like.
• Why an MBA is necessary to advance your career.
• Particularly, why a degree from McCombs will be most beneficial to you and your job plan. 

Your aspirations need to be convincing, ambitious, and realistic. The school is looking for applicants who have meaningful goals grounded in their past experiences, and it’s important that you relate that notion in your essay, however it applies to your experience in life. 

The Personal Statement Essay

Like we touched on earlier, schools are looking for the right fit for their campus community, just as you are searching for the school that aligns best with your goals. In the personal essay, this is your chance to show the McCombs admission team the values that drive you both as a person and as a student. These values tell them what you prioritize, the moral code you live by, and, most importantly, who you are as a person.  

McCombs School of Business has created an environment dedicated to “thinking independently together.” The school is looking for applicants who are seeking to be challenged and are going to pursue their curiosities. One way these work in tandem is through the cohort group you are placed in upon entering the program; you will work with these students throughout the first year’s core curriculum, carefully designed to provide you with the most enriching experience possible.

In these essays, you can talk about almost anything; typically, applicants will write about relationships in their lives, or times when there was a hardship they had to overcome. Be warned, though: there are some topics to avoid, and we have outlined a few things to watch out for in this article . 

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The Behavioral Essay

To make it simple: the behavioral essay is meant to show the team at Michigan Ross that you have developed some sort of leadership skills, what your values are as a leader, and how you are going to most benefit from their development programs. 

The admissions committee is looking for applicants that are self-reflective. Whether it’s through a setback you’ve experienced, or how you dealt with situations that have gone awry, the school is looking for students who are resilient and able to learn from their mistakes.

Do not overexaggerate (or underexaggerate!) the situations you decide to write about. Be honest about what happened; Ross is looking for genuine people to join their campus community, and they are less likely to admit an applicant who has overinflated their prior experiences. 

Last but not least, make sure to describe what you learned and how you implemented this in a subsequent situation. This is an  expected  element of the behavioral essay, even if it’s not directly written in the prompt. The school is looking for applicants who will act with humility, and have confidence without attitude. Prompts that deal with these topics can be daunting, especially when they require you to write about a weakness you have or a failure you’ve experienced.

Optional Essay

Once you’ve completed your application, the optional Ross essay gives you an additional opportunity to provide the AdCom with any additional information or clarity that you feel would enhance your application.

One trap that MBA applicants fall into is using the additional space provided by this essay to write on a whole new topic. However, this is not always the best idea.

You should only make use of this essay if you what you write will provide context to an element of your application to improve your candidacy—you don’t want to jeopardize your chances by adding unnecessary noise to your application.

Writing strong, coherent, genuine stories is an essential part of your MBA application. These essays are meant to help you stand out among many other applicants, so it is worth your time to do the work and write about situations unique to your life and that you truly learned from.

Need help navigating McCombs MBA admissions essays? Our team of experienced coaches offers personalized support to help you craft essays that showcase your unique strengths and experiences. Discover our MBA coaching services today.

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• UT Austin McCombs MBA Program Overview
• MBA Essay Tips From 3 Top Admissions Consultants
• How to Get Into MBA Programs at Top Business Schools

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Has anyone here completed new McCombs Video Assessment?

Completely clueless what they gonna ask. If anyone has completed would you mind posting interview questions that can be beneficial for all. Thank you in advance.

Illinois Names First Female Dean For Gies College Of Business

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Brooke Elliott

After a national search for a new business school dean, the University of Illinois has turned to one of its own proven leaders to take charge of the Gies College of Business . Brooke Elliott, who has led the school’s highly innovative digital strategy, will succeed Jeffrey Brown as Gies dean on Aug. 16th, pending the approval of the Board of Trustees.

An accomplished academic who had chaired the school’s nationally renowned accounting department, the 48-year-old Elliott is a highly driven and passionate advocate for the Democratization of higher education. She is that rare leader who brings to the job a strategic mind with superb execution chops. Her devotion to the school is unequaled.  

Elliott also possesses a unique, high-energy personality that is as uncommon for a sober academic as her trademark looks in skinny jeans and bright blue and orange Jordans. She may well be the first dean of a major business school who joyfully drives an agate black F-150 Ford truck. Elliott is also something of a Super Mom to her two children, a son, who will be a senior in high school this year, and a daughter, who will be an eighth grader. Those who know her would not be surprised that her children play competitive sports. Elliott, who has been known to raise her voice at an umpire or referee,  is the announcer at her son’s baseball games and keeps the books at her daughter’s basketball and volleyball games.

ELLIOTT CALLED ‘THE CLEAR CHOICE’ TO SUCCEED JEFF BROWN

Brooke Elliott will become Gies dean on Aug. 16

Though the university rightly conducted a national search to find Brown’s successor, including the hiring of executive search firm Isaacson, Miller, any other choice would have been a grave error.    As Provost John Coleman notes in his announcement of the appointment, Elliott became “the clear choice” to succeed Brown. “Through a national search Professor Elliott’s dedication to and vision for the college’s future, along with the passion she brings to her current work, made her the clear choice to lead Gies College of Business,” says Coleman. “She is an accomplished scholar and an empathetic, transparent and collaborative leader, and I am confident she will lead the college toward continued success.”

In a statement, Elliott expressed her gratitude in getting the nod. “I’m honored to be selected as the next dean of Gies College of Business,” said Elliott. “This College has an unbelievably rich history of excellence, and our best years are still in front of us. Our alumni base is more engaged than ever, and we have a culture of innovation that is unmatched. I’m excited to see what that future holds for Gies as we find even more meaningful ways to shape purposeful leaders around the world.”

The ultimate test of her leadership ability came in 2020 when she was drafted by Brown as an associate dean to lead the school’s online initiative. After serving as head of the accountancy department for two and one-half years, Elliott was given the new assignment just as the COVID pandemic was in full force in February of 2020. It was one of the most traumatic and chaotic times to lead. The American economy was in shambles. By the end of May in that year, more than 100,000 Americans had died of COVID-19, and the U.S. constituted 30% of all cases globally, with the numbers still rising.  

At the time, some of her colleagues expressed concern that her timing was bad. She was taking over the iMBA when it had already experienced incredible growth, from a standing start four years earlier to a total enrollment of nearly 3,000 students. Her colleagues believed there was just no way that anyone could sustain that kind of growth.

SHE LED A DRAMATIC SCALING OF THE SCHOOL’S ONLINE PROGRAMS

Elliott more than aced the test, successfully leading a dramatic expansion of Gies’ online student enrollment with an equally dramatic scaling of staff to support those programs. Under her leadership, the school’s flagship iMBA program, one of the most disruptive higher education products of this era, became the fastest-growing MBA program in the world.

When she took on the role, 2,792 students were enrolled in the iMBA. After her first year in the job, enrollment jumped by 62% to 4,524. It reached a peak of 5,435 in 2022, nearly double the size since being named associate dean.  Gies iMBA was named the MBA Program of the Year in 2022 by Poets&Quants .

Last year, 4,898 students were studying for an iMBA, with a remarkable 96% satisfaction rate, a 92% retention rate and nine out of ten students saying they would recommend the program to others. Student outcomes, moreover, equal or exceed any prestige in-person Executive MBA program costing five or more times the Gies online option. Some 65% of the iMBA students report a promotion, a job offer or   had accepted a new position during the program, with an average pay increase of 25%.

HER FINGERPRINTS ON THE GIES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ARE EVERYWEHRE

While successfully scaling the school’s iMBA program, Elliott was also launching new online degree programs, including Gies’ Master in Management in October of 2020. Within 18 months, the program attracted more than 1,000 early-career learners and now boasts  an international student population of 32% from 86 countries.

Her fingerprints on the school are everywhere. Elliott created a new graduate credential at the university, launching a portfolio of 13 stackable graduate certificates. She successfully proposed, led, and implemented a new and innovative campus policy that allows one graduate degree to fully stack into another, and she spearheaded the search for a new assistant dean of educational innovation, doubling the size of Gies teaching & learning team.

In her earlier years in leadership roles, as the academic director of undergradute affairs, Elliott led a group that designed the existing undergraduate core curriculum. She also added business analytics as a core sequence where every Gies undergraduate learns a programming language to provide a foundation for higher level major courses.

MARRIED FOR 25 YEARS TO ILLINOIS ALUM ROBIN ELLIOTT

When she headed up Gies accounting department from 2017 to 2020, she grew the faculty by 14 professors, increasing tenure-track women by 50% from 23% to 31% of the tenure-track faculty. She also put in place a matched faculty mentor program across disciplines and developed and led a women faculty mentor group. Elliott launched an online Master of Science in Accountancy program and launched a data analytics concentration in graduate programs and achieved STEM-designation. She has developed and taught several financial reporting and analysis courses to learners ranging from undergraduates to executives.

Elliott earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration with an accounting focus from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business in 1999. Her husband, Robin, graduated from Kelley the same year with his BS in accounting and then followed her to Urbana-Champaign where he earned an MS in accounting. She joined the faculty at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign after earning her PhD in accounting from the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business.  Her husband followed her to Urbana, earning his MS in accounting when she was an assistant professor at the school. They have been married for 25 years.

Her research focuses on determinants of investors’ use of accounting information in their investment-related judgments and decisions; the relation between accounting information/disclosures and investor sentiment; and managers’ strategic use of and investor response to non-GAAP (i.e. pro forma) earnings disclosures.

DON’T MISS: REGRETS? TOO FEW TO MENTION FOR DEPARTING GIES DEAN JEFF BROWN or BROOKE ELLIOTT’S REMARKS AT iCONVERGE

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• Reapplying to Texas McCombs: Your Guide to a Stronger MBA Application

With each new admissions cycle, questions come in from those who have applied in the past about applying again to join the next class of Texas McCombs MBAs. First, having applied in a previous year is not considered a negative factor in your application.

We value persistence and growth – qualities that many reapplicants embody and are pleased to see your continued interest in the program. The Admissions Committee will evaluate your new application on its merits and in the context of the new applicant pool, just as if you are applying for the first time. Below is an overview of important info and tips for reapplying to the MBA program that we hope you find helpful.

APPLICATION

All candidates reapplying are required to complete a new application, as well as upload a new essay, a new resume, and pay the application fee. Our essay prompts from last year have changed to new short answer questions for this year, and copying from a previous application cycle is not recommended. In addition, rewriting your essays shows effort!

Review essays and application components

Learn more about the new application updates

OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS

We keep your official transcript on file for one year. You will need to submit your transcripts again if you have taken any additional coursework or if you applied more than one year ago. After you apply, you can always review your application status on the “MyStatus” page to make sure you have current transcripts.

TEST SCORES

GMAT, GRE, and Executive Assessment scores are also kept on file for one year, and overall, scores are valid five years after the date the test is taken. If you applied with a test waiver previously, your waiver approval will be good for the new cycle as well. Note that if you have already sent us official scores, we must consider them in the evaluation process, and that a reapplicant who applied with a test waiver can decide to reapply with a valid test score. The McCombs Admissions Committee considers only the highest total submitted score in the evaluation of applications.

Learn about the test options for Full-Time MBA candidates

RECOMMENDATION LETTER 

Although not required, we suggest you submit a new letter of recommendation. Determine if another recommender may provide a more current, insightful, and thorough perspective on your experience. If you choose to submit a prior recommendation, you will need to email MBA Admissions with a request to resubmit.

VIDEO ASSESSMENT

Reapplicants will be asked to complete the 2024-2025 video assessment as part of their new application; due to differences in timing and questions, we will be unable to use your video assessment from the prior year.

HOW HAVE YOU IMPROVED?

While completing your application, you will be asked, “Since your previous application, what steps have you taken to enhance your candidacy?” The Admissions Committee reviews this answer closely so please ensure that you spend time reflecting on and explaining these improvements. Use this section to showcase personal and professional development since your last application.

TIP: Emphasize new experiences, skills, or insights that you’ve gained, further demonstrating how your goals align with Texas McCombs’ mission and culture.

Reapplying demonstrates your commitment and resilience; both are qualities that we value at Texas McCombs. Many successful MBAs were once reapplicants themselves and this is your opportunity to show us how you’ve grown and why you’re an even stronger fit for our program now.

We’re excited to see your renewed application and learn about your journey since we last connected. Your persistence might just be the key that unlocks your MBA dreams at Texas McCombs.

Visit Texas McCombs MBA to learn more about our programs and upcoming events , or take a peek into student life on Instagram . Check out our Application Process page for more information on application components. Please reach out to the MBA Admissions Team with any questions.

Best of luck with your application, and Hook ‘em!

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