Michigan Ross MBA Application Guide

The Ross MBA program seeks candidates who are aligned with its core values and mission. This includes a commitment to ethical decision-making, a passion for innovation, and a desire to create value for society. The admissions team is interested in understanding how applicants plan to leverage their MBA education to address real-world challenges and drive positive change.

Ross’ core values are:

• Connect & Collaborate: We are collaborative, and work together to achieve more
• Learn & Grow: We embrace a growth mindset and continuous improvement
• Do Great Things: We strive for excellence and impact
• Be An Owner: We trust and empower our people to take ownership
• Be Inclusive: We ensure that every member of our community has an opportunity to thrive

The Ross MBA programs require the following:

Transcripts:

• Applicants must have the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution by the time of application
• Unofficial copy of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts (and degree documents, if applicable) should be submitted with the online application, but official transcripts will be required if applicants are accepted
• All transcripts should include the name of the institution, applicants’ graduation GPA, coursework taken with grades obtained, and the degree obtained with the date of completion

Standardised test scores: Applicants can submit the GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition (beginning Q4 2023), GRE, MCAT, LSAT, PCAT, or DAT

• Ross will use applicants’ highest total score and the corresponding breakout scores in the application’s evaluation process – the school will not mix and match scores
• Applicants can also submit an application without a test score as long as they can demonstrate their quantitative and analytical skills through other sections of the application

Alternative demonstrations of academic readiness: Certain candidates might effectively showcase their preparedness for the program’s demands without needing to provide a test score. Instead, applicants are required to submit a statement that bolsters their argument and offers alternative proof of their readiness. Acceptable academic and professional achievements may encompass, but are not restricted to, the following:

• Master’s degree in an analytical or quantitative discipline
• CPA, CFA, or international equivalent
• Undergraduate or graduate record, especially in analytical or quantitative courses
• Post-undergraduate, full-time work experience in an analytical or quantitative function
• Performance on the Executive Assessment

English proficiency:

• If the applicant’s native language is not English, they can submit TOEFL iBT, PTE, or IELTS scores
• Ross recommends a TOEFL iBT score of 100 or higher, a PTE score of 70 or higher, or IELTS exam score of 7 or higher
• International applicants who have completed an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution where the sole language of instruction was English are exempt from the TOEFL/PTE/IELTS requirement
• Applicants can also submit an essay that demonstrates alternative evidence of their English proficiency, for example:
  • Proof of working in a job where English was the primary language of communication for at least one year within the past three years
  • Academic transcripts from a school at which English was the primary language of instruction

Applicants for the Ross MBA program must include up-to-date educational details and professional experience on their resumes, ensuring that the dates align with their application. It’s also recommended to highlight community service involvement and personal interests. The resume should be concise, limited to a single page.

For the MBA application, Michigan Ross MBA requires applicants to write three essays and provides space for one optional essay.

Ross Experiences in Action-Based Learning (REAL)

At Michigan Ross, we believe the best way to learn is by doing. In our Full-Time MBA Program, you will put your skills and knowledge to the test in real-world situations with real stakes.
How will this learning environment benefit you, and how do you plan to contribute to the action-based learning experience? (300 words)

The Ross Action-Based Learning experience offers more than typical internships; students can launch startups, collaborate with firms, manage investments, or engage in consulting projects, providing practical experience and insights, especially valuable for career transitions.

To tackle this task, Prep Zone recommends the following approach:

• Showcase the hands-on learning approach by detailing a specific accomplishment and the personal development that arose from the applicant’s leadership experience in that situation
• Clearly express their objectives for the MBA program, linking their goals to the distinctive features of the curriculum
• Illustrate how they plan to enhance the community and enrich their peers’ experiences, connecting their previous achievements and skills to their potential participation in collaborative learning initiatives

How will you make an impact at Michigan Ross?

Michigan Ross is proud to support a community of leaders and impact makers. As a future member of this community, we want to know more about who you are and what drives you. Please choose 1 of the following prompts to tell us more about what makes you stand out beyond your academic and work experience. List the prompt you are answering at the top of your response. (200 words)

• What makes you unique?
• Can you provide a specific example of how you’ve overcome a personal challenge?
• What makes you excited to get up each morning?
• Describe a time when you made a difference in your community or with an individual.

These brief responses focus on the candidate’s personal journey rather than their achievements. Ross emphasises the importance of community involvement, enthusiasm, and determination. The Admissions Committee encourages applicants to provide personal anecdotes for more engaging and meaningful answers.

For this essay, candidates can start by identifying key themes in their experiences, such as their unique qualities, resilience, personal interests, and the impact of their actions on others. Reflect on both personal and community experiences, not just academic or professional ones. From there, they can work backward to find the prompt that best fits their story.

Candidates should also use personal challenges to demonstrate their growth and adaptability. Share experiences from cultural interactions, hobbies requiring perseverance, or difficult situations, emphasising how they shaped them. A strong response will showcase what makes them unique, their proactive approach, and the positive outcomes of your efforts.

Career Aspirations

What is your short-term career goal, and how will Ross help you achieve it? (200 words)

The Ross Admissions Committee emphasises the importance of focused essays, highlighting that the “why” is the key element that sets each essay apart. Applicants should clearly articulate their career aspirations and provide a rationale for their choices, integrating insights from their initial reflections on the Ross experience. While it’s beneficial to connect short-term objectives with long-term aspirations, the primary focus should remain on how Ross serves as a crucial launchpad for achieving immediate career goals.

Many MBA applicants find it challenging to narrow down their career ambitions to a single focus. Although goals can evolve during the program, having a clear direction is often linked to greater success. Candidates should reflect on what excites them about their chosen path, visualize their future workplace, and consider how their experiences and skills align with the role they aspire to fill, using concrete examples to strengthen their narrative.

Optional Essay:

Is there something in your resume or application that needs a brief explanation? Appropriate uses of this essay would be the explanation of an employment gap, academic outliers, choice of recommender, completion of supplemental coursework, etc. You may use bullet points where appropriate. (250 words)

This space should only be used to clarify any aspects of the applicant’s background that may need further explanation; it’s not intended for submitting previously written essays for other institutions or expressing their admiration for Ross. Applicants should also keep their comments concise and to the point, acknowledging any issues without making excuses. Maintain a humble tone while highlighting other strengths in the application that could offset these weaknesses.

Michigan Ross uses the GMAC Common Recommendation Form and asks for just one recommendation. Applicants are encouraged to choose a recommender who can provide insights into their professional abilities and work habits, with a current or former supervisor being the best option. Other suitable choices might include a client, project manager, or professional mentor. The recommender should be prepared to address the following questions:

• Please provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant’s role in your organization. (50 words)
• How does the performance of the applicant compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? (E.g., what are the applicant’s principal strengths?) (500 words)
• Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response. (500 words)

Interviews at Michigan Ross MBA are by invitation only and conducted by an alum or current student of the program. This process allows the Admissions Committee to gain insight into how candidates articulate their experiences and achievements in a professional context. Applicants can expect to receive details regarding the interview timeline and subsequent steps a few weeks after the application deadline. For the 2024-2025 admissions cycle, interviews will take place virtually.

Typically, a Ross MBA interview lasts between 30 to 45 minutes. After initial introductions, candidates will face 7 to 8 questions, excluding any follow-ups. Most interviews conclude with a chance for the candidate to pose their own questions. Given the conversational format of the Ross interview, applicants should be prepared to discuss their experiences while also engaging with the interviewer’s insights.

As the interviewer will have reviewed the applicant’s resume but not their full application, candidates should be ready to address inquiries related to their professional background and common MBA questions like “Why pursue an MBA? Why choose Ross? Why is this the right time?”