University of Michigan - Ross

Application deadlines for The Stephen M. Ross School of Business' MBA Program:

Round 1 Deadline: September 8, 2025  Decision: December 5, 2025

Round 2 Deadline: January 5, 2026 Decision: March 13, 2026

Round 3 Deadline: March 23, 2026 Decision: May 1, 2026

The following are the main essay questions on the 2025-2026 / Class of 2028 University of Michigan - Ross MBA application:

Essay 1

What is your short-term career goal, and how will Ross’ philosophy in Action-Based Learning help you achieve it? Please be specific. Please answer both parts of this question. (300 words)

Essay 2

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.

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)

Visit the Ross admissions website for more application information.

Disclaimer: the information provided on this page is for reference only. Applicants are strongly advised to visit the admissions website link provided above to confirm essay prompts, deadlines, and other application information.