Most people focus on rankings, employment stats, and internship opportunities when researching MBA programs.
But what really matters, the thing that determines whether you thrive or feel like an outsider, is much harder to pin down: culture.
That’s why we sat down with Lysa Wang, Senior Associate Director of Full-Time MBA Admissions and Recruitment at Michigan Ross, for a behind-the-scenes look at what really makes Ross special. From vibrant community dynamics to real-world learning beyond the MAP project, this episode is packed with insights you won’t find in a brochure.
Because if you’re going to spend two years somewhere, it better feel like a place you belong.
Passion That Doesn’t Fade, Even 15 Years Later
Some schools talk about community. Michigan Ross lives it. One of the most striking parts of our conversation with Lysa was hearing about alumni who graduated ten, fifteen, even twenty years ago and still show up to host admitted students for dinner.
These aren’t staged events or carefully curated panels. They’re intimate, honest conversations hosted by busy executives who make time because they care deeply about the Ross community.
And it is not just a few standout individuals. The culture of giving back is widespread, and it stretches across time zones and generations of Ross graduates. “It’s not just marketing,” Lysa said. “These are people in executive roles who still say, ‘Sure, I’ll host four or five admits for dinner.’ That tells you everything you need to know about who comes out of this place.”
That kind of connection is rare. It tells you something about the experience students are having. When people are this invested years later, you know something special is happening.
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Real Learning Means Real Stakes
At Ross, action-based learning is not just a catchphrase. It is a mindset that shows up in everything from team projects to school-wide simulations. Students don’t just study business concepts. They apply them in complex, high-pressure environments that mirror the real world.
Whether you are managing a multi-million dollar investment fund, responding to a simulated public crisis, or prototyping a new tech solution with cross-functional teams, you are not just learning how to lead. You are practicing it.
These experiences prepare students to walk into internships and full-time roles already comfortable making decisions and navigating ambiguity. “We were the first business school to ever have a student-run investment fund,” Lysa shared. “Now we have seven. You want to get your hands dirty? This is the place.”
Collaboration That Doesn’t Mean Conformity
Let’s bust a myth. Being collaborative does not mean being passive. And as Lysa puts it, “We’re not just looking for nice people.” Ross is looking for individuals who are self-aware, reflective, and capable of elevating the people around them.
Collaboration at Ross is about knowing when to step forward and when to create space for others to lead. That culture shows up everywhere. Students share interview prep with classmates who are technically their competition. They trade feedback. They help each other get better.
“I was genuinely shocked when I first saw how much students support each other during recruiting,” Lysa said. “Someone interviews at Nike, then turns around and gives the next person tips. That’s real.”
Ross isn’t about groupthink. It is about creating a community where everyone grows stronger by growing together. If you are wondering whether you are the “right type” of applicant for Ross, this episode is a great reminder that fit is not about being agreeable. It is about how you show up in a team and how you contribute to a culture of mutual growth.
Why Ann Arbor Works, Even When It Snows in April
Ann Arbor may not be on your radar if you are used to big cities. But for Ross students, that is part of the magic. Almost no one comes in with a built-in social network. Everyone is discovering the city and the program for the first time, which creates a level playing field and a shared sense of adventure.
That shared experience builds deeper bonds. Add to that the energy of a huge state school, a constant stream of events and speakers, and a walkable town full of personality, and you get an environment that is both vibrant and grounding.
“Students go to New York or LA for the summer and say, ‘I missed Ann Arbor,’” Lysa laughed. “There’s just something about the pace, the people, and the community. You can’t replicate it.”
And yes, it snows in April. “We had snow during GBR,” Lysa admitted. “But at this point, we just say it wouldn’t be GBR without it.”
Who Will You Be Two Years From Now?
Yes, Ross prepares students for incredible careers. But the impact goes deeper than job titles and offers. Students leave the program with a clearer sense of who they are and what kind of leader they want to be.
Through immersive clubs, leadership programming, and reflective opportunities, Ross encourages students to build confidence, explore weaknesses, and develop their voice.
“We tell every student, don’t just focus on the job,” Lysa said. “This is your time to ask, ‘Who do I want to become?’”
The result is not just strong resumes. It is a student body that leaves Ross ready to make an impact with clarity, purpose, and authenticity.
Applying to Michigan Ross? Let’s Make Sure You Get In
Ross isn’t looking for perfect resumes or polished buzzwords. They’re looking for applicants who understand themselves and know how to lead with authenticity, clarity, and heart. That’s why it’s not enough to say you’re a “fit.” You have to show it.
At Ellin Lolis Consulting, we’ve helped dozens of clients earn admission to Michigan Ross, many with scholarships. We know exactly what this program values and how to craft applications that resonate with its unique culture.
Our 98.9% success rate comes from a simple approach: we don’t just edit your work. We partner with you to find the story only you can tell and then shape it into an application that admissions officers remember.
Whether you’re just starting your Ross journey or already deep in essay drafts, we’ll meet you where you are and take you to the finish line with confidence.
Apply to work with us here, and let’s build the kind of application Ross is looking for, all while staying true to you.
Real MBA Essays That Got People In
School-specific sample essays that got our clients accepted
