In this installment of our Admissions Director Q&A series, we welcome back Andrea McHale, Director of Admissions for the Full-Time and Global MBA Programs at University of Michigan – Stephen M. Ross School of Business.
Before transitioning to higher education, Andrea spent 10 years in marketing, sales, and supply chain management within the healthcare and automotive industries. In 2013, she moved into education administration and is currently the Director of Admissions for the Full-Time MBA Program at Ross. Previously, Andrea served as the Director of Admissions for Michigan State University’s Broad MBA program. She holds a BA and MBA from Michigan State University, an MS from the University of Michigan, and recently completed her DBA from the University of Florida. She enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, playing tennis, and traveling in her free time.
Keep reading to get Andrea’s insights on the application process, what admissions is looking for in essays and interviews, and more about the Ross MBA program.
Clear Admit: What is the one aspect of your program that you wish applicants knew more about?
Andrea McHale: I wish applicants better understood the depth and intentionality of our action-based learning model at Michigan Ross. Through our Ross Experiences in Action-Based Learning (REAL), students gain real-world experience collaborating with companies, faculty, alumni, and peers to solve complex problems. Every first-year MBA student participates in MAP (Multidisciplinary Action Projects), a seven-week full-time consulting engagement. We also offer the most student-run investment funds of any business school and provide co-curricular and interdisciplinary learning through our centers and institutes like the Sanger Leadership Center, Business+Tech, and the Erb Institute. These hands-on opportunities help our students develop critical leadership, analytical, and project management skills while building deep industry connections.
Here are a few examples specific to the Ross MBA:
- All first-year MBAs participate in MAP, a seven-week consulting project with a sponsor company, honing their analytical, project management, and leadership skills under faculty guidance. This year, MBAs tackled 71 projects across 13 countries in diverse industries. Many projects were sponsored by alumni.
- Michigan Ross has the most student-run investment funds of any business school. Notable funds include the Wolverine Venture Fund, Zell Lurie Commercialization Fund, International Investment Fund, Social Venture Fund, Maize and Blue Fund, Real Estate Fund, and Zell Founders Fund.
- Michigan Ross provides co-curricular opportunities, interdisciplinary programs, and action-based learning opportunities through our centers and institutes, which include:
CA: Walk us through the life of an application in your office from an operational standpoint. What happens between the time an applicant clicks “submit” and the time the committee offers a final decision?
AM: Once an application is submitted, it enters a holistic review process. First, an admissions reader conducts an initial evaluation, beginning with the resume to frame the candidate’s background, followed by a thorough review of academic history, test scores, essays, and recommendations. Promising applicants are invited to a “semi-blind” interview, where interviewers—typically alumni—review only the resume, not the full application. Following the interview, a second reader reviews the full file alongside interview feedback. Finally, our admissions committee conducts calibration sessions to ensure consistency and fairness before rendering a final decision.
CA: How does your team approach the essay portion of the application specifically? What are you looking for as you read an essay? Are there common mistakes that applicants should try to avoid? What is one key thing they should keep in mind as they sit down to write?
AM: We value authenticity, clarity, and depth in the essays. Your writing is your opportunity to add context to your achievements and share what drives you. We are looking for insight into your values, goals, and personality—things we can’t glean from a resume alone. Avoid generic answers or overused narratives. Instead, write about experiences that genuinely reflect who you are, how you’ve grown, and why Ross is the right place for your next step. Use specific examples, avoid jargon, and ensure your responses are well structured and edited. Resilience, collaboration, and a growth mindset stand out. Applicants should also align their goals with the resources and values of the Ross community.
CA: Could you tell us about your interview process? Approximately how many applicants do you interview? Who conducts the interview and what is the nature of the interview? Will your admissions interviews be in-person or virtual for the 2025-2026 admissions season?
AM: We conduct approximately thousands of one-on-one interviews annually, and for the 2025–2026 cycle, all interviews will remain virtual for accessibility and convenience. Interviews are conducted primarily by alumni and occasionally by students and admissions staff. They are “semi-blind,” meaning interviewers have access only to the resume. The conversation is typically behavioral and professional in nature, with a focus on your work experiences, leadership, and goals. Since your interviewer may come from a different industry or background, be prepared to clearly articulate your story and impact.
CA: Is there anything in particular international students should keep in mind during the Ross admissions process?
AM: We welcome international applicants and value the global perspectives they bring. It’s important to clearly articulate your short-term career goals and demonstrate your understanding of the U.S. job market. If applying without a standardized test score, use the Statement of Quantitative Academic Readiness to highlight academic and professional accomplishments that showcase your quantitative and analytical capabilities. We also encourage international candidates to stay informed about visa timelines and consider time zone differences when scheduling interviews. Our team is here to support students through the process, from application to arrival in Ann Arbor.
Additionally, we expanded our language proficiency test options this year. We now accept Duolingo English Test (DET) in addition to Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the Pearson Test of English (PTE), and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam.
CA: What is your favorite spot on campus?
AM: My favorite spot is the Winter Garden inside the Ross building. It’s the heart of the school—a vibrant space where students gather to collaborate, connect, and recharge. It truly reflects the energy and community spirit that define the Michigan Ross MBA experience.
CA: Is there anything else you’d like to highlight about your MBA program or Ross admissions process?
We’ve recently expanded our curriculum to include new offerings in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), reinforcing our commitment to preparing students for the evolving global business landscape. Ross is often perceived as Midwest-centric, but in reality, our graduates go everywhere—75% of our MBAs accept jobs on the coasts or in major urban centers. And with one of the largest alumni networks in the world, our students benefit from robust career support and global connections. We also remain committed to ensuring that all students feel supported and have access to opportunities that enrich learning and broaden perspectives, like Business+Impact, the Consortium, and affinity-based clubs and partnerships.
