Frequently Asked Questions

Who should I ask for letters of recommendation?

We recommend at least one letter from an academic reference and at least one from a professional reference. The most effective letters will describe the applicant’s quantitative skills, intellectual ability and work ethic.

My college does not grade with a four-point scale. How can I determine my GPA? Do I need to submit a WES evaluation? 
Transcripts are reviewed by Degree Evaluators at the Office of Graduate Admissions, who are experienced in reviewing international transcripts. They will assign a GPA to your file. Outside credential review (for example, by WES) is not required.

Can I apply for Spring semester? When does the Spring (or Fall) application open? 
The MS in Finance begins in summer semester every year. We do not enroll students in the fall or spring semester. If you are graduating in December, please apply for the following summer. 

 
I’m enrolled in a graduate program now and would like to transfer to UT for the MSF. Can I get course credit for the work I’ve completed? 
We cannot accept transfer credits. The MS in Finance is an accelerated program that is completed in less than one year, so we cannot substitute coursework from other graduate programs.

I am an international applicant. Can I apply after the final international deadline?

No. The final international deadline is set in order to allow time for visa processing. Additionally, due to a high volume of applications, we cannot accept applications after the final deadline.

I submitted my application by the deadline but I am unable to pay my application fee. Will my application be considered “on-time?”

Yes. Your application is considered “on time” if submitted by the deadline, regardless if the fee is paid on that date. However, your application will not be evaluated until you pay the fee.

Can I apply to more than one MS Program?

Yes, you can apply to two MS Programs (MSBA, MSF, MSM, MSITM). You will be required to submit another application to the additional program(s); however, you will only be required to submit one application fee. 

Do you offer part-time or online options for MS Finance?

No. The MS Finance program is only offered on a full-time, in-person basis.

Can I enroll in your classes as a non-degree seeking student?

No. The Texas McCombs MS Programs courses are reserved only for students admitted to the MSBA, MSF, MSM and MSITM programs.

Are your programs STEM?

The MS in Finance, MS in Business Analytics, MS in Marketing, and the MS in IT & Management are all STEM-eligible.

Is the GMAT/GRE optional?

Yes! GMAT and GRE test scores are now optional for the Texas McCombs Master of Science Programs. Applicants will not be disadvantaged in the admissions profess if they do not submit test scores, and applicants who feel that their test scores reflect their potential for success in graduate school may submit scores for consideration.

What are the codes for GRE/GMAT/TOEFL/IELTS?

The Educational Testing Service institution code for the GRE and TOEFL is 6882. The institutional code for the GMAT: MSM: 396-44-93 MSF: 396-44-78 MSBA: 396-44-73 MSITM: 396-44-30 To fulfill the requirement with scores from the IELTS, have an official paper score report sent to the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Do you prefer taking one test over the other?

No, we do not have a preferred test. We accept both the GRE and the GMAT.

What’s your minimum acceptable test score? What test scores do I need in order to secure admission?

We are looking for overall exceptional applications, including high grades, strong professional development, test scores (if submitted), and communication skills. Our faculty committee is concerned when GRE/GMAT scores are below the 50th percentile for MSM, MSITM, and MSF (verbal or quantitative) and below 60th percentile for MSBA, or TOEFL scores are below 100 (IELTS below 7).

Can I submit late test scores? What if the test date is close to the deadline? 
If you must take the GRE/GMAT/TOEFL close to the application deadline, please include your preliminary score in the online application so that the committee can see it before your official score is received. Make sure to use the same email address, name, and birth date on your official score report and your application, so that they can be matched up quickly by our electronic system.  

 
Can I retake the GRE/GMAT/TOEFL and send updated scores? 
We cannot reverse “deny” decisions, so you should submit your strongest application possible. If you opt to take the GMAT or GRE, please do not submit the application with the intent to send updated test scores.