Frequently Asked Questions
Deciding to Apply

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.

Application Requirements

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.

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.

Submitting an Application Without a Test Score

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 and Decisions

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.

Contact Michigan Ross Full-Time MBA Admissions

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:

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.

On-Campus Visits

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.

Applying through Consortium

Applicants to the Consortium must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or DACA recipient of any race or ethnicity.
  • Demonstrate a clear commitment to the Consortium’s mission through meaningful examples and sustained engagement.
  • Hold a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the United States, or an equivalent international degree, prior to matriculation.

Please note: Michigan Ross requires applicants to have completed a four-year bachelor’s degree at the time of application.

For complete eligibility guidelines, please visit the Consortium membership guidelines page.
 

Applying through the Consortium allows candidates to apply simultaneously for:

  • Admission to Michigan Ross
  • Consortium membership
  • Consortium fellowship consideration

There are a few differences between the Ross application and the Consortium application process:

  • Ross requires one letter of recommendation in the standard application.
  • The Consortium requires:
    • Two professional recommendations
    • One mission recommendation

Both professional recommendations use the GMAC Common Letter of Recommendation format and are shared with Michigan Ross as part of your application.

The Consortium application also includes:

  • One required core essay focused on short- and long-term career goals
  • One optional essay
  • A separate mission essay for Consortium membership consideration

Michigan Ross reviews the core essays, professional recommendations, and Ross-specific supplemental essays. Ross does not review the mission essay or mission recommendation.

Ross-specific essay questions are the same whether you apply directly to Ross or through the Consortium.
 

Michigan Ross receives and reviews:

  • Core application information
  • Resume
  • Two professional recommendations
  • Core essay one (required)
  • Core essay two (optional, if submitted)
  • Ross supplemental application materials, including career interest questions

Michigan Ross does not review:

  • Consortium mission essays
  • Consortium mission recommendation
  • Other schools’ supplemental material
     

Consortium membership decisions are made separately from admissions decisions.

The Consortium evaluates applicants for membership based primarily on:

  • Mission essays
  • Mission recommendation
  • Resume

Membership decisions are made directly by the Consortium, not by Michigan Ross.
 

All candidates who apply to Michigan Ross through the Consortium are automatically considered for Michigan Ross merit-based scholarships during the admissions review process.

In addition, candidates who are:

  • Admitted to Michigan Ross, and
  • Approved for Consortium membership

will receive the Consortium Fellow designation.

Consortium Fellows may be considered for fellowship funding, ranging from partial tuition scholarships to full tuition awards. Funding decisions are made by individual schools and are not guaranteed.

Scholarship and fellowship decisions are communicated as part of the admission offer process.

You can learn more on the scholarships and support page.

No. The Consortium forwards your official test scores to Michigan Ross along with your application.

Use the following codes when submitting official scores:

  • GMAT: The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management
  • GRE: 0483
  • Executive Assessment: The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management

If you did not use the Consortium codes during registration, please contact the testing provider to have your scores forwarded to the Consortium.
 

No. Applicants should upload transcripts directly through the Consortium application.

The Consortium accepts official or unofficial transcripts for the application review process. Screenshots or portal printouts are not accepted.

Michigan Ross may begin reviewing your application using uploaded transcripts; however, all admission offers are contingent upon verification of official transcripts prior to enrollment.

For international transcripts, applicants must provide:

  • An original-language transcript
  • Proof of degree conferral (such as a diploma)
  • An official English translation
     

No. The Consortium does not provide application fee waivers or refunds.

Current Consortium application fees and policies are available on the Consortium application instructions page.
 

  • Round 1 Deadline: Oct. 15
  • Round 2 Deadline: Jan. 5

Applications and all supporting materials must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST on the application deadline date.
 

No. Applicants should choose only one application pathway when applying to Michigan Ross.

Submitting both a direct Ross application and a Consortium application during the same admissions cycle is not permitted and may delay application processing.
 

Yes. Consortium membership decisions are separate from admissions decisions.

Applicants who are not selected for Consortium membership will still receive full consideration for admission to Michigan Ross and for Ross merit-based scholarships.
 

No. While applicants may indicate interest in a dual-degree program in the Ross supplemental application, applying through the Consortium does not constitute an application to the partner degree program.

Applicants interested in a dual-degree program must apply separately to the partner program and follow all application requirements, deadlines, and instructions outlined by that program.

For more information about dual-degree options and application processes, please visit the Michigan Ross dual-degree programs page.
 

Yes. Consortium Fellows at Michigan Ross become part of a strong and supportive community of students, alumni, faculty, and staff committed to the Consortium’s mission.

Students have access to:

  • Ross Consortium student organization programming
  • Alumni and peer mentorship opportunities
  • Professional development and networking events
  • Consortium Orientation Program
  • Community-building opportunities throughout the MBA experience
     
exterior of Ross building at sunset
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