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About Michigan Ross

The University of Michigan Business School was founded in 1924 and became Michigan Ross in 2004 when Stephen M. Ross, a New York real-estate developer and undergraduate alumnus, donated $100 million to the school. It’s consistently ranked among the top 15 MBA programs.

Ross relies on its REAL learning philosophy (Ross Experiences in Action-Based Learning.) In 1992 the school launched its signature Multidisciplinary Action Projects (MAP) program, which embeds teams of students in within US and global companies for seven weeks to address the firm’s challenges.

Ross students relish the experience of “learning business by doing business,” but they also want to leave their communities and the world better than they found them.

The Ross culture is incredibly spirited, team-oriented and close-knit – which extends from the classroom and extracurriculars to core action learning programs like MAP, IMAP, and EMAP. Michigan’s maize and blue culture envelopes students and permeates Ann Arbor, a vibrant college town less than an hour from downtown Detroit.

Strengths and Specializations

Technology, marketing, consulting, information management, social impact, sustainability, healthcare, real estate, design thinking and innovation, management science

Note: Thanks to its proximity to the heart of the US automobile industry, Detroit, the school has an excellent working relationship with this industry, especially with companies such as Daimler Chrysler, Ford and General Motors.

Graduating Class of 2026

Number of Applicants: 2976 (in 2023)

MBA Class Size: 396

Avg. Work Experience: 6 years

Avg. GPA: 3.42

Avg. GMAT: 728

International Students: 44% 

Female Students: 40% 

Tuition: $78,030/year

Post-MBA Careers (class of 2023)

Career Sectors: Consulting 44.9%; Tech 15.5%; Financial Services 14.2%; Healthcare 5.7%

Top Recruiters: McKinsey, Bain, BCG, Deloitte, Amazon, EY-Parthenon, Dell Technologies, PwC Strategy&, PepsiCo, Nike, Accenture, Citi, JP Morgan Chase, Adobe

Avg. Base Salary: $175,000

Employment offered within 3 months of graduation: 96% 

Michigan Ross Rankings

Admissions

Deadlines for the 2024-2025

Application Round                      Application Due                         Decisions Released          
Round 1     Sept. 9, 2024 Dec. 6, 2024
Round 2           Jan. 6, 2025 March 14, 2025
Round 3           March 24, 2025 May 2, 2025

Essays:

Michigan Ross 2024-2025 Application Essay Questions

All NEW Essays this year:

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)

  • What makes you unique?
  • Can you provide a specific example of how you’ve overcome a personal challenge?
  • What makes you excited to get up each morning?
  • Describe a time when you made a difference in your community or with an individual.

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)

Fortuna Tips & Advice 

View our team’s Essay Tips to Michigan Ross. 

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