DEADLINE: September 14, 2023
DECISION: December 8, 2023
DEADLINE: January 11, 2024
DECISION: March 15, 2024
DEADLINE: April 4, 2024
DECISION: May 3, 2024
All applications are due by 11:59 pm ET on the date listed.
The most amazing application in the world won’t help you if you miss the deadline. While we understand your desire to perfect your materials, time management is a skill that’s critical in both business and applying to B-school.
Applications are due by 11:59 PM EST on the due dates noted above.
You must have a U.S. bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, or the international equivalent, by the time of application. You can submit an unofficial copy of all of your undergraduate and graduate transcripts (and degree documents, if applicable) with your application, but official transcripts will be required if you’re accepted.
The Michigan Ross Full-Time MBA program is a rigorous program. We offer candidates many ways to demonstrate that they are ready to meet its demands.
Standardized Tests
Test scores provide an additional, relevant data point for the admissions committee to consider in reviewing your application holistically. For some candidates, a strong test score can strengthen their candidacy.
You can submit the GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition (beginning Q4 2023), GRE, MCAT, LSAT, PCAT, or DAT. If you take a test more than once, we will use your highest total score and the corresponding breakout scores in evaluating your application. We do not mix and match scores. All test scores must be active and not expired at the time of application. Students who are currently enrolled at U-M Medical, Law, Pharmacy, and Dental do not need to submit a test score.
Alternative Demonstrations of Academic Readiness
Some candidates may be able to adequately demonstrate their readiness for the rigor of the program without the need to submit a test score. This may include candidates whose ability to demonstrate their readiness via a test continues to be impacted by the pandemic or other circumstance. These candidates may submit a complete application without a test score. Instead, you must submit an essay that supports your case and alternative evidence of your readiness. We will look closely at your academic and professional accomplishments, including but not limited to:
- 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 an expired GMAT or GRE
- Performance on the Executive Assessment
Candidates demonstrating multiple academic and/or professional accomplishments as listed above are more likely to be granted admission.
Make sure your resume provides current educational information and professional experience, including dates. These dates should match your application. Including community service activities and your hobbies/interests is encouraged, as it helps us get to know you better. Your resume should be no longer than one page.
Part 1: Short-answer questions
Select one prompt from each group of the two groups below. Respond to each selected prompt in 100 words or less (<100 words each; 200 words total).
Group 1
I want people to know that I:
I made a difference when I:
I was aware that I was different when:
Group 2
I was out of my comfort zone when:
I was humbled when:
I was challenged when:
Part 2: Career Goal
What is your short-term career goal and why is this the right goal for you? (150 words)
Optional statement: Is there something in your resume or application that could use some explanation? You might want to discuss the completion of supplemental coursework, employment gaps, academic issues, etc. Feel free to use bullet points where appropriate.
If you are applying through the Consortium for Graduate Studies in Management, you will need to answer the short-answer questions from part 1 listed above, but not the part 2 career goal essay. Instead, you will need to answer the Consortium Core Application essay: Please describe your short and long-term goals post-MBA. How has your professional experience shaped these goals and influenced your decision to pursue an MBA degree?
For more information about applying through the Consortium for Graduate Studies in Management, see the Under-Represented Students section below.
Michigan Ross uses the GMAC Common Recommendation Form, and we require only one recommendation. Select a recommender who can discuss your professional performance and work style; a current or former supervisor is ideal. Alternatives include a client, project manager, or professional mentor. Your recommender should be able to answer 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)
IMPORTANT: This is NOT the official recommendation, but rather a list of the questions that will be sent to the individual you identify as your recommender in the application. The actual recommendation and ratings form must be submitted online by your recommender. Your application is not considered complete until we receive your recommendation.
Interviews are by invitation only and conducted by a Ross alum. Applicants will receive information about the timeline for interview invitations and next steps a few weeks after the application deadline passes.
The interview helps us understand how you present your experiences and accomplishments in a professional setting.
The non-refundable $200 application fee is waived for:
Active members and veterans of the U.S Military - please upload a copy of military orders or a DD-214 on the Additional Information page of the online application.
Members of Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Teach for America, Teach for China, Teach for India, or other Teach for All Network Partners who have served within the past five years - please upload proof of membership that includes the name of the organization and dates of service in the Additional Information section of the online application.
Currently enrolled students in a University of Michigan graduate degree program
Citizens of a country on the UN's list of least-developed countries - verified at time of application.
Students who submitted an application to the Ross full-time MBA within the past five years.
We do not waive application fees for any other reason.
Application Deadlines
International students are able to apply in any round. Similar to the advice we give to all candidates applying to Ross, we encourage you to apply in either round 1 or round 2, depending on when you are able to put together the strongest application. Your chances of admission and scholarship award will be similar in both rounds. Chances of admission and scholarship in round 3 vary from year to year
Undergraduate Degree
You must hold a college or university degree equivalent to a four-year American bachelor’s degree prior to applying. A three-year degree is acceptable from regions that typically do not offer four-year degrees. In addition to your transcripts, you must also provide a diploma or similar document indicating the date the degree was earned. If these are not in English, you must provide a certified, literal (not interpretive) English translation along with the documents. If a copy of the original transcript is submitted, it must be certified by the institution from which the degree was received. Documents notarized by a notary public are not acceptable. Credentials must include the following:
- Institution name
- Your name
- Years of attendance
- Courses taken
- Grades receive
- The degree, diploma, or certificate awarded and date of the award
- You may submit a photocopy of the original document with your application. If admitted, you will be required to submit official documentation to World Education Services for authentication.
English Proficiency
If your native language is not English, you must demonstrate your proficiency in English.
If you have completed an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution where the sole language of instruction was English, you are exempt from the English proficiency requirement.
Standardized Tests
You may take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the Pearson Test of English (PTE), or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. All test scores must be active and not expired at the time of application.
You must take the internet-based test (iBT) version of the TOEFL exam. Michigan Ross' TOEFL
score reporting code is 1839.
We will accept a PTE or IELTS exam score as an alternative to the TOEFL. To have scores sent electronically to Ross, select "University of Michigan-Ann Arbor" as the recipient.
Alternative Demonstrations of English Proficiency
Some candidates may be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English without submitting a TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS test score. Instead, you must submit an essay that demonstrates alternative evidence of your English proficiency. We will look for evidence of immersive academic and/or professional work where English was the primary language, including but not limited to:
- Proof of working in a job where English was the primary language of communication for at least one year within the past three years
- Performance on an expired TOEFL/PTE/IELTS test
- Academic transcripts from a school at which English was the primary language of instruction
Admission Through the Consortium for Graduate Studies in Management
Ross is a member of the Consortium for Graduate Studies in Management (CGSM), which aims to enhance diversity in business education and leadership by helping to reduce the serious underrepresentation of African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and American Indians in member schools and the ranks of management.
If you are committed to increasing the participation of underrepresented groups in business, you are encouraged to apply to the Ross Full-Time MBA Program through the Consortium, via the Consortium website.
If you apply as a Consortium candidate, you are not required to complete the Ross MBA application. Review the Consortium Prospective Student Page for more information.
Ross Consortium: Members of the Ross Consortium help you navigate the admissions process. They become part of your network, sharing information about job opportunities, study groups, and more.
Other Partnerships
Ross collaborates with other organizations that encourage students from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities to pursue graduate management studies, including Management Leadership for Tomorrow, Admit.Me, the Riordan Fellows Program, and Toigo Foundation.
Ross also participates in conferences that seek to address underrepresentation in business, including:
National Black MBA Association
National Society of Hispanic MBAs
We encourage you to visit Diversity Matters at Michigan, which serves as a comprehensive portal to diversity resources at the University of Michigan.
If you submitted an application during last year's application cycle, you can submit an abridged application as follows:
- Complete an application form. Select the reapplication checkbox under "Application Fee Waiver Eligibility" in the Getting Started section so your fee will be waived.
- Submit an updated resume.
- Submit an update letter about your achievements and goals since your original application.
- Submit new test scores if your previously submitted test scores are now expired.
- If you wish to use the same recommendation submitted with your most recent application, please re-enter the recommender's name but do not enter the recommender's email address. If the application requires a recommender email in order to submit your application, please enter RossAdmissions@umich.edu.
OPTIONAL:
- Submit a new recommendation letter.
- Submit new test scores if you retook a test.
- Submit transcripts for any new degrees earned since your previous application. Transcripts submitted with your previous application are still on file.
- Submit answers to one or more of our current essay questions. Essays submitted with your previous application are still on file. You are welcome to submit updated responses as part of your upload.
If you reapply after more than one year from your original application, you will need to submit a completely new application.
Check out our reapplicant tips and success stories webinar with current students and the Admissions team.
Your Future Begins Here. Get Started Now.
Create an account to start your application, or log in to manage an application in progress or add recommenders.
The Admissions Committee looks for talented students from a broad range of academic and professional backgrounds. Applications are reviewed holistically; no single factor — e.g., GPA, GMAT/GRE score, or years of work experience — determines the outcome. If you’re right for Ross, you’ll probably identify with the following:
The Admissions Committee is looking for professional and personal achievements in your resume, recommendation letter, and interview (if invited). Your achievements indicate:
- Your career path and progression
- Your contributions and impact
- Your potential to succeed in your desired career
The interview (invitation only) helps us to get a feel for your interpersonal and communication skills. We look at how you present yourself in a professional setting and want to learn how you’ve engaged and worked collaboratively with others in your prior work experiences.
Your undergraduate record, graduate record (if applicable), GMAT and/or GRE score(s), and TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS score (if applicable) help show us:
- Your ability to succeed academically
- The degree to which you have challenged yourself
- Your quantitative background — college-level math should not be a problem for you
- Your English language ability
Go beyond the website and have real conversations with students, alumni, and members of the Admissions team. They can answer your specific questions and help you decide if Michigan Ross is right for you.
