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2 Magnificent University of Miami Essay Examples

Located in sunny Miami, the University of Miami consistently ranks as one of the top 50 colleges in the country. With over 180 degree programs to choose from, more than 300 student organizations, and a prime location in one of the most vibrant cities in the U.S., there is something for everyone at UMiami—especially those that love the sun!

Given how much UMiami has to offer, getting in isn’t easy: you’ll need more than just strong grades and test scores. Your essays will play a large role in your admissions decision, so they need to be good. In this post, we will share two essays that got students accepted into UMiami We will also go over what each essay did well and where there is room for improvement.

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our UMiami essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts.

Essay Example #1 – Perspective

I had been dreaming of my high school experience since my six-year-old self watched High School Musical. I saw this dream shatter, as I was tasked with watching my baby sister after school until 5:30 due to my mom’s struggles with her birth. Although months had passed since the birth, she continuously struggled with c-section recovery. After one of my mom’s surgeries, my sister and I went to the hospital to visit her. Seeing her in such a fragile and vulnerable state shocked me into reality. 

One day I would be the person carrying on the family name. I worked hard academically to make the family proud, but failed to embody the mindset and values my mother taught me. All her positivity, love for new experiences and family were clouded by my disappointment and frustration. Watching my sister wasn’t the fun, new experience I hoped for, but it was the one I was given and I needed to embrace it with the same happiness and excitement as the other.  

In the previous years, I had failed myself before I even started with my pessimistic mindset. This period in life showed me the importance mindsets hold. When I began to embrace and enjoy my time watching my sister, I realized I still lived out my dream. I cheered her on in games peek-a-boo and created our own, personal coloring club. Now when things are not going to plan, I take on the challenge of remaining positive with a smile.

What the Essay Did Well

This is a classic “ Overcoming Challenges ” prompt, so the key to writing a strong response is to focus not just on the challenge itself, but also your thoughts and feelings to demonstrate how you grew as a result of experiencing the challenge. This essay does just that.

The shift from context to self-reflection occurs at the end of the first paragraph with the sentence “ Seeing her in such a fragile and vulnerable state shocked me into reality. ” What follows is a description of the student’s thoughts, which shows readers what being shocked into reality meant for them, and why that shock caused them to change their mindset.

We see the student start to see their unexpected high school experience not as a burden, but a responsibility and perhaps even an honor: “ One day I would be the person carrying on the family name.” They also show humility by explaining how they “ failed to embody the mindset and values ” of their mom, and then telling us what those values were by describing her “ love for new experiences and family. ” 

Additionally, opening the essay with the lighthearted, fun image of High School Musical is a savvy choice, as the contrast between the “ fun, new experience [they] hoped for ,” and the serious, mature position they actually found themself in emphasizes the emotional weight of the student’s situation.

It’s also nice that this essay finishes by showing us what the student’s new mindset looks like: “ I cheered her on in games peek-a-boo and created our own, personal coloring club. ” Since the “Overcoming Challenges” essay is usually about a heavy topic, readers will appreciate things ending on an uplifting note.

Although a lot of the focus should be your thoughts and emotions in this type of essay, getting to see how those internal factors affected your choices and actions takes the story out of your head, and proves that this experience changed not just your mindset, but also how you conduct yourself out in the world.

What Could Be Improved

While the first paragraph does a nice job providing context, it could be rewritten to be more engaging by telling the story like it’s currently happening rather than reflecting. This might look something like replacing the line “I saw this dream shatter, as I was tasked with watching my baby sister after school until 5:30 due to my mom’s struggles with her birth” with “Instead of bursting into song and dance at the drop of a hat, however, every day after school I found myself cleaning mushy peas off the floor, dozing off during educational TV shows, and trying anything to keep my baby sister from kicking her socks off.”

The part of this essay that needs the most attention, however, is the last paragraph. As it’s written, the student is telling us in a general sense that this experience was good for them: “ This period in life showed me the importance mindsets hold…Now when things are not going to plan, I take on the challenge of remaining positive with a smile. ” 

While this is a valuable realization, it also comes across as generic, as many people have this realization at some point in their lives. In this kind of essay, it’s okay to have your big takeaway be something familiar, since lots of teenagers learn similar lessons as they’re growing up. But to keep your essay from sounding like a Hallmark card, you want to include enough details that your reader can concretely see how this lesson has impacted your life. The writer could have accomplished this by reworking the last paragraph to something like:

“I’d always considered myself pessimistic, but suddenly I found myself smiling even on my worst days. I replaced counting down the minutes left watching my sister with a giggle-infused countdown that ended in “Ready or not, here I come!” My boredom-induced pencil doodles gave way to an invite-only sisters coloring club with glitter gel pens. Maybe my experience doesn’t look like High School Musical, but with a positive outlook, I’ve enjoyed myself just as much as Troy and Gabriella. ”

Essay Example #2 – Perseverance

Content warning: This essay includes graphic depictions of mental health struggles. If this topic is triggering for you, please read with caution. If you’re thinking about covering similar topics in your essay, we recommend reading our post Should You Talk About Mental Health in College Essays?

For the past two years, I’ve been more familiar with toilet bowls than dinner bowls.

Given my lengthy hours vomiting in the bathroom weekly, seeing liquid reiterations of each meal is commonplace. When people discuss mental health, they neglect to mention its physical manifestations.

It starts with an intense stomach ache that cements me to the bed. Then, the dry heaving ensues. For the rest of the day, I alternate between the bedroom and the bathroom as I endure body pains, fevers, and chills that persist even after I’ve finished vomiting. Major Depressive Disorder is more than a mental illness— it’s a physical issue that has affected my attendance for years.

However, despite my class absences, I’ve managed to juggle health, extracurriculars, and grades. From staying after school to complete make-up tests, to receiving study guides and class agendas from friends, diligence and community are the key ingredients of perseverance. At first, adapting to my limitations was difficult, but today, I work with my condition, not against it. When I launched a POC writers space for marginalized creatives and took on heavy social justice work, I learned setting time boundaries and honoring my own needs was necessary for my health.

At UMiami, my approach to adversity will thrive. Whether my Public Affairs Internship is too demanding, or my slam competition with Speak What You Feel is anxiety-inducing, I’ll remember to prioritize my mental health so my academic commitments don’t suffer.

Most importantly, I hope UMiami’s toilet bowls are decent.

This essay is incredibly well-written. While their graphic descriptions of their struggles may initially be jarring for some people, their detailed imagery is what allows this student to elicit such a visceral reaction from their readers. 

For example, the image of being “ more familiar with toilet bowls than dinner bowls ” is a shocking way to start an essay, but the reader can’t help but immediately be invested. Although we might not like the thought of “ liquid reiterations ” of food, the creative phrasing paints a crystal clear picture in our heads, and that clarity helps us feel like we’re right beside the writer, rather than watching her struggle from a distance.

The student’s descriptions of the physical manifestations of their mental illness, including, “ an intense stomach ache that cements me to the bed ,” “ the dry heaving ensue s,” and “ I alternate between the bedroom and the bathroom ” continue to build our sympathy towards them, as these lines are described so well that we feel like we’re experiencing some of their pain ourselves.

However, this essay’s strength isn’t just in the imagery. This student also provides details that show us how they have overcome their challenge. For example, the line “ From staying after school to complete make-up tests, to receiving study guides and class agendas from friends, diligence and community are the key ingredients of perseverance” shows the student can weather a storm, which is exactly what admissions officers want to see in your response to this kind of prompt.

They also show us how they were able to “ [launch] a POC writers space for marginalized creatives and [take] on heavy social justice work ” by “ setting time boundaries and honoring my own needs. ” This sentence shows that they have not only persevered through their struggles, but actually used the lessons they learned as motivation in other areas of their life.

Another positive aspect of this essay is how the student ties in UMiami in the second to last paragraph. Just because you aren’t writing a “Why School?” essay doesn’t mean you can’t talk about resources at the college that align with your interests—in fact, colleges will be even more impressed if you weave school opportunities into a different essay topic.

That being said, you don’t want the connection to the school to feel forced, so if you aren’t able to figure out how to do it in a way that’s natural, it’s completely fine to just focus on responding to the prompt you actually have.

Finally, the ending is a nice tie back to the opening of the essay, which reminds the reader one last time about the challenges this student has had to overcome. Bringing back the image of a toilet bowl might be a bit of a shock, but it ensures that this essay is memorable.

While this essay doesn’t necessarily need to change anything, one thing to keep in mind is how to approach difficult or possibly triggering topics in a college essay. Although, on the whole, this essay handles the topic of mental health with tact, you never know who your reader is and what perspective they are bringing to the table. It’s important to not be excessive with your depictions of mental health, and to make sure the focus is primarily on how your illness has impacted your personal growth.

Where to Get Feedback on Your Essay

Do you want feedback on your University of Miami essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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How to Write the University of Miami 2024-2025 Supplemental Essays

With its picturesque campus and vibrant city backdrop, the University of Miami offers students an unparalleled combination of academic excellence and cultural richness. For the 2024-2025 application cycle, the university has introduced a new supplemental essay prompt designed to delve deeper into your personal experiences and how they align with the ethos of the University of Miami.

The essay prompt for this year is:

Located within one of the most dynamic cities in the world, the University of Miami is a distinctive community with a variety of cultures, traditions, histories, languages, and backgrounds. The University of Miami is a values-based and purpose-driven postsecondary institution that embraces diversity and inclusivity in all its forms and strives to create a culture of belonging, where every person feels valued and has an opportunity to contribute. Please describe how your unique experiences, challenges overcome, or skills acquired would contribute to our distinctive University community. Word Limit: 250 words

How to Approach the University of Miami Supplemental Essay

Given the word limit of 250, it's crucial to be concise while effectively communicating your story. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you craft a compelling response:

1. Identify Key Experiences, Challenges, or Skills

To start, think about the unique aspects of your background that align with the University of Miami's commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Consider instances where you've faced challenges, contributed to your community, or developed unique skills. Focus on experiences that highlight your ability to thrive in a culturally dynamic environment.

2. Reflect on Your Personal Growth

How have these experiences shaped your perspective and values? Reflect on the personal growth you've undergone and how these moments have prepared you to contribute meaningfully to the University of Miami community. This reflection will serve as the foundation of your essay, demonstrating your readiness to embrace and enhance the university's culture of belonging.

3. Connect Your Experiences to the University of Miami

Directly link your experiences and skills to what makes the University of Miami unique. Show that you not only understand but also embody the values and inclusive spirit of the university. Mention specific programs, clubs, or campus initiatives where you see yourself making an impact.

4. Be Authentic

The admissions team is looking for genuine, heartfelt responses. Avoid generic statements and strive to provide specifics that showcase your individuality. Authenticity will make your essay stand out and resonate more with the readers.

5. Seek Feedback

Before finalizing your essay, seek feedback from mentors, teachers, or platforms like Sups AI . Sups AI is an AI college counseling platform that assists students in brainstorming and refining their essays. Sups also offers one-on-one chats with current students, providing insights that can help strengthen your application. Leveraging these resources can ensure you present your best self in your supplemental essay.

Final Thoughts

Crafting a standout supplemental essay requires reflection, connection, and authenticity. By following these tips and utilizing resources like Sups AI , you can create a compelling narrative that showcases your readiness to contribute to the University of Miami's vibrant, inclusive, and dynamic community. Remember, every word counts, so be thoughtful and expressive as you tell your unique story.

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Test Optional for Spring and Fall

This means that when applying via the Common Application, prospective students may choose whether or not to self-report their test scores. If they choose to self-report their test scores on the Common Application, they may designate whether or not they wish to have those test scores used in the holistic review process. Applicants will not be required to self-report test scores on the Common Application.

Spring and Fall 2025 Supplemental Essay

In addition, all Spring and Fall 2025 first-year applicants will be required to submit a 250 word supplemental essay that focuses on resilience with the Common Application.

Supplemental Essay Prompt: 

Located within one of the most dynamic cities in the world, the University of Miami is a distinctive community with a variety of cultures, traditions, histories, languages, and backgrounds. The University of Miami is a values-based and purpose-driven postsecondary institution that embraces diversity and inclusivity in all its forms and strives to create a culture of belonging, where every person feels valued and has an opportunity to contribute.

Please describe how your unique experiences, challenges overcome, or skills acquired would contribute to our distinctive University community.

Only those Spring and Fall 2025 transfer applicants with fewer than 30 postsecondary credits at the time of their application who do not submit ACT or SAT scores will be required to submit the supplemental essay.

Your questions, answered

Yes, y ou may update your decision to have your application reviewed with or without test scores even after you have submitted your application.  Applicants may update their file until the Final Credentials Deadline of their chosen admission plan.

Here are some examples of testing-specific updates applicants can make:

• Submit test scores for the Admission Committee’s consideration
• Update your test scores
• Update your choice to be test optional or not

To make these and other changes, applicants must complete the  Test Score Updates  form in the  Applicant Portal .

Submit your application by the stated deadline: November 1 for Early Decision I and Early Action or January 6 for Early Decision II and Regular Decision. We hope that offering you the opportunity to make these updates  until the Final Credentials Deadline of your chosen admission plan  deadline will provide you with any needed flexibility.

As of right now, the test-optional model will be available for the Spring and Fall 2025 admission cycle. 

All Fall 2025 prospective students – regardless of whether or not they apply under the test optional policy – will be considered for merit scholarships. To be considered for the Premier Scholarships, Fall 2025 prospective students must apply by the November 1 deadline.

No, these prospective students have previously been permitted to apply for admission without test scores.

Yes, all Spring and Fall 2025 applicants may choose whether or not to submit test scores as part of their admission application.

Frost School of Music applicants must still audition whether or not they apply under the test optional policy.

School of Architecture applicants must submit a portfolio for review if they apply under the test optional policy.

Yes. Note that home-schooled students may be required to submit  additional requirements, such as an admission interview.

As of right now, this policy change applies to transfer applicants through Spring and Fall 2025, meaning, more specifically, that prospective students with fewer than 30 postsecondary credits at the time they are applying for admission will not be required to submit test scores.

Yes, student athletes may apply test optional for Spring and Fall 2025.

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University of Miami (UMiami) Supplemental Essay Guide: 2021-2022

Not sure how to approach the University of Miami essay prompts? With tips from an Ivy League graduate, CollegeAdvisor.com’s guide to the University of Miami supplemental essays will show you how to write strong University of Miami supplemental essays and increase your chances in the University of Miami admissions process.  For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources on the University of Miami and University of Miami supplemental essays, click here . Want help crafting your University of Miami supplemental essays? Create your free account or schedule a free consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

University of Miami Essay Guide Quick Facts

• The University of Miami acceptance rate is 33%— U.S. News ranks University of Miami as a highly competitive school. 
• We recommend answering all University of Miami supplemental essays with detail and care.

What is the acceptance rate for the University of Miami?

The UMiami acceptance rate is 33%, according to U.S. News . Compared to the UMiami acceptance rate, the national average for college acceptance rates is 68% . 

What does the UMiami acceptance rate mean? Well, a few things. First, when you build your college list, you should keep the UMiami acceptance rate in mind. It’s important to apply to a combination of “reach,” “target,” and “safety” schools. UMiami would likely fall in either the “target” or “reach” category, based on the UMiami acceptance rate. 

Want to learn more about how to use data like the UMiami acceptance rate to build a college list? Check out our blog articles on acceptance rates , college rankings , and building a college list .  

Demonstrated Interest

Another way to use the UMiami acceptance rate? Think of it as an incentive to write the best University of Miami supplemental essays possible. When schools have low acceptance rates (i.e. lower than the national average) then demonstrated interest (DI) becomes even more important. Colleges use DI to determine how much a student wants to attend their school. If an admissions officer is looking at two similar students (similar GPAs, test scores, extracurricular profile, etc.), often the decision comes down to which student shows greater DI. And, while there are many ways to show DI, one of the strongest is through your supplemental essays. This makes the UMiami supplemental essays even more important. To read more about DI and how it relates to the admissions process, check out this article in Forbes . 

Given the UMiami acceptance rate, you should pay attention to the University of Miami supplemental essays. The UMiami application process is competitive. While the UMiami acceptance rate is lower than the national average, it shouldn’t discourage you from applying. Strong University of Miami supplemental essays will set you apart from applicants with weaker answers to the University of Miami essay prompts.  

Does the University of Miami require a supplemental essay?

Yes. In addition to the Common App Personal Statement, there is an additional University of Miami essay. Some colleges have more than one essay prompt, but you will not find multiple UMiami supplemental essays. 

Given the UMiami acceptance rate, and since there are not multiple University of Miami supplemental essays, we recommend that you compose a thoughtful University of Miami application essay.  

Need tips on writing your Common App essay? Then, check out our blog article .  

How many essays are required for Miami?

There is only one short supplemental essay for the University of Miami. It may seem easy to tackle the University of Miami essay quickly. However, you should get an early start on the University of Miami application essay. Even though there are not multiple UMiami supplemental essays, you should not leave the University of Miami essay to the last second. This could decrease the quality of your University of Miami application essay and weaken your application. 

This also means that the Com m on App Personal Statement will play a large role in your admissions results. So, you should ensure you have a strong response to that prompt as well. UMiami will want to know that you are a strong writer, and they’ll also want to see how you have grown throughout high school. Both the Common App essay and the supplemental University of Miami essay let you show those things. Your University of Miami supplemental essay should highlight what makes you unique and how you would enrich the UMiami campus. No two University of Miami supplemental essays will be the same!

The essay matters

Since there are not multiple University of Miami essay prompts, you should approach the University of Miami application essay carefully—especially given the low UMiami acceptance rate. With just one University of Miami essay to write, you don’t have much space to impress your readers. A strong University of Miami application essay can boost your chances against the low UMiami acceptance rate. 

Last year, over 40,000 students applied to UMiami. That means that your readers are evaluating 40,000 University of Miami supplemental essays. With so many essays to wade through, the admissions team will be looking for strong writers who clearly and concisely answer the University of Miami essay prompt. The best University of Miami supplemental essays will draw the reader in with a strong opening anecdote and leave the reader wanting to know more about the student.

What are the University of Miami essay prompts?

In this guide, we will discuss how to respond to the University of Miami essay prompts. As noted, there is only one essay for UMiami, not multiple UMiami supplemental essays. This means that you should put extra effort into your one short UMiami essay. 

You can view the University of Miami application essay question here , on the UMiami website. You can also view it on the Common App website . 

Below, we will tell you the University of Miami essay question. We’ll also break down how to write the best University of Miami essay possible in order to boost your chances against the UMiami acceptance rate. You want your essay to stand out from other University of Miami supplemental essays by capturing your unique outlook and personality. Although there are not multiple University of Miami supplemental essays, you should spend a good amount of time writing your University of Miami application essay.  

For tips to make your University of Miami application essay stand out against other University of Miami supplemental essays, read on. Remember, admissions officers read thousands of University of Miami supplemental essays each year. This means you should try to set your essay apart from other applicants’ UMiami supplemental essays. 

University of Miami Supplemental Essays – Question 1

The University of Miami’s official mascot is the ibis. Folklore maintains that the native marsh bird is the last to take shelter before a hurricane hits and the first to emerge once the storm passes, making it an apt symbol of courage and resilience. Considering your ability to control your own motivation and behavior, how have past experiences helped build your courage and resilience to persist in the face of academic and life challenges so that, once these storms pass, you can emerge in continued pursuit of your goals? (Maximum 250 words).

How do I write the Miami supplemental essay? 

The University of Miami essay is a key part of your application. A strong response to the University of Miami essay prompt will boost your chances against the low UMiami acceptance rate. 

Basically, this University of Miami application essay asks you what challenges you have overcome. College can be a stressful place, so UMiami wants to see how you’ll handle the social, academic, and emotional pressures of university life. 

Focus on structure

Start your University of Miami application essay by thinking about structure. With only 250 words, you should structure your essay carefully. The best University of Miami supplemental essays will have three parts: what challenge you faced, how you dealt with it, and how the challenge helped you grow.

First, you must choose a challenge to discuss. Don’t choose something too common or too small, like getting a C on a test. However, you should also avoid choosing a problem too complex to fully address. You only have 250 words for this University of Miami essay question, so try to maximize the impact of each sentence. 

Narrow your focus

The prompt refers to your “past experiences,” so you could choose to discuss more than one experience in this University of Miami application essay. However, you want to make sure you have enough space to address the full prompt. Don’t spend the whole essay discussing many setbacks you have had in your life—instead, keep a narrow focus. 

This essay should discuss a time when you faced a setback but did not let that setback beat you. Admissions officers want to see your resourcefulness, creativity, and problem-solving skills in this University of Miami essay. The prompt wants to see that you “emerge in continued pursuit of your goals.” Make sure you focus on the how and not just the what . 

After you describe your chosen challenge, explain how you overcame it. Focus on your skills, ideas, and actions. Describe how—in specific terms—you beat the challenge and came out stronger on the other side. You’ll want to show how you learned and grew from your experience. Colleges love to see growth, and UMiami is no exception. 

The long-term effect

The best University of Miami supplemental essays will also reflect on how this challenge affected you long-term. How did this challenge change you? What did you gain from the experience? Think about any skills or traits that you developed from your challenge. Then, in your essay, discuss how you will carry those skills with you in the future. Try to gesture toward your goals; admissions officers want to see that you’re forward-thinking in your response to the University of Miami essay prompt. 

Admissions officers also want to see your creativity and problem-solving. As you start your University of Miami application essay, then, reflect on how you solve problems. How do you address a challenge? Why did this challenge matter to you? What was at stake? Most of all, this essay lets you show what has made you into the person you will be on the UMiami campus. Again, a solid University of Miami essay will boost your chances against the UMiami acceptance rate. 

University of Miami  Supplemental Essays—Final Thoughts

The University of Miami supplemental essay can seem daunting, especially given the UMiami acceptance rate. However, don’t let that discourage you from applying. The University of Miami supplemental essays are a great opportunity to show your readers who you are. 

Want to hear more from UMiami’s undergraduate admissions team on approaching the University of Miami supplemental essay? Check out this video from the Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions below.

Given the low UMiami acceptance rate, strong responses to the University of Miami essay prompts can help you succeed if you have a lower than average GPA or SAT score . Use this guide as a step-by-step aid to the University of Miami supplemental essays, and start earlier than you think you should. Strong UMiami supplemental essays will help you stand out against other applicants’ responses to the University of Miami essay prompts. Don’t be afraid to ask for edits from someone; it is helpful to have another set of eyes checking your UMiami supplemental essays for grammar, tone, and clarity, especially given the UMiami acceptance rate. Good luck!

This 2021-2022 essay guide on UMiami was written by Laura Frustaci , Harvard, ’21. This guide to the University of Miami supplemental essays shows you how to write engaging University of Miami essays and maximize your chances against the UMiami acceptance rate. For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources on writing strong UMiami supplemental essays, and on UMiami, click here .

Want help crafting your University of Miami supplemental essays? Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

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University of Miami Admission Essays

Introduction to university of miami essays.

The University of Miami, known for its vibrant campus life and academic rigor, requires essays that help the admissions committee understand each applicant's unique story. Crafting a compelling essay for the University of Miami involves reflecting your personality, goals, and fit with the university's ethos. This guide delves into various aspects of the University of Miami essay, including University of Miami essay examples and UMiami supplemental essay examples.

Before diving into the essay writing process, it's essential to grasp some key facts about the University of Miami essays. These essays are a critical part of your application, offering a chance to showcase aspects of your personality and aspirations that aren't evident in other parts of the application.

Main Facts about University of Miami Essays

Before diving into the essay writing process, it's essential to grasp some key facts about the UMiami essays. These essays are a critical part of your application, offering a chance to showcase aspects of your personality and aspirations that aren't evident in other parts of the application. Understanding these facts will help you approach your essay writing with clarity and purpose.

• The University of Miami requires applicants to submit essays as part of their application to gain a more holistic view of the candidate.
• These essays often include a personal statement as part of the Common Application or Coalition Application.
• Supplemental essays specifically tailored to the University of Miami are also a requirement, focusing on specific aspects such as why you choose the University of Miami or how your goals align with its programs.
• The word limit for these essays is typically strict, requiring concise and focused writing.
• Topics range from personal growth stories to discussing specific academic interests or career goals.
• Essays are used by the admissions committee to assess not only writing skills but also creativity, critical thinking, and suitability for the university's culture.
• Unique and original essays tend to stand out more in the admissions process, reflecting the applicant's genuine personality.
• Successful essays often connect personal stories with future aspirations and how the University of Miami can facilitate these goals.
• Demonstrating knowledge about the University of Miami’s programs, values, and community can add depth to your essays.
• Proofreading and revision are key, as well-structured, error-free essays reflect a candidate's attention to detail and dedication.

University of Miami Requirements

Gaining admission to the University of Miami requires meeting specific academic and application criteria. Prospective students must navigate a range of requirements, including GPA thresholds, standardized test scores, recommendation letters, and a well-rounded application showcasing extracurricular activities and personal achievements. Additionally, the university's unique essay prompts demand thoughtful, articulate responses that reflect the applicant's personality and compatibility with the institution's values. Understanding and meticulously adhering to these requirements is crucial for a successful application, as they collectively represent the standards and expectations set forth by this prestigious university.

Understanding the University of Miami Requirements

The University of Miami has specific requirements for its application essays, which play a pivotal role in the admissions process. These include word limits, usually ranging from 250 to 650 words, prompt choices that vary each year, and focus areas the university expects applicants to address. It's crucial to adhere to these requirements to ensure that your application is considered. This includes showcasing your writing skills, your ability to think critically, and your alignment with the university's ethos. Understanding and following these guidelines is the first step towards crafting a compelling application.

Role of Supplemental Essays in the University of Miami Application

The University of Miami recognizes the importance of a holistic review process, and as such, it requires applicants to submit supplemental essays. These essays are an opportunity for applicants to provide more detailed insights into their background, experiences, and why they are interested in attending the University of Miami. The supplemental essays usually ask students to elaborate on their academic interests, extracurricular activities, and personal experiences that have shaped their decision to apply. They allow the admissions committee to get a more holistic understanding of the applicant beyond grades and test scores. Crafting thoughtful and authentic essays can significantly impact the overall strength of an application.

University of Miami Supplemental Essay Prompts

The University of Miami offers a range of supplemental essay prompts, which are carefully designed to assess the applicant's fit with the university's culture and values. These prompts encourage students to discuss their academic and personal interests more deeply, their community involvement, leadership experiences, and personal challenges. They vary each year, but typically include questions that invite students to reflect on their personal growth, future aspirations, and how they plan to contribute to the university community.

• The first prompt focuses on personal growth and asks students to describe a significant challenge they have overcome and the lessons learned from that experience. For example, an applicant could write about overcoming a language barrier, which taught them resilience and the value of diverse communication skills.
• The second prompt delves into academic and career aspirations, where students are asked to articulate their future goals and how the University of Miami can help them achieve these. An effective response might involve a student's aspiration to become an environmental scientist, emphasizing how the university's cutting-edge research facilities and expert faculty can aid in their academic journey.
• The third prompt centers around community contribution, asking applicants to discuss how they plan to engage with and contribute to the University of Miami community. A compelling response could detail a student's plan to start a cultural exchange club, fostering a more inclusive and diverse campus environment.

Thoughtful responses to these prompts, showcasing personal narratives and clear alignment with the university's values, are key to demonstrating suitability for admission.

How to Write the University of Miami Supplemental Essays

Writing the UMiami supplemental essays involves a strategic approach that begins with thorough brainstorming:

• Start by reflecting on experiences and ideas that are meaningful to you and align with the prompt.
• Ensure that your essays are well-structured, engaging, and reflective of your unique experiences and perspectives.
• Focus on clarity and coherence, making sure each paragraph contributes to the overall narrative.
• Use specific examples to illustrate your points and avoid generalizations.

Most importantly, let your personality and genuine interest in the university shine through. Editing and revising multiple drafts is also key to polishing your essays to perfection.

University of Miami Essay Examples

Examining University of Miami supplemental essay examples can provide valuable insights into what the admissions committee looks for in a successful essay. These examples often demonstrate creativity, depth of thought, and a strong personal connection to the university's values. Analyzing these essays can help you understand the balance between personal storytelling and intellectual discourse that the university values. Note how successful essays integrate personal anecdotes with reflections on broader themes and how they align with the university’s academic and social environment. Use these examples as a guide but remember to inject your originality and voice into your writing:

• My Experience and How It Shapes My University Goals
• The Role of Failure in Personal Growth
• My Journey Towards Environmental Advocacy
• Lessons from Leading a Community Service Project
• How My Experiment Impacted My Academic Aspirations
• My Initiative to Promote Inclusivity in Education
• How Music Influences My Educational Path
• My Story of Resilience and Its Impact on My Future
• How Multilingualism Has Shaped My Worldview
• My Plan to Enhance Campus Sustainability at the University of Miami

University of Miami Essay Examples: Conclusion

In conclusion, the University of Miami essays are a significant component of your application. They offer an opportunity to demonstrate your unique qualities and how you align with the university. Writing these essays requires introspection, creativity, and a clear understanding of the university's ethos. Utilize these tips, examples, and insights to craft essays that truly reflect your identity and aspirations for your university journey. Remember, a well-written essay can be a deciding factor in your admission, making it essential to invest time and effort into crafting compelling narratives that resonate with the admissions committee.

Passion for Sustainable Science at University of Miami

As an aspiring environmental scientist, my journey has been shaped by a deep-rooted passion for sustainable development and a profound belief in the power of scientific knowledge to catalyze positive change. Therefore, it is with great enthusiasm that I submit my application for admission to…

Passion for Scientific Research and Pursuing Advancement

I have always been passionate about exploring the world of science and conducting research in order to contribute to the advancement of knowledge. This passion was ignited during a significant research project that I had the opportunity to participate in during my undergraduate studies. This…

Eye-Opening Experience: Embracing Diversity & Multiculturalism

I had limited exposure to diversity and different cultures. However, it was during my high school years that I had a personal experience that completely shattered my preconceived notions and opened my eyes to the importance of diversity and multiculturalism. Sophomore Year: Meeting Javier During…

University Of Miami: My Journey to Understanding Inclusion

The majority of the population in my town shared similar backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences. It wasn’t until I moved to a larger city for college that I truly began to understand the importance of diversity and inclusion. Introduction During my freshman year, I decided to…

Becoming a Global Citizen: My Journey in Ecuador and Beyond

As a high school student, I always had a keen interest in exploring different cultures and understanding global issues. This passion led me to participate in a student exchange program during my sophomore year, which turned out to be a life-changing experience. The time I…

Visualizing Tomorrow: UMiami's Design

Initiating the compelling journey of expressing my passion for architecture and design, the University of Miami Architecture & Design School supplement essay stands as a gateway. In the following narrative, my goal is not only to narrate the chapters of my creative journey but also…

UMiami Supplemental Example: My Scientific Odyssey

In this UMiami Science School supplemental essay example, my goal is not only to recount the milestones of my scientific journey but also to illuminate the profound motivations and aspirations propelling my pursuit of knowledge. Beyond being a mere application requirement, this essay stands as…

My Goal to Advance my Education as a Nurse

I have always been intrinsically drawn to the nursing profession. I have not survived or experienced any life-threatening illness nor had a role-model for inspiration to be a nurse and luckily, never had to take care of anyone close to me suffering from a medical…

Why I Want To Pursue A Master's Degree In Geometry

There is an undeniable beauty to pure mathematics. Now, after several years of working with deep abstractions, my dream is to go back to the real world and make use of all the theoretical tools that I’ve acquired, and contribute to further developments in different…

Why I Want to Study International Relations

In this essay, I will elaborate on why I want to study international relations. From my early fascination with the intricacies of global relationships to my experiences in Model United Nations and my desire for a comprehensive education, I am drawn to this field. The…

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University of Miami 2022-23 Supplemental Essay

Looks like it's the same as last year's supplement, and the year before.

it's a short essay -- 250 words -- based on a bird and a hurricane (Florida imagery). The only real difficulty it might present is if you've written your Common App essay around the same topic -- overcoming hardship. So if you're applying to U Miami, be sure you don't use up your Resilience Essay Quotient in the Common App essay. Here goes, from their website:

If applying for Spring or Fall 2023, you will be required to submit a supplemental essay of 250 words or less in response to the following prompt.

The University of Miami's official mascot is the ibis. Folklore maintains that the native marsh bird is the last to take shelter before a hurricane hits and the first to emerge once the storm passes, making it an apt symbol of courage and resilience. Considering your ability to control your own motivation and behavior, how have past experiences helped build your courage and resilience to persist in the face of academic and life challenges so that, once these storms pass, you can emerge in continued pursuit of your goals?

There might be another surge of applications to U Miami -- a private university -- now that Gov. deSantis has required Florida's public universities to "survey" your political views every year, to make sure students are not being indoctrinated. In other words, Big Brother really is watching now. ~XO EssayLiz

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University of Florida Supplemental Essays 2024-25 — Prompt & Advice

August 12, 2024

At the turn of the millennium, the University of Florida welcomed 63% of Gator applicants to Gainesville and functioned as a fairly accessible and highly affordable option for residents of the Sunshine State. However, by 2024, while still extremely affordable, the task of becoming a Gator has become far more difficult. They now receive over 67,000 applications and accept roughly 25% of those who apply. Incoming freshmen now possess an average unweighted GPA of 3.93 and SAT scores of 1320-1470. Another commonality amongst accepted students is that they write an excellent University of Florida supplemental essay.

 (Want to learn more about How to Get Into UF? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into the University of Florida: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

When applying to an institution like the University of Florida that rejects more than 7 of every 10 applicants, you’ll need to put maximum effort into every area of the application, including the Common App and supplemental essay. Below is the University of Florida’s required supplemental prompt for the 2024-25 admissions cycle along with our advice for composing a winning essay.

University of Florida Supplemental Essay – Required

Please provide more details on your most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom while in high school and explain why it was meaningful. This could be related to an extracurricular activity, work, volunteering, an academic activity, family responsibility, or any other non-classroom activity. (250 words)

The University of Florida is not necessarily asking you to write about the activity where you earned the most prestigious awards or held the highest position of leadership. The university is going to see all of your activities in that section of the Common App. As such, you want to ask yourself which of your entries is crying out for more explanation and detail. Which one is closest to your heart and most representative of your unique passions? Pick the option that will allow you to deliver additional detail that may be memorable to the admissions reader. Start this process by asking yourself, “What is the most interesting and consequential moment that I have experienced in one of my extracurricular activities?” If you can identify one clear-cut moment, that is likely the activity worth sharing with the UF admissions staff.

University of Florida Supplemental Essays (Continued)

At the core of this essay prompt, the UF admissions officers are really trying to figure out what you will bring to the Gainesville campus community . Again, what you achieved in a particular extracurricular activity will already be viewable in your Common App Activities Section and the Common App Honors Section , so you don’t want to make that the focus of this essay. Instead, you may want to touch on some of the following areas related to your role as a community member:

• How you function as a member of a team.
• Your leadership ability.
• Your passion, commitment, and drive.
• A commitment to social justice and equity.
• How you respond to challenges and obstacles.
• Illustrate how you have demonstrated maturity and dependability.

How important are the University of Florida supplemental essays?

The University of Florida lists six factors as being “very important” to the admissions committee. They are: GPA, standardized test scores, talent/ability, character/personal qualities, extracurricular activities, and the rigor of your secondary school record and most relevant to this blog—the application essay. It’s important to keep in mind that UF places both the essays and extracurricular involvement in the top tier of importance. Therefore, this essay is something of a two-for-one. Further, the essay is rated as being of greater importance than class rank, standardized test scores, or your state residency status.

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If you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your main Common App essay and University of Florida supplemental essay, we encourage you to get a quote  today.

Looking for additional writing resources? Consider checking out the following:

• Common App Essay Prompts
• 10 Instructive Common App Essay Examples
• College Application Essay Topics to Avoid
• How to Quickly Format Your Common App Essay
• Should I Complete Optional College Essays?
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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, university of miami supplemental essay examples.

I'm applying to the University of Miami and I'd appreciate if someone could share their supplemental essay examples or any advice on writing these. I know it's important to be authentic, but examples might help me understand what they're looking for. Thanks!

Hey there! I'm glad you're looking for some guidance on writing your University of Miami supplemental essays. CollegeVine has an article with two University of Miami essays submitted by real students, along with feedback on what works and what could be improved upon: https://blog.collegevine.com/university-of-miami-essay-examples

Now for some quick advice—make sure to thoroughly read and understand the prompt, and figure out what aspects of your life, experiences, and personality you'd like to highlight. Are there specific programs or opportunities at the University of Miami that really resonate with you? Make sure to include those!

When writing your essay, remember to be genuine and let your own voice shine through. Admissions officers want to get to know you as a person, so stay true to yourself and your unique experiences. Avoid clichéd topics, overly complex language, or trying too hard to impress.

Finally, always revise your essay multiple times, ask for feedback from others, and double-check your spelling and grammar.

Check out CollegeVine's guide to writing the current University of Miami supplementals: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-miami-essays

Good luck with your application!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

University of Florida 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Action: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 15

The Requirements: 1 essay of 250 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Activity

Please provide more details on your most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom while in high school and explain why it was meaningful. This could be related to an extracurricular activity, work, volunteering, an academic activity, family responsibility, or any other non-classroom activity. (250 words)

What would your life be mundane without? Elaborate on an activity, responsibility, or passion that is meaningful to you. Unlike an activities resume entry, this should be expanded to reflect your priorities, worldview, and sense of purpose. Do you babysit your cousins when your aunt gets called into work? How does it feel to support your family members in this way and what does the phrase, “it takes a village,” mean to you? Do you foster rescue cats until they find their forever homes? What does this hobby mean to you? Maybe you inherited your animal love from your dad who used to work as a farmhand. Use your experiences to tell admissions something about you they wouldn’t already know from your list of extracurriculars. What gives your life meaning? Why do you wake up in the morning? What are you working toward?

Honors College Only:

As albert einstein once said, “the important thing is not to stop questioning. curiosity has its own reason for existing.” reflecting on this, what academic subjects, learning opportunities, or extracurricular activities are you most excited to engage in during your college experience how do you imagine or hope the uf honors program will help feed your curiosity and help you achieve your aspirations (400 words).

This is a classic Why Essay even if it’s not incredibly obvious, although rather than asking only about your interest in the university in general, UF also wants to know why you are applying for the Honors Program. This essay calls for—say it with us now—research! Block off a solid hour or two to noodle around UF’s website , looking at the courses, clubs, research opportunities, study abroad experiences, musical ensembles, intramural sports teams, or anything else about the school that attracts you. The prompt focuses on curiosity, so mention every aspect that appeals to you in a college experience, even if they don’t connect elegantly into one major or focus. Take some time to learn about the Honors Program in particular, noting which courses, student activities, teaching assistantships, or retreats will help quench your thirst for discovery and prime you to reach your personal, academic, and professional goals. How does UF in general and the Honors Program in particular fit your hopes, dreams, and expectations for your college experience and beyond?

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Volunteerism is a way of giving back

By Barbara Gutierrez [email protected] 08-19-2024

Hannah Bethel, a junior at the University of Miami, has logged about 2,000 hours volunteering at the Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

For Bethel, who hopes to be a research physician, volunteering is not only a way to learn about health care but also a way to get to know the patients, their life stories, and what conditions brought them to the clinic.

Bethel was honored by the University’s Butler Center for Service and Leadership for her extraordinary work.

“Everybody should start volunteering because it is incredibly gratifying,” she said. “I think people innately want to help other people. Besides my official volunteering, if someone on the street needs help, I help them. Volunteering makes you a better person.”

Bethel is not alone. About 60 million people officially volunteer in the United States, according to AmeriCorps. Research shows that those who consistently help other people experience less depression, greater calm, fewer pains, and better health. They may even live longer.

Lindsey Goldstein is the associate director of the Butler Center, which offers a wide range of volunteer and advocacy-based service opportunities throughout the community for students. She said many students volunteer because they can meet other students, create a sense of community, and become social agents for a particular cause.

The Butler Center strives to also emphasize that volunteerism can be fun. A recent project took students to Zoo Miami to build a trail.

“They had to work hard, but they also got to enjoy a shared experience exploring the zoo and looking at the animals,” she said.

Goldstein also believes that most student volunteers do it because they have an innate motivation to do so. If not, they would not choose to use their free time, during recesses such as spring break, to do community service, she said.

One such person is Veronica Richmond. A junior, Richmond started volunteering in elementary school. For the past three spring breaks, she has spent her time doing community projects. These included helping to save the marshes at the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary in Lothian, Maryland, and hauling hundreds of wheelbarrows of sand at the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary in the Florida Keys.

“There’s so much love in volunteering,” she said. “It takes intrinsic motivation and kindness to seek out and take opportunities to do the dirty work that makes the world better.”

Many people help others because they are motivated by religious beliefs and a sense of community. David W. Kling , professor of religious studies in the College of Arts and Sciences , said that studies show that all religious traditions emphasize that helping others should be an important part of their practices.

“One thing is clear: Every study I have read points out that religion is the strongest predictor of altruism, whether it is financial giving or volunteering,” he said. “All religions teach selflessness and place a value on helping others.”

Christians are taught to “love thy neighbor” or “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” But Kling said that “it is not so much religious conviction alone” that encourages volunteerism. Instead, it is “religious belonging.”

Those who attend worship services on a weekly basis are more likely to volunteer than those who do it monthly, he said. Studies show that relationships and networks are established, and those social ties work their way into assisting others, he said.

“These religious people not only volunteer within their own churches or synagogues, but they also volunteer in other organizations,” he said. “So, it extends beyond their immediate world.”

For Athena Amancio-Alsobrook, a junior, volunteering began when she was a child. Her mother encouraged her to volunteer, and they participated in toy drives and Make-A-Wish Foundation projects.

Once at the University, she participated in Canefest, a yearly event held by the Committee on Student Organizations that brings to campus dozens of community organizations seeking volunteers. There she found the American Red Cross and through one of its programs, has been able to work with the homeless at the Miami Rescue Mission.

Amancio-Alsobrook has logged more than 160 hours in community service. In her service, she has prepared and served meals for the homeless.    

“It is always better for me to give to others who are less fortunate than me,” she said. “Once you see how grateful people are, it means the world to me.”

Students interested in participating in Orientation Outreach on Sunday, Aug. 25 can register here .

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