Our Most Frequently Asked Questions About the Essay Process

Some of the most frequently asked questions from prospective students are about writing their application essays. For many applicants, it feels like one of the most difficult parts of the application process, and it can cause a lot of stress. In this blog, I want to help provide more insights into the essay and review process so you can approach it with more confidence.

Before getting started, make sure you carefully read and fully understand what each essay is asking of you, and avoid using the same template across all schools. You can review what our essay prompts are before applying in our essays blog from this summer.

FAQs

1. What does the admissions committee want to hear from me? 

Rather than focusing on what we want to hear, focus on sharing what you believe is most important and what you’re truly passionate about. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and every applicant brings a unique set of experiences and motivations.

Think through your “why MBA,” “why Ross,” and “why now.” A well-thought-out, authentic essay that reflects your genuine motivations will always have more impact than one written to fit what you think represents the “Ross community.” 

2. How can I stand out with my essay?

The best essays stand out because they feel real. We can tell when an applicant is genuinely excited about what they’re writing versus trying to impress. Many applicants also use artificial intelligence tools these days, but we can easily distinguish between essays that rely heavily on AI and those that use it only for grammar or minor edits. Your essays should capture your voice, your story, and what matters to you. That authenticity is what makes you memorable.

3. Should I align my career goals with the employment report?

Surprisingly, we get this question a lot. Many students worry that they’ll be rejected if they don’t choose consulting, tech, or finance, but that’s just not true. The reality is that the economy and job market are constantly evolving, and no one can predict what things will look like two years from now. What matters most is that your goals make sense for you at the time of application. Your goals should be well thought out, align with your past experiences (if you’re not making a major pivot), and connect logically to what you hope to gain from the MBA.

Again, we’re looking to see that they’re intentional and authentic to your personal and professional journey.

4. Is it okay to talk about failures or challenges in my essays?

Absolutely. In fact, one of our essay prompts specifically asks about overcoming a personal challenge. Failure can demonstrate resilience and growth as long as you show what you learned from the experience. It’s also a great way for us to see a more complete and authentic picture of you beyond your achievements. It demonstrates self-awareness and emotional intelligence, both of which are highly valued qualities in the job market and at Ross.

5. What if there’s an area in my application I’m concerned about, like a lower grade, a career gap, limited promotions, etc?

This is when you should utilize the optional essay. You can use it to provide more context for anything in your application that you think may raise questions about your candidacy. However, be mindful that we do have a 250-word limit. If you need to address more than one item, you’re welcome to use bullet points to help make your points clear and efficient.

6. What if I’m interested in the Forté or ROMBA Fellowship designations? Can I talk about it in my essays?

Yes, you can absolutely build this into your essays or highlight related achievements for advancing or supporting these communities in other parts of your application, such as your resume. These designations are open to all, and we encourage you to share experiences that reflect your commitment, whether it’s starting an employee resource group at work, championing allyship, or volunteering your time to make an impact in your personal life. 

Your essays are a chance to tell your story, so be honest, thoughtful, and reflective. Don’t forget to lean on mentors or friends for additional feedback along the way. Good luck, you can do it!

For more tips on writing your essays, check out our essay tips video.