Competition @ Ross

<p>How competative is the b-school? Is the competition really cut-throat obvious or is it less obvious? Also, how difficult are the classes? I've heard b-school horror stories esp. regarding junior year. Granted this is when they had the two-year program, not three-year. Thanks.</p>

<p>Not really obvious. If ur smart, u should do fine as b-school applicants aren't the brightest of the bunch anyway..................</p>

<p>^True. Ross's population is not exactly the most academicly excelling bunch. This is not to say that we aren't smart, but we're not out of the ordinary form the others. The preferred admit students, on the other hand, are for the most part very different (Ross doesnt guarantee admissions for high school senior to Ross for no retarded reason). However, if you actually look at the statistics for the Ross body that actually attend the 3 year program, you'l be surprised. The average person at Ross has much weaker credential then the other competing schools such as Wharton, Stern, Sloan, etc. Despite this, the fact that we are above and beyond most of the competition shows how great the professors are here in their ability to shape the student body into such outstanding figures. :)</p>

<p>I predict the pre-admit program will increase the "credentials" (GPA, SAT, ACT) of the average Ross student. First, I believe Alexandre (the moderator) has said something like the average pre-admit is just as strong as the average Wharton admit this year. Granted, the stats will not hold up to Wharton after the freshman are chosen in the second semester. However, the Michigan freshman will be competing for about 70 fewer spots and many of the pre-admits would have gone elsewhere were it not for the pre-admit program. It's basically a statistical argument that you will see better stats for the class of 2010.</p>

<p>I also believe that once the new facilities are complete Ross' reputation will improve and this will also lead to higher quality students. "Build it and they will come." Field of Dreams quote</p>

<p>I think the pre-admit program was a great move and they should expand it in the future. </p>

<p>I also believe Ross could also make some gains by giving more scholarship money to B-School prospects. This is something Wharton can't do. We should take advantage of this. When money talks, people listen.</p>

<p>In short, the average Ross student should improve this year and over the next few years, particularly if Ross keeps making smart moves like the new building and the pre-admit program. Who knows, we may see Ross passing MIT and nipping at Wharton's heels by the time we graduate. ;)</p>

<p>I'm sure most of the preadmits are Wharton material, but I know several from my school who wouldn't even get into The College.</p>

<p>Agreed (10ch)</p>

<p>If Alexandre is correct about the average pre-admit, then the statistical argument still holds up despite the isolated cases you are seeing. Hopefully, once the word about the pre-admit program gets out more, the competition will become even stiffer. I also think that Ross is looking beyond stats in some cases because of a clear demonstration of an interest in and apptitude for business by the applicant. It will be interesting to see the stats when they become available.</p>

<p>Ross is concentrating more on improving its ranking (and all rankings suck, btw) than improving its student body. Almost everybody I knew got inside Ross. They freak you out in your freshman year by claiming that its very competetive but if you have a decent record, you will easily make it.</p>

<p>Just over 50% got in to Ross last year, with an average GPA of 3.6. You happen to know smart people. The applicant pool is also somewhat self-selecting. Someone with a GPA below 3.0, for example, knows they would probably be wasting their time applying.</p>

<p>I agree with you, to a certain degree, that rankings "suck." However, they do matter, whether we like it or not. As a general rule, the higher the ranking, the more quality students that are attracted to the program or school. Some donors and professors also pay attention to the rankings.</p>

<p>I'm surprised considering the outstanding job prospects coming out of Ross (relative to other b-schools excluding Wharton)</p>

<p>The typical Ross student profile should improve significantly over the next several years considering everything that is going on (new building, better funding, pre-admit program, curriculum changes through Jones center, etc.). In short, Ross was already good and will only improve with the mulitple initiatives occuring and the funding to accomplish their objectives.</p>