Texas McCombs MBA Video Assessment: Questions, Format & Preparation Guide

Master the Texas McCombs MBA video assessment with our 2026 guide. Get insider tips on real Kira Talent questions, the “Plan B” career prompt, and how to showcase your fit for the Austin business ecosystem.

What to Expect from the Texas McCombs MBA Video Assessment

The Texas McCombs MBA video assessment is a mandatory, asynchronous interview that gives the Admissions Committee (AdCom) a direct view of your communication style, leadership presence, and personality. Built around McCombs’ “Human-Centered, Future-Focused” philosophy, this stage is designed to evaluate how you think, speak, and respond under real-time pressure.

If you are comparing programs across the U.S. or internationally, you can explore how McCombs compares on our MBA rankings page or learn more about the program itself on our Texas McCombs MBA overview.

After submitting your application, you will receive access to the Kira Talent platform and typically have 7 days to complete the video assessment. The process is fully timed, and each response is recorded in a single take.

2026 Assessment Format:

Number of questions: 4–5 randomized prompts
Preparation time: 30–60 seconds per question
Response time: 1–3 minutes per answer

Pro Insight: McCombs also offers an optional peer interview with current students. While not required, completing it can strengthen your overall candidacy by demonstrating genuine interest in the program. Learn more about MBA interview formats on our MBA admissions interview guide.

Strategy: How to Stand Out in the McCombs MBA Video Assessment

McCombs evaluates candidates on five core competencies: Adaptability, Empathy, Ambition, Collaboration, and Communication. Strong answers naturally demonstrate these traits through real examples rather than abstract statements.

1. The “Plan B” Mindset
One of the most distinctive aspects of McCombs interviews is the focus on pragmatic thinking. You may be asked not only about your goals, but also your backup plan. This is not a trick question—it’s a test of realism and flexibility. You can practice structuring answers using our MBA interview questions bank.

2. Reflect the Austin Culture
McCombs values collaboration, humility, and innovation. Strong candidates show examples of “leading without authority”—influencing outcomes even when they were not the formal leader.

3. Nail the Technical Setup
Small details matter more than most candidates expect:

Lighting: Face a light source (avoid windows behind you)
Eye contact: Look directly into the camera lens
Audio: Use clear, distraction-free sound

4. Use Structured but Natural Storytelling
The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) works extremely well here. Just make sure your “Result” includes human impact—how your actions affected people, not just business metrics.

Texas McCombs MBA Video Assessment Questions (Real 2026 Bank)

The McCombs MBA video assessment questions come from a randomized Kira Talent question bank, but they consistently follow three themes: leadership, motivation, and personal judgment. For broader preparation, you can also review our MBA interview questions by school resource.

Leadership & Teamwork

“Tell us about a time you worked with a difficult team member and how you handled it.”
“Describe a situation where you led a team through change or uncertainty.”
“How do you ensure diverse perspectives are included when making decisions?”

Goals & Motivation

“What are your short-term career goals, and what is your backup plan if they do not work out?”
“Why is Texas McCombs—and Austin—the right place for your MBA journey?”
“What will you contribute to the McCombs community during your MBA?”