Calling all Michigan (Ross) Fall 2009 Applicants!

I think I've got a better grasp on the question now that I'd had some time to think about it.

I think the ideal content for this question would be an extra-curricular activity that you have a real passion for. Something that you can relate your experience to when it comes to solving multi-disciplinary problems. For example, if you volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, you could say your alternate career would be a home builder. You could then talk about the leadership you needed to show when you volunteered.

As to skills useful in solving MD problems, think "soft" skills like communication, persuasion, organization, motivation, vision, innovation, etc.

You don't have to go for the grand slam. I think this question also tests your ability to relate your personal experiences to the "bigger picture". Going back to the Habitat for Humanity example: If you were working on a bathroom remodel and people were getting in each others way, maybe you organized the work so it was done more efficiently? That would fall under leadership and organization. Those are both skills that would be useful in solving MD problems.

I think you need to focus less on what the alternate career is and more on the day-to-day skills you show when you pursue it. For example, if you had a musical skill you could talk about the leadership you showed when you tried to organize practice sessions.

RF

But, then I thought you never answered how you would solve the multi-disciplinary problems. 2nd part of the question asks "How will this alternate interest contribute to your effectiveness in solving multi-disciplinary problems?" As a musician what MD problems will I solve? I might be able to answer how based on the leadership skills I have shown lets say in arranging practice sessions. or is it that answering what MD problems is irrelevant?

I think this is a poorly written question, so your confusion (and mine) is understandable.

Apparently they took out parts of the question that were in there last year. Did you read the links to the admission consultants blogs that I posted above? They are helpful in getting a sense of what the question is asking.

The MD problems they talk about relate back to the MAP projects. So what the question is actually saying is:

What skills have you obtained through your alternate interests and how will they contribute to your effectiveness during a MAP project?

RF

Yes I read those. So, does that mean the answer to 'What MD problems' is not relevant here?
Here is how I was trying to write this essay.

Para 1 - what alternate profession
Para 2 - Why this alternate profession
Para 3 - skill 1 & 2 learned though this alternate interest will help solve MD problem X.
Para 4 - skill 3 & 4 learned though this alternate interest will help solve MD problem Y.

OK, I see what you're getting at now. I think you have two options. Talk about specific MD problems you can solve, or talk about MD problems in general (which I think is an easier approach).

What MD problems were you thinking of talking about? I think that might be pretty hard to do.

RF

OK, I see what you're getting at now. I think you have two options. Talk about specific MD problems you can solve, or talk about MD problems in general (which I think is an easier approach).

This may seem like a silly question, but the essay instructions say, "Use at least 11pt font and 1.5 inch spacing." Does this mean use 1.5 inch spacing or use at least 1.5 inch spacing?

Thanks!

Wooooooooo! I'm in for Thursday the 25th. I'll be the guy in the maize and blue striped dress shirt!!!

Just so everyone knows, you can register for a visit to Ross now!!

I'll be there on September 25th!!

Unfortunately I can't register for the Cornell visit yet. Not surprising since they don't have their essay questions out yet either!!

RF

Where would you be staying? I wanted to stay in the hotels within walking distance from the campus. So, I went to the recommended hotels list on the Ross website and the cheapest room available is for $199.

You can easily find a place to stay for $50-70 per night within a couple of miles on campus. Red Roof Inn, Extended Stay America, Sheraton and a ton of other hotels are around the boardwalk area (2 miles from campus). The hotels are well connected by public transport($1 fare).

You can easily find a place to stay for $50-70 per night within a couple of miles on campus. Red Roof Inn, Extended Stay America, Sheraton and a ton of other hotels are around the boardwalk area (2 miles from campus). The hotels are well connected by public transport($1 fare).