After a rigorous MBA application process, Angela Masciale (McCombs, ‘22) decided to attend the University of Texas (McCombs) MBA program. During this interview, Angela speaks about her MBA application process, her priorities for determining the right MBA school, and her advice for prospective MBA applicants on how to select the right MBA program.
MBASchooled: Think back to when you found out about your MBA acceptances. What was that experience like?
The first news I heard was my denied acceptance from Yale SOM. I was not offered an interview, so I felt disappointed in the outcome. However, I was met with acceptance and full scholarships from both Rice Jones School of Business and Texas McCombs School of Business. I was ecstatic and overwhelmed with emotions when I received both of those phone calls. I did not expect such a whirlwind of news after my denial from Yale, but I’m so happy it happened.
MBASchooled: After you got accepted, what did you do, in order to find the research and information you needed to make your decision?
I had focused conversations with current students and alumni from both Texas and Rice. I shared my career goals and what organizations at the schools would help achieve such goals. I spoke with the career management teams and read articles on Poets & Quants to get a detailed look on the possibilities at both schools.
MBASchooled: What were the most important criteria for you that you used in order to select the right business school for you?
In my position, it was a very thoughtful process balancing the idea of either attending Rice or UT. At that point, I had been living in Houston for the last eight years and my entire network was in Houston. I was so comfortable, but also craved a transition and change of pace. I focused on where I would be 5 years from now and what I wanted that to look like. Thus, I ended up boiling down the decision to career services and alumni connections. I felt there were more opportunities in my target career if I went to McCombs instead.
MBASchooled: Now that you’ve been at McCombs, what’s something you’ve learned, that you didn’t know about it before you enrolled?
I didn’t know how much organizations are truly influenced by the current students and leadership. I had goals of being a part of certain organizations that I wrote about in my essay, but was quickly taken with other organizations that marketed and hosted wonderful events. I really enjoyed the programming from Graduate Women in Business and the Food & Beverage Innovation Club.
MBASchooled: COVID-19 impacted all MBA programs from being able to run like they normally do. Can you talk about what your experience was like this fall? What were some learnings from navigating a virtual or hybrid MBA environment?
The McCombs Program Office did a wonderful job laying out clear expectations and policies for the fall hybrid experience. Luckily as first years, our schedules in Fall 1 (August- October) were consistent 8am – 12pm classes. This allowed for clear separations of cohorts and study groups on which days they could attend in person and virtual. After a few weeks, many students chose to stay virtual for various reasons. This allowed for an “open market” of students to “swap” in person days. I took part in this and was able to attend class Monday through Thursday.
Student organizations did a great job in hosting Zoom events and providing content to keep students engaged. One event I really enjoyed was hosted by the Food & Beverage Innovation Club that had “alcoholic beverage tasting packs” and invited the McCombs CEOs of said groups to talk about their companies. It was fun tasting new drinks in my apartment while talking directly with those leaders.
MBASchooled: After you accepted your admission, did you do anything to prepare for starting your first year of business school at McCombs??
Many of the students recommended that I enjoy life, travel, and soak up the downtime before school began. I had plans to travel, but those were quickly canceled given the pandemic. Most of my preparations were through Consortium and the Orientation Program in June. Through this program, I was able to recruit before the school year began. I spent the summer prepping for networking sessions and interviews; I was able to secure my internship the first week of orientation!
MBASchooled: What would you recommend recently admitted MBA students do in order to prepare for their first year of business school?
I would recommend a few things:
- If you can relax, then relax. Enjoy going on walks, crafts, or whatever makes you happy.
- If you crave experience, consider a pre-mba internship. This is not required and many people don’t do this. A friend of mine did this and it was a great way for her to dip her toes into an industry she was curious about.
- If you seek skills, utilize the world of Youtube or your campus resources. I would say there’s plenty of online courses that could help prep you for Core classes such as Finance, Statistics, Economics, and Accounting. There was a program offered prior to my orientation that focus on these areas called Accelerated Foundations Program (AFP).
I did choice one and have no regrets!
MBASchooled: What kinds of questions should admitted students ask themselves, or others, in order to make the best decision possible?
Admitted students should think about: 5 years from now, network, and career. Those were my number top aspects when I made my decision. Five years from now would mean I would be 2-3 years into my job and most likely up for promotion or position switch. I wanted to give myself the most wiggle room in terms of possible career switching and what kind of network would give me the best possible chance at success. I knew that I had narrowed down schools with great professors, collaborative environments, and involved students – but the final decision came down to more insular questions about myself.
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