You must have a U.S. bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, or the international equivalent, by the time of application. You may submit an unofficial copy of your transcripts (and degree documents, if applicable) with your application. If accepted, official transcripts will be required.

The Michigan Ross MBA Program is quantitatively and analytically rigorous. We strongly encourage all candidates to submit GMAT or GRE scores to demonstrate proficiency/readiness for the program. A candidate may apply without a GMAT or GRE test score under these circumstances: by submitting an Executive Assessment, by completing a test waiver through the application process, or by completing the Quantitative Readiness Course (QRC).

GMAT or GRE

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 GMAT or GRE 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 GMAT or GRE test. GRE School Code: 1839; GMAT Reporting Code: SN1-J6-92.

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.  

Test Waiver Options

For a small pool of experienced, academically and professionally high-performing candidates, a standardized test waiver may be requested. 

The Part-Time MBA programs at Ross are academically rigorous and admission is competitive. If you are considering applying for a test waiver, please examine your candidacy in terms of both academic and professional accomplishments. A few things to consider:

• The Admissions Committee grants waivers on a case-by-case basis after considering individual credentials.
• Quantitative ability is a prime requirement for waiver eligibility. This is mainly demonstrated by graduate level quantitative courses and/or certification.
• Your application must be complete before your waiver request is reviewed. This includes essays and a letter of recommendation.
• Test waiver decisions will be communicated within 10 business days of the date of application completion. The decisions of the Admissions Committee are final.
• A granted waiver does not guarantee admission.
• If you are not granted a waiver but would still like to be considered for admission, you can do one of the following: submit a GRE or GMAT score, EA score if you have 8 or more years post-collegiate work experience, or successfully complete the Quantitative Readiness course.
• Standardized test scores are considered in the decision to offer merit-based scholarships. Test scores are especially helpful if your overall profile does not include any quantitative and analytical experience, or if there is an area of your application where you feel you are not competitive with our admitted student profile (such as undergraduate GPA or years of work experience). Please review the class profile data to better assess your competitiveness within the pool.
• Some recruiters (specifically those in very competitive industries) seeking to hire graduating Ross MBAs may use standardized test scores as part of their initial candidate screening process.

If you are interested in requesting a waiver, please select that you are applying for a test waiver, under the testing section of the application. You will submit transcripts as part of the application process so the committee can verify that you meet the eligibility requirement. Once your application has been submitted, the waiver request and transcripts will be reviewed, and a member of the admissions team will contact you via email within 10 business days to verify the waiver was accepted.

All applications submitted after April 1, 2022 are subject to currently published waiver guidelines.

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.

Your resume should include up-to-date academic information and professional experience. Please include dates: These should correspond with the dates you provide in your application.

You may include community/professional service activities as well as hobbies/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.

We recommend that your resume be no longer than one page.

Part 1: Short-answer questions

Select one prompt from each group of the two groups below. Respond to each selected prompt in 100 words or less (<100 words each; 200 words total).

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: Short-answer question

Pick one thing from your resume and tell us more. (100 words)

Part 3: Career Goal Essay

What is your short-term goal? (25 words)

Why is this the right short-term career 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.

Michigan Ross uses the GMAC Common Recommendation Form, and we require only one recommendation. You should select a recommender who can discuss your professional performance and work style. A current supervisor is an ideal choice. However, if a former supervisor or an alternative is used (such as a client, project manager, or professional mentor), you can mention this in your optional statement. Your recommender should be able to answer the following questions about you:

• Please provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant's role in your organization. (50 words)
• 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?) (500 words) 
• Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response. (500 words)

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 online 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.

The non-refundable $200 application fee is waived for:

• Active members and veterans of the U.S Military
• 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
• 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 MBA program within the past five years
• Students who are current Fullbright Scholars

In order to receive an application fee waiver, you must select the above criteria that applies to you on the Getting Started page of the application.

We do not waive application fees for any other reason.

Interviews are conducted by invitation only, after all of your other materials have been submitted.

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. All test scores must be active and not expired at the time of application.  

For the TOEFL exam, 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.  

International applicants for the part-time programs are exempt from the English language requirement if:

• You earned your undergraduate degree at an accredited institution where the sole language of instruction was English,

or

• You have been living, working, and conducting daily business in an English-speaking country for two or more years.

Professional Background: A traditional business background not required. We do require at least 12 months of full-time work experience (post completion of your undergraduate degree), but highly recommend at least 24 months. 

Evaluations: Your individual evaluation occurs within the context of the larger applicant pool. No “formula” or “cutoff” determines a candidate’s outcome. There are also no prerequisite courses for admission.

Math Competency: Due to the analytical rigor of the program, it’s expected that you 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. If you have basic math knowledge but need a refresher, you can brush up with our online Quantitative Skills Resources and you may wish to take our optional Quantitative Skills Workshop, offered immediately prior to Orientation in early May.

Visa Consideration: The Weekend MBA program is designed for students who are either U.S. citizens or non-U.S. citizens who are currently working in the U.S. and hold a valid visa that allows them to study in the U.S. such as H1, E2, L1, or TN. If you are not already working in the U.S. on an eligible visa and you are interested in obtaining an MBA, you may consider one of our other MBA programs.