michigan ross essay examples bba

Michigan Ross School of Business Essay Tips and Examples

June 23, 2023

Jeremy Shinewald

In our view, the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan takes a very no-nonsense, just-the-facts approach to its application essays (even the scope of its optional essay is relatively narrow). For the school’s “short answer” questions, candidates choose one prompt from each of two lists of three and are asked to submit what are essentially mini essays of just 100 words. In Ross’s (again concise) 150-word-total career “essay,” candidates share and explain their short-term professional aspirations, thereby demonstrating for the admissions committee that they have a plan in mind and have given serious thought to why they need a Ross MBA to achieve their goal. No specific word limit is stated for the program’s optional essay, but applicants are gently encouraged to use bullet points in their response, reinforcing our impression that the program really just wants the key facts about its candidates, without any extraneous filler. Read on for our full analysis of the school’s 2023–2024 essay prompts.

University of Michigan (Ross) Essay Analysis, 2023–2024

Part 1: Short Answers 

Select one prompt from each group of the two groups below. respond to each selected prompt in 100 words or less (<100 words each; 200 words total)., i want people to know that i:, i made a difference when i:, i was aware that i was different when:, i was out of my comfort zone when:, i was humbled when:, i was challenged when:.

The Ross admissions committee clearly hopes these mini essays will reveal distinctive facets of applicants’ personalities in a straightforward manner, unencumbered by any unnecessary wordiness. Given the mere 100-word maximum for each, you might be tempted to just jump in and start writing, but thinking strategically about who you are as an applicant is critical here. 

We encourage you to first consider very carefully which option within each group feels most authentic to and revelatory of who you are as an individual. Then, thoroughly and thoughtfully brainstorm to identify your strongest possible responses. You want to be able to “own” your answer—as we like to say—meaning that no other applicant could write the same thing as you do. Using the second prompt of the first group as an example (“I made a difference when I…”), writing something like “gave back to my community by volunteering with the local homeless shelter” would be far too general a response and could likely be stated by multiple applicants. Instead, something much more specific like “dedicated every Saturday morning for three years to helping cook and serve scrambled eggs, biscuits, and bacon at the local homeless shelter, where I introduced a bulk-shopping plan that saved hundreds of dollars each year on supplies” would stand out for its originality and paint a clearer picture of the candidate who wrote it with respect to their values, dedication, and fiscal creativity. In addition, using a narrative approach is a good way to paint a dynamic picture of how you conduct yourself and to engage your reader with a compelling story that has a clear beginning, middle, and end. If you simply discuss a trait without a narrative, you risk sounding as though you are bragging. In addition, this would be a wasted opportunity for the admissions reader to get to know you in more depth.

When you are done writing, look over your responses and see whether they are complementary of one another. If they seem repetitive or focus on the same general idea, story, or area of your life, you should probably rewrite one. Your goal is to have each response reveal something new and interesting about you. Another factor to consider is everything the admissions committee will already know about you from the other portions of your application; you do not want to miss this chance to paint a well-rounded picture of yourself by repeating information available elsewhere in your profile. 

So, to recap, you want your responses to (1) genuinely reflect who you are as a candidate and be as specific to you alone as possible; (2) present a narrative that allows the reader to walk in your shoes, so to speak; (3) be complementary of each other, with each one revealing something different about you; and (4) not repeat an aspect of your profile that is already well explained or represented in a different part of your application.

​Part 2: Career Goal

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

With just 150 words total, you do not have any space to waste here, so you must present your answer as directly and thoroughly as possible—and give the admissions committee what it wants! In the past, the Ross admissions office has expressed a preference for responses that concentrate more on the “why” than on the “what,” and at one time, it even separated this prompt into two parts to ensure that applicants used more space discussing the latter element. Although the school is no longer prescribing just how much space candidates have for each part of the prompt, we would still encourage you to focus primarily on conveying your reason for choosing the goal, rather than getting overly wordy or detailed in presenting the goal itself. 

To effectively convey the “why” element, you should include a little context for your stated goal so that your career path makes sense. Stating your goals in a vacuum, without any connection to where you have been, can be a bit confusing for the reader, especially if you are a career changer. For example, imagine that you plan to move from consumer marketing to equity research for consumer goods companies after graduating. If you were to simply state, “Post-MBA, I want to join a boutique equity research firm” as your opening sentence, your reader could be left wondering where this interest comes from. But if you were to instead write, “For the past four years, I have basically lived and breathed Fruity Pebbles. I now understand how the tiniest increase in coconut oil prices or a competitor’s coupon can affect a product’s margins. I have subsequently become obsessed with the big data that drive computer goods and want to spend the next phase of my career in equity research, helping investors understand the riddle.” These are two very different answers, all because of some helpful context. From here, you can delve deeper into why equity research is right for you—how you intend to grow in your role and further develop your passion for the position. 

Michigan Ross does not ask you why its program is the right one for you, but we encourage you—if at all possible—to note at least one specific resource at the school that would enable you to make your career goal a reality. Truly integrate your mention of the resource(s) into your essay in a way that shows genuine professional need. We explain these concepts and how to achieve them in more detail in our  mbaMission Personal Statement Guide , which is available free of charge, so download your complimentary copy today!

And for a thorough exploration of Michigan Ross’s academic program/merits, social life, unique offerings, and other key characteristics, check out the  mbaMission Insider’s Guide to the University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business , which is also available for free.

Optional Statement

If there is any other information that you believe is important to our assessment of your candidacy, feel free to add it to your application. (if in written form, limit your response to 500 words.).

Michigan Ross has tightly worded its optional essay prompt to  specify that this essay is intended to give candidates space to address unclear or problem areas in their profiles and is not an open invitation to discuss anything more they wish to share with the admissions committee. The directive about bullet points seems to be a not-too-veiled implication that the school wants you to focus on imparting key information rather than offering a detailed and longwinded explanation of the issue in question. This is absolutely not the time or place to share another cool story or otherwise try to impress or pander to the admissions committee. If you do not truly need to explain an issue or potentially confusing element of your candidacy, we recommend that you not submit an optional essay; if you do have issues to clarify, keep things concise. In our free  mbaMission Optional Essays Guide , we offer detailed advice on when and how to take advantage of the optional essay, including multiple examples.

The Next Step: Mastering Your Michigan Ross Interview

Many MBA candidates find admissions interviews stressful and intimidating, but mastering this important element of the application process is definitely possible—the key is informed preparation. We therefore offer our free Interview Guides to spur you along! Download your  free  copy of the  Michigan Ross Interview Guide  today.

To learn more about the essays for other top business schools, visit our  MBA Essay Tips and Examples Resources Page .

2023-2024 Business School Essays MBA Essay Tips University of Michigan (Ross)

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2023-2024 Michigan Ross MBA Essay Tips and Example Essays

Jul 1, 2023

• Who is Ross looking for?
• How should I answer Ross essay questions?
• Make sure you get into Michigan Ross
• Michigan Ross Deadlines

UPDATE : This article was originally posted on August 9, 2018. It has been updated with new information and tips below. 

With its famous MAP project, Michigan Ross is a haven for collaboratively-minded leaders who love to learn by getting their hands dirty.

However, Ross has rapidly increased in the rankings in the past few years, making it more difficult than ever to secure admission to this elite MBA program. 

That’s why we’ve prepared this guide to help you use your Ross admissions essays to stand out. We’ve rounded up our best tips and links to Michigan Ross MBA sample essays to ensure you give your Ross application your best shot.

1. Who is Ross looking for?

(Michigan Ross students participating in Ross’ 7-week MAP program , Photo courtesy of Michigan Ross)

“Ross students and alumni are a highly engaged, impressive network of people.” Ross Admissions  

Every year, Michigan Ross searches the globe for outstanding professionals for its annual class of 380 students. With a strong emphasis on diversity and leadership, there is no “typical” Ross student, yet the average admitted student for the Class of 2024 had a 720 GMAT score or 160V/160Q GRE score and an average of 5.6 years of work experience . 

NOTE: Michigan Ross is continuing to offer GMAT/GRE waivers. If you would like to be considered, an additional essay is required. Find out more information here .

Beyond the impressive statistics, though, Ross offers its students the chance to prepare themselves to lead by giving them multiple opportunities for hands-on learning. 

Check out this video on the Ross student experience: 

If this sounds like a community in which you’d be right at home, you’ll first have to prove you’ve got what it takes by successfully answering Ross’ admissions essay questions.  

2. How should I answer Ross essay questions?

2.1. short answers tips.

Part 1: Short Answers (choose one from each group; 100 words each)

• I want people to know that I:
• I made a difference when I:
• I was aware that I was different when:

I was out of my comfort zone when:

• I was humbled when:
• I was challenged when:

The most important task is first considering which prompts you will choose from each category , especially considering there is space for repeating themes. This is even more challenging this year, since you will only be able to write two essays, as opposed to the three you were allowed last year. 

When looking at each category, choose the question that is both easiest to answer and that allows you to shine light on a new element of your profile. If you’ve already mentioned community service in one question, for example, perhaps avoid repeating community service as the theme in other answers. 

Most importantly, consider what you want Ross to learn about you . Ross’ application is short and sweet ( we love this! ), but it does mean that you won’t show off everything you have to offer unless you’re very careful and strategic in how you use each and every word the application gives you. 

TOP TIP : Start these essays by simply writing out the story without worrying about word count. You want to make sure you fully answer the question and can always trim your word count later. 

Group 1’s questions seem to clearly ask about a time when you generated impact or how you handle diversity . To answer, mine your top stories for examples where you used your free time (or your professional work!) to leave a meaningful mark on others. 

This group of questions is broad enough for you to talk about a particular way in which you are diverse (perhaps you are LGBT, grew up as an immigrant, etc.) or how you adapt when faced with challenging situations. 

The most important part of this essay will be to quickly establish what made you different or what was challenging, then show how you navigated the situation and grew or learned an important lesson from your experience. 

We suggest starting your essay by answering the question, for example: “I made a difference when I volunteered in Chilean Patagonia in 2011.” 

Then, talk about exactly how you generated impact (a condensed version of the STAR methodology will work very well here) and end with the result you obtained or lesson you learned. 

• I am out of my comfort zone when:

Group 2 is geared towards allowing the admissions committee to understand how you will fit into the action learning environment at Ross by seeing how you respond when things aren’t perfectly going your way. 

If you choose to go with the humility theme, you may want to explore an achievement of yours that humbled you, a time someone else did something meaningful for you, or seeing a team project succeed. 

False humility will be easy to spot here, so make sure you’re able to authentically demonstrate your experience and why it was humbling. 

If you choose to explore the theme of being outside your comfort zone, you have slightly more range in terms of types of examples you could use, in our opinion. For example, you could speak about a promotion, a new project at work, an international experience, a volunteer experience … the list goes on and on. 

The key to this essay is to clearly establish the situation and how it pushed you outside your comfort zone (adding the right amount of drama in your setup here will help sell this point). Then, show how you overcame the challenge and were able to obtain a winning result. Finally, make sure you show the lesson you learned as a result of this experience. 

Of course, before you start writing, you might want to check out this video in which the Ross admissions team shares their tips for this year’s essays. 

Need more guidance? Our MBA Resource Center has dozens of Michigan Ross essays that worked to get our clients admitted to help you plan out a winning Michigan Ross essay. Our library also includes guides for all top global MBA programs, detailed essay brainstorms, interview tips and mocks, CV templates, and recommendation letter guides. Click to join ! 

2.2. Essay 1 Tips

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

As one of the most transparent admissions committees in the MBA world, Ross has taken clear steps each year to make their application increasingly streamlined. 

This is important to keep in mind, because Ross has deliberately been very clear about what they want here: short-term goals only. 

TOP TIP : If you’re not sure what your goals are, check out this post designed to help you think through this critical component of your application!

To answer the first part of the question, you want to clearly and concisely state your short-term goal. When discussing your goals , clarity is king, so make sure you include a job title and industry in your description of your post-MBA aspiration. Additionally, we suggest you briefly elaborate on your vision for impact – or, what you hope to accomplish in your stated position in the future (if necessary, you can move this part to part two of this response!).

However, goals without context can be a little confusing to decipher or understand (or they can just seem a bit lackluster) – hence the second part of Ross’ question. For part two, it is essential that you include that context.

We suggest including that context in the form of a brief story or past experience that shows the reader why your goals are meaningful to you or how you have worked towards them so far. For example, if your goal is to focus on sustainable transportation methods, you may want to include a story about how you have helped catalyze sustainable solutions in the past. 

After clearly stating your motivations for your goal, we suggest you briefly touch on how Ross can help you achieve these goals, if you have space. This should not be a “laundry list” of 10 classes you found on the Ross site, nor a section in which you repeat clichés about the school. 

Instead, you should thoughtfully consider how you must grow personally and professionally to reach your stated short-term goal and what elements of Ross (classes, faculty, clubs, etc.) will help you reach them. You only have space for 1-2 sentences, however, so choose wisely. 

If you do not have space to include a mini Why Ross section, that’s ok . You want to make sure your answer fully addresses the prompt!

Ending your essay with a killer conclusion sentence to leave your reader with a strong image of your profile is the perfect wrap-up. 

2.3. Optional Essay Tips

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.

This section should only be used to convey information not addressed elsewhere in your application, for example, completion of supplemental coursework, employment gaps, academic issues, etc. Feel free to use bullet points where appropriate. 

Though with such a short application you may be tempted to use this response to add additional stories and information you couldn’t quite squeeze in elsewhere, restraint is necessary here. Make sure you focus on explaining gaps in your application only , though you can use these explanations to highlight related achievements. 

For example, our client Fernando needed to explain his 6-month gap in work experience. As luck would have it, he spent these 6 months volunteering in Asia, so we not only addressed a “weakness” but were also able to include a new achievement in his application. (Read more about Fernando’s time in Asia by downloading our Ross sample essays below).

We have written extensively on the issue of optional essays, giving tips and tricks for how to address issues like low GMAT scores or poor academic performance here . 

Looking for Michigan Ross MBA essay examples? Check out our real sample essays that got our clients admitted here .

3. Make sure you get into Michigan Ross

You only get one chance to make an impression on the Ross adcom, so make it count!

Good storytelling in your essays is often the difference between telling a story that moves elite business schools to move you forward in the application process and a “no.”

Yet translating your professional “highlights reel” into compelling stories is no easy task. 

That’s why our team at Ellin Lolis Consulting is obsessed with telling your story . 

This is the approach we took with our client Eduardo, who was admitted to Michigan Ross last year: “I only wish I’d found Ellin sooner! There are MBA consultants, and then there is Ellin. Her extremely human and hands-on approach made me feel comfortable and confident with the process. Throughout the time we worked together, I always knew I was being personally taken care of by her and her team. To anyone that is looking for someone to help them with their MBA application journey: look no further. You have found the unrivaled best consultant in the business.I only wish I’d found Ellin sooner! There are MBA consultants, and then there is Ellin. Her extremely human and hands-on approach made me feel comfortable and confident with the process. Throughout the time we worked together, I always knew I was being personally taken care of by her and her team. To anyone that is looking for someone to help them with their MBA application journey: look no further. You have found the unrivaled best consultant in the business.”

Let our award-winning editors use their expert writing abilities, deep understanding of what Ross is looking for, and marketing know-how to transform your application from average to attention-grabbing and get you a spot at Ross! 

Ready to put the Ellin Lolis Advantage to work for your MBA application essays? Get in touch with us ! 

4. Michigan Ross Deadlines

The deadlines for the 2023-2024 season are below. You can access the Ross application here .

Real MBA Essays That Got People In

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• Winning Ross Portfolio Artifact Examples – A Case Study

Oct 20, 2023

Arguably the most important aspect of a student’s application to University of Michigan Ross School of Business BBA program is the Portfolio.

The Portfolio itself consist of two parts: (1) Business Case Discussion Essay – 500 words; and (2) Artifact & Description – 250 words. While today we discuss winning artifact examples, if you can learn more about the entire Portfolio itself from our earlier blog: Demystifying the Michigan Ross Portfolio .

First, why is it important to share winning examples? Many students today struggle with these essays and writing in general.

In fact, a recent study finds that only 27% of US high school students are proficient in writing.

Additionally, each year we see students drawn to common pitfalls with this application – for example, with the business case discussion students often fall into the trap of writing about a broad topic without presenting unique solutions and with the Artifact, students often find the artifact essay vague and not clearly defined.

So, what is the artifact? From the words of Ross, it is “essentially, anything at all.” Let’s explore that with greater context next.

• Purpose of Artifact
• What is the Artifact?

Key Requirements of Artifacts

• Winning Artifact Case Studies
• Key Considerations

Purpose Average applicants to Ross are anything but average—they are exceptional, high academic performers, highly involved with extracurriculars, and have demonstrated pursuit of their future career goals.

So how does Ross Admissions differentiate?

Ross utilizes the Portfolio Artifact to allow each student an opportunity to demonstrate the key differentiating traits that make them a compelling candidate.

What is an Artifact? An artifact is something that is unique to your personal identity and story that shines a light on what makes you a unique and reenforce your qualifications.

• They show an important part of your life not referenced elsewhere in the application.
• The highlight your desire for growth and other values consistent with Ross BBA and UM.
• They might NOT be business related.

Winning Artifact Case Studies Two winning artifacts are shared by Ross below from Johanne and Priyanka. After you’ve had a chance to watch these winning examples, you’ll find key considerations below.

Key Considerations Of primary observation is that these students are vulnerable, genuine, and authentic in their response. They are sharing a depth of personality, values, and identity that cannot be shown elsewhere in their application, and their examples demonstrate key traits consistent with the ideal Ross community member.

Takeaway Determining what will make your artifact successful can be an extremely nerve-wrecking task. It’s a prompt unlike any other you’ve been tasked with, and one you may not be prepared to address on your own. If you are interested in learning more about how our team at The Application Authority guides can support Ross applicants with the Portfolio artifact, reach out today for a free consultation .

References https://michiganross.umich.edu/undergraduate/bba/admissions/admissions-blog

Recent Posts

• The Authoritative Guide on College Admissions Trends for 2024
• Key Stats About the Ross School of Business Acceptance Rate
• Demystifying the Michigan Ross Portfolio
• Ross BBA Requirements

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The Ross Admissions Portfolio is a personal, open-ended way to share more about who you are and why you’re interested in a business education at Ross. Our admissions team uses this portfolio as a complement to your Common Application to get a well-rounded understanding of who you are (think: the you beyond the numbers!). This is your opportunity to display your understanding of business and showcase how you’ve put your learning into action. 

The Admissions Portfolio requires two parts:

1.   Business Case Discussion

Choose a current event or issue in your community and discuss the business implications. Propose a solution that incorporates business principles or practices. The review panel will look for creativity, drawing connections, and originality. Your response should be limited to approximately 500 words.

This case discussion helps us learn more about your understanding of business. The topic should be unique to your interests, experiences, and knowledge. There is no “right” or “wrong” business situation to choose — it’s truly up to you. We encourage you to select a topic that you are passionate about, and not a global topic that you are disconnected from.

2. Artifact & Description

Upload an artifact that represents something significant about your life and shows how you’ve put learning into action. This could be related to something inside or outside of the classroom (like an extracurricular accomplishment you’re particularly proud of). The goal is to give you the chance to showcase a unique aspect of yourself.

Artifact examples can include a: 

• An academic project
• A community project
• Community newspaper article highlighting an important achievement
• Personal website 
• Piece on a school, extracurricular, or community program/event that you were instrumental in creating or implementing
• High school or community award that was meaningful or prestigious
• Local, state, or national competition related to a club or school activity 
• Picture of something of value to you 
• A culminating event for an ongoing activity from high school 

The options for artifacts are endless — there is no need to feel limited by this list. Note that your artifact does not need to be business related. Ask yourself:  “What are you most proud of from your four years in high school?”

We also ask that you submit a short description that explains how your artifact demonstrates your learning in action. Essentially, what did you learn from this experience? Please limit this response to approximately 250 words.

The Admissions Portfolio is hosted through SlideRoom and can be submitted with your Common Application.

The link is MichiganRossUndergrad.slideroom.com . 

There is a $5 transaction fee to submit your portfolio. Students receiving a fee waiver through your Common Application will also receive a fee waiver for SlideRoom. The fee waiver request must be sent to [email protected] .  

For technical assistance with SlideRoom, please visit support.slideroom.com. The portfolio will be available on August 1st.

Your Ross Admissions Portfolio is submitted along with your Common Application. Preference is given to applications completed by the Nov. 1st Early Action Deadline, which is the Ross Priority Deadline. The Regular Decision Deadline is Feb. 1. ​ ​

Early Action Deadline: November 1

Regular Decision Deadline: February 1

For questions, please contact [email protected] or 734-763-5796.

1. In the Questions tab, scroll down to select the “Academics” drop-down. The first question will ask “U-M College of School to which you are applying”

a. The video shows the student selecting “College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA)

b. Students are able to select any one of the following programs:

i. College of Literature, Science, and the Arts

ii. College of Engineering

iii. School of Kinesiology (Sport Management only)

iv. The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance

v.  The School of Art & Design

2. You will be required to answer a question regarding “Preferred Admission”

This is where students interested in applying to the Ross School of Business will select  Stephen M. Ross School of Business  as their choice for Preferred Admission

3. Once you have selected the  Stephen M. Ross School of Business  as your choice for preferred admission, select the blank drop-down menu pertaining to the above bolded statement

a. Selecting “Yes, I understand and acknowledge the Stephen M. Ross School of Business will be my first preferred enrollment unit if offered admission” will allow students to continue their application for Preferred Admission to the Stephen M. Ross School of Business

b. Selecting “No, please remove my request for consideration to the Stephen M. Ross School of Business Preferred admissions program. I may consider options, including the Stephen M. Ross School of Business if I choose to enroll at the University of Michigan” will remove a student from Preferred Admission consideration for the Stephen M. Ross School of Business, and the student will only be considered for their initial choice of U-M College or School.

4. For the Portfolio, students intending to move forward with the Preferred Admission application process must select Yes for the question “Are you applying to one of the programs listed above and do you understand you must submit a portfolio by the application deadline so that your creative work or skills will be considered as part of the admission process to University of Michigan”

a. Students who select  No  for this question will not be given the link to complete their Preferred Admissions Portfolio

5. The “Area(s) of Interest” section of the application is purely to gauge what areas students have an interest in within the initial college they are applying to and is not a formal commitment.  Since business is not an option on this list, we typically encourage students to select areas that are most closely associated with their interests (Economics, Mathematics of Finance and Risk Management, etc.)

a. The video shows the student selecting “Actuarial Mathematics,” however, students are encouraged to select whichever academic topic is of interest to them

6. Once the system has processed your choices for the “Academics” section, a section titled  Portfolio  with a subsection of  Instructions  will appear in the grey box on the left-hand side of the application.

7. To access the BBA Admissions Portfolio, click  Instructions . The next page will display a hyperlink to take you to the University of Michigan Portfolio Site. Click this link.

8. Once on the homepage for SlideRoom (the system through which you will submit your portfolio), select the  University of Michigan Ross School of Business Undergraduate Program  as the school to receive your SlideRoom application

9. You will then be prompted to sign up for a SlideRoom account in order to complete your BBA Admissions Portfolio

10. Once an account is created, you may begin to work on your Portfolio for the Ross School of Business!

Sign up for Ross Email

  By completing this form, I consent to Michigan Ross contacting me by email, telephone and/or SMS at the my telephone number (if provided above) regarding educational services. I understand this consent is not required to attend Michigan Ross. My information will be kept confidential and I can opt-out at any time.

Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. Text STOP to stop receiving SMS messages. You can always opt-out of Michigan Ross email communications by using the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email or by emailing [email protected] .

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University of Michigan Essay #2: Why the Ross School of Business?

Delaney , University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School) Class of 2023

Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests?

Social justice has always been a foundational mission of my faith. In my church’s ministry to the needy, Isaiah’s Room, I help organize social events and laundry services for our friends in need. Working to provide more opportunities to those in need has made my passion for service bloom.

My church sits in the heart of a city that embodies modern-day segregation. In AP/Honors classes at our single high school, African-American are drastically underrepresented. Additionally, the layout of neighborhoods in the city fosters segregation. The wealthy, white, and Jewish families live on the north side of town, while mostly middle and lower class African-American, Latino, and Asian families live on the south end. As a result of the injustices in New Rochelle, I have developed an interest in seeking opportunities for the underserved. I would like to pursue an interdisciplinary study in Social Impact and Public Policy with a minor in Community Action & Social Change through the School of Social Work.

Although Isaiah’s Room provides some necessities, I have come to realize these are really Band-Aid fixes. Meals, clothing, and laundry services will certainly help our friends in need, but it will not transform their lives entirely. I want to put an end to societal issues, straight from their roots, beginning with public policy. Fostering change through service is truly impactful. However, being able to pair service with eradicating issues such as systemic poverty and educational inequality is more powerful. I believe an education at the Ross School of Business will provide me with the knowledge and skills to confront issues that plague our society.

Personally, Ross stands out because of its Business + Impact initiatives. Ross is actively working to fuel positive change into business and revolutionize strategies to solve complex societal issues. The work of Professor Ted London has caught my attention because his exemplifies social innovation. He utilizes business enterprises in a new way to attempt to alleviate poverty. Similarly, I aspire to create revolutionary and sustainable solutions to big issues such as poverty just as Professor London has done.

I’m also attracted to the Merge curriculum because it’s interdisciplinary, hands-on, and a force for social good. The idea of 360-degree thinking has enormous value. I’ve come to understand the importance of taking into account diverse perspectives in order to create more effective solutions. I recognize how direct engagement with communities is essential to meeting their needs. This goes hand in hand with learning by doing. Ross sees the value in action-based learning and so do I. Action-based learning, in my service to Isaiah’s Room, has helped me better understand those in poverty in order to guide decisions on their behalf. This kind of learning can help form new ideas that create sustainable solutions using business-thinking.

Social impact is a common theme throughout the Ross curriculum. The overwhelming effort of the school, as a whole, to advance social good is inspiring. After visiting nearly twenty schools, I’ve found that Ross is one of the few that has an emphasis on social impact. This is the same theme that has been present throughout my life and the top reason why I know The Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan is the right fit for me. 

University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School) 2023

About the author 🎓, major: business (business economics & public policy; social impact & responsibility), accepted universities: university of pennsylvania (wharton school) - university of michigan - georgetown university - northwestern university - cornell university - carnegie mellon university - northeastern university - wake forest university - university of massachusetts amherst - spelman college, more essays, common app essays →, harvard essays →, mit essays →, princeton essays →, stanford essays →, yale essays →, common app essay: discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth | yusef.

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. (650 words) Sitting in

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Michigan Ross BBA Essay Help

Hi!!! I’m applying to Ross and I am kind of confused about what to write for this question:

Choose a current event or issue in your community and discuss the business implications. Propose a solution that incorporates business principles or practices. The review panel will look for creativity, drawing connections, and originality. Your response should be limited to approximately 500 words.

https://michiganross.umich.edu/undergraduate/bba/admissions/admissions-blog/2019/10/11/business-case-discussion-let-s-get

Be personal, unique and interesting. The above is telling you what they want. They are not expecting you to know every business principal like Scrum. Think of something that you have interest in the business realm and how can you apply that in your community. Maybe to make something better /improved?

If there is a problem. What creative idea do you have to fix it?

First off, what excites about going into businesses and don’t say money ??.

@yikesyikesyikes . Any pointers?

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How to Write the University of Michigan Essays 2023-2024

The University of Michigan is one of the leading public universities not only in the U.S., but around the world. Consistently highly ranked, the research university consists of 12 different colleges, including the Ross School of Business, School of Kinesiology, and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. 

The University of Michigan offers two forms of application: Early Action and Regular Decision. Make sure, however, to check the website of the UMich department you’re interested in. Certain programs have differing deadlines and individual requirements for specific majors.

Read these University of Michigan essay examples to inspire your own writing.

University of Michigan Supplemental Essay Prompts

All applicants.

Prompt 1: Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests? (100-550 words)

Prompt 2: Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. (100-300 words)

Ross School of Business Applicants

Business Case Discussion: Choose a current event or issue in your community and discuss the business implications. Propose a solution that incorporates business principles or practices. The review panel will look for creativity, drawing connections, and originality. Your response should be limited to approximately 500 words.

This case discussion helps us learn more about your understanding of business. The topic should be unique to your interests, experiences, and knowledge. There is no “right” or “wrong” business situation to choose — it’s truly up to you. We encourage you to select a topic that you are passionate about, and not a global topic that you are disconnected from.

Artifact & Description: Upload an artifact that represents something significant about your life and shows how you’ve put learning into action. This could be related to something inside or outside of the classroom (like an extracurricular accomplishment you’re particularly proud of). The goal is to give you the chance to showcase a unique aspect of yourself.

Artifact examples can include a: 

An academic project, a community project, community newspaper article highlighting an important achievement, personal website , piece on a school, extracurricular, or community program/event that you were instrumental in creating or implementing, high school or community award that was meaningful or prestigious, local, state, or national competition related to a club or school activity , picture of something of value to you , a culminating event for an ongoing activity from high school, the options for artifacts are endless — there is no need to feel limited by this list. note that your artifact does not need to be business related. ask yourself:  “what are you most proud of from your four years in high school”, we also ask that you submit a short description that explains how your artifact demonstrates your learning in action. essentially, what did you learn from this experience please limit this response to approximately 250 words., how to write the university of michigan essays, all applicants, prompt 1, describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate college or school (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the university of michigan. how would that curriculum support your interests (100-550 words).

This is what’s called a “ Why This College ” supplement: it is meant to gauge your interest in the school and how you would contribute to the academic and social environment of the university. This supplement contains two significant questions that you need to answer:

• Why do you like the specific College you’ve chosen at UMich?
• Why is this program a good fit for you on a personal and academic level?

Basically, the admissions officers want to see whether you are genuinely passionate about attending the university (not reluctantly applying because your parents told you to, or because you see it as a safety school). They also want to know whether you have thought critically about how the college can support your academic and professional interests.

Specificity is key, and you’ll need to do your research. Put the time and effort into studying what the university has to offer and what opportunities appeal to you. Why do you be a student here? Why is this college different to you from any other university?

An effective way of checking that your essay is sufficiently specific to the school is the Name Plug-in Test. The steps to the Name Plug-In Test are as follows:

• Replace the name of the school or department the essay is about with the name of a different school or department
• Read the essay over with the new name
• If the essay reads as an acceptable supplement for the new name school/department, it does not have enough detail.

The goal of this question is for admissions officers to see how invested you are in attending the program you select, and if you would be a good fit for that program. You can show them your interest and passion for the program by doing proper research on your compatibility with it. Go on your College or School’s website and try to find answers to the following questions:

• Which professors would you be interested in working with? Why?
• Which courses appeal to you?
• What are programs within the department that interest you?
• Are there any initiatives, events, or workshops the department has that differ from other universities?
• What is the department atmosphere? Why would you want to be a part of that community?

For example, if you’re interested in studying Education and are passionate about social justice, the UMich School of Education (SOE) might be a good fit for you because there’s a strong emphasis on diversity, inclusion, justice, and equity. During your time in the SOE, you might join the Student Rights Project, an interdisciplinary initiative by law, social work, and education students at UMich. The goal of the project is to keep students “in school, learning, and out of the criminal justice system.” You’re particularly interested in helping provide special education support, as your sibling has a learning disability, and has faced an unsafe educational environment that led to unfair disciplinary action for their disability-related behavior.

This would be a strong example, as the student not only cites a unique resource at UMich, but also connects that resource to their personal goals and background. You have to go beyond listing things you’re interested in, as anyone can do that. Take your essay the next step and mention why you’re interested in those aspects of UMich, and how they support your goals.

Wondering how to research for this essay ? Go through the course catalog, ask current students of the college, and scroll through various affiliated websites. In the end, you’ll come out knowing whether UMich and the College are in fact a good fit for you. You’ll also have a large amount of material to “describe the unique qualities” of whichever program you are applying to. You have 550 words: ample space to fully (and with plenty of detail!) describe why UMich is the best place to support your goals.

All Applicants, Prompt 2

Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. (100-300 words).

The point of supplements in the college admissions process is for officers to gain a better, well-rounded understanding of who you are as an individual. Here, you are asked to reflect on a community that you are a part of, how it has changed you as an individual, and what role you fulfill in this community.

This question gives you three separate parts to respond to: “describe a community to which you belong” and “describe your place within it.” It is important to always make sure that you are answering each part of the supplement! UMich is a university that prides itself in the openness and connection of its community, both between students on campus and between the university and the city of Ann Arbor. The school wants to read about how you contributed to and learned from a specific community, to better understand how you might interact with others at UMich.

Although community is commonly thought of as a large cultural or societal group, you have flexibility in defining what your community is. As stated in the question, a community does not only have to be geographic, ethnic, racial, or societal: consider groups to which you belong that share something in common with you, regardless of size. It can consist of various individuals who all have a specific interest in common, like a sport, an academic passion, an extracurricular activity. It can also consist of a tight group of friends who all have bonded over a particular idea or club.

Choose a group you belong to that has been most fundamental in shaping who you are, or that has been doing the most significant work. The university wants to hear your story of connecting to your community, and how you have both grown from it and contributed to it.

For instance, maybe you’re a vegetarian, and you have a vegetarian recipes blog. You could discuss the connections you’ve made online (whether other bloggers or your audience), and how you’ve used your platform to discuss intersectional issues, like poverty and access to healthy/vegetarian food. Or, maybe you’re part of the Minecraft community, and have collaborated with people around the world to develop plugins for the game.

Remember that you should primarily focus on your contributions to the community, rather than simply describing the community itself. The essay, after all, should focus on you and who you are.

Ross School of Business Applicants: Admissions Portfolio

UMich’s Ross School of Business has a renowned undergraduate program, which is ranked #3 nationally by U.S. News & World Report. Its graduates frequently land jobs at internationally successful corporations, and their median starting salary is $78,500. 

Applicants to this prestigious school must complete an Admissions Portfolio , which gives admissions officers a better look at your personality and goals. The portfolio is submitted through SlideRoom via the Common App or Coalition Application. This consists of two parts, the Business Case Discussion and the Artifact & Discussion. Read on to learn how to make your portfolio for Ross the best it can be.

Ross School of Business Applicants, Business Case Discussion

Choose a current event or issue in your community and discuss the business implications. propose a solution that incorporates business principles or practices. the review panel will look for creativity, drawing connections, and originality. your response should be limited to approximately 500 words..

With this prompt, Ross admissions officers want to better understand your grasp of business processes. Be sure to include technical terms and plenty of business jargon in order to demonstrate an understanding of the field. That being said, you don’t want your response to lack a narrative flair.

First, identify the current event or issue in your community that you wish to write about. Don’t worry about the scale of the issue, but rather, make sure it is something you can write about extensively. The prompt emphasizes that it should be a pre-established passion, and not a vague global topic that you’re not connected to. 

Ideally, the topic will be something you have experience with and have already made an effort to research or resolve. For example, if you volunteer at an animal shelter, your essay could be about stray animals in your community. If you’re one of the only girls in your STEM classes, your issue could be targeting the gender gap in the field.

You’ll want to start your essay with some sort of anecdotal line that provides enough context for readers to understand the issue at hand, and your connection to it. Then, you’ll want to spend the majority of your response constructing a business solution to the issue of your choosing. This, rather than the issue itself that you chose, is the most critical part of your response.

When crafting a business plan, think about marketing tactics, consider relevant costs, and define what success looks like. You’ll want to research different business models and plans online to adequately grasp the best approach to your solution. However, don’t just copy one you like; use creative ways to splice different techniques and make a business solution that is uniquely yours. 

For example, maybe you want to implement a foster care initiative to combat the overcrowding at your local shelter. You would need to brainstorm an incentive, such as free vaccinations or neutering/spaying services for adopted animals. Then, you would estimate the relevant costs to the shelter and justify how the business decision makes financial sense for the shelter using the proper terminology.

In your solution, the prompt emphasizes a focus on creativity and originality. The easiest way to communicate both of those things is by being specific and drawing on your personal experience. This will help you establish a unique perspective (your own!) and help admissions officers learn more about you and your approach to business – and the world. 

Ross School of Business Applicants, Artifact & Description

Upload an artifact that represents something significant about your life and shows how you’ve put learning into action. this could be related to something inside or outside of the classroom (like an extracurricular accomplishment you’re particularly proud of). the goal is to give you the chance to showcase a unique aspect of yourself..

This prompt can be extremely overwhelming to read at first. There are probably a lot of accomplishments from your four years of high school that you are proud of, so it might be hard to narrow it down to just one. As you read over the list of examples, take note of whatever comes to mind and keep the result as a working list of options.

From this list, determine which activities meant the most to you, and that you felt the most passionately about. Then, think about which of these activities would be the most unique in the eyes of admissions officers. What best showcases a unique aspect of your personality that has not been adequately explored in other parts of your application? What demonstrates your ability to think outside of the box and pursue your passions?

Additionally, Ross only gives you 250 words to explain your artifact – so you’ll need to use this space wisely. Make sure you focus on the “learning in action” component to really drive home the extent of your intellectual curiosity. For instance, if your artifact is a personal website, you could discuss learning a new coding language to create it. If your artifact is a set piece you built for the school musical, you could discuss how you acquired woodworking and painting skills. 

Again, the prompt gives you a lot of room and flexibility, so it can be tempting to focus on what you choose to write about. But equally as important is how you write about the artifact in question. Whatever you choose to discuss, make sure to use specific and technical language to demonstrate that you genuinely learned something new. This specificity will also be instrumental in illustrating your authenticity to the admissions committee. With this in mind, you’ll be on track to submit a stellar artifact and description.

Where to Get Your UMich Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your UMich essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools.  Find the right advisor for you  to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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March 24, 2015

It’s about Way More than the Grades at the Ross BBA Program

Danny: I am from West Bloomfield. I am a senior at the University of Michigan studying Business. I also have a passion for technology so have taken various computer science and product design classes over the years.

Accepted: Why did you choose Ross’s BBA program? How is it the best program for you?

Danny: I chose the Ross BBA program because of my interest in business from a young age. Ross was the best program for me because of its flexibility and variety of classes. While I knew I was interested in business, I had no idea what that really meant or what specifically I was interested in. Ross gave me the ability to figure this out.

Accepted: Which other programs had you considered when you were applying to schools a few years ago?

Danny: Computer Science, School of Information

Accepted: Now that you’re about to graduate, can you share some advice with students who are may be starting out their undergraduate careers in the fall? What do you wish you would’ve known before starting the BBA program?

Danny: It’s about way more than the grades. The people you meet and the experiences you share are more important and valuable than any single class or skill you learn.

Accepted: Can you share some job highlights with us? What are some of your most recent jobs?

Danny: Last summer, I worked at Lightbank, an early stage VC firm in Chicago. I did some traditional analyst work but I spent most of my time as a designer-in-residence.  

Accepted: Do you have a post-graduation job lined up yet? What role (if any) did Ross’s career services department help you in this process?

Danny: Yes, I will be working at Trunk Club in Chicago as a Product Designer. Ross Career Services didn’t play any role directly (I recruited only off-campus) but I have done a few mock interviews/career workshops over the years.

Accepted: Do you plan on pursuing additional degrees?

Danny: Not in the near future, but it’s a possibility down the road. In my current field (technology/design), the degree you have is not as important as experience/skills. However, I could see myself going back to school to get an MBA eventually.

Accepted: Do you have any other tips for our applicants?

Danny: Figure out what you really want to do before applying. A genuine and honest application will get you further than anything else.

For one-on-one guidance on your college applications, please see our College Application Packages .

You can read more about Danny’s journey by checking out his website, http://dannyfreed.com/ , or by following him on Twitter ( @dannyfreed ). Thank you Danny for sharing your story with us – we wish you loads of luck!

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Tuesday Tips: Michigan Ross MBA Essay Tips 2023-2024

The University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business is a top-ranked MBA program that provides real-world opportunities for students. Ross MBA essays are about demonstrating you fit in the culture. Visiting Ross or learning about the program through current students, alumni or faculty would be helpful. Review our Ross MBA essay tips and show the admissions committee you are intellectually curious and able to accomplish your goals.

Listen to B-Schooled Podcast Episode #156 : Spotlight on Michigan Ross

Part 1: Short Answer Questions

Select one prompt from each group. respond to your selected prompts using 100 words or fewer (<100 words each; 200 words total)..

• I want people to know that I: • I made a difference when I: • I was aware that I was different when:

• I was out of my comfort zone when: • I was humbled when: • I was challenged when:

Take note that these short answers are about getting to know you personally—not your collection of accomplishments. Ross values community engagement, interpersonal communication, and teamwork skills. The admissions committee says clearly: “The most interesting and insightful responses to these prompts remain when applicants share personal examples.”

For example, you may want to write about an important extracurricular moment. Or maybe a challenge you overcame or a life event that highlights something unique about your background. The questions are short and purposeful. The experiences you describe should be clear and stand alone.

Looking at each Ross MBA essay group in turn, Group 1 might be an opportunity to talk about your values and background. It reads as a place to highlight what drives and motivates you on a deeper level than your career.

The first open-ended prompt allows you to talk about something you feel proud of—a personal quality or experience. For the next prompt, you could describe when you made a difference to an organization or person or advanced an important cause.

Finally, the last prompt is about how you are unique. Consider what sets you apart from others and what unique qualities you will bring to Ross.

Group 2 is more about your reaction to events in your life and your character. In addition, it could be an essay to describe your accomplishments. How do you interpret what happens to you and how do you handle adversity and discomfort? Perhaps you have had unique experiences in life thus far.

For example, living outside your home country, working with diverse groups, or overcoming a challenge at work or in your personal life. In essence, this is an opportunity to shine with your best stories of work, school, and relationships.

Are you curious about your chances of getting into Michigan Ross School of Business? Contact us to talk strategy with a free 15-minute advising session  with an SBC Principal Consultant. 

Part 2: Career Goal

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

The Ross admissions committee has often said the best essays are focused. Remember, the ‘why’ is the most impactful and differentiating aspect of each essay. Therefore, Ross is asking for a succinct career goal and then an explanation.

Many MBA candidates struggle to refine a career goal to just one. Of course, it’s possible to change your goals once you start attending school. However, clear goals tend to lead to success. If you have several career interests, take the time to choose one. Consider how your career goal makes you feel. Can you envision the company you will work for? What about your day-to-day tasks?

Precisely imagining your goal also helps with the “why.” Consider what is most appealing about your goal. Why are you interested in it? Also, why are you a good fit for the role? Specific examples that showcase your personality will help!

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..

Take it directly from former Ross admissions director Soojin Kwon: “The optional essay should only be used if there’s something in your background that requires a brief explanation. It’s not the place to submit an essay you wrote for another school or to tell us how much you love Ross.”

Think about anything that may raise questions while reviewing a resume, transcript, or recommendations. Typically the kinds of gaps that raise questions are significant gaps in employment (more than a few months), anything below a C on your college transcript (particularly in quantitative coursework), and low test scores.

For more information on applying to the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, please visit the admissions website .

Stacy Blackman Consulting has successfully coached applicants for the Ross MBA program each admissions year. Now that you’ve seen these tips for the Ross MBA essay prompts, please contact us  to learn more about how we can help you set a winning application strategy. Meanwhile, here’s a snapshot of  the AdCom expertise  on the SBC team:

With deadlines around the corner, you may be interested in the world-famous SBC Flight Test . Once a full set of application materials for your initial school have been drafted, but not finalized, the application will be sent to a former admissions committee member for a one-time review, adcomm style. You’ll have the benefit of a true admissions committee review while still having the ability to tinker and change.  You will receive written feedback within two business days after submitting.

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How We Help You Go Blue 

Once you factor in generous aid packages (two out of three first-year students receive financial aid), U-M is one of the most affordable public colleges in the nation. Our students represent a wide range of income levels — showing our commitment to making higher education accessible and affordable. 

in financial aid to Ross BBA students (2022-2023)

BBA students received financial aid (2022-2023)

Learn more about the specific scholarship opportunities available to eligible in-state students.

The Go Blue Guarantee is automatically awarded to Michigan residents who meet specific financial requirements. Qualified in-state students pursuing undergraduate study through the Ann Arbor campus can receive up to four years of tuition support.

This donor-funded initiative offers substantial financial support (up to full tuition) to students from Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Scholars also receive access to peer mentorship, workshops, and leadership development.

Students in select northern Michigan counties automatically receive a one-time $2,500 scholarship upon enrollment as a first-year student.

We encourage you to reach out directly to U-M's Central Financial Aid Office if you'd like to learn more about the cost of attendance and financial aid opportunities for out-of-state students.

Out-of-state students may be eligible for various scholarship opportunities. For example, Michigan Ross offers scholarships for out-of-state students that can reach up to $25,000. Please contact the Ross Financial Aid Office at  [email protected]  for additional information.

Check out U-M's Net Price Calculator to estimate your eligibility for financial aid and out-of-pocket expenses as a full-time student.

Students who meet certain need-based criteria may be eligible for tuition support  through a federal Pell Grant. In 2018-19, 23% of U-M in-state undergraduates received Pell Grants. Learn more about Pell Grants on the U-M grants web page.

December 15 - Suggested Filing Date March 31 - Deadline

Financial aid comes in the form of grants and scholarships that are not repaid, loans that must be repaid, or federal work-study funding, which allows you to earn a paycheck while attending college.

If you think you will need financial help to attend the University of Michigan, we encourage you to apply for financial aid by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and CSS Financial Aid Profile, these applications are used to consider the student for all need-based federal and institutional aid, such as the  Go Blue Guarantee . Visit the University of Michigan Office of Financial Aid for more details and steps on how to apply.

All incoming BBA students are automatically considered for scholarships — there is no separate scholarship application.

Ross scholarship selections are based on criteria set by our donors. The average scholarship is around $7,000, with common award amounts ranging between $7,500 to $15,000. Many scholarships are need-based, so we highly encourage eligible students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) , prior to the university’s suggested filing date of December 15 but no later than the deadline of March 31.

The Ross Financial Aid office posts scholarship opportunities throughout the year. For additional information or questions regarding BBA scholarships, please contact the Ross Financial Aid Office at [email protected] .

LEAD Scholars Program

The LEAD Scholars Program supports accepted students who embody leadership, excellence, and achievement. The program, run by the Alumni Association, strives to increase diversity and help the best and brightest make their way to U-M. 

LEAD Scholarships  

Get to know more about Michigan Ross through one of our outreach initiatives for pre-college students. Eligible students may receive needs-based funding that covers the cost of participation.

This three-day event is geared toward, but not limited to, rising high school juniors and seniors from historically underrepresented groups, including first-generation college students, limited-income families, and certain geographic regions. This event is free for all selected to attend.

MREACH is a no-cost program that brings high school students to Ross for a series of hands-on learning experiences. The program offers insight into the college application and financial aid process, and provides academic and career preparation.

Explore how companies run, understand how leaders solve problems, and experience what it’s like to be a business student at Ross. The Summer Business Academy provides a number of full and partial need-based scholarships for students accepted to the program.

Our graduates go on to land jobs at some of the world's most profitable, well-known companies with the help of top-ranked programming, unparalleled career development, and 667,000+ supportive U-M alumni around the world who are ready to connect.

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