Extracurriculars that Make the Difference for Students Applying to Major in Business at UT Austin

The school gets thousands of applications but accepts only a small number. To get accepted, you'll need to show you're exceptional in many ways, with great grades plus community involvement, leadership, and extracurriculars. With such high standards, it's no wonder McCombs is one of the most competitive business schools.

The UT Austin Holistic Admissions Review Process

The University of Texas at Austin takes a very thorough approach to reviewing student applications. Even though it's a big school, UT is committed to looking at every aspect of each applicant's materials. This is called holistic review, which means that they take into account everything from test scores to hobbies and achievements. By looking at applications this way, the admissions office gets a sense of who the student is as a whole person, not just as a set of numbers.

When students apply to UT, they're asked to choose a major they're interested in. This is an important decision because it shapes how the admissions team evaluates the application. The reviewer will look at all the pieces of the application, including grades, test scores (if they're submitted), essays, short answers, resume, and letters of recommendation, through the lens of the chosen major. By doing this, they can see how the applicant's experiences and achievements align with their interests and goals in attending UT.

At UT, the McCombs School of Business is known as an "impacted" major, meaning that there are more competitive applicants than there are available spots. So, what does it take to be a competitive applicant?

• A student needs to have a standout transcript that showcases their ability to handle challenging coursework in the competitive environment at McCombs. Submitting high ACT/SAT scores can also help an applicant stand out.

• Having a resume that highlights unique extracurricular experiences or independent projects that align with the major can also make an applicant more competitive.

It's important to remember that when applying for an impacted major, a student needs to show that their academic and extracurricular background is a great match for the program. By demonstrating this, the admissions team can see that the student is well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities that come with studying that major.

When applying to McCombs, students can use their application materials to showcase how they're a great match. Here are the three best ways to do that:

1. The expanded resume 
Since there's no required formatting or chronology for the expanded resume, students can and should organize their projects and activities with the most relevant items at the top. These should be the activities that match best with their major choice.

2. The short answer essay that asks you to share your interest in your first-choice major 
The first short answer essay provides a great opportunity to show evidence of fit to major. In this essay, students should clearly state what they want to study at UT and specifically explain how their desired major fits into their longer-term plans.

3. The letters of recommendation
When it comes to UT letters of recommendation, students should take the opportunity to create a case for their first-choice major. That means asking for recommendations from people who can speak to the student's skills, abilities, and passion as it relates to their major choice. 

The bottom line is that McCombs is extremely competitive.

UT Admissions receives applications for McCombs from many students who are academically qualified for admission and would likely do well in those majors—but there simply isn't enough room for all applicants who would be successful. That's why it's so important for a student to demonstrate academic fit and show the admissions committee why they're a stand-out applicant for that particular major.

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How Can Extracurricular Activities Make An Impact On An Application?

Participating in extracurriculars doesn't just give students the opportunity to learn new skills like collaboration, creativity, and communication, but also helps aspiring business majors build important relationships that could lead to great career opportunities in the future. Ultimately, the McCombs School of Business looks for well-rounded applicants who are passionate about learning, have leadership potential, and are committed to excellence both inside and outside of the classroom. By participating in extracurricular activities, students can demonstrate that they embody these qualities and are a great fit for the programs.

Extracurricular Activities that make a difference

1. A Job During High School

Working a job during high school can be a fantastic way for students to gain important skills and experiences that can prepare them for a business major at UT Austin's McCombs School of Business. Part-time jobs or summer jobs can help students develop vital professional skills like communication, time management, and teamwork. Additionally, they can gain practical experience in areas like customer service, sales, or administration. Students who work in a business-related field can also learn about the industry and build a network of contacts, which can be highly advantageous when applying for jobs or internships as a McCombs student.

By working during high school, students can develop a strong work ethic and demonstrate that they're capable of managing multiple responsibilities. They can also show their commitment to learning and growing, both personally and professionally. Ultimately, these experiences can help students stand out when they apply to the McCombs School of Business and give them an advantage in the highly competitive application process.

2. Serving Your Community

Community service is an excellent way for high school students to gain valuable skills and experiences that can prepare them for a business major at UT Austin's McCombs School of Business. Participating in community service projects helps students develop crucial leadership and interpersonal skills, as well as a deeper understanding of how organizations function and interact with the community. Additionally, community service can help students build their network of contacts and gain exposure to various industries and careers.

Engaging in community service also demonstrates a student's commitment to making a positive impact and shows that they are well-rounded individuals with a broader perspective on the world. By participating in community service, students can show their dedication to making a difference and contributing to society. Ultimately, community service is an excellent way for students to stand out in the competitive application process and demonstrate their passion and commitment to their future career in business.

3. An Internship in a Business Field

For a high school student looking to apply to the McCombs Business School at UT Austin, participating in an internship can be a valuable experience. Internships provide students with practical work experience and allow them to develop essential skills that will be useful in the business world. Additionally, internships can help students build connections with professionals in their desired field, which can be beneficial for future career opportunities. Participating in an internship also shows the admissions committee that the student is proactive, motivated, and committed to pursuing a career in business.

By participating in an internship, students can learn about the industry and gain insight into what a career in their chosen field might be like. They can also develop important skills such as communication, problem-solving, and time management. These skills can be applied not only in a future career but also in other areas of their lives. Ultimately, participating in an internship can help students stand out in the competitive application process and demonstrate their readiness to take on the challenges of a business major.

4. An Online Class to Develop Skills & Knowledge

If you're a high school student looking to apply to the McCombs Business School at UT Austin, you can demonstrate your interest and dedication to the field of business. Online courses give you the opportunity to learn about different business concepts and gain the skills and knowledge that will be useful in your future studies. Taking an online course can be a flexible and convenient way to learn new skills and concepts. You can work on the course at your own pace and fit it into your schedule. Additionally, online courses can be a cost-effective way to gain knowledge and build your qualifications. There are many free and low-cost options available online, making it accessible to a wide range of students.

Completing an online course can also show the admissions committee that you're proactive, motivated, and committed to pursuing a career in business. You can also show that you're willing to take the initiative to learn and improve your skills. Ultimately, taking an online course can be a great way to enhance your qualifications and stand out in the competitive application process.

5. A Pre-college Summer Program

For high school students interested in applying to the McCombs Business School at UT Austin, summer precollege programs can be a beneficial experience. These programs, often held on a college campus, offer students the opportunity to explore a variety of business-related topics and gain insight into what studying business in college would be like. This experience can help students make a more informed decision about their academic and career goals. Participating in a precollege program can also show the admissions committee that the student is motivated and committed to pursuing a career in business.

Precollege programs typically provide a hands-on learning experience that allows students to develop important skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Students may also have the chance to work on real-world projects and interact with professionals in the field of business. This can give them a better understanding of what a career in business might entail and help them make connections that could be valuable in the future.

By participating in a precollege program, students can show that they're willing to take the initiative to learn and explore their interests. They can also demonstrate their commitment to pursuing a career in business. Ultimately, participating in a precollege program can be a great way to enhance your qualifications and stand out in the competitive application process for the McCombs Business School.

High school students interested in studying business at the University of Texas at Austin should highly consider getting involved with extracurricular activities since they can fit perfectly into the business major. Participating in extracurriculars not only gives students the opportunity to gain valuable skills such as collaboration, creativity, and communication but also helps aspiring business majors build essential relationships that could manifest into great career opportunities down the road. Questions like “what did you do while you were in high school?” are very common when it comes to interviewing for great opportunities in the business world. By engaging with these extra-curriculars, student who dreaming of attending the McCombs School of Business can create a story of their experiences and create tangible examples of how these experiences fit their future major and career path incredibly well.