Prompt: At Michigan Ross, we believe the best way to learn is by doing. In our Full-Time MBA Program, you will put your skills and knowledge to the test in real-world situations with real stakes. How will this learning environment benefit you, and how do you plan to contribute to the action-based learning experience? (300 words)
Prompt: Michigan Ross is proud to support a community of leaders and impact makers.
As a future member of this community, we want to know more about who you are and what drives you.
Please choose ONE of the following prompts to tell us more about what makes you stand out beyond your academic and work experience.
List the prompt you are answering at the top of your response. (200 words)
Again, the purpose of the short essay is to find out something MORE about you beyond what appears on your resume, and additionally, something distinctive. You are presenting a more complete picture of yourself.
Through your choice of what to write about, you are telling the Admissions Committee about your character, values, and what matters to you.
The essay looks back at your past, and cannot be a description of what you want to do in the future. Yes, this is true even of the essay that asks what makes you excited to get up in the morning.
To choose the best prompt for you, consider the following questions"
"Share your strengths. Some things can't be communicated just be listing experiences on a resume. This is your chance to demonstrate what is special about you beyond what the Admissions Committee can pick up from your resume or test scores." - Lysa Wang, Associate Director of Admissions
Prompt: What is your short-term career goal, and why is this the right goal for you? (150 words meximum)
This is a relatively straightforward essay that will be very valuable to you! Your short-term career goal is the one that you will pursue immediately after graduation from your MBA program. You would describe a potential career path.
The "Why" is a bit more difficult. The answer you provide should not be a "this seems like a logical next step from my experience," although that is part of it. I call that a "community college / trade school" type of answer (no offense, community colleges!).
You would want to take the opportunity to describe your personality and motivation. What is it about your career experience that makes you interested in continuing that in a post-MBA career? Why are you motivated towards your goals?
You only have a few short essays, so you want to take full advantage of these essays to bring your personality into the admissions equation.
Prompt: 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.
By "need some explanation," they mean refer to something that might be unclear to the Admissions Committee. This space can also be used to address any extenuating circumstances that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider. Use to address:
Use this essay to turn a potential weakness into a strength. Tell the Admissions Committee what happened and why it happened. Be honest in your self-evaluation. Most importantly, tell them what you have learned from a negative experience, and how this learning has influenced future actions.
Ross also suggests that you use the Optional Essay to provide information on any supplemental coursework that you have completed; if you are coming from a non-business background, taking business courses is a good way to demonstrate proactive preparation for business school.
Instead of the standardized test waiver, this year we are requiring that all candidates either submit a standardized test score (GMAT, GRE, MCAT, LSAT, PCAT, or DAT) or evidence of academic readiness for the Michigan Ross Full-Time MBA as part of the admissions application. If you choose the option to demonstrate your academic readiness without a test score, you will be required to respond to this prompt:
Prompt: Please demonstrate why you are ready to meet the academic rigor of our program. (200 words maximum)
Evidence of academic readiness:
Please note that test scores provide an additional, relevant data point for the admissions committee to consider in reviewing your application as part of our holistic process. A strong test score can strengthen an applicant’s candidacy, and around 80% of last year’s class submitted a test score.
Along with submitting a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the Pearson Test of English (PTE), or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test score, applicants will now have the option of writing an essay that demonstrates alternative evidence of your English proficiency. We will look for evidence of immersive academic and/or professional work where English was the primary language, including but not limited to: