This Michigan Ross 2011 MBA Application tip post is one of a series of posts providing MBA application and essay advice for applicants to top MBA programs around the world. You can access the entire series at https://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/tag/2011-mba-application-tips. My tips for answering Ross' essay questions are in blue below.
MICHIGAN ROSS 2011 MBA ESSAY QUESTIONS
Although Ross' questions may appear superficial or generic, don't be fooled. Ross does not want generic answers. Your answers need to connect to Ross' multi-disciplinary action projects and commitment to action-based learning. You need to show the admissions readers why you belong at Ross, not at Top B-School.
Required Questions:
1) Introduce yourself in 100 words or less.
What's your elevator pitch? What do you want them to know first about you? I am not asking what do you think they want to hear, but what do you want the admissions committee members to know first?
2) Describe your career goals. How will the Ross MBA help you to achieve your goals? (500 word maximum)
The successful answer to this question will show fit with Ross. Your response to the last part of the question will make or break the essay and possibly your application. How is Ross going to help you achieve your short-and long-term goals? What aspects of the Ross program convinced you to attend? If you spoke to current students or recent alumni, say so. Let the reader know you've done your homework.
3) Describe a time in your career when you were frustrated or disappointed. What did you
learn from that experience? (500 word maximum)
New question. Choose one experience where you can show growth and resilience after a difficult time. Please note that Ross is not asking for a general treatise on frustration or disappointment. It wants a specific example showing how you deal with hurdles and challenge. And of course, what did you learn?
4) Select one of the following questions:
New. Choose the one you can write most enthusiastically and sincerely. If you can wrote both with vigor, then choose the one that will allow you to show leadership and initiative.
- What are you most passionate about and why? (300 word maximum)
If you are passionate about something, you must have acted on that passion and shown commitment to it. Passive passion is an oxymoron.
- We expect that Ross MBAs will not only be effective leaders, but also effective
teachers. How will you contribute to the learning experience of your peers at
Ross? (300 word maximum)
As you respond to this question keep in mind Michigan's focus on action-based learning. How would help assist and help a teammate struggling with English, or with the math? If not through action-based learning, tie your actions into MAP or other specifics of the Ross program.
Optional Question:
5) Is there anything else you think the Admissions Committee should know about you to evaluate your candidacy? (500 word maximum)
Do not use this essay like a storage room, my son's bedroom closet, or even a large salad: a place to put everything. Focus on one facet of your life or an experience that is important to you, reveals the human being you are, and isn't described in other parts of the application. Write about it here.
You can of course also use this essay to "explain" a weakness, but I hate to end your application on that note if it can be avoided. So weigh your options. If you have something to explain, do so. If you can tuck the explanation somewhere else in the application, more power to you. If the best place for the explanation is this last essay, so be it.
If you would like help with your Michigan Ross MBA application, please consider Accepted.com's MBA essay editing and admissions consulting or a Michigan Ross School Package, a package of editing and consulting specific to Ross.
MICHIGAN ROSS 2011 MBA ESSAY DEADLINES
We encourage you to apply in the first two rounds since these are the only rounds in which applicants are considered for scholarships. In addition, only students admitted from the first two rounds will be able to attend Go Blue Rendezvous, our admitted student weekend in April. We also recommend international students apply in Round 1 or Round 2 because of visa requirements and to ensure consideration for scholarships. Deadlines follow:
| Round | Due Date | Decisions Mailed |
| Round 1 | Oct. 11, 2010 | Jan. 15, 2011 |
| Round 2 | Jan. 5, 2011 | Mar. 8, 2011 |
| Round 3 | Mar. 1, 2011 | May 15, 2011 |
By Linda Abraham, President and Founder of Accepted.com.
