New Application Option: Early Decision at Michigan Ross

The University of Michigan recently announced changes to the application for fall 2026. One of the changes includes a new Early Decision application for all first-year admitting units like Michigan Ross. Let’s dig into what this means and how the process will work for a Michigan Ross application. 

Difference between Early Decision and Early Action 

As you begin to explore your college application options, it’s important to understand the difference between Early Decision and Early Action, as these terms often cause confusion. Both allow students to apply early—by Nov. 1—but they differ in some key ways.

Early Decision is a binding application, and you will receive a decision by the end of December. This means if you apply to the University of Michigan - Ross School of Business through Early Decision and are admitted, you are required to attend and must withdraw any applications submitted to other colleges. You, a parent or guardian, and your high school counselor must sign the Early Decision Agreement, indicating your commitment to attend ​U​-M - Ross if offered admission. Early Decision is a good choice for those whose first choice is Ross and who are ready to commit. 

Possible outcomes for Early Decision include: admit, deny, or postpone. Students postponed will no longer have a binding commitment if admitted.

Early Action, on the other hand, is non-binding. You will still receive an admissions decision earlier than the regular timeline—by the end of January—but you are not obligated to attend if admitted. This allows you to apply to other schools and compare financial aid packages before making a final decision by the standard May 1 deadline. Early Action can be a great option for those who want to apply early but wish to keep their options open. Possible outcomes for Early Action include: admit, deny, or postpone to Regular Decision.

The key difference between the two plans comes down to commitment. If accepted, Early Decision requires a firm commitment by mid-January, while Early Action gives you flexibility and more time to decide, with a commitment date of May 1.

Scholarship and Financial Aid Resources

The University of Michigan is often recognized for offering strong need-based financial aid and a variety of merit scholarships, students considering Early Decision should carefully review the university’s affordability resources, such as the Go Blue Guarantee—which offers free tuition for in-state students with family incomes of $125,000 or less and assets below $125,000—and use  the Net Price Calculator to estimate costs before applying.

Do I still submit a Ross Admissions Portfolio? 

Yes! The application review process for the Ross School of Business has not changed. You will still need to submit a complete Ross Admissions Portfolio in addition to your Common Application by Nov. 1. Remember that the admissions portfolio is a personal, open-ended way to share more about who you are and why you’re interested in a business education at Ross. Our admissions team uses this portfolio as a complement to your Common Application to get a well-rounded understanding of who you are..

The University of Michigan is excited to offer a new application plan for students who view Michigan as their first choice and are committed to enrolling if accepted. Regardless of which option you choose, you should know that we follow the same rigorous holistic application review and selection process.