Debunking Admissions Myths
This past month has been a whirlwind as I traveled across East Asia, meeting prospective students in Seoul, Tokyo, Taipei, Hong Kong, Beijing, and Shanghai. I had the privilege of engaging with so many passionate individuals eager to create a brighter future by pursuing an MBA. Along the way, I encountered a few interesting myths and misconceptions about the admissions process that I feel compelled to debunk.
Myth 1: I will have an advantage applying in Round 1.
This is one of the biggest myths we encounter. The competitiveness of each round depends on the overall strength of the applicant pool, which varies from year to year. We always encourage you to apply when you feel the most confident in your application. This ensures that you are putting your best foot forward. While it is possible to submit updated test scores or additional materials after the deadline, doing so carries significant risk. Our evaluation process begins immediately after each deadline, and late updates might not be considered in time to make a significant impact.
Myth 2: Ross has a preference for sponsored students over self-funded students.
We do not make admissions decisions based on how you plan to fund your MBA studies. Sponsored and self-funded students are evaluated under the same guidelines and with the same level of fairness.
Myth 3: International students will not be admitted in Round 3.
This is a common concern, but rest assured that as long as your application is competitive, you can be admitted in Round 3, regardless of your country of citizenship. We even have international students come off the waitlist over the summer. We only recommend applying earlier if you anticipate needing extra time for visa processing.
Myth 4: Ross prefers to admit “nice guys.”
While Ross is known for our tight-knit, authentic, and collaborative culture, we do not admit students based on a crafted persona of being a “nice guy.” We evaluate applicants holistically, considering every aspect of the application. While cultural fit is important, we focus more on your ability to be adaptable, resilient, flexible, and collaborative, as well as your cultural competency. Our MBA cohorts, typically 380-400 students, are diverse in personality and background. Do not limit yourself by trying to fit a specific mold that is not true — be yourself.
Myth 5: Ross will reject or admit students based on the feasibility of their post-MBA goals.
While we want you to have a clear and logical reason for pursuing an MBA, we do not make admissions decisions based on the specific feasibility of your goals. The economy and job market can change rapidly, and no one can predict the future recruiting landscape. The best approach is to be authentic in your application — present your true motivations and aspirations.
Myth 6: Getting an endorsement letter from an alum or student will help my chances of being admitted.
The Full-Time MBA Program at Ross does not have a legacy or referral program, so getting an endorsement from an alum or student will not guarantee admission. Any feedback we receive is just one part of your overall application evaluation. We encourage you to connect with our community to genuinely understand if our program aligns with your goals rather than seeking connections solely for endorsements.
Myth 7: Ross wants us to write about collaboration in our essays.
When writing your essays, do not try to guess what the admissions committee wants to hear. Instead, be authentic and write about what truly matters to you. We read hundreds of applications each cycle, and it’s easy to tell when someone is being genuine. Your passion and honesty will make a far stronger impression than writing what you think we want to hear.
Be sure to check out more tips from the admissions team on our YouTube channel. We’re excited to see your application and wish you the best of luck as you take this important step toward becoming a future Michigan Ross MBA!
