Are there any major differences between UMich Ross preferred admit and regular decision?

I'm applying to Ross at UMich and trying to decide between aiming for preferred admit or sticking with regular decision. How does each route affect my chances and experience at UMich?

The University of Michigan's Ross School of Business offers a unique program known as the Preferred Admission program. This program allows high school seniors to apply for a future spot in the Ross BBA program before they begin their undergraduate studies at UMich.

The advantage of applying as a Preferred Admit is that it allows high school students to secure a spot in the BBA program before they even enter their first year of college, making the transition smoother and alleviating uncertainty about getting into the program later. Essentially, it's like earning a promise of admission to a highly competitive and popular program.

Preferred Admits still begin their first year at UMich in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA), but they are pre-admitted to business courses and have access to Ross resources and opportunities earlier than students who aren't Preferred Admits.

Regular Decision, on the other hand, is competitive because students apply to Ross in their first year at UMich, typically in the Winter term. They complete their first-year prerequisites in LSA or another UMich school or college and then apply for Ross's BBA program. This way, there's less certainty and a bit more stress, as you'll have to meet all the academic requirements and compete with a larger pool of students for a slot in the program.

Do note, however, that admission via either pathway is highly competitive. The university looks at not just your academic accomplishments, but also your leadership skills, involvement in extracurricular activities, and a personal statement.

Overall, both routes lead to the BBA program, but the method and timing of application differ. It's worth mentioning that if you're denied Preferred Admit, you can still apply to Ross via Regular Decision in your first year at UMich. Ultimately, the decision between the two routes should depend on your level of commitment to a business degree and your comfort with dealing with the uncertainty of competitive admission after your first year.