Bring Your Best Self to the Table.

You’ve accomplished a lot already — make sure your application shines.

Deadlines for Late August Start

Mar25
Early Application Deadline

March 25, 2024

May13
Final Application Deadline

May 13, 2024
 

Applications are considered on a rolling basis, and early application is strongly encouraged. Admissions decisions are made on average six to eight weeks after applications are completed. 

See all alternative options to submitting a GMAT or GRE score in the ‘Test Requirements’ section below.

still image of Admissions Director

Application Advice from Our Admissions Director

Find valuable admissions tips and insights from Part-Time MBA Admissions Director, Sarah McIntosh. Hear what Sarah says applicants should consider to ensure their submissions are as strong as possible.

Your Application Checklist

You must have a U.S. bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, or the equivalent, by the time of application. You may submit an unofficial copy of your transcripts (and degree documents, if applicable) with your application. If accepted, official transcripts will be required.

The Michigan Ross MBA Program is quantitatively and analytically rigorous. There are three ways you can satisfy the test requirement for the Online MBA Program. 

  1. Take a standardized test
    • GMAT or GMAT Focus Edition
    • GRE
    • Executive Assessment (8+ years of work experience required)
  2. Take the Michigan Ross Quantitative Readiness Course (must achieve 80%+ final exam score)
  3. Submit a test waiver request within the application
     

GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, GRE, or Executive Assessment* (EA)

Scores are valid for five years from the date you took the test. You may self-report your score on the application or upload unofficial score reports. If accepted, official reports will be required. If you take the GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, GRE, or EA* 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. We will accept scores received from taking the at-home versions of the GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, GRE, or EA test. 

*Applicants with eight or more years of professional post-collegiate work experience (by the time the program begins) may submit the Executive Assessment (EA).

GRE School Code: 1839; GMAT Reporting Code: SN1-J6-92; EA Reporting Code: SN1-J6-92.  

Quantitative Readiness Course (QRC)

Applicants to the program may also take the Michigan Ross Quantitative Readiness Course (QRC) in lieu of submitting a GMAT or GRE score. This is a free, online course designed to test your readiness for an MBA program and help prepare you for a successful transition to Michigan Ross. The QRC is ideal for students who are interested in understanding and preparing for the quantitative rigor of a Michigan Ross MBA Program. Applicants who devote adequate time to the course should perform well. 

  • Must achieve a score of 80%+ on the final exam to waive test requirement
  • Must be completed within 60 days of receiving access
  • Includes six, self-paced modules
  • Can be completed in approximately 20-30 hours
  • Covers and evaluates statistical techniques and applications from functions to hypothesis testing

To learn more, or to enroll in this course, please visit the Quantitative Readiness Course page.

Test Waiver Options

For a small pool of experienced, academically and professionally high-performing candidates, a standardized test waiver may be requested. 

If you are considering applying for a test waiver, please examine your candidacy in terms of academic and professional accomplishments. A few things to consider when submitting your waiver:

  • Quantitative ability is a prime requirement for waiver eligibility. This may be demonstrated by graduate level quantitative courses, work experience, and/or certification.
  • Your application must be submitted before your waiver request is reviewed. 
  • The Admissions Committee grants waivers on a case-by-case basis after considering individual credentials. 
  • Test waiver decisions will be communicated within approximately 10 business days. The decisions of the Admissions Committee are final.
  • A granted waiver does not guarantee admission.
  • If you are not granted a waiver but would still like to be considered for admission, you can do one of the following: submit a GRE or GMAT score, EA score if you have eight or more years post-collegiate work experience, or successfully complete the Quantitative Readiness course.
  • Some recruiters (specifically those in very competitive industries) seeking to hire graduating Ross MBAs may use standardized test scores as part of their initial candidate screening process.

If you are requesting a waiver, please select that you are applying for a test waiver under the testing section of the application. Once your application has been submitted, the waiver request will be reviewed, and a member of the admissions team will contact you via email within approximately 10 business days with the waiver decision. Application fees are non-refundable and will not be refunded if waiver is not granted.

All applications submitted after April 1, 2022 are subject to currently published waiver guidelines.

Your resume should include up-to-date educational information and professional experience. Please include dates. These should correspond with the dates you provide in your application.

You may include community/professional service activities as well as hobbies/interests. Be sure to include any Executive Education or other professional certificates.

We recommend that your resume be no longer than one page.

Part 1: Short-answer questions

Select one prompt from each of the two groups below. Respond to each selected prompt in 100 words or fewer (<100 words each; 200 words total).

GROUP 1
I want people to know that I:
I made a difference when I:
I was aware that I was different when:
 
GROUP 2
I am out of my comfort zone when:
I was humbled when:
I was challenged when: 


Part 2: Career Goal Essay

What is your short-term career goal and why is this the right goal for you? (150 words)


Optional statement: 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.

Michigan Ross uses the GMAC Common Recommendation Form, and we require only one recommendation. You should select a recommender who can discuss your professional performance and work style. A current or former supervisor is an ideal choice. Other alternatives include a client, project manager, or professional mentor. Your recommender should be able to answer the following questions about you:

  • Please provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant's role in your organization. (50 words) 
     
  • How does the performance of the applicant compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? (For example, what are the applicant's principal strengths?) (500 words)
     
  • Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response. (500 words)

IMPORTANT: This is NOT the official recommendation, but rather a list of the questions that will be sent to the individual you identify as your recommender in the online application. The actual recommendation and ratings form must be submitted online by your recommender. Your application is not considered complete until we receive your recommendation.

 

The non-refundable $200 application fee is waived for:

  • Active members and veterans of the U.S. Military
  • Members of Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Teach for America, Teach for China, Teach for India, or other Teach for All Network Partners who have served within the past five years
  • Currently enrolled students in a University of Michigan graduate degree program
  • Citizens of a country on the UN's list of least-developed countries - verified at time of application.
  • Students who submitted an application to the Ross MBA program within the past five years
  • Students who are current Fullbright Scholars

In order to receive an application fee waiver, you must select the above criteria that applies to you on the Getting Started page of the application.

We do not waive application fees for any other reason.

Virtual interviews are conducted by invitation only, after all of your other materials have been completed.

If your native language is not English, you must 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.  

For the TOEFL exam, we require the internet-based test (iBT) version of the exam. The 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.  

International applicants for the part-time programs are exempt from the English language requirement if:

  • You earned your undergraduate degree at an accredited institution where the sole language of instruction was English,

or

  • You have been living, working, and conducting daily business in an English-speaking country for two or more years.
  • Traditional business background not required.
  • Individual evaluation occurs within context of larger applicant pool.
  • No “formula” or “cutoff” determines a candidate’s outcome.
  • There are no prerequisite courses for admission.
  • We require at least 12 months of full-time work experience (post completion of your undergraduate degree), but highly recommend at least 24 months.
  • 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.
Admissions Criteria:
Essentials for a Standout Application

In order to build a strong and diverse class, we look for applicants who possess a number of key characteristics. If you’re right for Ross, the following probably sounds a lot like you:

You Know How to Make an Impact

Your professional achievements, extracurricular involvements, recommendation letter, and personal essays highlight how you’ve made meaningful contributions that drive results. At the core of your ability to impact outcomes? A knack for communicating and collaborating well with others. 

You Know Why You Want a Ross MBA

 You’re someone with a precise “why” behind the “what”. Your personal essays outline clear goals for your MBA, and explain why Ross is the right program for you. 

You’re A High Achiever

You’re always ready to rise to the challenge and exceed expectations. Your GMAT/GRE score and academic record tell the story of someone who knows how to think clearly and critically — and who can keep up with the rigor of Ross. 

Learn more about Michigan Ross programs, updates, and events.
Learn more about Michigan Ross programs, updates, and events.

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