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DEADLINE: September 14, 2020
DECISION: December 4, 2020
Stand Out. We'll Show You How.
Sept14
Round 1
Jan4
Round 2
DEADLINE: January 4, 2021
DECISION: March 17, 2021
Mar29
Round 3
DEADLINE: March 29, 2021
DECISION: May 5, 2021
June1
Round 4
DEADLINE: June 1, 2021
DECISION: June 25, 2021
All applications are due by 11:59 pm ET on the date listed. International students can apply in any round, but are encouraged to apply in Round 1 or 2 to allow sufficient time for visa processing.
Standardized Test Waiver: In response to hardships caused by the pandemic, candidates applying in the Full-Time MBA 2020-2021 application cycle may request a waiver of standardized test requirements.
Your Application Checklist
1. Choose your deadline.
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.
2. Order your transcripts.
You must have the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree from an accredited institution 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.
3. Submit Your Standardized Test Score
You can submit the GMAT, GRE, MCAT, LSAT, PCAT, or DAT. You may self-report your score on the application or upload unofficial score reports. If accepted, official reports will be required. 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.
Note: Applicants to the 2020-2021 Full-Time MBA application cycle have the ability to request a waiver for standardized test requirements, in response to hardships caused by the pandemic. We encourage you to carefully consider whether requesting a waiver is right for you, and review all details.
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Admissions Blog: Listening, Learning, Responding: Announcing 2020-21 Standardized Test Policy Change at Michigan Ross |
4. Update your resume.
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.
5. Write your essays.
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). Every word counts here — the tight word count is intentional to force you to focus.
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 am out of my comfort zone when:
I was humbled when:
I was challenged when:
Part 2: Career Goal Essay
Michigan Ross is a place where people from all backgrounds with different career goals can thrive. What is your short-term career goal and why? (200 words)
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Admissions Blog:
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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.
6. Choose your recommender.
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.
7. Prepare for your interview.
Interviews are by invitation only and conducted by a Ross current student or 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.
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Admissions Blog: Three Myths About the Michigan Ross MBA Admissions Process |
8. Pay the $200 application fee.
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.
Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, or Teach for America volunteers who have served within the past five years - please upload proof of membership that includes the name of the organization and dates of service on the Additional Information page 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.
Additional Things You Should Know
International Applicants
Application Deadlines
While you are welcome to apply in Round 3, international applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their materials in Rounds 1 or 2 to allow sufficient time for visa processing.
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 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.
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.
Underrepresented Student Applicants
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 Native Americans 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.
Webinars: Watch special webinars hosted by the Ross Consortium in conjunction with the Ross Office of Admissions.
For more information or to answer any questions about Ross Consortium activities, contact Ross Admissions, 734-763-5796.
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, 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.
Reapplicants
If you submitted an application during last year's application cycle, you can submit an abridged application as follows:
- Complete an application form.
- Submit an updated resume and update letter about your achievements and goals since your original application. The update letter should be uploaded via Essay #3, Optional statement.
- Submit new test scores if your previously submitted test scores are now expired.
OPTIONAL:
- Submit a new recommendation letter. You may choose to use the recommendation letter from your previous application or you can have a new recommendation letter submitted. If you choose to submit a new recommendation letter, submit a help request via the Contact Our Help Desk link found on our online application portal and ask for your recommendation form to be reset.
- 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. Many re-applicants decide to submit new essay questions.
If you reapply after more than one application cycle from your original application, you will need to submit a completely new application.
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 Bar Is High. Here’s How You Rise Above the Rest.
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:
You’ve Accomplished a Lot
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
You Work Well with Others
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.
You've Got the Score
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
Attend an Admissions Event
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.
Upcoming Admissions Events
Jan25
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Learn more about Michigan Ross programs, updates, and events.