You’ve read the Ross website.
You’ve looked up MAP.
Maybe you’ve even talked to a student or two. But you’re still wondering:
What does Michigan Ross actually look for in applicants?
In this episode of The MBA Golden Buzzer, Ross Senior Associate Director of Admissions Lysa Wang returns to share what separates standout applicants from forgettable ones and how to avoid the most common (and costly) mistakes.
We’re talking straight-from-the-source clarity on fit, AI-written essays, over-the-top fan mail, and how to actually nail your Ross interview.
Your Career Goal Isn’t a Dealbreaker (Unless You Make It One)
Worried that your short-term goal doesn’t sound “recruitable” enough? Lysa says, “Relax.”
“We’re not denying people based on their short-term goals,” she explained. “They change. What matters is that your reasoning makes sense right now.”
Instead of squeezing your dream into what you think the adcom wants to hear, focus on why the MBA is essential to your story and why now is the right time.
Prefer to watch the full episode?
Watch it here on YouTube ⬇️
ChatGPT Can’t Do This For You. Really.
Lysa made it clear: AI can’t fake fit.
“It’s a great tool for grammar,” she said. “But I can tell when ChatGPT wrote your essay. It sounds the same. It doesn’t sound like you.”
Use it to polish, not to write. Because when Ross reads 100+ essays a day, authenticity cuts through and formulas don’t.
Want to Show Fit? Start With Giving Back.
There’s no “type” at Ross, but there is a vibe.
“The applicants who thrive here are the ones who put community first,” Lysa said.
And that doesn’t just mean volunteering. It can be mentoring others, supporting colleagues, or showing up in quiet but consistent ways.
“We see it in essays, in tone, in how people describe themselves,” she added. “It’s not a bullet point. It’s a mindset.”
Where Enthusiasm Becomes a Red Flag
Yes, you should show love for Ross. No, you should not send a 10-page love letter.
“When I get PowerPoints or spammy follow-ups, it’s a red flag,” Lysa said. “We love enthusiasm, but keep it respectful.”
Showing fit is about alignment, not obsession.
Thinking of Reapplying? Don’t Just Hit Duplicate
Ross compares reapplicants’ materials year to year—so if you’re reapplying, make sure something actually changed.
“We want to see real growth,” Lysa said. “If it’s the same essays and a few more months of work, that’s not enough.”
The Statement of Academic Readiness: Do You Really Qualify?
Ross doesn’t offer a traditional GMAT waiver. If you don’t submit a test score, you must provide a Statement of Academic Readiness, but not everyone should.
“We look for multiple clear data points,” Lysa explained. That could include:
- Strong quant grades in undergrad
- 3+ years in finance or analytics
- Credentials like CFA or CPA
“MBA Math? Not enough on its own,” she added. “And if you don’t have quant in your background? Take the test.”
What “Collaborative” Looks Like in Practice
Every Ross applicant says they’re collaborative. But Lysa’s looking for evidence.
“We want to see examples where you gave your time to something that didn’t benefit you directly,” she said. That might be mentoring, supporting a friend, or contributing to your team in a meaningful way.
It’s not about titles. It’s about impact.
Interview Advice: Treat Zoom Like the Real Thing
Ross interviews are virtual, but expectations are just as high.
“Dress professionally. Show up early. Know what you’re talking about,” Lysa said. That includes knowing Ross beyond the MAP project. “Mention clubs. Mention students you talked to. Show us you’ve done your research.”
Also, create a story bank. Organize your leadership, teamwork, and resilience examples in a doc or spreadsheet. You’ll thank yourself later.
GOLDEN BUZZER TIP: The Best Applications Start With Self-Reflection
“The MBA application process is incredibly reflective,” Lysa said. “And when applicants take it seriously, they often walk away prouder of who they are—even before they hit submit.”
Ross is looking for clarity, maturity, and emotional intelligence. That comes from doing the work before you write a single word.
Want to Stand Out at Michigan Ross? Be Authentic and Be Strategic
At Michigan Ross, culture fit matters. But it’s not just about being collaborative or saying the right things. It’s about showing that you understand what Ross values and positioning your story to reflect that with clarity and purpose.
At Ellin Lolis Consulting, we’ve helped dozens of clients earn admission to Ross, many with scholarships. We know exactly what this program looks for and how to shape your experiences into a compelling narrative that resonates.
Our 98.9% success rate comes from a proven approach. We don’t just edit your work. We partner with you to find the story only you can tell, and then help you tell it in a way that’s personal, strategic, and impossible to overlook.
🎯 Apply to work with us here, and let’s craft a Ross application that’s both authentic and admission-ready.
Real MBA Essays That Got People In
School-specific sample essays that got our clients accepted
