The Part-Time MBA Applications are Now Live: Here are Three Tips to Help You Apply
The application for the Michigan Ross Weekend MBA and Online MBA is now live. We are often asked for application tips, and while there is no perfect formula for completing an application, here are three key tips and resources to consider as you prepare to apply.
Our #1 answer is pretty simple: be yourself.
Write what is true to you, do not write what you think we want to hear. The admissions committee likes to see authenticity in essays so they can really get to know the applicant. The essays are a section where you can really show what is important to you and why you want to get an MBA. Do not feel like you have to write about a work experience in your personal essay. We will learn about your work experience in your other sections of the application. This is where you can show what you as an individual non-work focused can bring to the class. For the goal essay, there is no need to try to fit in some “box” you think an MBA student is. Our students are not all aspiring to be the head of finance at a Fortune 500. That is a great goal, but only if that is actually what you want to do. If you are looking to get an MBA to lead a local non profit, great. If you are looking to get an MBA to start your own business, great. If you are looking to get an MBA to move up within your current company, great. These, and many more, are all great reasons to pursue an MBA, if they are true to you.
Application tip #2: follow the guidelines and word limits.
We understand the application has some small word/space limits, this is intentional. The committee wants the applicant to get to their main point quickly. They want to hear the true reason, no need to fill space. The committee wants a one-page resume to see what you really find important in your work and see what you want to tell us about. We give the same guidelines to all applicants, so all applicants are given the same opportunity to shine.
Application tip #3: choose the right recommender.
We recommend choosing your current supervisor for your letter of recommendation. We want the person writing your recommendation to really know your work. Sometimes applicants will choose a previous supervisor. Maybe they just switched jobs a few months ago and they worked with their previous supervisor for four years. That would make sense as the previous supervisor would know more about your work. If you choose someone else, please write why in your optional essay. Do not choose the CEO because of her title, unless she is the best person that is able to highlight you as an employee. If you only meet with the CEO once a year, it is unlikely they can write a full and informative recommendation letter.
Our admissions tips and insights video shares more information to help you submit your best application possible.
