<p>I'm going to be a high school senior this fall, and I've been tossing up between majoring in economics or business. I've pretty much, not for certain, decided I'd like to major in business, and probably minor in economics. I am slightly unaware of what's going on as far as what the university offers.. let me elaborate..</p>
<p>I know the Ross school is incredibly selective, and maybe I'm too young to know how I'll stand as a sophomore, but I don't think that I will have a particularly impressive chance at getting in. Maybe I'm selling myself short, because I do have academic and leadership strength, but considering they only admit like 40% of the applicants into the program, one can't be too hopeful. I'm trying to be realistic.</p>
<p>This will probably sound dumb, but is there even a way to pursue business at UofM without going to the Ross school? Can I even pursue business in any form there before I would apply as a sophomore?</p>
<p>The thing is, for me, it's kind of U of M or bust. U of M is the highest priced school I can (PROBABLY) afford. If I didn't go to U of M, based on either rejection as only a freshman or the fact that I can't pursue business, the other schools entirely suck. My other options would be Madonna University, Schoolcraft, maybe U of M Dearborn.</p>
<p>Since my parents are paying for it, I have to listen to a lot of what they say. It does not help that they are also crazy, but I won't elaborate on that. Anyway, they pretty much don't want me going too far. I live in Livonia and they are worried about me going to Ann Arbor, just to give you some perspective. Don't suggest I go to MSU or something. PS, I have some pretty good high school stats, and a bunch of stupid extracurricular and volunteer resume boosting junk. I would just be so upset if I spent my time and energy on that stuff and ended at Skraft. </p>
<p>ANY help is appreciated because I'm still confused as what to do. Thanks.</p>
<p>97 views, no replies? 
could really use advice on this one</p>
<p>Michigan or bust is not the best mindset to have when applying to a school with an acceptance rate that is currently in the low 30’s. </p>
<p>Aside from that Im sorry I cant help, I hear Ross minors are some of the most sought after minors but Im not 100% sure how that works. Goodluck next year wherever it is you end up; im sure it will be a great experience regardless of school.</p>
<p>Okay I’m going to give you advice based on what I learned from my freshman year and applying to Ross…</p>
<p>You should not sell yourself short. Yes, applying to Ross can be a bit scary and intimidating, but it is all how you apply yourself. I got into UM by the skin of my teeth. I had a 3.75 UW gpa with not many AP classes and a 29 ACT (I do think it was my ECs that got me in). I knew Ross was what I wanted to pursue and I thought I had no chance of getting in.
I walked into BIG BAD CALC 1 and was competing against kids who got 34s on their ACTs and took Calc in high school (I didn’t take Calc in hs). I worked my butt off and i pulled off the A- while some of those kids were getting Bs and even Cs.
As for the 40% acceptance rate, yes that is true. But A LOT of people who have a snowball’s chance in Hell of getting in apply to Ross just for the hell of it.
There are three prerequisites for applying to Ross: Math 115 (Calc 1), Econ 101 (MIcroeconomics), and Writing 124 or 125 (First Year Writing Course). These are the classes you have to do well in to set yourself apart from other Ross candidates. And from my experience, the difference between an A- and a B+ is astronomical. I got an A- in each of those three classes (and remember I barely got into UM!! its about how you apply yourself!!) and from what I am told that seems to have helped my chances of getting in. You also need good ECs and you have to write two essays.
I am still waiting on my Ross decision and I have been thinking what I would like to do if I don’t get in and it relates to your question. If I dont get in (knock on wood) then I would most likely pursue a degree in Economics. An Econ major from UM is quite good and abundant with rigorous courses that will prepare you for life after college and will look good on your transcript. You can also apply for a business minor through Ross which I would also do. And you can always get your MBA which is an extra two years (I think?).
There is a lot of stuff you can do at UM so if you dont get into Ross its not the end of the world. I hope this helped and good luck in the future! Go blue!</p>
<p>Thank you @13dillone your response is very encouraging! Your info was very helpful, I really appreciate it! :)</p>
<p>@Missalyssaxox
“This will probably sound dumb, but is there even a way to pursue business at UofM without going to the Ross school? Can I even pursue business in any form there before I would apply as a sophomore?”</p>
<p>If you like business and math, you should consider studying Industrial and Operations Engineering (IOE). IOE is pretty much using math to drive business decisions. Michigan’s IOE department is ranked #2 in the nation and an IOE degree leads to a lot of job opportunities. You can also take classes at Ross even if you are not a business student. A good chunk of IOE students take at least one Ross class. If you are very interested in business, you can pursue an MBA (which is what quite a few IOE undergrads do).</p>