If your kid wanted Ross but applied to LSA instead - how are they doing?

[Anonymous]

Title basically says it all.

My kid wants Ross but Michigan is his first choice school. If your kid wanted Ross, but applied to LSA in Econ (Stats or Data Science) with business minor, how are they doing? Do they regret their choice? Are they able to access business clubs and career opportunities as a minor in Business or is there a lot of gatekeeping?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Title basically says it all.

My kid wants Ross but Michigan is his first choice school. If your kid wanted Ross, but applied to LSA in Econ (Stats or Data Science) with business minor, how are they doing? Do they regret their choice? Are they able to access business clubs and career opportunities as a minor in Business or is there a lot of gatekeeping?

My DC applied to Ross 3 years ago but was waitlisted. In those days applicants applied to LSA, got accepted, and then were considered for LSA. DC is in LSA Econ with a Ross minor (of which they took 35% of applicants).

DC's Ross friends were Ivy-level stats-wise, but went to Ross for various reasons, e.g., they wanted more direct access to finance and management consulting.

DC didn't really have access to the clubs or more competitive opportunities like finance or management consulting. The Ross minor provides content but not the social network, so there is gatekeeping. DC understands that an MBA is likely in the future as a result in order to get that social network. The Ross minor has convinced DC that they can do the work in an MBA program rather easily, but knows that the network is just as important (or more important).

However, DC is relatively happy, got an internship after junior year that led to a consulting position (but not MBB) that starts next year.

So if your DC wants Michigan as the first choice, apply LSA. It will work itself out.

[Anonymous]

I have a Michigan MBA and my child is an LSA freshman (Poli Sci) this year.

I entered undergrad college (non-Michigan) with the intent to do an MBA. At several points, I intended to get a BBA but I always decided against it because it was redundant with my grad school plans and I loved liberal arts classes. I ended up with an Econ BA.

The Ross BBA still looks highly redundant with the Ross MBA. Few MBA schools allow waiver of the core classes and that is what is most redundant. Furthermore, few of those core classes get used on the job (Ex: Financial Accounting).

The reason to go BBA is indeed superior recruiting. But that's kind of a sad statement about how to spend four years of high quality education. And working in business outside of a few prestige tracks really doesn't require any specific degree at all.

Therefore, for the sake of deeper learning and self-knowledge, I still would recommend that undergrads planning on an MBA stick with a non-business undergrad degree. It will save you from about one school year of redundant content out of six (four undergrad + two MBA).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a Michigan MBA and my child is an LSA freshman (Poli Sci) this year.

I entered undergrad college (non-Michigan) with the intent to do an MBA. At several points, I intended to get a BBA but I always decided against it because it was redundant with my grad school plans and I loved liberal arts classes. I ended up with an Econ BA.

The Ross BBA still looks highly redundant with the Ross MBA. Few MBA schools allow waiver of the core classes and that is what is most redundant. Furthermore, few of those core classes get used on the job (Ex: Financial Accounting).

The reason to go BBA is indeed superior recruiting. But that's kind of a sad statement about how to spend four years of high quality education. And working in business outside of a few prestige tracks really doesn't require any specific degree at all.

Therefore, for the sake of deeper learning and self-knowledge, I still would recommend that undergrads planning on an MBA stick with a non-business undergrad degree. It will save you from about one school year of redundant content out of six (four undergrad + two MBA).

I don’t necessarily disagree with any of these points, which are all reasonable. And I especially agree with the learning and self-knowledge bits.

But I do think it is difficult to overstate the value of the career services in a good business school. A lot of people on this site talk extensively about the importance of networks, connections, and alumni in finding a job. But good business schools will often have a very structured recruiting process that gives students access to openings at top companies right there on campus, bypassing the need for all of those other channels.

Agree that this shouldn’t necessarily be the determining factor for how you spend four years. But it’s a tough call.

[Anonymous]

This is an older thread, but I’m bumping bc I have the same question. DS is a HS Junior and UM is high on his list. He thinks he is interested in business but isn’t 100% sure. Ross admissions is so competitive, and he’s likely not willing to roll the dice with Ross and potentially miss out on getting into UM altogether, now that Ross is direct admit.

Would love to hear more about whether a business minor is worth it, or even just taking Ross classes, as an LSA econ or history major. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Cutting and pasting my reply to another post... I do want to add, she did job search all on her own so I'm sure Ross is better in that department. Also, it is key to try to get into business clubs, fraternities etc..


My LSA senior (PPE/Econ) has done quite well in finance. She felt being in Ross was too limiting and wanted to develop her critical thinking skills etc. She had multiple interviews/offers with top companies (Black Rock, Morgan Stanley, AMEX) and received job in Asset Mgmt with top company in NYC area. As a non-Ross student, she took advantage of option to take Ross classes (Acctg 101 etc)...

[Anonymous]

What do these words mean? What is Ross or LMA?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What do these words mean? What is Ross or LMA?

Ross is the U Mich Business School and LSA is the school of Literature, Arts and Sciences (basically humanities and science minus engineering).

[Anonymous]

There is absolutely gatekeeping by Ross. Back in the day, my brother was an LSA Econ grad and didn’t have access to the networking and career service opportunities that Ross provides. It turned out alright for him just FYI.

[Anonymous]

anyone do UM engineering and get a Ross MBA? I saw they have the dual engineer/ross at UM but, I agree , it is great for a network, however it seems you dont really have the chops as an engineer when you are in a mixed major? thoughts?

DD deciding between gtech and UM for engineering, we are going to visit both