Business Honors Program
I n s p i r i n g pa s s i o n . c u lt i vat i n g p o t e n t i a l .
The University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business
“After I graduated, I realized the classes I
had taken were conducted at an extremely
high level. I also realized that the personality
characteristics of my peers were unique.
All of my classmates were very ambitious,
innovative, creative, and most importantly,
kind and thoughtful people. We are a group
that rose quickly in our careers, and many
of us started our own businesses. The
classes we took and the extracurricular
activities that were available prepared us
for this success.”
Miya Na zza r o- GRAMpP
Then: Business Honors Major, Class of 2000
Now: Owner and Managing Director, Capital Perception
table of contents
In the Cl assr oom .............................................................................................................
Your Professors....................................................................................................................
Forging Your Own Path.......................................................................................................
Unique Coursework.............................................................................................................
2
4
5
6
Out of th e C lassr oom .....................................................................................................
8
First-Year Experience........................................................................................................ 10
Business in Practice........................................................................................................... 11
Hands-on Learning............................................................................................................. 12
Expand Your World............................................................................................................. 13
Co mm unity .........................................................................................................................
14
Your Community................................................................................................................. 16
A Lasting Network.............................................................................................................. 17
The University of Texas at-a-Glance................................................................................. 18
The City of Austin at-a-Glance.......................................................................................... 19
Careers .............................................................................................................................
20
Launching Your Career....................................................................................................... 22
BHP Quick Stats................................................................................................................. 23
Beyond BHP........................................................................................................................ 24
ADMISSION s ........................................................................................................................
Mc co m b s s c h o o l o f b u s ines s | bu s ines s honors p rogra m
26
ta bl e of conte n t s 1
section one
In The Classroom
Small classes. Rigorous MBA-style coursework. Inspiring faculty. The Business
Honors Program (BHP) attracts the brightest students and offers them a unique
learning environment.
The BHP combines the intimacy of a small college with the vast resources
of The University of Texas at Austin. This innovative degree program offers you
intellectual challenges as well as professional development opportunities. You
will have the freedom to discover your passion. Small classes focus on discussion
and presentation, group collaboration, analytical exercises and the research
behind actual business decisions.
BHP core courses are modeled after case-based MBA programs and are
taught by some of McCombs’ most highly regarded professors. As an honors
student, you will have the opportunity to build relationships with, and receive
individual attention from, your professors. You will adopt the BHP Honor Code
and express your commitment to ethical standards. The BHP Honor Code unites
the BHP community and creates an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect.
2 i n t he c l a s s r o o m busine ss honors program | Mc combs school of bu si n e ss
Th e SCHOLAr
P rabh udev Kona n a
Professor and Department Chairman
Information, Risk and
Operations Management
After working with BHP students, Professor
Konana knows what makes them tick. “BHP
classes align with the intellectual curiosity
of the students. The content is not bound
by textbooks, but what students can absorb,
assimilate and exploit to create business
value. The classes are structured to create
an environment to truly bring out the best
from an outstanding set of students.”
Prabhudev Konana teaches Information
Technology in Business (MIS 301H). He is
a Distinguished Teaching Professor and
professor of information management.
He holds the William Seay Centennial
Professorship in Business. He is also a faculty
member of the South Asia Institute and
assistant director of the Center for Research
in Electronic Commerce. His research
interests include virtual communities, IT
business value, IT-enabled supply chain, as
well as outsourcing and offshoring. He has
published more than 70 papers in major
journals and conferences, and his research
has been funded by the National Science
Foundation, Dell, Intel and IBM.
Professor Konana has received numerous
teaching awards, including induction into the
Academy of Distinguished Teachers at The
University of Texas at Austin, the university’s
highest teaching honor. He has also earned
the El Paso Faculty Achievement Award for
teaching excellence, the Trammell College
of Business Administration Foundation
Teaching Award for Assistant Professors,
and the Hank and Mary Foundation Award
for Effective Teaching in Undergraduate
Teaching. He is also a recipient of the
National Science Foundation CAREER Award
for his research.
you r professor s
At the heart of any top-flight education is a top-flight faculty, and
the professors in the Business Honors Program are among the most
distinguished leaders in academia. Below is a short sampling of
just a few of the educators who make the program a dynamic and
innovative place to learn.
“The goal of Business Honors students is
to impress the heck out of their teacher.
They are likely to challenge the professor
in class. If they’re going to do that, they
have to prepare more than most students
do because if you’re going to challenge
your professor, you’d better have done
your homework.” A typical day in
BHP Director
ROBERT PRENTICE’S business law
(LEB 323H) class might involve students dividing into teams
and arguing pending supreme court cases—with “Judge”
Prentice presiding. Professor Prentice comes from a business
law background, and his research and teaching interests include
partnership and corporate law, securities regulation and the legal
liability of accountants. Professor Prentice is the current director
of the Business Honors Program.
“Business Honors students are unique, but
in diverse ways. They almost universally
each have talents and interests outside
the business school. Last year one
student invited the class to attend the
performance of a play he had written. A
young woman in the class helped a small
grocery store escape financial failure
by revamping its business plan. An easy-go-lucky kid received
$7 million dollars in venture capital money for a business he was
starting. It goes on and on— they are incredible young people.”
Like her students, professor BEVERLY HADAWAY is involved in a
variety of organizations and has many responsibilities. She serves as
associate chair of the finance Department and director of the EDS
Financial Trading and Technology Center. Her research interests
include financial institutions, corporate governance issues and
security laws. She teaches Business Finance (FIN 357H) and runs
the Finance Boot Camp.
4 i n t he c l a s s r o o m “What I love about BHP students is
their pursuit and passion for excellence.
They are absolutely driven to learn and
acquire the knowledge necessary to make
better decisions. But, equally so, they are
interested in the process by which that
knowledge is acquired so that they may
continue to develop and learn throughout
their careers.” ETHAN BURRIS is an assistant professor of
Management. He has teaching and research experience relating
to leadership, working with groups and teams, and negotiations.
The recipient of numerous teaching awards, Dr. Burris was
most recently named to the “Faculty Honor Roll” by the UT
undergraduate students. He enjoys being pushed by students to
think about the limits of the theories and research he covers in his
class. He has had numerous students join him on various research
projects after taking his class to continue to pursue those interests
beyond the limits of the classroom. He loves watching students
develop the courage to pursue their passion to change the world
over the course of the class and their undergraduate career.
“Business Honors students are smart,
they work hard, they’re competitive,
but they also support their classmates.
Students prepare a text chapter and five
business press articles for each of my
class sessions. After a cold-called student
‘opens’ an article, the rest of the class
joins in the discussion. Because class
contribution is graded, students compete for ‘air time’. Despite this
competitiveness, the class lets me know if I fail to grasp an important
point made by a colleague. It is this combination of intellectual
horse power, hard work, competitiveness and team spirit that
differentiates Business Honors students.” LEIGH MCALISTER’S
principles of Marketing (MKT 337H) class is designed to expand
students’ understanding of the marketing system and to provide
a framework for marketing strategy development. Her research
focuses on consumers’ reactions to marketing interventions and
the strategic implications of these reactions. Professor McAlister
has received numerous awards for both research and teaching,
served on the editorial boards of multiple journals, and worked as
the executive director of the Marketing Science Institute.
busine ss honors program | Mc combs school of bu si n e ss
Contact an academic advisor to discuss your specific academic
and career goals and incoming credits.
FORGING YOUR OW N PAT H
The Business Honors Program gives you a strong foundation in
business and encourages you to excel in any area you choose.
While many BHP students choose to follow a traditional business
path by majoring in areas such as finance or marketing, many
others also major in disciplines outside of business such as premed, economics, Spanish or Plan II.
A SAM P LE CLASS SCH E DULE FOR B H P/A D D ITIONAL B USINESS MAJ OR
FRES H MAN YEAR
FALL SEMESTER
S P RING SEMESTER
Professional Development and Career Planning (BA 101H)
Introduction to Information Technology Management (MIS 301H)
Psychology/Anthropology/Sociology
Integral Calculus (M 408L)
Signature Course (UGS 302/3)
Macroeconomics (ECO 304L)
Differential Calculus (M 408K)
Visual and Performing Arts
Microeconomics (ECO 304K)
Business Communications (BA 324H)
SO P H OMORE YEAR
FALL SEMESTER
S P RING SEMESTER
Honors Lyceum (BA 151H)
Managerial Accounting (ACC 312H)
Financial Accounting (ACC 311H)
Statistics and Modeling (STA 371H)
Elementary Business Statistics (STA 309H)
Business Finance (FIN 357H)
Science and Technology Part I
Science and Technology Part I
U.S. Government (GOV 310L)
Government (GOV 312L)
J UNIOR YEAR
FALL SEMESTER
S P RING SEMESTER
Organizational Behavior (MAN 336H)
Operations Management (OM 335H)
Principles of Marketing (MKT 337H)
Business Course to fulfill 2nd Business Major Requirements
Business Course to fulfill 2nd Business Major Requirements
Business Course to fulfill 2nd Business Major Requirements
U.S. History (HIS 315K)
U.S. History (HIS 315L)
Science and Technology Part II
American Literature (E 316K)
SENIOR YEAR
FALL SEMESTER
S P RING SEMESTER
Internship Credit for Major Requirement
General Management and Strategy (MAN 374H)
Business Law and Ethics (LEB 323H)
Business Course to fulfill 2nd Business Major Requirements
Business Course to fulfill 2nd Business Major Requirements
Business Course to fulfill 2nd Business Major Requirements
Business Course to fulfill 2nd Business Major Requirements
Business Course to fulfill 2nd Business Major Requirements
Upper Division Non-Business Elective
Upper Division Non-Business Elective
Note: Schedule reflects major in BHP and an additional major in the business school (such as marketing or finance) and would include an additional
three hours of study abroad, social science, or visual and performing arts credit. Schedule to be adjusted depending on major selection, AP/IB credit,
and dual credit.
Mc co m b s s c h o o l o f b u s ines s | bu s ines s honors p rogra min the cl a ssr o o m 5
UNIQUE COURSEWORK
Distinguished Speakers
Case-based Curriculum
In most graduate business schools, the curriculum is focused
around business case studies; the Business Honors Program’s
curriculum mirrors this model. A business case study, or “case”
for short, lays out a business problem, and allows students to
analyze the situation and determine a solution. Cases generally
give information about a problem, background on the firm and
industry, and relevant data for students to use in their analysis.
By teaching through case studies, professors can expose students
to real-world business problems, and encourage them to develop
their own solutions. Real-world business problems often have no
clear answers, and involve groups of people debating the best
solution. The BHP matches this in the classroom by applying
concepts from lectures and textbooks to cases, and fostering a
collaborative, discussion-based environment.
BA 151H (Honors Lyceum) is a course all BHP students
take in their sophomore year. It is a leadership seminar that
hosts speakers from different areas of the business world.
Throughout the semester, executives speak to the class about
their career path, leadership experience, how their firm excels,
and challenges facing their industry. This gives students an
opportunity to interact with senior executives from around the
business community, within industries ranging from technology
and banking to healthcare and the public sector.
BHP professor Dr. Prabhudev Konana engaging in class discussion.
ADD PICTURE
6 in the classroom
busine ss honors program | Mc combs school of bu si n e ss
Th e Entrepreneu r
K i rby Al l ison
Then: Business Honors, Finance and
Economics Major, Class of 2005
Now: Owner, Hanger Project
Drawing from the group projects he
completed in the Business Honors Program,
Kirby Allison turned his keen interest in
men’s fashion into a viable business.
“My time at UT proved to me that
ideas can be turned into reality with
hard work, persistence and creativity,”
he says. “I didn’t even intend to start a
business—it was just a little side project.”
Kirby had discovered a need in the
marketplace: Fashion-conscious men
had no trouble finding hand-tailored,
premium suits; but once they got the
threads home, they had no place worthy
to hang them.
So he decided to explore the hanger
problem like it was a class assignment.
He worked on the project on weekends
and at night, consulting manufacturers
and distinguished tailors. After months
of designing prototypes, Kirby finally
decided his little side project could be
even bigger and launched a full-blown
business, www.hangerproject.com.
In the fall of 2008, a complimentary
product review in the Wall Street Journal
and a large order from a luxury men’s
store in Guatemala propelled Kirby’s
project into the echelons of real-world
business. His side project had become
the recognized leader in customized
luxury hangers.
“When I was at UT, I wanted to leave a
legacy,” Kirby says. “In my professional
life, I want to do the same. I want to
be able to look back and say I created
something of value.”
Mc co m b s s c h o o l o f b u s ines s 7 Busine ss Honors Pro g r a m
section two
o u t o f Th e Classroom
What drives you? Academic excellence is just one characteristic BHP students
share. BHP students are not only leaders in the classroom, but also in the
community; they are student government representatives, Olympic medalists,
Truman scholars and community activists. BHP students extend excellence well
beyond the classroom.
Your BHP experience begins with the Freshmen Leadership Kickoff, your
official introduction into BHP where you are assigned to a peer mentor group. BA
101H, a course to help you plan, implement and evaluate your post-graduation
goals, rounds out your first-year experience.
Your experience continues through hands-on learning. McCombs’ internship
requirement offers an up-close view into different career options. It’s a great
opportunity to discover what areas you may, or may not, want to pursue after
graduation, and it puts you ahead of the curve when your job search begins.
Programs such as the Financial Analyst Program (FAP), Brass Ring, Accounting
Practicum and Finance Boot Camp help you cultivate more advanced finance and
accounting skills. Furthermore, getting involved in student organizations gives you
communication, event-planning and leadership skills in a variety of interest areas.
Ramp up your global savvy by studying abroad. Students who take the time to live
and learn in another culture discover a competitive edge in the job market. Today’s
employers know the value of language skills and multicultural understanding.
Whether you enhance your classroom experience on campus, in the
community or in another country, the Business Honors Program helps you reach
your fullest potential.
8 o ut o f t h e c l a s s r oom busine ss honors program | Mc combs school of bu si n e ss
Th e l eader
Rahul Anne
Then: Business Honors, Finance and
Economic Honors Major
Class of 2010
Now: Private Equity Associate, KKR
With three majors it might seem that
Rahul had no time for anything besides
school, but the truth was quite the
opposite. He discovered that while
schoolwork and grades were extremely
important, the opportunities he pursued
outside the classroom are what truly
defined his college experience.
Rahul was a teaching assistant,
supplemental instructor, resident
assistant, chair of Discover BHP, a
member of the Undergraduate Business
Council and an officer for the Honors
Business Association—all distinctions
that gave him an edge when he was
recruited as an investment banking
analyst by Goldman Sachs. “The thing
that sets BHP apart is that it not only
teaches you about leadership in the
classroom, it actually gives you the
opportunities to put it into practice.”
As a freshman, Rahul practiced
his leadership skills when he planned
Discover BHP, a major recruiting event
for prospective students. At first the
task seemed a little daunting, but then
he found himself working very closely
with his co-chair and committee, and he
learned how to delegate responsibility
while keeping an eye on the end result.
“The experience made me examine
the strengths and weaknesses of my
leadership and re-evaluate my definition
of an effective leader. I am a much
different leader—and a more effective
one—than before I started the program.”
FIRST-YEAR EXPERIENCE
From day one as a student, you begin gaining the experience
that will prepare you for your future. Freshmen Leadership
Kickoff gives you the chance to meet your classmates, mentors,
faculty and staff in a retreat setting in the Texas Hill Country.
The kickoff builds teamwork skills through fun activities and
helps the freshman class form the basis of strong relationships
that will last all four years and beyond.
College life can be a big change for incoming freshmen. The
Freshman Mentor program helps freshmen through their first
year. You will begin building your community of friends and
colleagues by gathering several times each semester with your
mentor group to develop strategies for academic and social
success.
Dedicated academic advisors will help you forge your own path.
Your advisor has the information and knowledge to help you
graduate on time with the major(s) that will help you achieve
your ultimate career and life goals.
Your advisors also coordinate programs such as the BHP Golf
Outing, where you can either attend a golf clinic or play in a
tournament with corporate representatives (depending on your
skill level) free of charge, to provide you with a comprehensive
and well-rounded educational experience.
Professional Development and Career Planning (BA 101H)
is taken in your fall semester and helps build a foundation for
an effective career search. Topics discussed in the class include
careers and major expoloration, interviewing techniques,
resumé building and networking. This course will help you focus
your interests and pursue your dreams long before graduation.
BHP Freshman Leadership Kickoff
10 o ut o f t h e c l a s s r oom busine ss honors program | Mc combs school of bu si n e ss
business in practi ce
Your internship opportunities are endless as a BHP student.
Whether you want to be an investment banker on Wall Street
or a buyer for a designer clothier, BHP offers you both the hard
and soft skills you need to hit the ground running. Internships
are an excellent opportunity to gain real-world experience and
explore the field or fields you may wish to pursue in the future.
They are also avenues in which to meet potential employers
and colleagues. Many students, after successfully completing
internships, will receive full-time offers from companies
impressed with their skill level, professionalism, and overall
ability to thrive in the workplace.
The McCombs School of Business has a top-rated Career
Services Department that connects our students to internship
opportunities and prepares them to make the most out of their
internship. Our students have had internships in investment
banking, equity research, consulting, and financial analysis with
firms such as McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase,
and ESPN to name just a few. Should you decide to go on to
graduate or professional school, or choose a career in business
that’s non-traditional in nature, we can also assist you in finding
opportunities that will help you with your goals. From interning
at the Texas Capitol, to working in the nation’s capital at The
Smithsonian Institute, to working as an apprentice for a dentist
in India while on a study abroad program, our students have
tailored their internships to suit their career goals. Regardless
of the career path you choose, the BHP staff will work with you
to figure out which opportunities can best prepare you for your
next steps.
Jas m in e B e l l
Then: Business Honors, 2012, and Master in Professional Accounting, 2013
Now: Associate Auditor, KPMG
Jasmine has worked three internships since the summer after her
Sophomore year - PricewaterhouseCoopers, L’Oreal USA, and KPMG. She
attended leadership conferences in Dallas, New York, and Los Angeles
to learn more about each company, their industries, and their internship
opportunities and process. Through these experiences she was able to
gain insight on various industries and an appreciation for all aspects of
what makes a company run. “L’Oreal did a good job of showing us all
parts of the company. Despite being a finance intern, I went on plant visits
to see the process of manufacturing products and interacted with the
marketing group on a weekly basis. It was a great experience.” Her BHP
classes prepared her to handle the unexpected in her internships. “I think
BHP professors really stand out. They don’t focus on memorization. They
teach you how to think. They shaped the way I process information and
enhanced my desire to learn information.” Jasmine has been a student
recruiter for BHP for several years, a job she says she enjoys because she
likes to see students succeed and knows they can in the BHP because of
the great opportunities available.
Mc co m b s s c h o o l o f b u s ines s | bu s ines s honors p rogra m
out of the cl a ssr o o m 11
hands-on Learni n g
Sometimes the best learning experiences take place outside
of the classroom. The Business Honors Program is committed
to building upon the traditional classroom experience with
special programming and learning experiences that give you the
opportunity to get your hands dirty. The following are a few of the
programs that have proven especially popular with BHP students.
BHP Boot Camps
We offer three boot camps to help students succeed in their
classes. A business communications, finance, and MIS boot camp
is offered each year. These half-day programs prepare students
for some of the more rigorous curriculum in the program.
Brass Ring Program
The Brass Ring Program offers you the chance to gain hands-on
experience working with central Texas organizations on a
semester long project. If selected into the program, you will be
enrolled in an operations management course and work with a
team of 4-7 students that best match your interests to develop
a business project for a local company. This is an optimal way
to apply your academic knowledge to address contemporary
business issues, with a focus on supply chain management,
marketing, strategy and finance.
After the initial company meeting, you will submit a project
proposal that describes the project, scope, schedule and
anticipated results. At the end of the semester, you will formally
present the results of your project, including a written report
and summary presentation. Recent projects have involved new
product development for a small software firm, inventory reduction
projects for a large defense contractor, sustainability policy for
the City of Austin procurement group, process improvement
for the State of Texas procurement group, and new product
introduction for a large international oil company. Many of these
recommendations have been implemented with documented
savings in the millions of dollars. Sponsored and supported by
the Supply Chain Management Center, the Brass Ring Program
provides interaction with the SCMC sponsor companies along
with several Austin-area organizations to help students network
with companies that could provide internship and employment
opportunities. Such companies include Dell, Frito-Lay, Shell,
Advanced Micro Devices, and Procter and Gamble.
12 o ut o f t h e c l a s s room Accounting Practicum
The accounting practicum offers community service, class
credit, and work experience all in one course. You will have the
chance to work with Community Tax Centers, a program that
partners with the Internal Revenue Service, to implement tax
assistance to low-income filers. No accounting or tax background
is necessary, and students of all levels may take this course. It’s
a rare opportunity to help families when they need it most—tax
time. According to students, one of the greatest parts of this
course is seeing the reactions from the families they help.
Financial Analyst Program (FAP)
A select group of outstanding finance undergraduates are
selected each year to participate in the Financial Analyst
Program. This one-and-a-half-year program allows you to work
closely with finance faculty, MBA Investment Fund managers
and asset management industry professionals to develop your
skills and experience as a financial analyst.
Cases are used to present practical problems and issues in
investments, corporate finance and financial services and to
help you develop your oral and written skills. You will learn
to assess the operating, financing and investing performance
of a company as well as make financial projections relative to
both the company’s recent operating history and its peer group
of competitors. You will also serve as an analyst for the MBA
Investment Fund in order to increase your practical experience
in the fundamental analysis and valuation of companies and their
industries. In the final spring semester, an independent study
under the supervision of a finance faculty member permits you
to fashion a project that further enhances your financial skills in
a particular area of interest, such as credit evaluation, industry
structural analysis or business valuation.
busine ss honors program | Mc combs school of bu si n e ss
EXPAND YOUR wor ld
English Language Programs-Partner Schools
Australia (Sydney), University of New South Wales
BHP students have the opportunity to study abroad in programs
specially designed to meet their needs. Whether you spend a
summer, a semester, or an entire year in another country, you’ll
come away with more than school credits and great travel photos.
Studying abroad gives you a window into other cultures, a valuable
understanding of the international business climate, and will help
you develop foreign language skills. Traveling abroad also makes
you more attractive to international companies and allows you
opportunities to gain new friends.
“The five-week program in Prague was the most eye-opening
and rewarding experience of my college career thus far. I was
given the opportunity to see business concepts come alive in a
culture and economy that are vastly different from those of the
United States,” said Michael Daehne, a Finance and Mathematics
major who participated in the BHP in Prague program. There is
also a new BHP five-week program in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Students will earn credit for a BHP management course, while
studying at the prestigious Universidad de San Andrés.
Australia (Canberra), Australian National University
Austria (Vienna), Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien
Belgium (Louvain-la-Neuve), Université Catholique de Louvain
Czech Republic (Prague), University of Economics
Denmark, Copenhagen Business School
England (Bath), University of Bath
France (Paris), École Supérieure de Commerce de Paris, ESCP Europe
France (Paris), Hautes Études Commerciales, HEC
Germany (Vallendar), WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management
Hong Kong, Chinese University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Italy (Milan), Universitá Commerciale Luigi Bocconi
Korea, South (Seoul), Seoul National University
Netherlands, Rotterdam School of Management – Erasmus University
New Zealand (Dunedin), University of Otago
Norway (Oslo), BI, Norwegian Business School
Scotland (Edinburgh), University of Edinburgh
Singapore, National University of Singapore
Switzerland (St. Gallen), St. Gallen Universität
Thailand (Bangkok), Thammasat University
Mc co m b s s c h o o l o f b u s ines s | bu s ines s honors p rogra m
out of the cl a ssro o m 13
section thre e
comm unity
With about 500 students, the Business Honors Program is a close-knit community
inside the larger business school and university. From day one you’ll begin building
memories with your classmates—individuals who will be your colleagues, study
partners, team members, and inevitably, your lifelong friends.
Outside the business school, The University’s more than 900 student
organizations will appeal to the writer, organizer, activist, sports fan, dancer,
actor, politician, humorist, botanist or musician in you. The choices are as varied
as the backgrounds and experiences of your fellow students. No matter what
your interests include, you can be sure your community will extend far beyond
the classroom and McCombs.
Austin is a city for those that love creativity, night life, the outdoors, live
music and the arts. The city is always vibrant, with a collection of restaurants,
parks, coffee shops, boutiques, museums and people that inspire and entertain.
This is an eclectic community with endless resources to draw from as you
discover your passions.
And don’t worry—once you graduate, you don’t have to leave your
community behind. The BHP alumni network will keep you connected with the
program and your classmates. Alumni will mentor you while you are a student,
and after graduation you can pay it forward and make an impact on the next
generation of students.
BHP even has opportunities for your parents to be involved. Through the BHP
Parents’ Council, your family can stay connected and support your career path
while strengthening the program through their time and dedication to your success.
14 co mm u n i t y busine ss honors program | Mc combs school of bu si n e ss
The Campus l ead e r
Jaco b Spangl er
Business Honors, Plan II Honors,
Government
Class of 2015
Jacob is taking every opportunity
to make the most of his time at The
University of Texas at Austin. Not only
has he taken on three majors, but he is
also involved in the spirit community,
works for the Office of Admissions, and is
a Peer Mentor for the BHP. He has really
enjoyed being a part of UT’s proud spirit
community by being a member of the
Longhorn Band. As a BHP peer mentor,
Jacob will mentor ten freshmen, helping
them make the transition to college
life and to succeed academically. He is
the first to admit that it is a challenge
juggling everything he has taken on, but
he has learned to manage his time, make
time for his interests, and know his limits.
He will share these tips with the freshmen
he mentors because he believes there are
no limits to where you can go if you take
advantage of all UT has to offer.
“There are so many great role models
to look up to in BHP. There are so many
BHP students who are actually running the
student side of the university and they are
really willing to help new students succeed
in leadership positions and guide them in
finding their passion.”
After graduation, Jacob would like
to go into management consulting.
He knows that the strong liberal arts
education he receives in Plan II Honors,
as well as a broad understanding of the
inner-workings of the government, will be
a perfect complement to his outstanding
BHP education.
You r COMMUNITY
BHP students get the best of both worlds, with a small
community of 500 students, but access to the resources of a
school whose community is 50,000 strong.
field trips, company dinners, faculty dinners, formals, and
banquets. HBA strives to bring students firsthand knowledge of
companies’ goals, strategies and recruiting efforts, and fosters
lifelong ties and friendships between BHP students.
Student Organizations
Housing
All prospective freshmen who apply to an honors program are
also eligible to apply for honors housing on campus. The honors
residence halls consist of three dorms that house approximately
500 men and women who participate in one of The University’s
undergraduate honors programs. Living in the honors halls gives
you access to other students from an array of disciplines. You will
have the opportunity to engage in stimulating conversations and
live in a learning environment of like–minded individuals.
You also have the opportunity to join one of McCombs’
undergraduate student organizations. With more than 30
organizationsto choose from, you will discover many ways to
connect with the BHP and McCombs community.
Student organizations at McCombs include the Undergraduate
Business Council, McCombs Diversity Council, Asian Business
Student Association, Black Business Student Association, Hispanic
Business Student Association, MIS Association, University
Accounting Association, University Investors Association
and many more.
Honors Business Association
As a BHP student, you are automatically a member of the Honors
Business Association (HBA). There are numerous joint activities
between HBA and BHP throughout the year, including company
M ic h a e l Da e h n e
Then: Business Honors, Finance, and Mathematics Major, Class of 2012
Now: Consultant, Sense Corp.
Michael thinks of the Business Honors Program as his family on campus.
He credits BHP with defining his college experience. Reflecting back on
his introduction to the program during the Freshmen Leadership Kickoff,
he says he was in awe of the people around him. He realized that BHP
was going to make him a better version of himself not just because of the
classes and resources available, but also because of the people he would
be surrounded by.
Michael served as president of the Honors Business Association,
Discover BHP Co-chair, a recruiting liaison and a supervising peer
advisor. Outside of BHP, he served as president of the Undergraduate
Business Council, was a member of the Senate of College Councils, and
was selected to be on the Student Advisory Committee to the Provost.
He received numerous honors over his years at the university, including
the Texas Parents Association Outstanding Student Award, the McCombs
Leadership Award, and the McCombs BBA/MPA Alumni Advisory Board
Rising Star Award.
Michael is applying his leadership skills and BHP coursework as a
consultant for Sense Corp., a boutique tech-consulting firm based in St.
Louis, offering clients solutions to help improve their business.
16 co mm u n i t y busine ss honors program | Mc combs school of bu si n e ss
A lasting networ k
Benefit from a lifetime connection to the BHP that starts the day
you accept your admission to the program. You will have access
to McCombs BBA and BHP alumni networks. Throughout the
year, you will have opportunities to connect with alumni through
monthly coffee chats, summer networking events and career
mentoring. These programs will allow you to develop one-on-one
relationships with alumni, explore career and graduate school
options, and make connections to potential recruiters.
McCombs alumni also have access to a number of services,
including professional development and informational webinars.
Longhorn pride runs deep in University of Texas graduates,
and our 450,000 alumni love connecting to each other and
helping one another succeed. No matter where you end up after
graduation, you will have a built-in network of fellow Longhorns.
“It’s hard for me to overstate BHP’s significance
in my life’s journey. All the significant aspects
of who I’ve become as a person and professional
can trace back to BHP. I look back at my decision
to attend BHP and know that I could not have
chosen a better program than BHP. The gifts BHP
has given me is why I have stayed involved,
stayed connected, and paid it forward.”
-Boris Siperstein, BHP Class of 1995
Business Honors alumni and students mingle during an alumni social gathering.
Mc co m b s s c h o o l o f b u s ines s | bu s ines s honors p rogra m
comm uni t y 17
THE UNIVERSITY OF TE XAS
At-A-Gl ance
UT Austin offers so much more than just top-notch academics.
The campus itself is rich with opportunities and resources.
Become a part of a diverse community known around the world
for its bold spirit of pride and competitiveness.
arts events range from an array of unique, up-and-coming artists
to renowned, talented performers, to which many university
students can obtain discounted tickets.
Variety of Dorms
With 14 residence halls that house about 7,000 students, UT has
a variety of options for student housing. Students can choose
from honors halls, male-only, female-only, or coed housing.
Texas Sports
Christened by Sports Illustrated as “America’s Best Sports
College,” UT has one of the most storied athletic histories in the
nation. Students can get tickets to all sporting events, including
football, for the year through the Longhorn All-Sports Package
for only $80!
Student Organizations
There are over 1,100 registered student organizations on
campus. If you don’t find something you are interested in, you
can easily start your own.
Recreational Sports
Texas Performing Arts & Frank Erwin Center
The University of Texas hosts a variety of music, dance, and
theatrical events at the Texas Performing Arts, the Frank Erwin
Center, and many other venues on campus. These exciting fine
Students contemplate Simon Vouet’s 17th-century masterpiece Saint
Cecilia, part of the Blanton Museum of Art’s permanent collection.
UT houses many different gym & swimming facilities, basketball
courts, and outdoor activity spaces all over campus, as well as the
intramural fields only 10 minutes from campus. Rec Sports also
plans outdoor excursions for adventurous, enthusiastic UT students.
Greek Life
Greek life at The University of Texas at Austin includes more
than 4,000 students and more than 60 chapters. Students often
look to Greek life for an immediate sense of community, a
nonacademic commitment, and an opportunity for leadership.
Museums
A variety of museums are located on or near campus, including
the LBJ Presidential Library, Bob Bullock Texas State History
Museum, Blanton Museum (hosting world-class art collections),
and the Harry Ransom Center (displaying the world’s first
photograph and a Gutenberg Bible).
Easy Transportation
Capital Metro, Austin’s city-wide bus service, operates a fleet
of free shuttles that transports students around campus. In
addition, any Capital Metro bus is free with your student ID card
which makes getting around Austin easy.
*photo courtesy of the Blanton Museum of Art
18 co mm u n i t y busine ss honors program | Mc combs school of bu si n e ss
TH E CITY OF AUSTIN
At-A-Gl ance
Austin is consistently ranked as one of the best cities in America
in which to live. Regardless of your age or interests, Austin
has something to offer everyone. The city is true to its motto
and there is never a shortage of unique festivals, shops, and
restaurants to ‘Keep Austin Weird.’
Live Music Capital of the World
There is live music every night of the week in Austin. In addition
to local bands, touring acts are always coming through. The Austin
City Limits Festival and the South by Southwest Music Festival
bring indie bands, top artists, and everything in between to Austin.
Entrepreneurship Culture
Austin recently topped the Business Journal’s list of the Best
Places to Start a Business. Austin has a booming business scene
and a culture of entrepreneurship, which presents students with
opportunities to gain valuable experience interning with startups.
Nearby Excursions
There is so much to do in Austin, but there are some great places
nearby if you feel like getting out of the city. The Schlitterbahn
New Braunfels Resort is among the world’s biggest, and arguably
best, water parks and is just a short trip from Austin. Tubing
down the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers is another popular
adventure. You can also visit Enchanted Rock, one of the largest
natural rock formations in the United States, or one of a number
of great parks in the surrounding Texas Hill Country.
Nature
Despite being one of the fastest growing cities in the country,
Austin has a variety of green spaces to offer. Dozens of parks
are spread throughout the city, and the Colorado River runs
through downtown. There are myriad opportunities to enjoy the
wonderful weather that Austin is known for such as hiking in the
greenbelt, kayaking on Lady Bird Lake, and running around the
Town Lake trail.
South Congress Avenue live music, shopping and dining venues.
South Congress
The SoCo (South Congress) Shopping District offers a bohemian
atmosphere filled with funky shops, cool restaurants, and a Keep
Austin Weird attitude. It is a great place to spend the afternoon
and enjoy a cup of Austin’s famous Amy’s ice-cream.
Unique Food Scene
The Austin restaurant scene is a “foodie” dream. From TexMex to fine dining, Austin has it all. There is also a vibrant
food trailer scene, offering unique food creations and a fun and
inexpensive way to dine alfresco.
Texas Capitol
The Texas capitol complex is located adjacent to the south side
of campus and the capitol building (the largest in the nation) is
viewable from the steps of the Tower. Students are a short walk
away from the center of Texas government, which gives UT a
very active political culture.
Mc co m b s s c h o o l o f b u s ines s | bu s ines s honors p rogra m
comm uni t y 19
section four
careers
From practicing your first negotiation in BA 101H to negotiating your first
salary, the McCombs Career Services team is your resource for everything
from internships, post-graduation careers and even graduate school. With
programming that includes peer advising, company information panels, practice
interviews conducted by real recruiters, resume critiquing and a wide variety
of opportunities to interact with employers, BBA Career Services will help you
explore your options and then focus on your targets—whether you decide to
work in a traditional business field or apply to graduate school.
In addition to the offerings from the BBA Career Services team, BHP features
exclusive opportunities to speak with alumni about their companies and career
experiences. And your BHP advisors are involved every step of the way to help
you define and create your life after McCombs.
20 ca r e e r s busine ss honors program | Mc combs school of bu si n e ss
Th e Artist
K r i sten Al exand r ov
Then: Business Honors and Finance Major
Class of 2002
Now: Artist
Th e B usinessman
Alex Al exandrov
Then: Business Honors, Finance and
Economics Honors Major, Class of 2002
Now: VP for Thomas H. Lee Partners
Kristen and Alex met as students in the
BHP. While they both embarked on a
journey toward investment banking after
graduating in 2002, their careers diverged
as their lives came together.
Kristen started out in investment
banking, but after five years in the
corporate world, she decided to follow her
heart and pursue painting as a full-time
artist. After her first show at Fort Point
Open Studios in Boston, she moved full
steam ahead with a follow-up show.
Going from investment banker to artist
may seem like a complete about-face, but
the dedication and commitment it takes
to succeed in both fields is something she
perfected as a BHP student.
Alex began his career as an investment
banker with Goldman Sachs, then spent two
years at THL Partners, a leading private
equity firm based in Boston. He took a
two-year break to get an MBA at Harvard
Business School and returned to THL
Partners after graduation. For Alex, BHP
showed him the real value of a team
and helped him become a much better
participant and contributor.
“The really good teams—and the bad ones,
too—they were all great preparation for my
job coming out of college. At Goldman and
THL everything is done in teams, so knowing
how to be a ‘team player’ is very important.”
LAUNCHing yo ur ca r e e r
Intern Network
The Intern Network connects students who have internships
in cities across the country with BHP alumni living in those
cities. The network gives you the opportunity to connect with a
potential mentor, friend, or just someone to meet up with while
you’re in that city. It is a great opportunity for you to network
and speak with someone who has been in the same place as you.
Coffee Chat
Coffee Chats connect BHP alumni with current BHP students.
The informal sessions are a perfect forum for you to ask alumni
about their careers, postgraduate studies and other experiences.
BHP Career Advisor
BHP has a dedicated career advisor for its students. Because our
students often have double majors outside of the business school,
the BHP career advisor is well-versed in the accompanying
variety of interests, career paths, and graduate school options.
Your career advisor also maintains connections to companies
with specific interest in BHP students.
HBA Company Field Trip
The Honors Business Association offers a Company Field Trip
each spring. This trip provides students the opportunity to
observe the culture at a variety of companies, network with BHP
alumni, and explore a new city. Recent trips include visits to
San Francisco, Seattle, and New York City. Companies visited
include Google, Facebook, Boeing, and many more.
BHP student meeting prospective employers during the BBA spring internship and career fair.
22 ca r e e r s busine ss honors program | Mc combs school of bu si n e ss
bhp quick stats
Freshm an Ad missi on Stati sti cs
20 0 9
20 10
201 1
201 2
201 3
Applications Received
949
969
1,011
1,061
1,255
# Offered Admission
178
190
217
235
236
# Enrolled
99
88
112
117
118
Average SAT*
1450
1466
1472
1480
1483
Average Class Rank
Top 2.0%
Top 2.0%
Top 1.8%
Top 2.1%
Top 2.2%
*SAT averages are based on a 1600 verbal and quantitative composite and exclude the new writing section. Average class rank is based on ranking
schools only. In addition to outstanding academic credentials, each admitted student displays commitment to involvement in numerous extracurricular
activities and holds significant leadership positions at school and in the community.
BH P sal aries at a G la n ce
Average Salary
$63,144
Standard Deviation
$9,621
Intern Salary
$3,509
Standard Deviation
$1,421
CAREERS BY MAJOR
CAREERS BY IN D USTRY Major
Sa la ry % of r e p orts
Industry
Salary
% of Reports
Business Honors +BBA *
$63,144
22%
Automotive/Transportation
$48,254
2%
Accounting
$48,715
3%
Banking (Commercial)
$53,633
5%
ERB
$54,623
2%
Banking (Investment)
$65,903
12%
Finance
$58,993
41%
Communications/Marketing/Media
$39,304
3%
International Business
$48,069
2%
Computer/Equipment/Software
$59,288
12%
Management
$47,496
4%
Consulting
$59,910
22%
Marketing
$49,554
17%
Consumer Goods
$56,045
4%
Management Information Systems
$58,502
19%
Financial Services (excl banks)
$45,996
2%
Supply Chain Management
$57,005
12%
Government/Non-Profit/Law
$42,537
2%
Insurance/Real Estate
$43,696
3%
Petroleum Refining/Energy
$60,281
10%
Pharma/Biotech/Health
$51,441
3%
Public Accounting
$54,400
8%
Retail/Entertainment/Hospitality
$46,541
8%
Other
$54,863
3%
*Business Honors Program (BHP) students are allowed to have a
double major in business: one in Honors and one in another business
discipline. Those Honors students who double major have been
counted in the calculations for both individual majors as reflected in
the percentage (%) of reports by major.
Data based on 663 student reports of offers and acceptances as of
graduation. Twelve percent of students who reported are attending
graduate school or are not seeking employment. Results were compiled
from information reported by students via the BBA Exit Survey 2012.
Mc co m b s s c h o o l o f b u s ines s | bu s ines s honors p rogra m
ca re e r s 23
beyo nd bhp
P ega h Jav idpo u r, B H P ‘07
BHP students do amazing things after graduation. With an
outstanding academic foundation and an intimate understanding
of business fundamentals, you’ll graduate with the tools and
knowledge to be successful in any career or further course of
study. Whether you decide to go to law school, get your Ph.D.,
work on Wall Street, open your own business, or travel abroad,
forging your own path means your opportunities are endless.
Ly n n U tte r, BH P ‘ 84
President and COO, Knoll North America
“Success in the BHP takes extra
effort, and balancing the myriad
campus demands can be challenging.
But life beyond campus is no cake
walk. I would argue that no other
undergraduate program could have
prepared me better for my challenging and rewarding career
than did my undergraduate experience at UT—and within
the BHP specifically.”
Lynn’s career has been quite astounding. She joined Coors in
1997, serving as group vice president for operations. She then
went on to serve as vice president of container operations,
vice president of logistics, and chief strategy officer. Before
her time at Coors, she held a variety of leadership positions
with Frito-Lay and spent four years with Strategic Planning
Associates in Washington, D.C.
In early 2008, Lynn joined Knoll North America as president
and chief operating officer. “Making the transition to my current
roll at Knoll was a big step for me and my family. As I considered
whether or not I should make the career move, I tapped into
several of my BHP alumni colleagues. Despite the fact that
we are spread across Denver, Boston, Chicago, Houston and
Austin, and despite the fact that we often don’t keep up with
each other’s day-to-day lives, their counsel proved invaluable.
I can’t thank them enough.”
24 ca r e e r s Assistant Principle
KIPP Academy Middle School, Houston, TX
Pegah Javidpour always knew her
academic strengths, but transforming
those strengths into a career she was
passionate about was made possible
by the Business Honors Program. “I
always knew I was really good at math and science but also had
a knack for journalism and writing. I felt business was a good
bridge between those fields.” In the BHP, Pegah participated
in the CIBER program that placed her in Brazil for a summer
semester abroad. It was there that she started to figure out how
she could combine her degree and passions into a career. While
learning about business practices in Brazil, Pegah also learned
a lot about Brazilian culture. “Taking structured courses on
Brazilian culture lead me to want to make a difference after
learning about the social issues that faced Brazil, especially
Brazilian children.” It was after that trip that Pegah knew she
wanted to use her business degree in a service driven career.
An internship with Teach for America soon followed that
solidified Pegah’s career decision.
Pegah is not only a teacher, but an education entrepreneur.
Along with three other BHP alumni, Pegah started the BRIDGE
Academy (Building Roads for Individuals Dedicated to Growth in
Education). The four of them won a $10,000 grant from the RGK
Social Entrepreneurship Competition to help build the academy.
The BRIDGE Academy will be the first charter school to cater to
children of migrant workers. The goal of BRIDGE is to develop
individualized education for non-traditional lifestyles. Pegah is
now taking on more administrative roles within KIPP Academy
and continues her work in developing the BRIDGE Academy.
busine ss honors program | Mc combs school of bu si n e ss
L au r e n G i lstra p, BH P ‘ 06
O m a r O c h oa , B H P ‘ 07
Resident, Internal Medicine,
Massachusettes General Hospital
Law Clerk for Judge Raymond Kethledge,
Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
Ste ph e n G i lstra p, BH P ’ 08
Clerk, Judge Lewis Kaplan
It probably wasn’t a surprise to their
friends and family when Lauren and
Stephen, siblings from the small town of Marshall, Texas, came
to McCombs, graduated from the Business Honors Program
and went on to attend two of the top graduate schools in the
country (Harvard Medical School and Yale Law School). They
knew their BHP degrees would be the foundation upon which
to build their careers.
Lauren’s business background has proven to be something
that sets her apart from her colleagues. “One of the things you
learn to do in medical school is take patient histories and do
physical exams, then take everything you learn and condense
it into a seven-minute oral presentation. When we first started
doing this, the majority of my classmates had no idea what
to do. Organizing information on the fly and giving a concise,
professional presentation was no challenge for me. I had given
more presentations than I can remember as a BHP student.”
After listening to Lauren’s experiences in the BHP and the
opportunities she had, Stephen felt the program would be a great
way to balance out his Plan II and Government Honors majors.
“It’s easy to concentrate on one thing during college, but it is an
enlightening experience to see how each discipline is connected
to and supported by others. This notion has always drawn me
to study law because it’s fundamental in countless areas of our
society. Law spans borders, disciplines and theoretical principles.
The role of an attorney is to make sense of these relationships
and synthesize the information on hand. I realize now that this
was the point of the BHP curriculum. I cannot think of a better
undergraduate education to position me for law school.”
Mc co m b s s c h o o l o f b u s ines s | bu s ines s honors p rogra m
From UT-Austin student body
president to senior financial analyst
to law student, Omar is the first to
acknowledge that majoring in BHP
does not automatically mean you
must have a career in business.
The education received in the BHP can be applied to a variety
of situations, and no situation demonstrates this better for Omar
than the time he spent on the campaign trail in 2005. “My BHP
classes taught me to manage people, work successfully in groups,
and act productively with limited resources. BHP teaches about
leadership and how to work toward an end goal – exactly what’s
necessary for a successful campaign.”
Following his term as president and his tenure as a graduate
student in the MPA program, Omar moved to Detroit, MI, to
work for General Motors as a Senior Financial Analyst. However,
his long-held desire to give back to his community pulled him
back to UT-Austin in 2008 to earn a law degree. As a law student,
he held positions as a teaching assistant for a legal writing class,
summer clerk with Baker Botts in Houston, intern with Justice
David Medina of the Texas Supreme Court, and Editor in Chief
of the Texas Law Review. The leadership skills Omar honed
while in the BHP will no doubt continue to aid him in his lifelong
pursuit of learning and giving back to his community.
ca re e r s 25
AD MISSIONS
Eligibility Requirements
• A high school diploma to be completed prior to enrolling
• Fulfillment of all high school deficiencies as required by The
University of Texas at Austin
• Fluency in the English language
Submission date:
For your application to have a priority consideration, it must
be submitted by October 15. All applications submitted by the
priority deadline will be reviewed first.
The final deadline for submitting applications for BHP is the
same as the deadline for the University, December 1.
Applications received after December 1 will not be considered
or reviewed.
How to Apply
The Business Honors Program (BHP) accepts only online
applications. To apply to the BHP, applicants must first apply
to The University of Texas at Austin through the ApplyTexas
Application. List “Unspecified Business” as your firstchoice major. Listing a different major as your first choice will
disqualify the application from further consideration. To access
the ApplyTexas Application, visit: www.applytexas.org
ELEMENTS OF A STRONG A P P LICATION
After completing the ApplyTexas Application, applicants must
submit the online honors application. You must specifically indicate your interest in the BHP. The online honors application may
be accessed via the ApplyTexas Application or by visiting:
Personal Essays
http://bealonghorn.utexas.edu/freshmen/honors
All application materials are processed by the university’s
centralized office of admissions, and then forwarded to the
Business Honors Program for review. Submitting materials
directly to the BHP rather than the Office of Admissions is
prohibited and will delay the review process, potentially causing
the application to be listed as incomplete and ineligible for review.
To be reviewed, the application must be complete as defined
by the application checklist (see p. 28). Incomplete applications
after the December 1st deadline will not be reviewed. It is the
responsibility of each applicant to monitor the status of his or her
application through the bealonghorn web site at:
The admissions committee carefully considers each completed
application, with particular attention to evidence of academic
ability and leadership potential. All components of the application
are considered holistically; no specific weight is assigned to any
criterion, and no formulas are used.
Essays are a critical means of assessing an applicant’s background
and interests, communication skills and presentation skills. A
successful essay will truthfully display the characteristics or
interests that best define the applicant. The Business Honors
Program does not require any additional essays from the student.
The admissions committee will review Essays A, B, & C from the
student’s ApplyTexas application as a part of their BHP application.
Letter of Recommendation
The reference should be academic in nature and should speak
to the applicant’s academic abilities, qualities, and fit for the
Business Honors Program. The BHP requires that all references
be submitted electronically. To access the online honors
recommendation form, visit:
http://bealonghorn.utexas.edu/freshmen/honors/
recommendations
http://bealonghorn.utexas.edu/services/apply/checkstatus
Leadership
Throughout the admissions process, the Business Honors
Program office will communicate with applicants through e-mail.
Submission of an e-mail address is required. Applicants who do not
have e-mail addresses should take steps to obtain one prior to the
submission of their application. Admissions decisions are sent to
applicants via U.S. first-class mail to their listed permanent address
no later than March 1.
26 A D M I SSI ONS In addition to academic aptitude, all admitted applicants will be
expected to exhibit qualities of leadership and initiative. While
these traits can be illustrated through traditional avenues, such
as officer positions within student organizations, they may also
be illustrated in ways that might be considered less conventional.
We evaluate a student’s leadership experience based on both
breadth and depth. We strongly suggest that all applicants follow
busine ss honors program | Mc combs school of bu si n e ss
the formatting illustrated on the sample resume, which can be
found online at:
http://bealonghorn.utexas.edu/freshmen/admission/resume
Service, Activities and Recognition
Extracurricular activities, public and community service, hobbies
or special aptitudes, and any honors or recognition received
are all important indicators of an applicant’s motivation and
character. The admissions committee looks for these details
throughout the application.
TEST SCORES
SAT/ACT
All applicants must submit official score reports from either the
SAT or ACT examinations. While the BHP has no minimum score,
test scores are an important component in the consideration of
each application. Candidates should pursue this component
aggressively, seeking the best possible score before they apply.
Applicants are encouraged to take the appropriate test as early
as possible to avoid processing delays. Applications are not
considered complete—and will not be evaluated—until official
SAT or ACT scores have arrived at The University. If an applicant
has multiple scores on file, BHP will consider only the highest
and does not super score or average scores.
INTERVIEWS AN D CAM P US VISITS
The admissions committee strongly encourages all applicants to
visit the McCombs School of Business and the Business Honors
Program to learn more about the school’s offerings from current
students, faculty and staff. The following options are available
for those interested in visiting the Business Honors Program:
• Information sessions
• McCombs School tour
• UT campus tour
• Meeting with a student recruiter
• Attending a BHP class (spring only)
For instructions on scheduling your visit and specific dates,
times and locations please visit:
Interviews
Select applicants under consideration for admission to the
Business Honors Program must complete a phone interview.
The interview complements other application components by
providing more information about the applicant’s background,
career goals, communication skills, level of maturity, character,
and presentation skills. No student will be admitted into the BHP
without completing an admissions interview.
Interviews are conducted via phone and will be primarily
administered by BHP alumni. While they are evaluative, they are
also an opportunity for the applicant to hear firsthand about the
actual experience of being a student in the Texas BHP, which
helps to determine his or her fit.
Interviews are by invitation only. Applicants selected for
an interview will receive an invitation by e-mail or phone at
any time from the point of file completion until the end of the
review process.
Discover BHP
Candidates who have been offered admission are invited to visit
campus in late March to participate in Discover BHP. Discover
BHP is a full day of mock classes, student and faculty panels,
and forums ranging from housing to the best study spots. Most
importantly, it is the first opportunity for incoming freshman to
meet their classmates – that small cadre of fellow students who
will be study group partners, potential roommates, and, in many
cases, lifelong friends.
Sophomore Admissions
Students who are not admitted to the BHP are encouraged to
apply for admission in the spring of their freshman year. The
sophomore admissions process excludes SAT score, high school
leadership, and high school GPA. Instead, the sophomore
admissions process focuses entirely on the performance of
a student once enrolled at UT. Typically, 140 students apply
for sophomore admission. For more information about the
sophomore admissions process, please visit:
http://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/BHP/Admissions/
http://bealonghorn.utexas.edu/meetus/visit
Mc co m b s s c h o o l o f b u s ines s | bu s ines s honors p rogra mADMISS ION s 27
FINAL DETAILS
Application Status Check
To monitor the status and location of your application, visit The
University’s Application Status Check Site at:
http://bealonghorn.utexas.edu/services/apply/checkstatus
Application Checklist
Listed below are the items that make a complete application
for admission to The University of Texas at Austin and the
McCombs Business Honors Program. These items should be
submitted online or sent to The University of Texas at Austin
Office of Admissions:
The online ApplyTexas Application
To be considered for the Business Honors Program, you must
list “Unspecified Business” as your first-choice major
Online honors application
Application processing fee ($75, made payable to The
University of Texas; $90 for international applicants)
High school transcripts—one (1) official copy in its original
language plus an English translation if original is not in English
Official SAT or ACT score report
Resume (suggested two-page maximum length)
The two required application essays
One electronic letter of recommendation
BHP Honor Code Agreement
Application review will begin after UT Admissions has received
and processed the complete application, and the application has
been forwarded to the BHP. The application fee, the ApplyTexas
Application, the Honors Application, the application essays, the
resume, and the recommendation may be submitted online.
Note to Applicant: Submission of an application to the
Texas Business Honors Program assures that all information
contained in the application is complete, accurate, and the
result of your own individual efforts. Submission of false
information will justify a denial, withdrawal, cancellation of
enrollment, and/or other appropriate university action.
Housing
The honors residence halls offer special support, services, and a
close-knit community for students participating in honors programs.
If you think you might be interested in living in honors housing,
apply for housing as early as possible after completing the
admissions application. Space is limited, so all applicants are
strongly encouraged to complete their housing applications as
early as possible. Once you’re admitted to The University and
to the honors program(s) of your choice and your enrollment
deposit is fulfilled, the Division of Housing and Food will
send you a housing contract. When you update your housing
preference online, be sure to specify honors housing as your
first choice. For more information on general and honors
housing, please visit:
http://bealonghorn.utexas.edu/freshmen/housing
UT Austin Scholarships
The Business Honors Program has a limited number of
scholarships available for incoming freshman. All applicants will
be automatically considered for a scholarship.
Most university-wide scholarships, including some departmental
and program scholarships, are awarded through the online
ApplyTexas Application for Freshman Scholarships.
The financial aid office and other organizations that award
scholarships consider your scholastic achievement, community
involvement, leadership abilities, standardized test scores, and
sometimes financial need when making their decisions. Visit
www.TexasScholarships.org for more information about specific
scholarships for which you may be eligible to apply.
Even if you don’t think you’ll qualify for need-based aid, it’s a
good idea to apply for all types of aid by completing the FAFSA.
For more details, please visit:
http://bealonghorn.utexas.edu/freshmen/financial-aid
The Texas Exes also offer the Forty Acres Scholarship, a full-ride
scholarships for top incoming freshmen. All applicants will be
automatically considered for the scholarship. For more details,
please visit:
www.scholarships.texasexes.org
28 A D M I SSI ONS busine ss honors program | Mc combs school of bu si n e ss
Qui ck Facts
M o r e I n fo r m at io n o n Ad m iss io n s
Please visit www.mccombs.utexas.edu/bhp/admissions
TE X AS B BA PROGRAM RAN K INGS
BBA
A D MISSIONS D EA D LINE: December 1st
p r io r it y D EA D LINE: October 15th
#7 U.S. News (4/13)
#9 Bloomberg BusinessWeek (4/13)
Departments, Programs & Specializations: Undergraduate
#1 Accounting U.S. News (2012)
#4 Marketing U.S. News (2012)
#4 Management Information Systems U.S. News (2012)
#11 Business Law Bloomberg Businessweek (2012)
#6 Management U.S. News (2012)
#6 Finance U.S. News (2012)
#6 Supply Chain Gartner, Inc. (2012)
#5 Insurance/Risk Management U.S. News (2012)
#10 International Business U.S. News (2012)
#7 Production/Operations Management U.S. News (2012)
#9 Entrepreneurship U.S. News (2012)
#8 Real Estate U.S. News (2012)
#9 Quantitative Analysis/Methods U.S. News (2012)
#6 Ethics Bloomberg Businessweek (2012)
#8 Operations Management Bloomberg Businessweek (2012)
#20 Quantitative Methods Bloomberg Businessweek (2012)
BBA ESTIMATED E XP ENSES (20 13 -20 14 )
Undergraduate Tuition by Hours
HoursTexas ResidentNonresident
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12+
$ 1,615
$ 1,990
$ 2,366
$ 2,740
$ 3,116
$ 3,491
$ 3,867
$ 4,296
$ 4,296
$ 4,296
$ 4,296
$ 5,369
$ 5,578
$ 6,878
$ 8,179
$ 9,479
$ 10,779
$ 12,078
$ 13,380
$ 14,865
$ 14,865
$ 14,865
$ 14,865
$ 18,580
R e f e r e n c e W E B S it es
Faculty : http://acsprod.mccombs.utexas.edu/FEG/
Study Abroad: http://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/bba/IP
Student Orgs: http://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/bba/OSL
CONTACT INFORMATION
The University of Texas at Austin
McCombs School of Business
Business Honors Program Office
1 University Station, B6100
Austin, TX 78712-1178
Tel: 512-475-6325
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.mccombs.utexas.edu/bhp