Michigan Ross Deferred MBA

To apply to the Ross Deferred MBA pathway this year, you must graduate from your current academic program between Oct. 1, 2026, and Sept. 30, 2027, and meet the following requirements:

• Bachelor's degree students
  Undergraduates in their final year of study at any accredited school, college, or unit are eligible to apply.
• Joint bachelor's/graduate degree students
  Candidates in joint bachelor's/graduate degree programs at any accredited school, college, or unit are eligible to apply.
• Graduate degree students
  Candidates from graduate degree programs who have not held a full-time job (other than internships or co-ops) are eligible to apply.
• PhD programs
  Candidates from PhD programs who have not held a full-time job (other than internships or co-ops) are eligible to apply.

You must be on track to complete a U.S. bachelor's degree, graduate degree, or equivalent from an accredited institution.

• Unofficial copies are acceptable for the application. If accepted, official reports will be required and must show your anticipated graduation date. 
• Transcripts must show your institution name, current cumulative GPA, and all coursework taken.

We review every application holistically, offering multiple ways to demonstrate academic readiness. For many candidates, submitting a standardized test score remains a valuable way to highlight their quantitative strengths. As a current student, there is often no better time to take a test, as your academic habits and quantitative skills are strong in the midst of your current coursework.

Standardized Tests
Test scores provide an additional, relevant data point for the admissions committee to consider in reviewing your application. A strong test score can strengthen their candidacy. We accept several tests:

• GMAT
• GRE

You may self-report your score on the application or upload unofficial score reports. If accepted, official reports will be required. All test scores must be active and not expired at the time of application. These new scores will supersede any existing scores for applications that have not been evaluated. New scores can be sent to [email protected].

Test Alternative: Statement of Quantitative Academic Readiness 

In lieu of a test score, qualified candidates who meet the following criteria may submit a Statement of Quantitative Academic Readiness with their application. 

• 3.5+ undergraduate GPA or higher
• Strong quantitative background 

Your statement should present a strong case for your quantitative reasoning abilities and effectively highlight relevant experiences that demonstrate them.

We will look closely at the academic and professional accomplishments listed in your statement, including but not limited to: 

• Graduate degree in an analytical or quantitative discipline
• Undergraduate or graduate record, especially in analytical or quantitative courses

Candidates who demonstrate multiple academic and/or professional accomplishments, as listed above, are more likely to be granted admission. If you have taken the MCAT, LSAT, PCAT, DAT, or OAT, you can also submit them as part of your statement.

Any applicant can submit a Statement of Quantitative Academic Readiness; no separate application or pre-approval is required. 
 

Since you are applying early in your career, focus on:

Internships or part-time work experience: This could include internships, co-ops, summer work, or other part-time professional experience. Please detail your responsibilities and impact.

Campus leadership: Include roles in clubs, sports, or student government.

Education: Clearly state your expected graduation date and GPA.

Format: Your resume should strictly be one page.

You are required to complete two essays. These essays help us understand your vision for the time you'll spend working before your MBA, and what you hope to achieve in your career long-term."

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 MBA 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 one 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)

1. Think of a time something important did not go as planned. What did you do next?
2. What is something you worked on for an extended period of time (over six months) that ultimately resulted in a positive outcome? What kept you committed?
3. Share an example of a specific situation when your actions created a positive impact on your community or an individual. 

Optional Essay

Is there something in your resume or application that needs a brief explanation? Appropriate uses of this essay would be the explanation of an academic outlier, choice of recommender, completion of supplemental coursework, etc. You may use bullet points where appropriate. (250 words)
 

Michigan Ross uses the GMAC Common Recommendation form. The Ross Deferred MBA application requires you to submit two letters of recommendation. 

Recommender 1: Must be a supervisor from a professional setting (e.g., a summer internship, a part-time job, or a significant long-term project).

Recommender 2: Can be a supervisor from another work experience, or a leader from a campus organization/club, coach, or academic advisor who can speak to your leadership and teamwork.

To assist you in choosing who is the best recommender for your application, the two main questions on the recommendation form are: 

• 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?)
• Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response. 
   

The non-refundable $250 application fee is waived for:

• Active members and veterans of the U.S military
• Members of the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Teach for America, Teach for China, Teach for India, or other Teach for All Network Partners who have served
• Citizens of a country on the UN's list of least-developed countries - verified at time of application
• Currently awarded a Fulbright Scholar to attend graduate school in the U.S.
• Applicants who register and attend at least one Michigan Ross Full-Time MBA event before submitting their application
• Current University of Michigan students

We do not waive application fees for any other reason.

Do a final review of your application and submit it by the April 1, 2027, deadline. The application will open for submissions on November 1, 2026.

Interviews are by invitation only. Because Ross Deferred MBA candidates do not have full-time professional work experience, the interview will focus heavily on your undergraduate achievements, your internship performance, and your durable skills, like communication and professional presence.