What is Ross Women’s Weekend?

Ross Women’s Weekend is for prospective MBA students to get to know the Michigan Ross community, its resources, and support for women in business. Applications for Ross Women’s Weekend are open to all prospective students who have an interest in improving the resources, support, and advancement of women in business. If you choose to attend Ross Women’s Weekend, plan to be in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Oct. 8-9.

What is UpClose?

UpClose Weekend is designed for prospective MBA students to get to know the Michigan Ross community and resources. Applications for UpClose are open to all prospective students interested in improving the resources, support, and advancement of underrepresented groups in business. If you choose to attend UpClose, plan to be in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Oct. 8-9.

Is it possible to attend both the Ross Women’s Weekend and UpClose?

If you are a prospective student passionate about advancing women in academic and professional settings and improving the visibility of underrepresented groups in business schools and management, we encourage you to apply to attend both events.

The application for UpClose and Ross Women’s Weekend is combined, so if you are interested in attending both, please select that option on the form. You will need to submit essay responses for both UpClose and Ross Women’s Weekend.

What documents do I need to submit for the application?

You will need to submit your current resume, a response to one essay question*, and indicate whether you plan to submit a GMAT/Focus, GRE, or EA test score (or a statement of quantitative academic readiness) when you submit your application for the MBA program.

If you have already taken the GMAT/Focus, GRE, or EA, there will be a place on the Ross Women’s Weekend/UpClose application to submit your test scores. Please note: Your test score entered here will not be used for your admissions application to the Full-Time MBA Program at Michigan Ross. We know that many students plan to retake the test before submitting their applications.

*If you are interested in applying to attend both Ross Women’s Weekend and UpClose, you will need to submit responses to both essay prompts.

The essay should be limited to 350 words and include your response to the following prompt(s):

UpClose Essay Prompt

UpClose celebrates the many communities that make Michigan Ross a welcoming place to learn, lead, and build meaningful connections. Through programming and engagement with our student organizations, prospective students have the opportunity to explore the experiences and perspectives that shape our community. Describe a time when you helped foster a sense of belonging, expanded access to opportunities, or supported individuals from different backgrounds in an academic, professional, or community setting. How have these experiences shaped your perspective on leadership and community, and what do you hope to gain from participating in UpClose? (Maximum 350 words)

Ross Women’s Weekend Essay Prompt

Ross Women's Weekend provides prospective students with an opportunity to explore the experiences, leadership, and community of women at Michigan Ross and in business. Through programming and conversations with students, alumni, faculty, and staff, participants gain insight into how Ross supports the development of women leaders. Describe how your experiences have shaped your perspective on advancing women in leadership. How do you hope to contribute to conversations during Ross Women's Weekend, and what do you hope to gain from participating? (Maximum 350 words)

When will I know if I've been selected to attend?

If you are selected to attend, you will be notified by the week of Sept. 25, 2026. We will review applications on a rolling basis this year. Due to the event's growing popularity, we cannot invite all qualified candidates to attend. We encourage all interested candidates to apply for the Full-Time MBA Program, whether or not you receive an invitation to this event.

How else can I stay connected with Michigan Ross?

Michigan Ross has over 250 student and alumni ambassadors available to connect with. Ask them anything to get an authentic take on life at Ross.

Additionally, be sure to check out our Full-Time MBA admissions blog for insights from the admissions team, and our student-led Business Beyond Usual podcast to hear current Ross students discuss all aspects of life at Ross, from recruiting and classes to the best places to visit in Ann Arbor.