Class of 2029 New Essays, Key Application Dates, and Full Application Details
As we prepare to launch the Full-Time MBA application, our admissions team is excited to start meeting prospective students for the next class. We’d love to connect with you at an on-the-road event or during one of our virtual sessions to share what makes the Michigan Ross Full-Time MBA experience so special. Check out the different ways to connect with us and learn more about the program.
While our application goes live later this summer, you don’t have to wait to start preparing your application. See all application details on our website, along with new essays and dates below.
Key Admissions Dates
For the 2026–2027 admissions cycle, we will offer three application rounds. You’ll find all the round deadlines below, along with our updated required essay questions.
- Round 1: Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026
- Round 2: Monday, Jan. 4, 2027
- Round 3: Monday, March 29, 2027
New Essay Prompts
Each year, our admissions team takes a fresh look at the application, especially the essays, to see what we’ve learned from the previous cycle. We are excited to share our new essays for this year’s application, as well as details on the optional essay:
Part 1: Career Aspirations
What is your short-term career goal, and how do you plan to leverage the Ross MBA and its program offerings in your first role after graduation? Please be specific and answer both parts of this question (300 words).
Part 2: Impact and Growth
Michigan Ross is proud to support a community of leaders and impact makers who value growth. As a future member of this community, we want to know more about who you are and what drives you. 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 essay. (200 words)
- Think of a time something important did not go as planned. What did you do next?
- What is something you worked on for an extended period of time (over 6 months) that ultimately resulted in a positive outcome? What kept you committed?
- Share an example of a specific situation when your actions created a positive impact on your community or an individual.
Optional Essay (please use this essay as a way to address any potential outliers in your application)
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)
If you are applying through the Consortium for Graduate Studies in Management, you will need to answer both essay questions in addition to the Consortium's core application essays.
Standardized Tests and Alternatives
Similar to this past application cycle, candidates will continue to have the option to submit GMAT Focus, GRE, or EA test scores. If you choose not to submit a standardized test score, you may instead submit a Statement of Quantitative Academic Readiness (SQAR). Please note that the SQAR should solely focus on your quantitative experience and educational background. To see if submitting the Statement of Quantitative Academic Readiness is right for you, check out section three of our application checklist.
We can’t wait to meet you on the road or at one of our virtual events and hear what drives you, what excites you, and where you’re headed next. We look forward to getting to know you throughout the application journey and seeing the energy, ideas, and perspectives you’ll bring to the Michigan Ross community as part of the Class of 2029.
Go Blue!
