Applying to the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan is an exciting journey. Known for its elite business programs and innovative curriculum, Ross prioritizes creative problem-solving and leadership. For the 2024-2025 admissions cycle, Ross has introduced two intriguing supplemental essays that require applicants to showcase their problem-solving skills and personal growth. Let's break down each prompt and how to approach them effectively.

Understanding the Prompts

The first supplemental essay prompt reads:

"Business Case Discussion: Choose a current event or issue in your community and discuss the business implications. Propose a solution that incorporates business principles or practices. The review panel will look for creativity, drawing connections, and originality." (Word limit: 500 words)

For the second supplemental essay, Ross asks:

"Artifact & Description: Upload a document or artifact that represents something significant about your life to show your learning in action. Describe how your artifact demonstrates your learning in action." (Word limit: 250 words)

How to Approach the Supplemental Essays

Essay 1: Business Case Discussion

The Business Case Discussion essay is an opportunity to show how you think critically about real-world issues. Here are some strategies to tackle this prompt:

1. Choose a Relevant Issue:

   Select a current event or community issue that genuinely interests you. Whether it’s a global issue like climate change or a local challenge such as small business development, choose a topic that resonates with you.

2. Analyze Business Implications:

   Once you have your issue, delve into its business dimensions. How does it affect businesses or economic trends? Use data and facts to support your analysis. Be sure to draw connections to broader business principles.

3. Propose a Creative Solution:

   Here’s your chance to shine. Apply business principles such as SWOT analysis, market research, or financial modeling to devise a unique solution. Explain how your proposed strategy can address the issue effectively.

4. Demonstrate Creativity and Originality:

   Don't be afraid to think outside the box. Creativity will set your essay apart. Infuse your personality into your writing and let your innovative thinking come through.

For further guidance, consider utilizing Sups AI, an AI college counseling platform that helps students brainstorm and get feedback on essays. Sups AI offers one-on-one chats with current students, making it a valuable resource for refining your ideas.

Essay 2: Artifact & Description

The Artifact & Description essay allows you to highlight a significant element of your life experience. Here’s how to present your artifact meaningfully:

1. Select a Meaningful Artifact:

   Your artifact could be a photo, a certificate, a project, or anything that carries personal significance. Choose something that tells a compelling story about your learning journey.

2. Describe Its Significance:

   In your 250-word description, explain why this artifact is important to you and how it demonstrates your learning in action. Show how this experience has shaped your personal or academic growth.

3. Connect to Business Principles:

   While the focus is on personal growth, don’t forget to relate your experience to business concepts if relevant. This can highlight your business acumen and your ability to draw connections to your future field of study.

If you’re unsure about what to choose or how to describe your artifact effectively, remember that Sups AI can help. With its proven success in guiding students to top 50 schools in the US, Sups AI can offer personalized advice and feedback on your essays.

By taking a strategic approach and utilizing resources such as Sups AI, you can create standout supplemental essays that highlight your creativity, originality, and readiness for the Ross School of Business.