The Ross School of Business is synonymous with "action-based learning". Let us try to understand what action-based learning is. Action-based learning helps students to stay relevant by applying business education in the class room to the world of practice. One of the critical pieces of the action-based learning is MAP (Multidisciplinary Action Projects). According to the Ross, official website, "MAP projects …can cover a range of business issues from developing a strategic marketing plan for China to working with an AIDS clinic in Papua New Guinea. They can be domestic, international, corporate, entrepreneurial, or nonprofit." If you are passionate about finding feasible solutions to the real problems that affect large corporations and big businesses, Michigan, Ross School of Business, will provide you with the ideal learning environment.

The Ross MBA Application essaysfor Fall 2011 are different from that of Fall 2010. Here are the MBA application essays for Fall 2011 and Gurome's tips on answering those questions.

Essay 1

Introduce yourself in 100 words or less.

Gurome Tips: Get creative with the 100 words that have been allotted to you. Stay away from introducing yourself according to the profession you have chosen. Instead, talk about something that sets you apart from the pack.

Essay 2

Describe your career goals. How will the Ross MBA help you to achieve your goals? (500 word maximum)

Gurome Tips: This is a fairly standard career goals essay. It is important to address both short-term and long-term goals at the very outset and then discuss what the motivation behind those career goals is. Ideally your long term goals should be a logical extension of your short-term goals, unless you are looking for a complete change in your career. The second part of the essay is equally important. A fair bit of homework is needed to answer this part of the essay. You will have to pick examples that show how your interests align with what the school has to offer. Read up about MAP, talk to Ross alums, and attend info sessions to gather as much information about the school as you can and then weave them together to address why Ross is "the" school for you.

Essay 3

Describe a time in your career when you were frustrated or disappointed. What did you learn from that experience? (500 word maximum)

Gurome Tips: Think about 2-3 examples and then pick the one from where you have learned the most. Examples that talk about you making it "thus far and yet not far enough" are the best examples to pick. Be honest in your description and do not be ashamed to talk about any vulnerability/weakness/lack of foresight that caused the disappointment.

Essay 4

Select one of the following questions:

• What are you most passionate about and why? (300 word maximum)

Gurome Tips: This is somewhat similar to the Stanford GSB question, "What matters most to you and why"? However, you just have 300 words to convey your passion and the motivation behind your passion.  It is important to convey the length of time you have been involved with the passion and your commitment towards it. Avoid talking about mighty causes such as " poverty alleviation" in Africa, instead discuss something that is much smaller yet meaningful in the way it impact "you" or the people around you.

• We expect that Ross MBAs will not only be effective leaders, but also effective teachers. How will you contribute to the learning experience of your peers at Ross? (300 word maximum)

Gurome Tips: This essay gives you an opportunity to talk about the unique experiences, insights, learning that you have collected in your life, be it at work or outside of it. You can discuss international assignments you have been involved with and your experience of working with people of different ethnicities; the challenges you have faced in motivating or leading a discordant team; lesson you have learned from team work and coordination in river rafting, directing a play, organizing an event.