Rising Senior Applying EA Ross

Hi all,

As title says I'll be applying EA to Ross this fall. Normally wouldn't want to post this here because this forum isn't really geared towards high schoolers, but I thought due to the sheer amount of alum on the forum it might be the best place for research.

For some background, I have the stats to get into a few T20, Ivies, or whatever but want to prioritize Umich because of the culture fit since I heavily prioritize a strong social scene in addition to good academics. 

My question to any Ross alum is simply "Why Ross" over anywhere else? I already have some pretty solid reasons (was born on campus since my dad went to law school here so have a soft spot for the town, was lucky enough to raise a few hundred thousand for an investment fund and have worked with people in MII, and think I could bring some philanthropic stuff I founded to campus) but I want to know in your experience what have been the standout classes, professors, clubs, or recourses that are unique to Umich and have prepared you for a career in equity research or any other fields of finance. This is stuff I will use for why Michigan so anything specific is really appreciated. 

Thanks in advance.

Edit: Even if you didn't go to Umich, I'd appreciate any insights into how to run a research process and find compelling reasons for xyz school. Going to the website seems very baseline and I'm wondering if there's anything I can do to show more interest. 

10 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Ignore the "Intern" tag, going to be full-time soon after graduating from a UChicago/Northwestern/Notre Dame. I wouldn't get fixated on Michigan, but it's a great school with great placements. From what I've seen, UMich people have both the smarts and the social skills to be successful. Like any other public school, the quality does tend to get diluted through the number of people they admit.

Also, don't get cocky and say, "I have the stats to get into a few T20, Ivies, or whatever" when in the current day even a perfect student is lucky if this happens. If you're out of state, getting into Ross is no easy task. 

Good luck, hopefully you'll get some other helpful comments.

 

Ok, thanks for the comment. Didn't mean to be cocky haha. Should've specified that I have an offer to play a sport at an (Cornell/Dartmouth/Brown) but will likely not take it due to culture/bad experience on campus so that's all I meant.

I will be applying out of state even though I spent some time growing up in Ann Arbor so I agree it will definitely be more difficult. 

 

coming from an ivy athlete. being an ivy athlete (especially at a school with strong greek life like cornell&dartmouth) is the best thing ever. you get into any party. you get all the girls. and recruitment is 10x easier

 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, Michigan Ross offers several standout features that make it a compelling choice for students pursuing careers in finance, including equity research:

  1. Strong Placement in Finance and Consulting: Ross consistently places a significant portion of its BBA class into finance and strategy consulting roles. According to employment surveys, nearly 60% of the class secures $100K+ gigs in these fields, with 42.1% going into finance specifically. While IB placement is competitive, Ross still performs well compared to other top schools.

  2. Robust Alumni Network: Michigan has a vast and active alumni network, which is particularly valuable for networking and career opportunities. Alumni from Ross are well-represented in top firms, including Morgan Stanley and other leading financial institutions.

  3. Clubs and Organizations: Ross offers a variety of finance-focused clubs, such as the Michigan Investment Club (MII), which you mentioned. These clubs provide hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and exposure to real-world finance scenarios, which can be instrumental in preparing for careers in equity research or other finance fields.

  4. Resources and Support: The school provides access to career resources, including resume reviews, mock interviews, and a company database, which can help students land competitive roles. Additionally, Ross benefits from significant financial support, such as Stephen Ross's $150M donation, which enhances the school's resources and facilities.

  5. Balanced Culture: Ross is known for its strong social scene and collaborative culture, which aligns with your preference for a school that balances academics with a vibrant campus life. The Midwest location also fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment.

  6. Unique Academic Opportunities: Ross offers rigorous coursework and access to top-tier professors who bring real-world experience into the classroom. While specific standout classes or professors weren't detailed in the context, the curriculum is designed to provide a solid foundation in finance and business.

Your personal connection to Michigan, combined with your impressive background in raising funds for an investment fund and philanthropic initiatives, positions you as a strong candidate. Highlighting these unique aspects in your application, along with the specific resources and opportunities at Ross that align with your career goals, will strengthen your case for admission.

Sources: UMich Undergrad For IB Recruiting, Undergrad: Will UChicago give me more opportunities than Michigan (Ross)?, Q&A: My Experience in a Part-Time MBA, Pre-Admit Ross vs. Stern for Undergraduate-- About to be a freshman, Nobody talks about how good Ross is for IB recruitment

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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