What are some of the specific traits you look for in candidates?
We want people who have a strong track record of achievement, both in the workplace and academically.
We want people who are team players. We look for people who take initiative and get involved in their workplace
or in extracurriculars and who know how a Ross MBA will make a difference both in school and afterwards.
What would you say is the most important part of an application?
There's not a single piece that I would say is the most important part. We weigh things equally.
As expected, the GMAT and GPA play an important role. But the essays, recommendations, and interviews
also play a critical role because they help determine fit. Your experiences can be so different from the
next applicant who has the same score as you. We want to know why you may be a better fit for us.
Can you describe the applicant interview process at Ross?
This year we are going to an invitation-only process. Interviews are
conducted either in person or by phone with a member of
the Admissions Committee, which is comprised of the admissions staff and second-year MBA students
who are selected and trained by the admissions staff. Alumni have also been trained
to conduct interviews. Prospective
students can interview either on campus or by phone or with an alum.
Are there any advantages or disadvantages to interviewing at the different locations
or with the different type of person, be it with a staff member, student, or alum?
All of the interviews are weighted equally. There are different advantages to interviewing with each
one of those people.
For interviewing on campus, the advantage is that you get to see what the campus is like.
You get to, hopefully, sit in on a class and meet other students and see what the Ross culture really is like.
If you interview with a student, you'll be able to get the student's perspective on what it's like to be a student
at Ross, because the
interview is somewhat two-way. You're being interviewed but you can also ask questions.
It's the same thing when you interview with an
alum. You get the perspective of how valuable the MBA was to them and what they have done since.
There is, of course, the convenience factor as well.
What do you advise a waitlisted applicant to do?
First, it is important to let us know that you are interested in staying on the waitlist. Secondly, we like to know there
is continued interest during the process, but we discourage communicating just for the sake of communication. We're primarily
interested in any new information, such as a new test score, a promotion, an award, or other significant material changes.
How are reapplicants viewed by Ross? How can they be successful?
We welcome reapplications. Reapplicants have a decent track record of being admitted. There are no disadvantages to
reapplying, but if you submit pretty much the same application without rewriting the essays or retaking a test or without new
recommendation letters, your chances are not going to be much better.
Reapplicants should review their original application and think about what could be improved: 'Did I answer the essay questions carefully?' "Did I put my best foot forward on the GMAT?' 'Did I use the best people for my recommendation letters, who know me well and can give specific examples of my skills and potential?'
We look for changes in the application. At a minimum, a reapplicant needs to submit a cover letter explaining what has changed in the last year, whether it's a job change or a new test score. They also have the option to redo the whole application, if they choose.
Page 1
2
3
4
Click to go to our main page
on the Ross School of Business
