Ross university application fee waiver

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Unique Community of Leaders

Ranked #4 by U.S. News & World Report, the Michigan Ross BBA Program is one of the best undergraduate business program in the world. Explore what makes our inclusive community of learners so unique.

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We Are A Community

At Michigan Ross, you gain more than just a first-class business education. Our collaborative, supportive, inclusive community enriches your experience, and sets you up with a lifetime network of friends across the globe.

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The work of Michigan Ross faculty influences the world’s largest companies and global economies. Every day we’re creating real-world solutions for the most pressing challenges in our world.

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Celebrating 100 Years of Impact

Discover more about the history, people, milestones, and contributions that have shaped Michigan Ross.

Stand Out. We'll Show You How.

DEADLINE: September 9, 2024

DECISION: December 6, 2024

DEADLINE: January 6, 2025

DECISION: March 14, 2025

DEADLINE: March 24, 2025

DECISION: May 2, 2025

All applications are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on the date listed.

Your Application Checklist 1. Choose your deadline.

The most amazing application in the world won’t help you if you miss the deadline. While we understand your desire to perfect your materials, time management is a skill that’s critical in both business and applying to B-school.

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. EST on the due dates noted above.

2. Order your transcripts.

You must have the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree from an accredited institution by the time of application. You can submit an unofficial copy of all of your undergraduate and graduate transcripts (and degree documents, if applicable) with your application, but official transcripts will be required if you’re accepted. All transcripts should include the name of the institution, your graduation GPA, coursework taken with grades obtained, and the degree you obtained with the date of completion.

3. Demonstrate Your Academic Readiness

The Michigan Ross Full-Time MBA program is a rigorous program. We offer candidates many ways to demonstrate that they are ready to meet its demands.

Standardized Tests
Test scores provide an additional, relevant data point for the admissions committee to consider in reviewing your application holistically. For some candidates, a strong test score can strengthen their candidacy.

You can submit the GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition (beginning Q4 2023), GRE, MCAT, LSAT, PCAT, or DAT. If you take a test more than once, we will use your highest total score and the corresponding breakout scores in evaluating your application. We do not mix and match scores. All test scores must be active and not expired at the time of application. Students who are currently enrolled at U-M Medical, Law, Pharmacy, and Dental do not need to submit a test score.

Alternative Demonstrations of Academic Readiness
Some candidates may be able to adequately demonstrate their readiness for the rigor of the program without the need to submit a test score. Instead, you must submit a statement that supports your case and provides alternative evidence of your readiness. Please note that you will either submit your application with test scores or with the Statement of Academic Readiness, no separate application or pre-approval is required for the Statement of Academic Readiness. We will look closely at your academic and professional accomplishments, including but not limited to:

Candidates demonstrating multiple academic and/or professional accomplishments as listed above are more likely to be granted admission.

4. Update your resume.

Make sure your resume provides current educational information and professional experience, including dates. These dates should match your application. Including community service activities and your hobbies/interests is encouraged, as it helps us get to know you better. Your resume should be no longer than one page.

5. Write your essays.

Part 1: Ross Experiences in Action-Based Learning (REAL)

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)

Part 2: How will you make an impact at Michigan Ross?

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 1 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)

Part 3: Career Aspirations

What is your short-term career goal, and how will Ross help you achieve it? (200 words)

Optional Essay

Is there something in your resume or application that needs a brief explanation? Appropriate uses of this essay would be the explanation of an employment gap, academic outliers, choice of recommender, completion of supplemental coursework, etc. You may use bullet points where appropriate. (250 words)

Note: If you use Artificial Intelligence (AI) software in the creation of your essay answers, you are required to use the APA in-text citation "Personal Communication." Rule: (Communicator, personal communication, Month Date, Year), example: (OpenAI, personal communication, September 1, 2024).

6. Choose your recommender.

Michigan Ross uses the GMAC Common Recommendation Form, and we require only one recommendation. Select a recommender who can discuss your professional performance and work style; a current or former supervisor is ideal. Alternatives include a client, project manager, or professional mentor. Your recommender should be able to answer the following questions:

7. Prepare for your interview.

Interviews are by invitation only and conducted by a Ross alum. Applicants will receive information about the timeline for interview invitations and next steps a few weeks after the application deadline passes.

The interview helps us understand how you present your experiences and accomplishments in a professional setting.

8. Pay the $250 application fee.

The non-refundable $250 application fee is waived for:

We do not waive application fees for any other reason.

Additional Things You Should Know International Applicants

Application Deadlines

International students are able to apply in any round. Similar to the advice we give to all candidates applying to Ross, we encourage you to apply in either round 1 or round 2, depending on when you are able to put together the strongest application. Your chances of admission and scholarship award will be similar in both rounds. Chances of admission and scholarship in round 3 vary from year to year

Undergraduate Degree

You must hold a college or university degree equivalent to a four-year American bachelor’s degree prior to applying. A three-year degree is acceptable from regions that typically do not offer four-year degrees. In addition to your transcripts, you must also provide a diploma or similar document indicating the date the degree was earned. If these are not in English, you must provide a certified, literal (not interpretive) English translation along with the documents. If a copy of the original transcript is submitted, it must be certified by the institution from which the degree was received. Documents notarized by a notary public are not acceptable. Credentials must include the following:

English Proficiency
If your native language is not English, you must demonstrate your proficiency in English.

If you have completed an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution where the sole language of instruction was English, you are exempt from the English proficiency requirement.

Standardized Tests
You may take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the Pearson Test of English (PTE), or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. All test scores must be active and not expired at the time of application.

You must take the internet-based test (iBT) version of the TOEFL exam. Michigan Ross' TOEFL

score reporting code is 1839.

We will accept a PTE or IELTS exam score as an alternative to the TOEFL. To have scores sent electronically to Ross, select "University of Michigan-Ann Arbor" as the recipient.

Alternative Demonstrations of English Proficiency
Some candidates may be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English without submitting a TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS test score. Instead, you must submit 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:

Underrepresented Student Applicants

Admission Through the Consortium for Graduate Studies in Management

Ross is a member of the Consortium for Graduate Studies in Management (CGSM), which aims to enhance diversity in business education and leadership by helping to reduce the serious underrepresentation of African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans in member schools and the ranks of management.

If you are committed to increasing the participation of underrepresented groups in business, you are encouraged to apply to the Ross Full-Time MBA Program through the Consortium, via the Consortium website.

If you apply as a Consortium candidate, you are not required to complete the Ross MBA application. Review the Consortium Prospective Student Page for more information.

Ross Consortium: Members of the Ross Consortium help you navigate the admissions process. They become part of your network, sharing information about job opportunities, study groups, and more.

Other Partnerships

Ross collaborates with other organizations that encourage students from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities to pursue graduate management studies, including Management Leadership for Tomorrow, Admit.Me, the Riordan Fellows Program, and Toigo Foundation.

Ross also participates in conferences that seek to address underrepresentation in business, including:

We encourage you to visit Diversity Matters at Michigan, which serves as a comprehensive portal to diversity resources at the University of Michigan.

Applicants Requiring Accommodations

The University of Michigan is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services, and activities. Students wishing to receive accommodations must register with the University of Michigan Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office as soon as possible.

As soon as you are admitted to Michigan Ross, visit Get Connected with SSD | Services for Students with Disabilities to fill out the Student Initial Information Form and get started.

Testing Accommodations

Students must submit an official Accommodation Letter from the SSD office to the Ross Accommodations Coordinator at least two weeks prior to the first exam or quiz for which they require testing accommodations. Testing accommodation arrangements are not guaranteed for students who provide less than two weeks’ notice.

Using Accommodate

Students verified for accommodations must submit their Accommodation Letter at the start of each semester through the electronic portal called Accommodate. This can be done using the Semester Request feature. For Ross courses, these letters will route directly to the Ross Accommodations Coordinator, who will communicate and coordinate all accommodated needs with the student’s instructors at Ross. The day the Accommodation Letter is sent will be used to determine two weeks’ notice.

Short-Notice Accommodations

In rare cases, the need for a testing accommodation arises after the two-week deadline has passed (for example, a broken wrist). The student must still contact SSD and the Ross Accommodations Coordinator in these cases. However, we cannot guarantee that testing accommodations can be made with less than two weeks’ notice due to logistical constraints.

Other Resources

You can find peer support at Michigan Ross through student clubs and communities like Business Leaders for Diverse Abilities.

Additionally, access resources to help you get around campus, find study spaces, locate accessible bathrooms, request assistive technology, and more at Resources | Services for Students with Disabilities.

Contact Us

If you have additional questions, please reach out via email to [email protected] .

Reapplicants

If you submitted an application during last year's application cycle, you can submit an abridged application as follows:

OPTIONAL:

If you reapply after more than one year from your original application, you will need to submit a completely new application.

Check out our reapplicant tips and success stories webinar with current students and the Admissions team.