Ross's deadline is coming up on October 11th, so here are a few tips on how to tackle the Fall 2011 essay questions. Two of our four reviewers were accepted at Ross, so they offer their words of advice here...
1. Introduce yourself in 100 words or less (100 words)
New question, and this one is actually easier than you think. We love it, because it's 100 words and it gives you the perfect opportunity to give AdCom your best elevator pitch about you, your life, your personality, your professional background, just about anything.
Our two cents here - keep it light, this is an introduction, there's enough room in the other questions to talk about the serious stuff, so for here, just project yourself as someone that classmates would actually like to have a beer with after class. Don't go overboard in doing so -- it's really alright to sound like a normal, fun person, with a few interests.
2. Describe your career goals. How will the Ross MBA help you to achieve your goals? (500 word maximum)
Before you start writing this essay, create a map for yourself. Link your professional experiences of the past to how you got to where you are now and why you think an MBA is the best thing for you at this point in your career. These experiences should lead the reader to the natural conclusion that an MBA would be the idea thing for your career right now.
Then, think through your short term and long term goals (don't forget either one) - and do it at a level of specificity that makes the reader believe that you have invested time in this self reflection. A lot of people tell us - "I don't know what I want to do yet!" Well, if there's one thing that you could do of the many that you want to do, what would it be? Then lay out why Ross. For this piece it is important that you go a step beyond what jumps out at you from their website - go through specific programs and parts of their curriculum and link them to your goals. Discuss which programs or people that you have met or spoken to that caused you to consider Ross as a top school.
The most important thing about this question - your entire essay should appear to have a single theme - your past experiences, why MBA now, goals and Why Ross pieces should all appear tightly integrated with each other.
3. Describe a time in your career when you were frustrated or disappointed. What did you learn from that experience? (500 word maximum)
Once you have the situation picked out, first describe why this was frustrating or disappointing. What may seem obvious to you may not be to the reader - explain what the situation meant for you in the role that you were in.
Whether you eventually conquered (or "won" in some way) makes no difference here. Don't try to force fit a "I overcame it by.." - you don't have to. It's OK if you don't have a win story here. What's important is that you discuss very openly and clearly what you took away from the experience. How did your personality change after this incident(s) occurred? How did your attitude towards other people or an organization change? What would you do differently if you were faced with a similar situation in the future?
4a. What are you most passionate about and why? (300 word maximum)
New question, and this one is actually easier than you think. We love it, because it's 100 words and it gives you the perfect opportunity to give AdCom your best elevator pitch about you, your life, your personality, your professional background, just about anything.
Our two cents here - keep it light, this is an introduction, there's enough room in the other questions to talk about the serious stuff, so for here, just project yourself as someone that classmates would actually like to have a beer with after class. Don't go overboard in doing so -- it's really alright to sound like a normal, fun person, with a few interests.
2. Describe your career goals. How will the Ross MBA help you to achieve your goals? (500 word maximum)
Before you start writing this essay, create a map for yourself. Link your professional experiences of the past to how you got to where you are now and why you think an MBA is the best thing for you at this point in your career. These experiences should lead the reader to the natural conclusion that an MBA would be the idea thing for your career right now.
Then, think through your short term and long term goals (don't forget either one) - and do it at a level of specificity that makes the reader believe that you have invested time in this self reflection. A lot of people tell us - "I don't know what I want to do yet!" Well, if there's one thing that you could do of the many that you want to do, what would it be? Then lay out why Ross. For this piece it is important that you go a step beyond what jumps out at you from their website - go through specific programs and parts of their curriculum and link them to your goals. Discuss which programs or people that you have met or spoken to that caused you to consider Ross as a top school.
The most important thing about this question - your entire essay should appear to have a single theme - your past experiences, why MBA now, goals and Why Ross pieces should all appear tightly integrated with each other.
3. Describe a time in your career when you were frustrated or disappointed. What did you learn from that experience? (500 word maximum)
Once you have the situation picked out, first describe why this was frustrating or disappointing. What may seem obvious to you may not be to the reader - explain what the situation meant for you in the role that you were in.
Whether you eventually conquered (or "won" in some way) makes no difference here. Don't try to force fit a "I overcame it by.." - you don't have to. It's OK if you don't have a win story here. What's important is that you discuss very openly and clearly what you took away from the experience. How did your personality change after this incident(s) occurred? How did your attitude towards other people or an organization change? What would you do differently if you were faced with a similar situation in the future?
4a. What are you most passionate about and why? (300 word maximum)
What a great opportunity to pick a topic of your choice and discuss why it's important to you! The only thing here is, be sure to highlight how, in the past and in the present you actually 'apply' this passion in your life. Use this essay - we highly recommend it!
4b. We expect that Ross MBAs will not only be effective leaders, but also effective teachers. How will you contribute to the learning experience of your peers at Ross? (300 word maximum)
4b. We expect that Ross MBAs will not only be effective leaders, but also effective teachers. How will you contribute to the learning experience of your peers at Ross? (300 word maximum)
If you feel like you have nothing substantial to say in Q. 4a (it's okay), this is a good alternative. Use your professional background or community experience to describe how you will share with your peers at Ross. You can discuss student clubs, initiatives that you will take, classroom projects, etc. If you have professional networks that the class can benefit from, this is a good place to mention it!
Good luck, folks - try and get your essays read by an independent, unbiased set of eyes! Even if you don't use our services, be sure to ask someone that doesn't know you for their candid opinion on your essays - this is the best "preview" of AdCom's feedback.
Good luck, folks - try and get your essays read by an independent, unbiased set of eyes! Even if you don't use our services, be sure to ask someone that doesn't know you for their candid opinion on your essays - this is the best "preview" of AdCom's feedback.
