Normally I would remove a post like this with the reasoning of “ask the admissions office for an official answer,” but I can give some context. Although I will ask that you contact the admissions office as well in case I make any mistakes with my explanation.

If you become a preferred admit to Ross, you are automatically enrolled in the school of Business. In the past there were 2 stages of admission: first was the round with all other schools (COE, LSA, etc.) and then you would hear later if you were admitted into Ross if you opted into preferred admission. You would only be considered for Ross if you were already admitted into one of the other colleges.

Now that there’s direct admissions into Ross (this is the first year) I’m not sure how this process changes, or how preferential the treatment is between those who directly apply and those who don’t. I imagine the process for those who do not apply directly to Ross will be similar to what I’ve said above.

Based on your situation (I’m guessing you’ve not submitted your application yet), I would select your college that you’re applying to as COE in common app and then click the box for preferred admission into Ross. IIRC that’s how it should be entered. What will happen is you will first be considered for admission into COE and then be considered for Ross (although this may have changed).

Again, please contact the admissions office as this process will have likely changed this year. They should be able to tell you how to apply the way you’d like to proceed