Applying

Q: Can I transfer into the MBA program?

A. No previous course work will transfer into our MBA Program. In addition, students admitted to Ross may not be simultaneously enrolled in two graduate programs unless enrolled in an approved dual degree program.

Q: In which round should I apply?  How important is it to apply in Round 1?

A. Those interested in applying are encouraged to do so in Round One for two reasons.  First, applicants who are placed on the waiting list in Round One will have two additional opportunities for review in the second and third rounds.  Also, applicants admitted in Round One will be considered for scholarships in Round One and Round Two.

Q: I already have an MBA. Can I still apply to Ross' MBA Program?

A. We do accept applications from individuals who have an MBA. However, you must explain through your application why you feel you need another MBA degree.

Q: I am a college senior.  Can I apply to the MBA program? 

A. No. We require the completion of the equivalent of a U.S. Bachelor's degree prior to applying.

Q: Can I apply to both the Day MBA and Evening MBA programs for the same term?

A.  No. Students must chose between programs and may only apply to one program in any given cycle.

Q: Is a 3 year undergraduate degree from India acceptable to apply?

A.  No. These are not considered equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor's degree.  If you have a 3 year degree, it must be accompanied by a Master's degree program or a Chartered Accountancy.  For non-U.S. Master's degrees, the degree must be greater than one year.  For U.S. Master's degrees, a one-year Master's degree is acceptable.

Q: How much work experience do I need before I can apply?

A. We do not require a minimum number of years work experience prior to entering the MBA Program, however, most of our admitted students have at least one year of work experience prior to entering the program. We evaluate work experience, not in terms of quantity, but in terms of quality–the impact the applicant has had on their organization and his or her natural leadership qualities. Those who are joining us at an earlier stage of their career should be able to demonstrate this in their application, what they will be able to contribute to the Ross experience, as well as have superb academic credentials and the maturity and self-confidence to handle the intensity of the program.

Q: Do you offer a hardcopy application?

A. No, we no longer accept hardcopy applications.  You can only apply using our online application.

Q: Can I have my application fee waived?

A: The application fee is only waived if an applicant is a former member of Peace Corps or Teach for America within three years of applying, or a former member of the U.S. military who has been on active duty within three years of applying.  We do not waive application fees for any other reason.  Please email rossmba@umich.edu to request an application fee waiver prior to submitting your application.

Q: What type of work experience are you looking for in the admissions process?

A: We seek diversity in the professional backgrounds of our admitted students, just as we do in other parts of our applicants’ profiles. No one industry or field is favored over another. We are more interested in the applicant’s contribution to the group or organization.  

Q: Do I need a business degree or business classes in undergrad to be admitted?

A: We welcome applications from a wide variety of backgrounds and do not look for or favor specific undergraduate majors. "Business” classes are not required before entering the MBA Program.

Q: Am I required to complete a college-level calculus course?

A:  No.  However, due to the analytical rigor of the program, it is expected that students 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 may want to take our Quantitative Skills Workshop prior to the start of classes.

Q: How do I submit supplemental information (e.g., transcripts, additional pages detailing jobs held, letters of recommendation) if I am unable to download it with my online application?

A: There are three ways to submit supplemental information. Be sure to indicate your name and contact information in a note and let us know that this is supplemental to your application.

1. E-mail it to rossmba@umich.edu.
2. Fax it to our office at 734-763-7804.
3. Mail it to our office at 701 Tappan St., E2540, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1234

Q: Who may write my letters of recommendation?

A. Recommendations should be from persons who have been directly responsible for assessing your professional performance. At least one, and preferably both, of the recommendations should come from an employer or supervisor.

	Recommendations from former professors are not as helpful to the Admissions Committee since they cannot evaluate your performance in a professional setting. Of course, there are exceptions, but a recommendation from a current or former employer usually provides more helpful information.
	There are situations in which applicants do not wish to inform current supervisors that they are applying to business school. In this case, a former manager, client or supervisor from an extracurricular organization may provide a recommendation.
	It is important that recommendations provide details and/or examples to support opinions about an applicant. For example, noting that "Julie is a great team player" does not provide as much insight as providing concrete examples of how well Julie performed on a team when faced with certain responsibilities and challenges. Recommendations that state strong feelings, either positive or negative, without examples are not helpful.

Q: Do I need to schedule an interview?

A. No.  Interviews will be conducted by invitation only.  If the Admissions Committee invites you to interview, you will receive the invitation and scheduling information via e-mail.

The interview provides the Admissions Committee with more information about you.  It is not an indication of the outcome of your application.  Interviews are typically conducted by our trained admissions professionals, Alumni Admissions Committee or by members of our Admissions Student Committee.  Interviews may be conducted in person or by telephone.

Q: Do most applicants write the optional essay?

A. It varies. The essay is primarily there to give applicants a place to tell the Admissions Committee pertinent information that has not been addressed in the other areas of the application. For example, if there are gaps in your resume, the optional essay could be used to explain them. 

Q: How important is it to have extracurricular activities detailed in the application?

A. We are looking for individuals who will be highly involved at Ross and later as alums. One way for us to gauge future involvement is by looking at past and recent involvement. 

Q: What happens to applications that arrive after the deadline?

A. Applications must arrive in our office by the deadline to be considered during a particular period. Applications that arrive after a deadline are processed in the order they were received and may be moved to the next decision round. Application deadlines are available here.

Q: My friend received a call informing her that she had been accepted. I haven’t received a call. Does that mean I wasn’t accepted?

A. No, this does not automatically mean that you have not been accepted. When possible, the Admissions Committee will try to call or email admitted applicants to inform them of the decision, but we cannot guarantee that all applicants will be contacted. Your decision will be mailed to you according to the deadline.

Q: What should I do if I need an early decision on my application?

A.  Unfortunately, requests for admissions decisions before our decision notification dates will not be granted.  Notification dates can be found at our Apply Now page.

Q: I was not accepted to the MBA program. Can I appeal?

A. Except in some rare cases, decisions are final. However, you  may appeal the decision by putting the request in writing to the Director of Admissions. The appeal must include additional information that you feel  would have an impact on your application (e.g., a promotion, job change, etc.). No applications will be reviewed if new information is not included with the appeal. Letters can be sent to: Office of Admissions, 701 Tappan Street, E2540, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1234 or to rossmba@umich.edu.