
July 31, 2023
August 31, 2023
Applications are considered on a rolling basis, and early application is strongly encouraged. Admissions decisions are typically made 4 weeks after applications are submitted.
You must have a U.S. bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, or the international equivalent, by the time of application.
Applicants with a three-year bachelor degree are eligible if the degree is earned in a country where a three-year degree is a standard bachelor degree.
Official transcripts of all of your undergraduate and postgraduate degrees should be submitted.
The transcripts should show the degree conferred, the date it was conferred, years of attendance, all courses taken, and grade for each course.
If the transcript does not show the date and conferral of the degree, submit a copy of your diploma or other official document that does.
If the original language of the academic record and diploma is not English, an English translation certified by the issuing institution must accompany the original document. The translation should be literal rather than interpretive.
Official transcripts are required by the application deadline so initiate the request with the institution early in the application process.
Transcripts in an envelope sealed by the issuing institution should be submitted to:
Office of Graduate Admissions
700 East University, K1521
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1234
Official transcripts may also be submitted electronically from the issuing institution, if available, to the Office of Graduate Admissions at rossadmissions@umich.edu.
We accept the GMAT, GRE, and EA for managerial aptitude assessment.
The Michigan Ross GRE reporting code is 1839. There is no code required for the GMAT. Request GMAC to send your score report to the University of Michigan.
Scores for both GMAT and GRE are valid for five years from the date you took the test to the date of the application deadline.We encourage you to request ETS or GMAC to release your results to Michigan Ross before submitting your application.
If you have taken tests more than once, we will use your highest total score and the corresponding breakout scores in evaluating your qualification. We do not mix and match scores.
Executive Assessment (EA)
Applicants with eight or more years of professional post-collegiate work experience (by the time the program begins) may submit the Executive Assessment (EA) instead of a GMAT or GRE test score.
Scores are valid for five years from the date you took the test to the date of the application deadline. You may self-report your score on the application or upload unofficial score reports. If accepted, official reports will be required. If you take the EA 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. We will accept scores received from taking the at-home versions of the EA test. EA Reporting Code: SN1-J6-92.
GMAT/GRE/EA Waiver
If circumstances related to COVID-19 make it difficult for you to complete the GMAT, GRE, or EA and you have more than four years of full-time professional work experience, you may be eligible to receive a test waiver.
- Waivers are available only for students applying to enroll in the Global MBA program for the January 2024 start.
- If you meet the criteria below, please attach your resume and all transcripts (unofficial) in an email to rossgmba@umich.edu to request a waiver.
- Performance on standardized testing is just one component of the application. The admissions committee reviews applications in a holistic manner; therefore, receiving a test waiver does not guarantee admission.
- Candidates who do not meet waiver criteria are welcome to apply by including valid GMAT,GRE, or EA results with their application.
Waiver Criteria
In order to qualify for a waiver, you must have at least 48 months of full-time professional work experience (post completion of undergraduate degree). Candidates must also meet two additional criteria (at least one from each section):
Section 1
Hold an advanced degree (masters, doctoral, or professional degree)
OR
Have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or higher
Section 2
Earned a B or better in at least four quantitative courses (accounting, finance, economics, statistics, calculus, quantitative methods) throughout academic career (undergraduate and graduate combined)
OR
Hold a CPA, CFA, or similar certification demonstrating quantitative proficiency
Quantitative Readiness Course (QRC)
Applicants to the program may also take the Michigan Ross Quantitative Readiness Course (QRC) in lieu of submitting a GMAT or GRE score. This is a free, online course designed to test your readiness for an MBA program.
The Quantitative Readiness Course can be completed in approximately 20-30 hours and candidates must achieve a score of 80% or better to waive the GMAT or GRE requirement. The course consists of six self-paced modules. Candidates have a maximum of 60 days to complete the course.
The QRC covers a variety of statistical techniques and applications, ranging from functions to hypothesis testing. Along with improving and evaluating students' analytical skills, the goal of the course is to prepare students for a successful transition to Michigan Ross.
To learn more, or to enroll in this course, please visit the Quantitative Readiness Course page.
Please upload a one-page resume with up-to-date educational information and professional experience. You may also include service activities, honors, accomplishments, language skills, licenses, and personal interests.
Be sure to include any Executive Education or other professional certificates, such as the Michigan Ross Executive Education Accelerated Management Development Certificate Program, as they will enhance your application.
Part 1: Short-answer questions
Select one prompt from each 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 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
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 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. The TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS exam must be taken no more than two years prior to the application deadline date.
- TOEFL: We require the internet-based test (iBT) version of the exam. 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 requirement. If you have been living, working, and conducting daily business in an English-speaking country for two or more years, you are exempt from the requirement.
- We encourage you to request the testing agency to release your results to Michigan Ross before submitting your application.
- If you have taken tests more than once, we will use your highest total score and the corresponding breakout scores in evaluating your application.
One recommendation is required and must be submitted online by your recommender. Select a recommender who can discuss your professional performance and work style. A current or former supervisor is an ideal choice. Other alternatives include a client, project manager, or professional mentor.
Once you register your recommender on the online application, an email will be sent to the recommender with instructions on how to access the recommendation form and submit it electronically.
Your recommender should be able to answer the following:
- Provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant's role in your organization.
- How does the performance of the applicant compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? (For example, 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.
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.
Applicants' qualifications will be assessed through an interview. The interview helps us understand how you present your experiences and accomplishments in a professional setting.
The admission interview will be conducted by video-conference or in-person typically after receipt of an application. Invitations to interview will be sent from the Global MBA program office.
Interviews will typically be conducted within two weeks of receipt of a complete application.
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 Global MBA within the past five years.
We do not waive application fees for any other reason.
- Traditional business background not required.
- Individual evaluation occurs within the context of the larger applicant pool.
- No “formula” or “cutoff” determines a candidate’s outcome.
- There are no prerequisite courses for admission.
- Due to the analytical rigor of the program, it is expected that students have a working knowledge of college-level mathematics, including basic calculus. If you have not had this coursework, we recommend that you take a course that emphasizes business mathematics prior to beginning the program.
- Courses in management are not required for application; however, you are expected to have the capacity to handle the intensity of our learning environment and should have solid analytical, quantitative, and communicative skills.
Once your application is successfully submitted, you will receive an email confirmation. We will update you on your application status throughout the process.
If you reapply within one year of your original application, you can submit an abridged application.
- 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 a letter to update us on your achievements and goals since your original application. Please upload this letter in the Optional Statement section of the Essays.
- Submit new test scores if you retook an exam or if your previously submitted test scores are now expired.
- You do not need to resubmit transcripts.
- Answer one or more of our current essay questions (optional).
- Submit a new recommendation (optional). You may choose your original recommender, but the recommender may complete a new recommendation that reflects your performance and achievements since your original application was submitted.
- If you reapply after more than one year from your original application, you will need to submit a completely new application.
Start Your Application
Create an account to begin your application, or log in to manage your application and add recommenders.
Looking for more information about our Global MBA program? Reach out to us at rossadmissions@umich.edu or schedule a 20-minute individual consultation with an admissions representative.

More events are coming, please check back soon.