Ross School of Business MBA Essays: 2026-2027 Prompts and Word Limits

Essay Overview

The Ross Full-Time MBA application for the 2026-2027 cycle has two required essays: Part 1, Career Aspirations (300 words), and Part 2, Impact and Growth (200 words, one prompt chosen from three). Reapplicants from the previous cycle also submit a reapplicant essay. The prompts below are quoted verbatim from Ross.

Part 1: Career Aspirations (300 words)

• What is your short-term career goal, and how do you plan to leverage the Ross MBA and its program offerings in your first role after graduation? Please be specific and answer both parts of this question (300 words).

Part 2: Impact and Growth (200 words)

Michigan Ross is proud to support a community of leaders and impact makers who value growth. As a future member of this community, we want to know more about who you are and what drives you. Choose one 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 essay. (200 words)

Part 2 prompts (choose one)

1. Think of a time something important did not go as planned. What did you do next?
2. What is something you worked on for an extended period of time (over six months) that ultimately resulted in a positive outcome? What kept you committed?
3. Share an example of a specific situation when your actions created a positive impact on your community or an individual.

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Sources

1. 1. Michigan Ross, Full-Time MBA Application Requirements (2026-2027 cycle)