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.

We do not require a specific number of years of work experience prior to entering the Ross MBA program, but almost all incoming Ross students have worked for at least two years. The average Ross student enters the MBA program with five years of work experience.

That said, we evaluate work experience not in terms of quantity, but in terms of quality. We examine the impact you have had on your organization and the leadership qualities you have demonstrated. We consider the range of stories and experiences you will be able to share with our classmates. If you have limited work experience, you should demonstrate on your application why it is the right time to pursue an MBA, and what you will be able to contribute to the Ross community.

You must hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree at the time of your application. Recent graduates are eligible to apply, but historically students with more than two years of work experience have been most successful in the full-time MBA program. Recent graduates are evaluated on the same criteria as all applicants. For more on what the admissions committee is looking for, review these tips from our admissions team.

We welcome applications from a wide variety of backgrounds and do not look for or favor specific undergraduate majors. Business classes are not required before entering the MBA Program.

Yes, we will consider applicants who hold a three-year undergraduate degree from India.

We do accept applications from individuals who have an MBA. However, you must explain through your application why you feel you need another MBA degree.

No, previous coursework will not transfer into our MBA Program. In addition, students admitted to Ross may not be simultaneously enrolled in two graduate programs unless enrolled in an approved dual-degree program. No U-M or external transfer credit, including courses completed at Ross prior to MBA matriculation, will count towards fulfilling the MBA degree requirements.

No U-M or external transfer credit, including courses completed at Ross prior to MBA matriculation, will count towards fulfilling the MBA degree requirements.

No, you must choose between programs and may only apply to one program in any given cycle.

Yes. You can apply for admission to the next available admitting term. If you apply within one application cycle, your application is streamlined so that submitting a new test score, recommendation letter, and essays are optional and the application fee is waived. If you reapply after one application cycle, you must submit a completely new application and supporting documents. Please visit our application requirements page for procedures and tips on reapplying.

There is no minimum GPA requirement; we encourage you to apply to our program regardless of your GPA. Your GPA is only one factor we review in determining your eligibility and academic readiness for the MBA program. Please refer to our class profile for our current class GPA.

You can submit the GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition (beginning Q4 2023), GRE, MCAT, LSAT, PCAT, or DAT. Your performance on any of these exams will be used as part of our assessment of your academic ability, and you are at no advantage or disadvantage by taking one exam instead of the other. You may also submit alternative evidence of your academic readiness - see Application Requirements.

There is no minimum score requirement for either exam. See the full-time MBA class profile to find the average and ranges for the current MBA class. 

Your standardized test score is only one of a number of factors we review in determining admission. If you're not a strong test taker or if you feel your score isn't a valid reflection of your abilities, you can submit a Statement of Quantitative Academic Readiness as a part of your application.

Yes, but they will not be mixed and matched. If you have taken the test multiple times, the admissions team will only look at your single highest total score and the specific breakout scores from that same test date. 

Additionally, you must ensure that all scores you submit are still official, active, and not expired at the time you submit your application.

We strongly recommend a TOEFL score of 5 on the internet-based test (iBT). Michigan Ross' TOEFL score reporting code is 1839. Ross will accept the PTE, IELTS, or DET as an alternative to the TOEFL, and we strongly recommend a PTE score of 70 or higher, an IELTS exam score of 7 or higher, or a DET score of 120 or higher.

International applicants who have completed an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution where the sole language of instruction was English are exempt from the TOEFL/PTE/IELTS requirement. You may also submit alternative evidence of your English proficiency - see Application Requirements.

We seek diversity in the professional backgrounds of our admitted students, just as we do in other parts of our applicants' profiles. No one industry or field is favored over another. We are more interested in your contribution to the group or organization.

This tends to be a problem with a recommender's email account spam or junk email filter settings. The emailed invitation is either blocked or automatically filtered into a junk mail folder. You can check the status of your recommendations, resend a recommendation request, and even update a recommender if the recommendation is not yet started via the Personal Activity page. You can access this under the "Apply Online" section of your online application homepage by clicking on the Review Your Submitted Application/Manage Your Recommendations link.

If there was a problem submitting transcripts or a recommendation via the online application, you can scan these items and attach them to a support ticket. Please include your name and date of birth in the email, and let us know that supplemental information is being sent because it could not be submitted online.

No. We review your application holistically and review your Statement of Quantitative Academic Readiness to determine your fit with the academic rigor at Ross. You can still demonstrate your quantitative and analytical skills through the essay you submit, and qualified candidates' chances of admission will not be negatively impacted. 

However, test scores do provide an additional, relevant data point for the admissions committee to consider in reviewing your application, so it’s important to determine which route will make your application the strongest. If you have proven quantitative experience, submitting a test score may not be necessary.

Yes. However, a test score will give the admissions committee an additional relevant data point to consider.

In the past, some consulting firms or banks have asked for test scores as a part of the recruiting process. But generally, firms are more concerned with a student’s ability to demonstrate the necessary skills to be successful on the job, which can vary by role and often does not require a test score to apply.

You are able to apply directly to the Consortium without a test scoreIf you are applying through the Consortium, please click on the box labeled "I Am Not Adding Any Standardized Tests" in the standardized test section of the application and submit the school-specific essay for Ross about not submitting a test score.

If you are waitlisted, you may submit a test score and we will consider it along with all of the other application documents you submitted. If you are denied, you cannot have your application reconsidered, but may reapply the next year.

Interviews are by invitation only. You will receive an email from [email protected] if you are invited to interview.

Applications received after the application deadline will be considered for the next round. Applications cannot be submitted after the Round 3 deadline.

Unfortunately, requests for admissions decisions before our decision notification dates will not be granted.

Unfortunately, there is no appeals process for denied applicants. Denied applicants are encouraged to re-apply for a subsequent admissions cycle.

Deferral requests are considered on a case-by-case basis and are rarely granted. Requests to defer admission should be submitted in writing to [email protected]. A detailed explanation of the request and appropriate documentation are required.

Telephone: 734-763-5796 Fax: 734-763-7804

Email: [email protected]

Mailing address: 700 East University, Kresge Hall, 1st Floor, Suite K1521, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1234

Most applicant questions are addressed on the Ross Full-Time MBA website, but you can connect with Admissions during our Full-Time MBA Admissions Office Hours. We recommend watching this virtual information session, which addresses a number of frequently asked questions about the Ross MBA. To learn more about the program and application process, we encourage you to:

• Check our events page for upcoming webinars, admissions events and cafe chats in your home city
• Email specific questions to [email protected]

The Office of Admissions does not schedule appointments with professors or instructors. Please contact the appropriate faculty department.

No. While we encourage you to learn more about Michigan Ross, participating in a Michigan Ross admissions event has no impact on your admissions decision.

Flight Information: Book your ticket to Detroit Metro Airport (DTW). The airport is a 30-minute drive from the University of Michigan campus. Options for travel to Ann Arbor from the airport include:
Taxis from the airport to Ann Arbor typically cost ~$50-$60.
Uber/Lyft rides from the airport to Ann Arbor typically cost ~$40 - $50.
The Michigan Flyer/Air/Ride is available for $22 round trip with advance purchase.

Parking: Visitor parking is available via metered parking on the east (East University Street) and west sides (Tappan Ave.) of the building or the city of Ann Arbor's Forest Avenue Parking Structure located at 650 S Forest Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. 

Taxis, Uber and Lyft, and the local bus system are also available.

Check-in will be located at the Admissions Office (700 E. University, Kresge Hall, Room 1521) beginning at 10:30 am ET.

Classes are offered Monday through Thursday and are not open to prospective students at this time due to capacity constraints. There will be opportunities to interact with faculty during the interview process of the admissions cycle.

Admissions does not provide individualized feedback at any point of the application process; admissions-related questions will be addressed during the admissions Q&A session included in the campus visit programming.

YES! Partners are a valued part of the Ross community. We encourage your partner to attend to learn about our community and to be a part of your decision process. When you register, you can select an additional ticket for your partner.

Casual attire is appropriate for your visit.

We will not be offering programming on a date outside of our scheduled campus visit dates. However, you may use our virtual resources to take a self-guided tour of campus as well as connect with a student ambassador. We also encourage you to connect with us virtually at our weekly admissions events.

Email [email protected].

To be eligible for the Michigan Ross Deferred MBA pathway, you must be in your final year of undergraduate or graduate study. You should not have any significant post-graduate work experience yet (internships and co-ops are excluded).

Bachelor’s degree students
Undergraduates in their final year of study at any school, college, or unit are eligible to apply.

Joint bachelor's/graduate degree students
Candidates in joint bachelor's/graduate degree programs at any school, college, or unit are eligible to apply.

Graduate degree students
Candidates from graduate degree programs who have not held a full-time work position (other than internships or co-ops) are eligible to apply. 

Generally, if you do not fit the final-year graduation criteria above, you are not eligible. For example, if you have already graduated and taken a year off before starting school you cannot apply through this process. However, because every candidate’s background is unique, we encourage you to contact the admissions office directly at [email protected] to discuss your specific situation.

No. Ross actively seeks a diverse class from all academic backgrounds, including liberal arts and STEM. While we look for quantitative readiness, your major does not need to be business-related.

The process of applying through the Michigan Ross Deferred MBA pathway is very similar to the traditional application. However, because these applicants do not have a full-time career history, the application is tailored to assess potential rather than past professional experiences. This means slight differences in essay prompts and a heavier focus on internships, campus leadership, and academic achievement.

Note: Candidates applying through the traditional process typically bring an average of four to seven years of full-time work experience before entering the program.

No. You cannot apply for a dual degree directly through the Deferred MBA application process. Acceptance to the Michigan Ross Deferred MBA pathway will only secure your spot in the Full-Time MBA Program. 

Once you are ready to matriculate to the Full-Time MBA Program three to five years later, you can then apply to a secondary University of Michigan graduate school (e.g., Ford School of Public Policy, School of Information, or School for Environment and Sustainability) to formally establish a dual degree if you are interested in pursuing one of the 22 dual degree options that we offer.

No. If you apply and are admitted to the MBA Program through the Deferred MBA process, you are indicating that you will begin the Full-Time MBA Program within three to five years. You cannot transfer this admission to the Online, Weekend, or Executive MBA formats.

Undergraduate Degree

You must be in your final year of study for your undergraduate or graduate degree and have no full-time work experience. In addition to your transcripts, you must also provide a diploma or similar document indicating your expected graduation date. 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. Notarized documents are not acceptable. Credentials must include the following: 

• Institution name
• Your name
• Years of attendance
• Courses taken
• Grades received
• The degree, diploma, or certificate awarded, and the 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), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam, or the Duolingo English Test (DET). All test scores must be active and not expired at the time of enrollment.

You must take the internet-based test (iBT) version of the TOEFL exam. The Michigan Ross TOEFL score reporting code is 1839. 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,  IELTS, or DET test score. To do so, you must submit an essay that demonstrates alternative evidence of your English proficiency. We will look for evidence of immersive academic experience where English was the primary language, including but not limited to:

• Proof of working in an internship where English was the primary language of communication for at least one year within the past three years
• Academic transcripts from a school at which English was the primary language of instruction

The application fee is $250.

This non-refundable 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 United States
• Applicants who register and attend at least one Michigan Ross Full-Time MBA event before submitting their application
• Current U-M students

We do not waive application fees for any other reason.

Ross accepts both the GMAT and the GRE. Certain candidates who have a 3.5 undergraduate GPA or higher and demonstrate high quantitative readiness through other means may submit a Statement of Quantitative Academic Readiness. 

No. To be considered, your official or unofficial scores must be submitted by the April 1 application deadline.

There is no minimum GPA or test score requirement for admission to the program. Ross reviews applications holistically. To get a better sense of competitive benchmarks, you are encouraged to review the statistics on our incoming traditional class profile.

Your resume should highlight your trajectory, impact, and leadership across your collegiate career. Be sure to focus on:

• Internships and co-ops: Treat these like professional roles: highlight quantifiable achievements, projects managed, and tools used.
• Campus leadership: Highlight roles in student organizations, Greek life, student government, or athletic teams where you managed budgets, led peers, or organized events.
• Academic projects and ventures: Include notable consulting projects, research assignments, capstone courses, or entrepreneurial ventures.

If you are not admitted through the Ross Michigan Ross Deferred MBA pathway, you are highly encouraged to reapply through the traditional application process once you have gained full-time work experience.

You cannot apply to both the Ross Deferred MBA pathway and the regular Full-Time MBA program during the same application cycle. The Michigan Ross Deferred MBA pathway is strictly for those without post-graduate work experience. 

If you are denied admission through the Michigan Ross Deferred MBA pathway, there is no negative impact on your future applications to Ross.

After a holistic review of your written application, select candidates will be invited to interview. Interviews are a critical component for assessing cultural fit and are typically conducted virtually. Decisions are released on set notification dates.

Yes. To secure your spot, you are required to submit an initial $1,000 deposit. Each year that you work before enrolling, you will be required to submit an additional $500 deposit amount each subsequent year to maintain your seat.

Every dollar paid through these annual deposits will be safely held and applied directly to your future tuition.

No. Tuition rates are determined annually by the Regents of the University of Michigan during the summer prior to each academic year. Students admitted through the Michigan Ross Deferred MBA pathway process will pay the tuition rate that is active at the specific time they officially matriculate and begin classes.

Yes. All admitted Ross Deferred MBA students automatically receive a minimum total of $10,000 merit scholarship applied to their two years.

Additionally, during the specific year you confirm your intent to matriculate, you will be automatically re-evaluated by the admissions team to determine if you qualify for additional merit-based scholarships. You can also apply for standard federal and institutional financial aid and student loans during the winter/spring directly preceding your enrollment year.

The Full-Time MBA Program is built around experiential learning and challenges students to solve real problems by combining their unique perspectives and experiences with those of their classmates from different backgrounds and industries.

Experience across industries strengthens classroom discussions, enabling students to draw on their own expertise while learning from peer perspectives. Therefore, candidates with no work experience can apply through the Michigan Ross Deferred MBA pathway to hold their spot, gain three to five years of work experience, then enroll in the Full-Time MBA Program. 

If you are admitted through the Michigan Ross Deferred MBA pathway, your spot is guaranteed and held for up to five years. To keep your seat secure, you must submit your annual updates and deposits. You are required to work full-time for a minimum of three years and a maximum of five years before officially stepping into the Ross classroom.
 

Before you enroll, you will complete a short annual survey providing updates on your career progression, role changes, and other professional activities.

Michigan Ross does not need to pre-approve your employment. However, if the admissions team has any questions regarding your updates, they will reach out to speak with you directly.
 

Admitted students must work for three to five years before enrolling in the Full-Time MBA Program. You do not need to lock in your exact enrollment year immediately upon admittance; you will stay in touch with the admissions office to confirm your timeline.

Pursue the role that most excites you and offers the most growth. Ross values diverse perspectives; our Deferred MBA admits work in everything from startups and social impact to traditional corporate roles. The "best" job is the one where you can make a measurable impact. We understand that during the early stages of your career, you may want to try new things, change jobs, or even pursue a new career path. The Ross Deferred MBA pathway enables you to take on new challenges, and we understand that your career goals may change as you gain work experience. You are not beholden to follow the career path that you described during the application process. 
 

You will have a dedicated admissions staff member as your main contact. There will also be many opportunities for you to engage with Michigan Ross and the University of Michigan community, including access to various community engagement, education, and networking opportunities.
 

The Michigan Ross Deferred MBA pathway allows university students to apply and secure a spot in the Full-Time MBA Program before graduating. If admitted, they enter the workforce for three to five years before returning to join the Full-Time MBA Program after gaining early work experience.

This application pathway is not the same as a deferral. The deferral process is used as an exception for traditional candidates applying to join the Full-Time MBA Program with work experience who need to request a medical, military, or professional deferral for the upcoming term.