Q: Do I have to submit a TOEFL score if I have a degree in the U.S.?

A: We have recently changed our policy regarding the TOEFL. Applicants who have earned or will earn a Bachelor's or Master's degree from a U.S. institution are exempt from submitting TOEFL scores. Please see the Rackham Graduate School's website for complete details on this policy.

Q: I won't have time to take the TOEFL/GRE/GMAT before I apply to your program. Is there a way you can grant me conditional admission?

A: We do not have a conditional admission process. We must have all the required items before we review your application and make a decision regarding admission.

Q: Do you accept a GRE in place of a GMAT score?

A: We prefer the GMAT, but we will accept a GRE score. We only will accept official GMAT or GRE test scores for exams less than five years old. We do not have required minimum scores. Average GMAT scores for admitted applicants range between 660-770, while average GRE scores range from 550-800 (new scores 156-170) for the verbal component and 700-800 (new scores 155-170) for the quantitative component.

Q: Do you accept copies of test scores?

A: No. We must receive test scores directly from the testing services.

Q: What are your institution codes for the GMAT, GRE, and TOEFL?

A: Our GRE/TOEFL/ETS institution code is 1839. Our GMAT institution code is SN1-J6-77. You do not need to include a department code.

*Please note: You must use the ETS code 1839 (Rackham Graduate School code). We are not able to access scores sent to the code 2528 (general Ross School of Business code).

Q: How do I select a specific department in the online application?

A: At the top of the second page of the application, you will find the section where you choose a department. You must click the link that says "Choose Subplan" and then select one of the eight areas of concentration.

Q: Can I apply to more than one area?

A: You should narrow down your choice before applying and apply to one area only. Even when affiliated with one department, you can still take courses in other departments.

Q: Do I have to list my courses on the application?

A: No.

Q: Do I need an MBA or another master's degree in order to apply to the Doctoral Studies Program?

A: No. We only require a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent. However, about 60% of our applicants do have a relevant master's degree.

Q: Can you tell me if I am qualified to apply to your program based on information I give you about my test scores, transcripts, work experience, etc.?

A: Given the complex nature of the admissions process, we are not able to make any preliminary judgments about the competitiveness of an applicant's credentials. If you are interested in our program, we encourage you to apply. You also can view our class profile to see a basic statistical breakdown of students who have been admitted to the program, but please note these are general benchmarks, not minimum requirements.

Q: Do international students have to submit a financial support statement?

A: Please do not submit financial information at the time of application. Please see the Rackham website for more information.

Q: How long does it take to complete the program?

A: On average, students require five years to complete the program even with a previous MBA — two years of coursework and approximately three years of research and dissertation writing.

Q: I'm currently a PhD student in a program at another school, and I am interested in transferring to Ross. Is this possible?

A: We do not have a transfer process. If you applied and were admitted to our program, you would be starting your PhD over from the beginning.

Q: What is the admission rate?

A: On average, we admit 4-5% of the applicant pool.

Q: How many students are admitted to each area of concentration in any given year?

A: The number of admitted students varies by area. The average is one to three students per area.

Q: I may have some documents sent to Ross before I submit the application forms. What happens to them?

A: We strongly prefer that you submit your application and supporting materials electronically. If you must mail materials, we expect all required documentation (except official GMAT/GRE and TOEFL scores) will be sent in the same envelope to ensure faster processing. All materials sent to our office should clearly indicate your name, date of birth, and UMID (if available).
 
Note: Any documentation submitted in support of the application becomes the property of the University of Michigan and cannot be returned to the applicant.

Q: What if my application is missing some of the required supporting documentation?

A: We will not review incomplete applications until we have received all supporting documentation. The application deadline is Dec. 15, and the online system will close at 12:01 a.m. PST on Dec. 16. You must submit the online application by the stated deadline.

Q: What if I miss the Dec. 15 deadline?

A: We will not accept applications past the deadline.

Q: Should I send anything directly to the department or faculty?

A: No. Applicants should follow the directions on the How to Apply page regarding submission of documents.

Q: Where can I download a copy of the application?

A: You only may apply online. We will provide printed and printable copies of the application only when an applicant has severely restricted access to the Internet. Contact the Doctoral Studies Program office to request these materials.