The Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy
June 18 - July 2, 2021
The Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy gives rising high school seniors the opportunity to discover business from the inside out. Explore how companies run, understand how leaders solve problems, and experience what it’s like to be a business student at Ross.
Nov 4
Application Opens
Nov. 2nd, 2020
Jan 31
Final Deadline
Jan. 29, 2021 at 3 PM EST
Disclaimer: Michigan Ross is dedicated to offering an innovative and safe experience for prospective students. Certain events and the Summer Business Academy program format will be subject to change based on COVID-19 safety precautions.
Introduce Yourself to Business
This two-week pre-college program is designed for highly-motivated students from various backgrounds who want to explore their interest in business.
See what business is all about.
Gain a deeper understanding of how businesses work and explore potential career paths.
Get an authentic college experience.
Live and learn alongside a cohort of high-achieving peers.
Learn by doing.
Experience the collaborative, action-based learning environment at Michigan Ross.
Connect with faculty and experts.
Interact with Ross faculty, company partners, and industry field experts.
Lead with purpose.
Learn more about what it means to be a socially-responsible business leader.
What You'll Experience
Disclaimer: Michigan Ross is dedicated to offering an innovative and safe experience for prospective students. Certain events and Summer Business Academy program format will be subject to change based on COVID-19 safety precautions.
Led by faculty across multiple functional areas of business, students explore what makes high-performing companies so successful. Students visit local companies and work in teams to propose solutions to real-world corporate challenges, culminating in a presentation and opportunities for individual reflection.
Students are expected to participate in all aspects of the Summer Business Academy.
A typical weekday schedule may include:
Breakfast
Join peers for breakfast in one of our dining halls.
Join peers for breakfast in one of our dining halls.
Class or Workshop
Attend a morning class session led by one of our faculty members.
Attend a morning class session led by one of our faculty members.
Lunch and Group Work
Grab lunch and collaborate on group projects.
Grab lunch and collaborate on group projects.
Class or Workshop
Return for an afternoon class session led by a faculty member.
Return for an afternoon class session led by a faculty member.
Field Trip, Guest Speaker, or Workshop
Attend an organized activity offsite, or participate in a guest speaker lecture or workshop.
Attend an organized activity offsite, or participate in a guest speaker lecture or workshop.
Dinner and Group Work
Break for dinner at one of our dining halls and take time to make progress on group work.
Break for dinner at one of our dining halls and take time to make progress on group work.
Community Meetings, Study, or Recreation
Choose from a number of different on-campus activities or catch up on studying.
Choose from a number of different on-campus activities or catch up on studying.
Summer Business Academy programming will also include company treks and weekend excursions in the area. Costs and arrangements for both will be covered by the program fee.
Program Details
Academics
Academic work will be rigorous and parallel to college-level learning. However, no college credit will be offered. Note that participation in the Summer Business Academy does not secure or influence admission to the Michigan Ross BBA program.
Residency
Students will stay in one of our popular residence halls on Central Campus at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. You will learn from and network with current Ross BBA students, who will serve as resident advisers. Roommates will be randomly assigned.
Meals
Students will eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner together at their assigned dining hall. All meals, including those hosted by the Summer Business Academy that occur outside of the dining hall, are covered at no extra expense.
Transportation
Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the University of Michigan. For those flying in, staff will coordinate transportation to and from the Detroit Metro Airport. Participants arriving by vehicle will be greeted at the residence halls. All transportation required during the Summer Business Academy will be provided.
Program Fees & Scholarships
Program Fee
The Summer Business Academy program fee is $2950. The cost of the program covers housing, meals, all program outings/events, and transportation to and from program events. Course materials and Michigan Ross apparel will also be provided.
Scholarships
The Summer Business Academy will provide a number of full and partial, need-based scholarships for students accepted to this program, which may include all costs associated with housing, transportation, and meals. Students may apply for scholarships within the online application.
Disclaimer: Program fees may shift in the event that the program transfers to a virtual format.
How to Apply
All students who meet the eligibility requirements are welcome to apply. In particular, we encourage applications from outstanding African-American, Latinx, and Native American students; first-generation students; and students who have overcome social or economic hardship.
1. Meet the eligibility requirement
- You must be a current rising high school senior to apply. Preference will be given to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- You must maintain a minimum, cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
2. Complete the online application
- This includes an essay of 300 words or less and a letter of recommendation.
- Submit a copy of your most recent high school transcript.
- An unofficial transcript will be acceptable for admissions decisions, though an official transcript must be provided to enroll.
- Pay the non-refundable application fee of $50. Inquiries regarding application fee waivers should be directed to mross.sba@umich.edu.
Application Opens: Nov. 2nd, 2020
Final Deadline: Jan. 29, 2021 at 3 PM EST
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I apply for scholarships for the Summer Business Academy?
Scholarships will be determined with a holistic review and will be based on an applicant’s need. Full and partial scholarships may cover the cost of travel for students located more than 100 miles from the University of Michigan. All applicants will answer questions within the application about household income and affordability. Applicants interested in receiving a scholarship must complete the scholarship essay, which will be used in the review process to determine scholarship award recipients.
What if I am not applying for a scholarship?
Students who are not seeking scholarships can leave these questions blank and we will consider your application complete.
What if I can’t afford the $50 application fee?
After completing the application, participants seeking an application fee waiver should email his/her request to mross.sba@umich.edu.
Can international students apply to the Summer Business Academy?
Preference will be given to U.S. citizens, permanent U.S. residents, and Canadian residents. However, additional international students are welcome to apply for consideration if space is available. The University of Michigan will not sponsor visas for the Summer Business Academy.
Please email mross.sba@umich.edu for application support.
Is there a form or guidelines for the letter of recommendation?
There is not a form or guidelines for the recommendation. It is our hope that the person writing a recommendation will provide honest information about the student without restrictions. Recommenders must include the name and contact information of the applicant in their letter.
How should my teacher submit my letter of recommendation so that I don’t see it?
Your teacher, guidance counselor, or principal can email the letter of recommendation to mross.sba@umich.edu, or mail it directly to:
Ross School of Business Office of Undergraduate Programs
Attn: Tulsa Fearing
700 East University Avenue
Kresge Hall K3521
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
The recommender should be sure to include your full name in their letter.
How many students will attend the Summer Business Academy?
We will welcome up to 60 students.
How can I pay the $50 application fee?
After submitting your application, you should receive a confirmation email with instructions to pay on Eventbrite. From there, select “tickets” and add 1 to your cart. You will then complete the checkout process, and you will receive a confirmation email.
We must receive your application fee payment by Friday, January 31, 2020 at 11:59 pm for your application to be considered complete by the deadline.
When will I find out if I have been accepted into the Summer Business Academy?
All application decisions will be released by Friday, February 21, 2020. All admitted applicants must accept within two weeks of receiving their acceptance. If you do not hear from us by February 24, 2020 you can contact us at mross.sba@umich.edu.
