The University of Michigan Ross School of Business has just announced its application essays and deadlines for the 2025-2026 application cycle.
Want to learn more about applying to Michigan Ross? Take a look at Personal MBA Coach’s interview with Diana Economy during her time as Director of Full-Time MBA Admissions at the University of Michigan Ross, to get insider advice on the Ross experience and application process.
Michigan Ross MBA application deadlines 2025-2026
Round 1: September 8, 2025
Decision: December 5, 2025
Round 2: January 5, 2026
Decision: March 13, 2026
Round 3: March 23, 2026
Decision: May 1, 2026
Below, you will find Personal MBA Coach’s advice on tackling the 2025-2026 Ross MBA essay prompts.
2025-2026 Michigan Ross MBA Application Essays
Michigan Ross MBA Application Part 1: Career Aspirations
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)
Personal MBA Coach’s Tips
The first Ross MBA essay question is actually a combination of parts 1 and 3 from last year’s application. As Ross shared with Personal MBA Coach and other AIGAC consultants during the 2025 AIGAC conference, this change was designed to simplify the process for MBA applicants.
While this essay may seem daunting, applicants can generally think of this essay as they would any other “why X school?” essay, but with a twist: Michigan Ross is looking for applicants to discuss their goals AND elaborate further on why Ross is a good fit for them.
With only 300 words for this essay, Personal MBA Coach advises that you are very straightforward when citing your short-term goal. For more on how to write a goal statement, check out this blog.
Once you have clearly stated your short-term career goal, you want to explain where Ross fits in. How will a Ross MBA prepare you to succeed? What skill gaps will Ross help you to close?
To approach this question, you want to show Ross that you have not only given considerable thought to why you want an MBA from Ross, but also that you have researched the school’s action-based learning opportunities and determined how they will benefit you. Be sure that you explain why Ross Experiences in Action-Based Learning (REAL) is attractive to you. As you do this, be specific! The more you can show Ross you have done your research and given substantial thought to why action-based learning is a good fit for you, the better!
Michigan Ross Essays: Part 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)
Option 1: What makes you unique?
Option 2: Can you provide a specific example of how you’ve overcome a personal challenge?
Option 3: What makes you excited to get up each morning?
Option 4: Describe a time when you made a difference in your community or with an individual.
Personal MBA Coach’s Tips
Pick the option that resonates best with you and the one that lets you share your most compelling stories or your most unique experiences. As with any choice essay, there is no preferred question.
Regardless of the option you select, remember you have only 200 words so specificity is key. Get to the point as quickly as possible and avoid generalities. Be wary of long-winded or difficult to follow stories here as well.
For option 1, think about your most unique attribute or accomplishment. What sets you apart from other applicants? If you did something amazing that is not on your resume or that you want to call more attention to, that would work well for this prompt. Other options for this prompt include examples of passions or values.
Remember, MBA admissions directors aspire to bring a well-rounded group of students to campus each year. This is your chance to share something about your upbringing or personality that will position you to add another perspective to class discussions.
Option 2 makes sense for applicants who have overcome significant challenges in their lives. However, be sure to select challenges that have truly shaped you. As we shared in last year’s post-AIGAC conference blog, admissions directors are growing tired of reading trauma essays with no bearing on applicants’ business school pursuits.
Option 3 is similar to a long-standing Berkeley Haas essay that asks applicants about what makes them feel alive. This is your chance to tell Ross what you are truly passionate about. For more on this essay, check out our advice here.
Finally, option 4 is a great choice for applicants for whom community is particularly important. With only 200 words, you should select a brief story that is easy to tell!
Community has become a popular essay topic in recent years and both Yale SOM and HBS 2+2 also include community essays in their applications. Check out our essay guidance for Yale SOM and HBS 2+2 for more tips on how to think about community essays.
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.
The optional Michigan Ross essay should only be answered by those with extenuating circumstances. Read more on our approach to optional essays.
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