EssaySnark

  • about
  • contact
  • help
  • sign up
  • login
CLICK FOR MORE!
  • Essay Questions
    • Harvard
    • Stanford
    • Wharton
    • Chicago Booth
    • Kellogg
    • MIT Sloan
    • Tuck
    • NYU Stern
    • Columbia
    • Yale SOM
    • Berkeley Haas
    • UVA Darden
    • Duke Fuqua
    • Michigan Ross
    • UCLA Anderson
    • Cornell
  • Strategy Guides
    • MBA Career Goals in Entrepreneurship
    • School-Specific MBA Application Guides
      • Harvard 2020 MBA Strategy Guide
      • Stanford 2020 MBA Strategy Guide
      • Wharton 2020 MBA Strategy Guide
      • Kellogg 2020 MBA Strategy Guide
      • MIT Sloan 2020 MBA Strategy Guide
      • Columbia 2020 MBA Strategy Guide
      • Chicago Booth 2020 MBA Strategy Guide
      • *MORE SCHOOL-SPECIFIC GUIDES HERE*
  • MBA Consulting
    • Free essay reviews
    • What stage are you in?
    • Military MBA
    • BIPOC Program
    • Testimonials & Reviews
    • Guest Posts
  • My SnarkCenter
    • My Strategy Guides
    • My Favorite Posts
    • Discounts & Offers

What it means if Michigan Ross “released” you this week

February 21, 2020 by EssaySnark Leave a Comment

Ross does interview invitations sort of like other schools, and sort of not.

For Round 2, they had what we’re calling an interim “release” yesterday (process described on their admissions blog )

Perhaps you don’t need EssaySnark to tell you this but…

If you got cut free from Ross, that’s not such a great sign. 🙁

Presumably you’ve still got other apps in play, but no matter what, if the Ross app was rejected, it’s gotta be a hard blow.

The first rejection always is! It’s one reason we dislike the Harvard system, since it sets up BSers for major depression and can make it seem like all your other apps must have no chance.

For Ross, in Round 1, when they “release” applicants in the middle of the round, it’s a good thing, since it’s an early-warning system that lets BSers understand that they have some issues with how they are presenting, or a problem in the profile, that’s proving insurmountable for a school like Ross to work around. For Round 1, when this happens, it’s a blessing, since it lets the applicant regroup and start thinking about how they might improve, and what it would take to fix the issues in an adjustment of strategy, in order to make the most of their apps targeting other schools in the next round.

But now, with Round 2, and the mid-cycle release?

Well…. it’s not quite as much of a positive.

That’s because we’re nearing the end of the season. There just aren’t that many more options to be pursuing right now.

The thing is, Ross is a school where, if you do a solid job with the essays, and you have a decent GMAT score, then they’re going to want to at least meet you to interview. If you got cut loose already, then that means there’s something more drastic going on with your app. Maybe it’s a too-low GMAT or GRE. Maybe it’s problematic academics, and nothing was offered in the app to offset them. Maybe the essays really were subpar. Maybe the recommendation said not-positive things (that’s rare, but sometimes it happens).

Maybe it was more than one of these problems, and they all conspired against you to result in the mid-cycle “no.”

No matter what it was, there are not that many more directions to go in for this admissions season.

Do you have time to retake the GMAT before Round 3 at some other schools?

Well yes, technically you do, but if your GMAT or GRE was the issue with Ross, then we’re betting that taking tests is not your idea of a good time, and it’s going to require a concerted application of time and effort on your behalf in hitting the books with the studying, in order to make a retest strategy worthwhile. We do not suggest doing a half-baked retake on any exam — not even when there is the “cancel” option available. Only take the GMAT or GRE when you’re truly prepared and ready to do well on it. Don’t waste your retake attempts. Take the test seriously, or don’t take it at all.

What about fixing an issue with academics?

That may be an easier strategy to execute on, but only if you do it with intention and foresight, and cover all your bases. Our Transcripts & Grades App Accelerator can help you map out your options if you know that your academic transcripts are your weakness.

Realistically, if you have bombed out of the Ross opportunity for Round 2, and you’re still really determined to be starting your MBA this Fall, you’ll need to adjust your sights and make the most of the Round 3 opportunity. That usually means trading down. Yes, that’s a hard truth to swallow, especially if you were thinking you were top-notch MBA material. But Ross is a comparatively more selective program these days, and many other schools that used to be “easy” to get into are also. That includes Darden, and some others. Are you interested in hearing about schools that your profile might be a match for, even in Round 3? Go for our Late Season Targets Review and we’ll look at your list of interest, and evaluate how that might work for you, and even suggest a few others if we can. Or for a much more detailed report, the Comprehensive Profile Review will let you understand what the adcoms may be seeing in your profile that could be holding you back.

If you think you may want to try again at Ross, or you want to know the specific things that went sideways in the Ross application in Round 2 (or any other school that has already said an unfortunate “no” to you) then the Application Post-Mortem is the best way to go.

Obviously if you still have other apps in play, then it’s not over yet! We’re just nervous, if you’ve been collecting more closed-door answers than interview opportunities just lately, that things may be headed in the wrong direction. There is still some season left to unfold, so don’t give up hope! And, start looking at Plan B and Plan C ideas as you formulate your action from here. We are with you all the way to your admit! Let us know how we can help and we’ll jump at the chance to support you.

 
 
You may also be interested in:

  • The dejection of rejection
  • Backup plans and next steps: What if it’s looking like you might not get in?!??

 
 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

« Previous: ($) Talking to current students about their bschool experience
Next: ($) “I got into bschool! When can I quit my job????” »

So who the heck is EssaySnark, anyway?!

We're the snarky experts in MBA admissions!

Sometimes amused and often appalled by what candidates write in their MBA applications to top bschools, EssaySnark created this little blahg to share common mistakes. Learn from them and avoid making admissions directors laugh (or want to hurl) when they read your essays. If you are hoping to have your essay reviewed anonymously on the blahg for free, submit it for consideration.

Want EssaySnark's personal assistance with your MBA applications? Start with our menu of consulting services and please read the Help FAQ to learn how we operate. Still have questions after doing all that? Email Team EssaySnark at gethelpnow at essaysnark dot com.

Good luck on your apps, Brave Supplicant!

Tell us what you think. Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sign up for the 'Snark via email

Enter your address to get weekday blahg posts by email.

UPCOMING MBA APP DEADLINES

  • INSEAD Round 4
    in 1 month, 0 weeks, 5 days, 23 hours
  • INSEAD Jan '22 intake Rd 1
    in 1 month, 2 weeks, 1 day, 23 hours
  • INSEAD Jan '22 Intake Rd 2
    in 3 months, 0 weeks, 2 days, 23 hours
  • (expected) HBS Class of 2024 app requirements released
    in 3 months, 2 weeks, 3 days, 0 hours
  • (expected) Columbia J-Term/ED app to open
    in 4 months, 2 weeks, 1 day, 0 hours
   
From a BSer January 2020:
"love the guide books!"


CLASS OF 2023 MBA APPLICATION STRATEGY GUIDES

     
    The 2020 Berkeley-Haas MBA Application Guide - updated for the Class of 2023 application!
SnarkStrategies Guide for Berkeley Haas - refreshed and updated, with brainstorming exercises and structured maps to help you focus your stories!
   
    The 2020-2021 NYU Stern MBA Application Guide that covers the main essay, the EQ Endorsement and Pick Six!
SnarkStrategies Guide for NYU - discusses your requirements for the Class of 2023 essays!
   
    The 2020-2021 Columbia MBA Application Guide
SnarkStrategies Guide for Columbia Business School for 2020-2021 applications
   
    The 2020 Harvard MBA Application Guide - completely overhauled and updated for the coronavirus era!
SnarkStrategies Guide for Harvard Business School!
   
    The 2020-2021 Duke Essay Guide - covers the 25 Random Things essay and all the rest too!
SnarkStrategies Guide for Duke Fuqua - up to date for the current season!
   
    The 2020-2021 MIT Essay Guide covers the org chart, the contacts for two references, and additional tips for the cover letter and 'introduce yourself' video -- and everything else you need to know!
SnarkStrategies Guide for MIT Sloan MBA - totally revised for the Class of 2023!
   
    The 2020-2021 Tuck Essay Guide has been refreshed with latest insights and advice for your essays about "investing generously" and "why Tuck"!
SnarkStrategies Guide for the Dartmouth Tuck MBA - completely overhauled for 2020, to help you demonstrate how you are nice, aware, etc stuff!
   
    The Yale SOM MBA Application Guide for Class of 2023 candidates!
SnarkStrategies Guide for Yale SOM - updated for 2020-2021
   
    The 2020-2021 Chicago Booth MBA Application Guide - ready to go to support your Class of 2023 essay strategy!
SnarkStrategies Guide for Chicago Booth for this year's MBA app!
   
    The 2020 Wharton MBA Application Guide - even more advice on how to get to a win with those essays!
SnarkStrategies Guide for The Wharton School - with new tips for 2020!
   
    The 2020 Kellogg Essay Guide - with a full methodology to identify your 'lasting impact' and your 'values' -- plus tips on 2020 world events and applicability to your essays!
SnarkStrategies Guide for Kellogg MBA - updated and revised for the new realities of 2020!    
      The 2020 Stanford MBA Application Guide - for "what matters most" in your MBA application!
SnarkStrategies Guide for Stanford GSB for the Class of 2023
   
    The 2020-2021 UCLA Anderson MBA Application Guide - updated for Class of 2023 on "impact"!
SnarkStrategies Guide for 
UCLA
   
   

Brave Supplicants' latest reviews on The 'Snark


Apr 10, 2020
by George on EssaySnark
Great Starting Point

I thought getting over the GRE/GMAT hurdle was fairly straightforward--disciplined study then test execution... Read more

Apr 10, 2020
by George on Single Shot Express MBA Essay Review
Worth Every Penny

I used the Single Shot Express to decimate essay #1 at my first-choice school. Paired with the school... Read more

Feb 9, 2020
by KA on Waitlist Assist
Committed

You continue to blow me away with your commitment to us BSers! Thanks again for everything. It's been... Read more






Not sure where to begin with EssaySnark?
Our Snark Selector
will tell you!



What were we snarking about at this time in past years?

  • 2020: ($) Updating the admissions office on changes to your profile post-submit: GMAT/GRE/classes
  • 2020: ($) The reality of applying to external scholarships for your graduate education
  • 2019: Harvard Business School is....
  • 2017: Military Candidate Question: "Why does Stanford have a smaller percentage of Vets?"
  • 2016: Success Stories that never materialized
  • 2016: Used to be, the waitlist meant you had a real chance.
  • 2016: ($) The biggest reason why Round 3 is not worth it.
  • 2015: The BSer's Quiz!
  • 2014: ($) Writing essays for MBA scholarship apps
  • 2014: Consider broadening your horizons.
My Tweets

See the Top U.S. Business Schools on a Map!


EssaySnark is currently available! We're accepting new clients! Standard turnarounds apply. If you're in a hurry, Speedy Review is available!

EssaySnark® is a registered trademark. All content copyright © 2010–2021 Snarkolicious Press · Privacy Policy

Where should you start with EssaySnark?

Which EssaySnark service is right for you? Answer a few questions to find out!

This field must be set to Everyone - then in the Settings -> HTML -> After Fields screen there's JavaScript to hide it.
Sending