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

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.

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