michigan supplemental essays 2022

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Common questions, essay questions.

As students consider how they will contribute to the University of Michigan campus community and respond to question and essay prompts, they may wish to highlight things that had an impact on them such as: their involvement in clubs, competing as a student-athlete, studying abroad, going on a mission trip, being engaged in debate, participating in the performing or visual arts, having alumni ties to the institution, making a difference in their community, serving in a leadership capacity, being an entrepreneur, and many others. 

University of Michigan Questions

• Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it.  (Required for all applicants; minimum 100 words/maximum 300 words)
• Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests? (Required for all applicants; minimum 100 words /maximum 550 words)

The Common Application Personal Essay

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don't feel obligated to do so. (The application won't accept a response shorter than 250 words.)

• Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
• The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
• Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
• Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
• Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
• Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
• Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Transfer Applicants:   If you are a transfer student, please view the Transfer Essay Questions webpage  for additional required essays.

26 University of Michigan Supplemental Essay Examples (2023)

To get into the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in 2023, you have to write strong supplemental essays.

In this article, I've gathered 26 of the best supplemental and Common App essay examples for Michigan.

University of Michigan Admissions FAQ

Here are some answers to common questions regarding applying to UMich.

As one of the highest ranked public universities in the U.S., Michigan has a reputation that makes for a competitive admissions process.

University of Michigan's Acceptance Rate

This past year, a record 79,743 students applied to Michigan and only 16,071 were offered admission.

That gives Michigan an overall admit rate of just 20.15% for the Class of 2026.

University of Michigan Acceptance Scattergram

Here's a scattergram that shows admitted and rejected applicants for Michigan in recent years.

In order to stand out from other applicants, you'll need to write your best supplemental essays. Here you can find 26 examples of Michigan essays that worked.

Since many of Michigan's prompts have stayed the same year after year, these examples answer this year's prompts.

What is Michigan's application deadline for this year?

The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor offers two admissions deadlines for Fall 2023: early action and regular decision.

For this year, Michigan's deadlines are:

• Early Action (EA): November 1st, 2022
• Regular Decision (RD): February 1st, 2023

Some students like transfer students may apply in Winter 2023 or Summer 2023, for which there are two deadlines:

• Winter 2023 RD: October 1st, 2022
• Summer 2023 RD: February 1st, 2023

What are the University of Michigan supplemental prompts for 2022-23?

This year, the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor requires applicants to write two supplemental essays. The first essay is limited to 300 words while the second essay is longer, with a maximum of 550 words.

The Michigan supplemental prompts are:

1. Community Essay (Required for all applicants.)

Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. (100-300 words)

2. Why Michigan Essay (Required for all applicants.)

Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests? (100-550 words)

26 University of Michigan, Ann Arbor EssaysThatWorked

Check out these 26 Michigan essays that worked.

Below you can read example supplemental essays for Michigan, as well as Common App essays from admitted students.

Get inspired and start writing your own successful Michigan essays.

Prompt: Communities and Groups

• 1. Christian Faith
• 2. Horseback Riding
• 3. Youth Court
• 4. Two Sides
• 5. Marching Band Family
• 6. Chinese Christian Church
• 7. Whitman Navigators
• 8. Diverse Community
• 9. The Nabe

Prompt: Area of Study / Why Michigan?

• 10. Education Program
• 11. Business Opportunities
• 12. Engineering at Michigan
• 13. Economics and Political Science
• 14. Michigan Faculty
• 15. Interdisciplinary Learning
• 16. Michigan Opportunities
• 17. School of Kinesiology

Prompt: Extracurricular Activity

• 18. Summer in the City
• 19. Riding Horses
• 20. Restorative Justice
• 23. Speech and Debate
• 25. Soccer Lessons
• 26. Playing Horn

1. Michigan Community Essay: "Christian Faith"

Prompt: Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. (100-300 words)

I am a member of the Grosse Pointe chapter of YoungLife, a non-denominational Christian youth group. However, I wouldn't necessarily consider myself a "Christian."

My relationship with God is exactly that—mine. I sometimes question certain Christian teachings and beliefs, and I'm not 100 percent sure that I am officially any one religion.

This is not only OK, but encouraged at YoungLife; the motto of the organization is "Come as you are." The differences between myself and the person sitting next to me at Sunday Club don't matter there.

Our diverging ideas and opinions, some of which may be about religion itself, become white noise as we sing along with the leaders to start each Club at the YoungLife House. My understanding of Christianity can be polar opposite of that person—my friend—next to me, but we are connected in the Club's universal idea of being yourself and accepting others for doing the same.

I am still figuring out my individual ideologies, and I expect it to take time before I fully understand my feelings. My views may will fall within those of a Christian church, they partially could, or they might not at all. I haven't solved my religious puzzle yet, but I don't feel like an outsider because of it. The people at YoungLife respect my internal journey. They understand that I don't fully understand my religion yet.

2. Michigan Community Essay: "Horseback Riding"

As the first horse walked in for the HJAM hunter derby in May, I sat on the grassy hill overlooking the show grounds with my friends and the “big girls” for the first time. In just a few years, I would be one of the “big girls” that the younger kids would look up to. Brought together by long horse show days highlighted by donkey races in Kentucky, boat days in Traverse City, and “Ride and Drives” in Ohio, the group of riders that compete at the horse shows have become my friends for life.

Starting in the early 2010’s, when all of us rode ponies, everyone began to come out of their shell as we bonded over our love for this sport. Jumping the “kid jumps” until it was too dark, our group became inseparable, and Sundays, the last day of a horse show, became increasingly dreaded as it meant we had to say goodbye until the next show.

Trading in ponies for horses and bows for hair nets, we became engaged in much more mature activities- like water fights and golf cart races. Beginning to conquer bigger divisions and national finals, riding became more serious, however, being surrounded by this community kept it light hearted as we cheered each other on ringside.

Entering into my final junior year as a rider, I have trouble believing that I have become one of the “big girls” as it seems just yesterday I gazed up at my mentors on the hill almost a decade ago. Knowing that the friendships I have made will last a lifetime, I am forever grateful to the early mornings and long nights that brought us together and cannot wait to watch where each of us end up: both inside and outside of the ring.

3. Michigan Community Essay: "Youth Court"

A defining factor of my interests and character is membership to Ontario County Youth Court. Not only have I enjoyed the career exploration, new opportunities, and service aspects of the program, but also the people within it. Youth court provides as alternative path legal path for youth offenders. But also serves the community of members who conduct the trials. This has allowed me to gain an understanding of other people’s situations and circumstances.

After four years of dedicated membership, I have assumed leadership positions within the program. This includes acting as lead prosecutor, along with the elected chair of the Ontario County Youth Court Steering Committee. As chair, I have planned successful member outreach events such as a Halloween party and a career exploration event. By acting as a mentor and providing guidance towards my fellow members, I have encouraged others to develop a passion for youth court and law. Without this community, I would have never discovered my true passion for law, or broadened my understanding of others.

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4. Michigan Community Essay: "Two Sides"

I grew up with big glass doors in my living room, bold doors that opened to a garden on one side and a living room on the other. When you walked outside, you entered an untamed mosaic of bamboo, peonies, lavender, hummingbirds, bees and the occasional free-spirited cat. Grey stepping stones guided you through the mystical garden in a seemingly random fashion. The other side of the doors open up to a different type of community, a community where shoes and dirt weren’t allowed, corners were sharp, and the main odor was all-purpose cleaning spray.

These two worlds were separated by a mere panel of transparent doors. I believe that I am the product of both of them. These two spaces, along with my mother, formed the person that I am today. From the garden community, I learned to be pure and kind, while the indoor community warned me to also stay guarded. I’m reserved, but with a touch of confidence; forgiving but not ignorant; and perseverent yet flexible.

Things used to seem binary; I was either the garden or the room. However, I now believe that I am the living, breathing evidence that maybe life isn’t so one-sided. Maybe some us will realize that one side calls to us, while others will become the glass doors and, instead of standing on either side, experience multiple worlds.

5. Michigan Community Essay: "Marching Band Family"

As I prepared for my freshman year of high school, I was terrified I would never find my place at Grosse Pointe South. But when I started my first marching band camp a month before school began, I found the friends that would form my tightest-knit community for the next four years.

No matter how busy my schedule has become, the six hours I spend each week at marching band have remained a constant throughout high school. These friends have been the most unfailingly kind people I have met at South, and have provided me a place where I feel confident presenting myself authentically to the people around me.

As a section leader this year, I have gained experience as a supporter and motivator. My goal has been to help the underclassmen find the same community in marching band that I did.

This role has taught me a lot about collaboration. My fellow section leaders and I have shared responsibility for the quality of every performance we give and held meetings to discuss ways to improve rehearsal productivity. It has been incredible to see our hard work result in such enjoyable performances for our school and surrounding community.

The Grosse Pointe South Marching Band has become my second family throughout the last four years. I am incredibly grateful for the friends I will miss so much next year, and for the opportunity to provide underclassmen with the same kind and accepting environment that I was welcomed into four years ago.

6. Michigan Community Essay: "Chinese Christian Church"

As you walk onto my church grounds, you would be a little befuddled. What used to be a small one-story home now houses the Chinese Christian Church of Columbia--the former garage/carport is now the sanctuary, the swimming pool has been replaced with the education building, and the old house is now the kitchen and fellowship building. But the most glaring aspect is the separate services, divided by language not time. Our church walks between traditional Chinese culture and contemporary American beliefs. Many of the ABCs (American-born Chinese) and the few Americans join together for the English service, centered around more contemporary worship and disciple-building. The older immigrant population and the Chinese students from the surrounding universities gather for the Chinese service, featuring more conservative worship with hymns and focused on outreach.

Though we are divided by language and cultural barriers, we are joined together with a shared faith. While I call the English congregation home, I occasionally serve on the worship team for the Chinese service and as an interpreter for joint adult and youth events (when the Chinese and English service join together). While I serve in both congregations, my main focus is the children’s ministry where I am a Sunday school teacher and an activities coordinator. Every week, I love walking into the classroom, seeing the happy faces of curious children ready to learn new Bible stories despite their occasional rowdy and disobedient behavior. While the students learn, I share the same search for answers in my faith. With my church being a melting pot of cultures and language, we work to push aside those barriers to be joined together under one faith. Despite the challenges, the tight-knit community that has sprung up from our tiny house church has won my heart.

7. Michigan Community Essay: "Whitman Navigators"

I quit keeping track of how many times I've said "Hi, welcome to Whitman!" after my first Back-to-School-Night. As a member of the Whitman Navigator team for three years, I've greeted a few hundred parents, oriented three classes of freshmen, and built lasting friendships with fellow Navigators and staff. Navigators are Whitman students who lead Freshman Orientation and Back-to-School-Night, as well as give tours to transfer students.

In this capacity, I've worked with our two principals, Dr. Goodwin (now retired) and Dr. Dodd, on building a more welcoming Whitman. The community I love best is that of my high school, Walt Whitman. My place is similar to that of a Walmart Greeter, in that I am the first person freshmen see when they enter the front door. Using my school spirit and three years' experience, I enthusiastically guide these freshmen through their first encounter with this large, and often intimidating, new community.

Last year, I received my first question that I couldn't answer. As a chorus student, my knowledge of the Fine Arts at Whitman is limited; when a freshman asked me about ceramics courses, I paused and pondered. Rather than providing her with false information, I said, "I actually couldn't tell you.

At the end of orientation, I'll refer you to Gianni, a Navigator who took ceramics last year." The closeness of the Navigator community meant that I knew the right person to answer her question. Here I was, answering the freshman's question in a position of authority, when only four years ago I was in her shoes. Navigators granted me the opportunity to help others acclimate to the school, and I developed leadership traits through which I could guide people successfully.

8. Michigan Community Essay: "Diverse Community"

In my hometown, you can hear the cows moo and the tractors hum. The smell of manure might only be overtaken by the fumes of a Ford F-150. Farms line the sides of the roads I take to school. I have lived in rural Carroll County, Maryland my whole life. I have grown to love it. The people are friendly, neighborhoods are safe, and schools are good. However, there is one main issue. Everyone here is white.

While visiting the University of Michigan, I noticed the treelined campus. I pictured myself meeting peers in the dorms and classrooms. I was overwhelmed when I stepped into the Big House. But the thing that stood out the most was the diversity of Ann Arbor. Being in a place where a variety of ethnicities is so prevalent was a wake-up call to what I have been missing my whole life.

The diverse community of the University of Michigan is a place where I could see myself thrive. Being around and learning from people with unique backgrounds has been a rare commodity in my life. Around the age of thirteen, I realized what I had been missing within Carroll County, so I joined a soccer team in a more diverse neighboring county. This team gave me a taste of what life is like away from my rural hometown.

In college I want to belong to a society of people all different from each other. I would be able to learn so many valuable life lessons. University of Michigan is a place where I could share my story, as well as take in the stories of many different people. In college, I want to join a community filled with variety and open mindedness, rather than remaining in my ethnically homogenous past.

9. Michigan Community Essay: "The Nabe"

The bus took ten minutes to get home this time, not the usual thirty. This wasn’t my home, but it would essentially become just that.

The Morristown Neighborhood House is a center that provides a free and safe after-school environment for local children. While I had previously participated in various service programs, something was different about NH. Whether it was teaching long division or playing a game of chess, the bonds I established with the kids were real, human connections.

It was a privilege to be appointed service coordinator at the end of my junior year. But, I wanted to further immerse myself into “the Nabe.” While there were various summer options, I felt that there couldn’t be a better choice than signing up to be a camp counselor at the Nabe.

The kids became family; through sarcophagus art projects, writing practice, Xbox tournaments, implicit bias discussions, and trips to the park, they became the little siblings I never had. When I brought in ice cream for all of them on my birthday, I was showered with hugs. No foreign exchange trip could outdo that.

I am a member of many communities based on my geography, ethnicity, interests, and talents, but the most meaningful community is the one that I never thought I would be a part of. Bryan, Genesis, Justin, John, Christian, Jason, Jazarah, Jaeden, Steven, Angelique, Isabella... and Yajur.

On that first bus ride to the Nabe, I never saw it coming.

10. Why Michigan: "Education Program"

Prompt: Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests? (100-550 words)

Growing up, I always pictured myself as a great teacher as an adult. With the second best secondary education program in the country and an emphasis on the liberal arts and undergraduate education, I am confident that U-M will shape me into the great educator I’ve dreamed of becoming since I was a kid.

Hallmarks of a liberal arts education include teamwork, problem-solving, clear writing, and effective communication. These are also skills that any exceptional teacher needs. U-M offers an unparalleled curriculum that prepares students to successfully run classrooms and obtain Provisional Teacher Certifications upon graduation, exposing students to diverse classes and people in Ann Arbor, and providing them with an invaluable liberal arts education along the way.

Being an effective teacher means connecting with and stimulating all students at its core. The liberal arts foundation I will receive in the College of Literature, Sciences, and the Arts (LSA), married with the experiential education and training the School of Education (SoE) will provide, will mold me into that great teacher—a mentor and role model for any student, regardless of creed—I’ve always aspired to become.

The Teacher Education Preferred Admission (TEPA) for incoming freshmen piqued my interest because the program is the crossroad between the liberal arts and teacher education; two components I was looking for in a college. TEPA will allow me to build a strong liberal arts base in LSA my first two years on campus before entering SoE, while also gaining beneficial experiences in the education field early on.

The education-oriented programs WE READ and Students Empowering Education specifically appealed to me because they will bridge my liberal arts education with my anticipated career as a high school English teacher. Similarly, my Spanish classes will have a practical application in the Ann Arbor Language Partnership, a program that immediately interested me as a potential Spanish minor.

During my first two years as a pre-admit, I'll be supported by my TEPA peers and staff, specifically from my SoE personal adviser. TEPA will take the large campus and make it feel smaller, allowing me to form organic connections with like-minded people and groups that can cultivate my interest in education before entering SoE junior year.

I need a meaningful education to be a meaningful educator. Truthfully, I could go to almost any college to become a teacher, but only schools that synthesize in- and out-of-classroom learning like SoE produce great ones. U-M ranking sixth in the country for undergraduate teaching bolstered my interest in the university and confirmed what I already knew: I will receive an education in LSA and SoE that will change who I am as a person and not just a student, and prepare me to provide the same for others as a teacher.

The great educator I’ve always envisioned myself becoming is one that can inspire without bounds. From my time as a student, I’ve come to realize that a truly influential teacher can work with students who have little in common with themselves and still be impactful. LSA's purposeful and broad curriculum, paired with SoE's hands-on courses and fieldwork, and the additional opportunities available through TEPA, will shape me into that life-changing teacher, for any student who walks through my classroom door.

11. Why Michigan: "Business Opportunities"

Growing up in a community that bleeds maize and blue, the community represented by the University of Michigan has always been one that I could see myself representing as both a student and alumni. From football games at the big house to classes at Ross, each and every opportunity available at U of M represents a piece of my life that I hope to continue to incorporate into my life for the rest of my life.

The opportunity to take courses that allow for enriched experiences in developing a real business is one that I intend to be involved in as soon as possible. I will use this type of class as a way to test my skills and learn where I need to become stronger as a leader and student. Watching others equally driven as me, their tactics that are successful and not successful will imprint on how I attack problems in the future and shape my overall leadership style.

By being involved in the Multidisciplinary Action Projects down the road as a graduate student, I hope to learn firsthand what it takes to run and be involved with real businesses. Firsthand exposure is the best way to learn how to solve problems- especially surrounded by peers who are equally as driven and dedicated as I am.

Filled with students striving for nothing but the best they are capable of is a community that I am certain I will enrich and fit into. By sharing ideas and collaborating together instead of against each other, each and every one of us will contribute to the business world as leaders and innovators.

The University of Michigan is a place I can see myself learning and growing as a leader for the next four years as I intend to use all of the tools at my disposal to become a top business person. The opportunities within the school I will be involved in and the peers that I will work beside only enrich the values of what being a Wolverine mean to me.

12. Why Michigan: "Engineering at Michigan"

The University of Michigan’s College of Engineering has a proactive approach to career path discovery and job search. While I do hope to aspire to a corporate attorney, an engineering degree from the University of Michigan would provide me the advantage of readiness.

U.S News and World Report published an article about challenges law school applicants with STEM degrees face. Number one was the lack of research skills. Michigan Undergraduate Engineering has research opportunities for all undergraduate students. I hope to even take advantage of The College of Engineering (CoE) International Internship Program. The chance to see the world and contribute to the world-class studies conducted by Michigan Engineering students is a unique quality. The article also reported that STEM applicants often lack job experience. Michigan Engineering hosts internship fairs, which even freshman can participate in. By utilizing the opportunity to work in a professional setting, I will be more adapt to presenting myself in a mature and respectable manor in a corporate setting.

Many people are puzzled by my aspirations to become a corporate lawyer with an engineering degree. While I enjoy learning about many areas of study, math and science have always peaked my interest. Like my attraction to law, I am drawn to the definitiveness of engineering specifically. While there is a right and wrong in methods and procedures, there is a chance to be creative; for the end goal is functionality. Law requires critical thinking, problem solving, and the questioning of presented facts and figures. These skills are also encompassed in Michigan Engineering. With a technical understanding of industry and engineering, I will be able to more accurately represent a corporation. Like the professors at Michigan Engineering, I hope to be an expert in my field. At Michigan Engineering, I will be educated by the best of the best. Professors that have been exposed to their fields in every aspect; allowing them to provide the best guidance to students. Instead of just presenting facts and figures in a courtroom, I will be able to understand and explain them.

13. Why Michigan: "Economics and Political Science"

In my junior year microeconomics class, my teacher extensively explored the ways in which people from different socioeconomic classes were affected by our economic system. I was frustrated by the ways our country forces those living in poverty to spend the little money they have on taxable goods. I began to empathize with them. How can people pull themselves out of poverty if their government seems to be working against them? More than anything, I was frustrated that I felt powerless to help them in any way.

Those lessons inspired and motivated me. I had always looked at economics as nothing more than an analysis of business models and resource allocation. I began to see it as a way to fix fundamental problems in our society, from examining the effects of healthcare expansion on crime and poverty rates to studying how shifts in our political climate affect how our country’s financial process will change. I now see economics as a way to help those in need in my country and throughout the world.

I volunteered after school for Representative Dingell and had the opportunity to attend numerous events hosted by the Ford School. Again and again, I was impressed by the extent of the Ford School’s student involvement in critical issues. Through my work with the Congresswoman, I was able to gain a greater understanding of how different groups of people were affected by shifts in political and economic priorities. My goal is to become a civil rights attorney or study economics as a way to promote sustainable growth in developing nations.

I want to begin my studies at the University of Michigan in LSA to gain a foundation in economics and political science-related courses. After my first year, I hope to gain admission to the Ford School. The connections that LSA and Ford have to Poverty Solutions solidified by interest in the University of Michigan. If I attended these schools as an undergraduate student, I would be able to assist with research on the causes and ramifications of poverty. Professor Michael Barr’s research on policy initiatives and our financial system is fascinating from the perspective of a prospective economics major. At the University of Michigan, I would be able to join teams of renowned researchers working toward the betterment of our society and our world.

The range of schools working in connection with Poverty Solutions is evidence of the University’s devotion to civic engagement. I would be able to participate in groundbreaking research regarding issues I am interested in; I would have the ability to study poverty and ways to stunt or alleviate its effects in other countries. As someone hoping to pursue a career in public service, it is truly incredible to have the opportunity to join a research community specifically geared toward solving problems I am passionate about solving.

I want to join the University of Michigan’s legacy of innovators. I want to be part of the LSA community, studying economics and political science. I want to attend the Ford School and understand how policy in America and abroad has an effect on global poverty. I want to be involved with the Poverty Solutions Initiative, conducting groundbreaking research on the ways we can reform our financial system to better serve the lower and middle classes.

14. Why Michigan: "Michigan Faculty"

Riding the elevator to the seventh floor of Haven Hall, my heart was practically leaping out of my chest. I was meeting with Dr. Jenna Bednar of the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts Department of Political Science, and as I recalled her credentials- B.A. in Political Science from Michigan, M.A. and PhD in Political Science from Stanford- I felt increasingly out of place. As a junior in high school with limited political experience, I am grateful that she agreed to take time out of her day to meet with me and answer my numerous questions about LSA, Michigan, and political theory.

Upon entering her office, my eyes were drawn to bookshelves full of political literature, from the classics like De Tocqueville and Locke (which I read in a summer college program in 2017), to her own recently published work, The Robust Federation. Encouraged by her broad smile and having just completed an official campus tour, I launched into my questions. Dr. Bednar described the connections she and her students have made at Michigan, through LSA and in general.

This revealed to me that the faculty would take a personal interest in my academic career. We discussed the average class size in LSA and the Department of Political Science, her academic background, and how to survive Michigan winters. Dr. Bednar then brought my attention to the benefits that LSA Political Science gives its students.

For example, as head of the Michigan in Washington program, Dr. Bednar's passion for both political science and education was evident as she introduced me to one of Michigan's most influential academic programs. Although I hail from two miles outside the D.C. border, I aspire to participate in the Michigan in Washington program, to build on my internship of the past year with my delegate to the Maryland General Assembly.

Under his guidance, I conducted nationwide policy research, attended civic association meetings and development forums, and traveled to our state capitol to watch the legislative process unfold. Consequently, an internship at the federal level is my logical next step toward building the foundations of a political career.

Dr. Bednar, upon hearing about my internship with my delegate, suggested that I think about the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program. I believe that this research program offers a unique means of building my understanding of political science. I am eager to apply to the UROP program in hopes of furthering my research skills within the complex political landscape of today. Furthermore, the variety of courses that I can explore as a political science major is remarkable: from "Sports, Politics, and Society", to "Nations and Nationalism," the scope of topics will keep me engaged.

When I sat down with Dr. Bednar, I expected a five-minute chat; I received forty-five minutes of helpful advice, political theorizing, and well wishes. Leaving her office, I felt energized and ready to dive into LSA Political Science right there. Her demeanor helped to build my confidence to boldly seek connections in my search for knowledge. I saw the Michigan difference firsthand, from various undergraduate opportunities for political science, to a universal love for the school from students and faculty alike.

15. Why Michigan: "Interdisciplinary Learning"

My favorite class in high school was also my hardest. It was World Culture/World Literature, an hour and a half each day of seeing history, art, and literature not as separate entities but as intricately connected, one incomplete without the other. I learned to see humanism in Greek sculpture, religious propaganda in the chiaroscuro of Baroque paintings, disillusionment in modern art. Although seemingly unrelated to my STEM-leaning interests, the analytical skills I learned there would prove invaluable in neuroscience research. Connecting electroencephalography results to mechanisms for chronic pain relief wasn’t all too different from drawing links between historical movements and paintings; both required an intimate knowledge of background information and a willingness to take risks, to see new relationships and forge unprecedented connections.

LSA embodies precisely this mentality, fostering interdisciplinary learning and problem-solving. With classes like “Health, Biology, and Society: What is Cancer?”, bridging humanistic and biological approaches to disease, and graduation requirements ranging from Natural Sciences to Race and Ethnicity, LSA prepares students for the real world, where problems necessitate not just single-minded expertise but also a diverse understanding of other factors involved. My internship experience only confirmed the practicality of this perspective; we used mindfulness meditation alongside spinal cord stimulation technologies to treat chronic pain.

This mindset is not confined to learning inside the classroom. The LSA Opportunity Hub is robust, connecting students to internships at Nike, Forbes, and the US Department of Education, among other places. To intern as a research assistant at Mayo Clinic, to use mathematical models to predict brain tumor growth like current Michigan junior Tatum Doyle would be an unequalled opportunity. Her work in incorporating mathematical concepts in medical research personifies the LSA culture, where problems are best solved holistically. LSA’s interdisciplinary approach does not detract from fostering specialization and excellence in specific fields, but adds; its Biochemistry program promotes innovation and independence in its students and is ranked top in the nation.

I remember boiling down cabbage with my dad to make acid/base indicators. In elementary school, my teacher wrote that I had been spending too much time reading animal books and too little time playing with other kids. I loved (and still love) all things living, often marvelling at the complexity of the animal kingdom, the human body, the organs, and the cells that were the foundation for everything else. The first time I read about the process of translation, of rendering mRNA into proteins, my eyes filled with tears; this is what I wanted to do, to apply the chemistry that had defined my childhood to my love of biology.

LSA shares that passion, dedicating a plethora of resources, both intellectual and material, to its Biochemistry department. With equipment like atomic absorption spectrophotometers, classes in Endocrinology, and distinguished professors, the University of Michigan has everything any biochemistry undergraduate student would need, and much more. To research under a PI like Dr. Kopelman, winner of the J. William Fulbright Research Award, would be a dream fulfilled. His work in employing 5-dimensional chemical imaging to visualize and treat tumors does what LSA does best; it uses an interdisciplinary approach to make academic discoveries both relevant and essential in the real world. It is a culture I would be honored to take part in, should I be accepted.

16. Why Michigan: "Michigan Opportunities"

Sweat drips down my face onto homework in front of me.

I just got home from a soccer game; I’m not stressed. This is until I realize I still have a plethora of edits to make on my lab report as well as emails to write for an upcoming NHS event. AND I have three tests the next day.

Although stressful, I enjoy every minute of juggling a variety of academics and extracurriculars. I appreciate all the opportunities my high school offers to me and I take advantage of as many as I can handle. Thanks to my involved years of high school, I have received a great education as well as many experiences I would never trade away.

Entering my senior year and researching universities I may want to attend, there is one question which continuously presents itself. What do I want to major in when I get to college? It is a scary question and I have never known the answer. Despite participating in many extracurriculars such as National Honor Society, Science Olympiad, Math Honor Society, and Future Business Leaders of America, I still have no idea what I want to do with my life.

As a student at LSA, I would be able to use the abundance of resources to explore possibilities for life after college. Since I am one of the many college applicants who has not decided upon a major, a large, liberal arts college like LSA is the perfect place for me to discover more about myself, pursue interests, and find my purpose. I have considered medicine, business, economics, and law. The two courses I have enjoyed the most are biomedical sciences and US History. I am truly all over the map!

With so much variety at LSA, I would be able to change majors or take a diverse group of classes so that I could find what I want to study. LSA is unique from its University of Michigan counterparts because it offers a broader range of departments, majors, and courses. The flexibility at LSA would help me discover what I want my life to be like while supporting me through my journey.

Additionally, LSA provides students with multiple opportunities not found anywhere else at University of Michigan. One program that caught my eye was Michigan Learning Communities. This program appeals to me because having the resources of this large university, yet finding a niche in the community to challenge myself and others, can help me grow as a student and a person. Similarly, the Opportunity Hub at LSA jumped out at me as I researched the University and toured the school. I would take full advantage of the great connections the Opportunity Hub provides, as it could help me find an internship or job offer when the perfect time comes. MLCs, the Opportunity Hub, and the many other programs which LSA offers are the main reasons why LSA would be the best college fit for me.

I was initially drawn to the University of Michigan by the beautiful campus, great athletics programs, unmatched prestige, and massive alumni network. However, as I dove deeper, I discovered LSA, a school that can help me realize my purpose and passions while providing a focused learning environment to lead me to a bright future.

17. Why Michigan: "School of Kinesiology"

Throughout my college search, I had yet to come across the perfect undergraduate school for my interests. The safe pick was always the standard “College of Arts and Sciences” or its equivalent, with the most varied options for me to craft my experience. Something was different about Michigan. I didn’t need to craft my own academic experience at another university when the perfect one was already designed here: The School of Kinesiology’s Movement Science program.

In my house, we never eat scrambled eggs. We eat denatured albumin and yolk proteins served with a sprinkling of sodium chloride; cooking was chemistry, not just a chore. From a young age, my parents have cultivated a sense of curiosity in me. So when I injured my left wrist in the summer before freshman year, it was so much more than just an injury. I researched more into my growth plate dislocation and radial fracture. I got to see the details of the procedure, the recovery process, and the gradual reversion of my X-rays to a normal wrist image. This fascinating journey got me through an otherwise disappointing summer: no basketball and no french horn.

While the seeds were planted during my injury, they didn’t start blooming until I spent a week shadowing Dr. Kesavan Ramanujan in the Royal United Hospital, Bath, England. I realized that the field of orthopedics was a field where I could visually identify a problem, come up with a solution, implement the solution through operation, and help someone progress to full recovery. The gratification on the doctor’s faces when their recovered patients came back to visit them was infectious. While this trip was my first time staying abroad without my family, the biggest takeaway for me was that I had found a career I was truly interested in.

My volunteer work at the Robert Wood Johnson Hospital Physiotherapy Clinic has only strengthened this notion. While my work as a volunteer may be the more routine tasks: making schedules, doing paperwork, cleaning the beds and the gym, setting up hot packs, cold packs, and stimulation pads, I have learned so much about the subtle details of patient interaction through what I absorb from the physical therapists. Even if a PT is having a bad day, they have taught me how important it is to have a smile on your face for the next patient coming through the doors. They have also taught me how much of an intersection there is between teaching and medicine/therapy.

These experiences draw me to the School of Kinesiology, and specifically the Movement Science program. The opportunity to actively engage with skeletomuscular system studies as opposed to solely classroom learning appeals to me, as do the extensive research opportunities. The specialized IONM Intraoperative Neuromonitoring Program-- the only accredited IONM program in the world-- would give me the chance to engage in an exciting, interdisciplinary curriculum that cannot be found anywhere else.

From scrambled eggs to broken bones; from British adventures to lessons learned in the RWJ clinic. Discovering my passion for orthopedics and movement science has already been an exhilarating ride; yet, these have all been just the beginning steps of my journey. I cannot think of a better place to continue than the University of Michigan.

18. Michigan Extracurricular Activity: "Summer in the City"

Prompt: If you could only do one of the activities you have listed in the Activities section of your Common Application, which one would you keep doing? Why? (150 words max)

I would chose to continue my involvement with Summer in the City, a nonprofit that empowers young citizens to revitalize Detroit through beautification and youth engagement, because I believe heavily in the power and potential of two things: Detroit and young people.

At SITC, I can see the difference I’m making through the murals I paint and the kids I play with. With each brush stroke, I am moving the city one step in a positive direction. And with each high five from my “buddy” at the camp, I feel like I am part of the grassroots, youth-driven movement the city needs.

19. Michigan Extracurricular Activity: "Riding Horses"

For as long as I can remember, riding horses has played an integral part of my day to day life. It has taught me more than I could learn anywhere else and truly morphed my character forever. Riding has become a key part of my identity. Spending 30+ hours a week at the barn in addition to nearly 20 weekends of the year at horse shows, it has shown me the impact that long term effort has on success. This time commitment has also allowed me to make close friends that I hope to stay connected with for the rest of my lifetime. Riding has ultimately become more than a sport to me, but rather part of my life: a part of my life that I will treasure for as long as I am alive.

20. Michigan Extracurricular Activity: "Restorative Justice"

With my aspirations to pursue a career in law, I would continue with youth court. Restorative justice is a concept that repairs damages and restores harmony. Instead of merely correcting illegal actions, an offender is integrated back into the community as a productive member of society. As a member, this is the greatest sense of satisfaction. Allowing someone the chance to change truly displays why I have remained devoted to the program for years.

At the University of Michigan, I would continue my restorative justice journey by involving myself in the Office of Student Conflict Resolution. I understand people have faults, which lead to disputes. With my vast experience with a variety of cases, I can assist others in making amends. Therefore, I am hopeful that I would be selected as a Student Resolution Panelist to be further educated on methods and approaches using restorative justice.

21. Michigan Extracurricular Activity: "Nanny"

Working as a nanny has taught me much more than any club or organization could. Growing up with a single mom, I wasn’t always the primary focus: I had to learn how to take care of myself and carve my own path. Now, being a nanny enables me to be a role model and guide for kids whose parents might not have the time or ability to do so. And as the child of a working parent, I’m also aware of the constant stress parents are under.

Not only does being a nanny teach me how to handle the responsibilities of caring for a child, it also allows me to reminisce on my childhood. Whether I’m helping David with his Spanish homework, teaching Edward how to say hi, or finding Leprechaun footprints with William, I can feel the unique impact I’m making on their lives, an impact which is irreplaceable.

22. Michigan Extracurricular Activity: "DECA"

Throughout middle school and my freshman year of high school, I was a mouse. I was terrified of making a spectacle of myself. The first time I walked into a DECA meeting -- one of only five girls in a group of 50, and the only freshman -- I nearly turned around and left.

Since that day, I have earned three medals and been named a state finalist. That mousey freshman would never believe I could receive statewide recognition for a competition that required me to communicate my ideas to strangers. Walking into my first meeting was a huge step outside my comfort zone. Since then, my experiences in competitions have given me a breakthrough in self-confidence, and for that I am especially grateful. Not only has DECA enhanced my high school career, but it has helped me learn to take pride in myself and my ideas.

23. Michigan Extracurricular Activity: "Speech and Debate"

Since September of sophomore year, I have been attempting to persuade everyone and everything, from walls, to friends, to rearview mirrors, to agree with me. Through competitive topics in Speech & Debate, I'm learning how today’s issues affect American teens. From analyzing drug culture and its impact on youth, to assessing politics' role plays in dating, I'm granted the opportunity to broaden my perspective.

In the process, I'm meeting some of the most intelligent and fascinating students at tournaments. The Speech community is a creative outlet where I'm comfortable having my ideas challenged and challenging others. I plan to join the Michigan Debate team, and help coach high school Speech teams in Ann Arbor (my coaches are college students), because I believe that every teenager should be encouraged to critically explore current events, while getting comfortable speaking to inanimate objects, judges, and competitors in the process.

24. Michigan Extracurricular Activity: "EMT"

I love being an EMT. I love the urgency of working in an ambulance, the way my heart quickens and my mind focuses when providing emergency patient care. But most of all, I love helping individuals in my community in a way most other people can’t. As EMT's, we’re endowed with the opportunity to intervene at the most critical points in a person's life, to provide calm and stability in life-or-death situations.

These are moments cemented in their memories, ones that define their conception of hardship and struggle. Every call I run presents a chance to make a permanent difference, from a classmate’s suicide attempt to a stranger’s car accident. By being there and providing compassion within chaos, I cherish the opportunity to positively influence each of my patient's lives. I wouldn’t give it up for anything.

25. Michigan Extracurricular Activity: "Soccer Lessons"

The activity which I am most passionate about and plan to continue is soccer. Soccer has taught me multiple skills applicable to all aspects of life. These include leadership, teamwork, and work ethic. As captain of the soccer team, I have taken away various lessons I can apply in life. For instance, I have improved not only giving constructive criticism, but also receiving it- something which I am still working toward. Similarly, I have learned to be a better teammate, as soccer is reliant on playing together. Most significantly, soccer has brought me a desire to work hard, as being great requires so much more than pure talent. The impact of soccer on my life has created a new challenge for my future. I would like to continue playing because I want to take what I have learned and expand on it, and ultimately teach these lessons to others.

26. Michigan Extracurricular Activity: "Playing Horn"

It started from scratch, in 4th grade band Just me, my horn, and a small music stand Not knowing where, one day, this horn would take me Not knowing it would all be so grand.

I practiced for years, my range did expand I kept working and listening to teacher’s commands I’d keep on improving, as long as I practiced Whenever I got some time on my hands.

Failures have been tough to fully withstand. Each judge’s musical taste is hard to understand. But under the bright lights of Juilliard and Lincoln Center My journey could not have been better planned.

Looking back to where I began I couldn’t have imagined where I would land Only one activity? I’d keep playing my horn You have to play it to truly understand.

What Can You Learn From These Michigan Essays?

If you want to get into the University of Michigan in 2022, you'll need to write great supplemental essays.

Here are 26 Michigan essays that worked for the 2022 supplemental prompts so you can improve your essays.

If you enjoyed reading these Michigan essays, check out essays for other top public universities like UCLA and UC Berkeley

Are you applying to Michigan? What did you think of these U of M essays?

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University of Michigan Supplemental Essays Guide: 2021-2022

Not sure how to approach the University of Michigan essays? With tips from an Ivy League graduate, CollegeAdvisor.com’s guide to the University of Michigan essay prompts will show you exactly how to write engaging UMich supplemental essays. Strong responses to the University of Michigan supplemental essays will maximize your chances of admission. Read on for exclusive tips on the University of Michigan essay prompts!

Want help crafting your UMich supplemental essays? Create your free  account  or  schedule a free advising assessment  by calling (844) 343-6272.

UMich Essay Guide Quick Facts:

• The UMich acceptance rate is 26%— U.S. News  ranks UMich as a  competitive  school.
• We recommend answering all UMich supplemental essays comprehensively and thoughtfully.

Does the University of Michigan have supplemental essays?

Yes, there are supplemental University of Michigan essays. In addition to the  Common App  Personal Statement, all applicants will complete two specific UMich supplemental essays. One of these University of Michigan essays is much longer than the other, with a maximum of 500 words. This is only a bit shorter than the Common App Personal Statement, so you should give yourself plenty of time to complete it.

Need tips on writing your Common App essay? Check out our  blog article .

How many essays are required for the University of Michigan?

There are just two additional University of Michigan essay prompts. One of the UMich supplemental essays is 500 words long, and the other is just 300 words. The longer of the two University of Michigan supplemental essays is the “Why UMich essay.” Though these UMich essays are different lengths, you should spend an equal amount of time on each. Don’t afford less importance to the shorter of the two University of Michigan essay prompts! After all, shorter essays—including the University of Michigan supplemental essays–are not always easier to write.

Usually, admissions officers can tell if you rushed one of the UMich essays and spent all of your time perfecting the other. In order to make the best impression, make sure your University of Michigan supplemental essays are equally strong.

Are the University of Michigan supplemental essays important?

Yes, both of the University of Michigan essays are important in admissions. Both of the University of Michigan essay prompts are also  required  of applicants. This means you must respond to them in order to complete your application.

This guide will walk you through both of the University of Michigan essay prompts. This includes the first prompt, which is about community, and the second prompt, which is the “Why UMich essay.”

Overall, the UMich supplemental essays are a great way to offer details about yourself that complement the rest of your application. At the conclusion of your essays, admissions officers should walk away from your application knowing what kind of student  and  person you are. The UMich essays are the perfect place to do that. Using these tips, you will be able to tailor your responses to the UMich essays to show how you will enrich the UMich community.

What are the University of Michigan supplemental essays?

The University of Michigan supplemental essays are available on the  Common App  site, but you can also visit the main UMich  website  for a full list of application requirements. Let’s check out the UMich supplemental essays—starting with the shorter of the two UMich essays.

University of Michigan Supplemental Essays – Prompt 1

Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. (300 words maximum)

How do I answer a University of Michigan supplemental essay?

First, when responding to the University of Michigan supplemental essays, remember to be specific. As a rule, your responses to the UMich essays should help admissions officers picture how you will contribute to UMich. What role will you play on campus? Let’s explore how you can do this in the first of the University of Michigan essay prompts.

As this first prompt for the UMich essays indicates, there are many ways to define “community.” You should begin your essay by defining what community means to you. For example, are you writing about a club or organization that matters to you? A physical space where you feel at home? A group of people who share your values?

Discuss your connections

Once you have defined your community, you should describe what makes you feel connected to this community— why  it is so meaningful to you. In evaluating University of Michigan essays, admissions officers look for how you will contribute to the UMich community. By detailing how you influence your community, you help your reader understand the role you will likely play at UMich. Strong UMich essays will give the reader a clear sense of how you will enrich the UMich campus.

This essay asks you to describe a group, discuss your role within that group, and then ultimately reflect on why this group is important to you and what you provide for that group. The best University of Michigan essays will follow this template. Your response should show that you are collaborative and empathetic, you know how to engage with others, and you feel comfortable taking initiative within community spaces.

Remember, the University of Michigan essay prompts are an opportunity to show admissions officers something new about yourself. You can use this space to describe a community you only briefly address elsewhere in your application. Or, you can even discuss a community space you have not described anywhere else in your application.

UMich Essay Draft Key Questions:

• Do you clearly define the community you are writing about?
• Does your response focus on both yourself and your external impact on your community?
• Do you use your UMich essay to teach the reader something new about you?

Does the University of Michigan have a “Why UMich” essay?

Most universities have a “Why us” essay, and the University of Michigan essays are no exception. This is your chance to showcase any research you have done about the University of Michigan while you’ve been writing your UMich essays.

The University of Michigan includes a “Why UMich essay” in the essay prompts. For the “Why UMich essay,” you’ll want to avoid over-generalizing. Stay away from statements like “Ann Arbor and the UMich campus are beautiful in the fall” or “I just feel like I belong there.” Instead, offer concrete examples of  why  you belong there. Maybe there’s a specific professor you really want to learn from or a course you couldn’t find at any other university that perfectly encapsulates your academic interests.

Your University of Michigan essays are the space to show off your expert investigation skills. Use the “Why UMich Essay” to discuss courses, clubs, professors, and research opportunities only available at UMich. Colleges can tell when you swap out their name for another university and submit the same “Why here?” answer. Your application will be stronger if your answer to this Why UMich essay could  not  be swapped interchangeably with any other schools.

University of Michigan Supplemental Essays – Prompt 2

Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests? (500 words maximum)

This is the “Why UMich essay” with a little twist. Rather than generally asking what about the University of Michigan attracts you, this “Why UMich essay” specifically asks about your choice of an undergraduate program.

Notice that the prompt asks for “unique qualities” about your chosen program; in order to best answer this question, you will first want to read everything you can about your college or school. Visit the UMich website and read the listings of required courses for your chosen program. You might even consider reaching out to any alumni you know who studied in your chosen college or school.

Know your College or School

For example, if you are applying to the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, you’ll want to read their whole  website . In your essay, you will probably want to mention their EXCEL (Excellence in Entrepreneurship, Career Empowerment & Leadership) program and how you feel you would benefit from it. You will want to do a virtual visit, see if there are any recordings of shows you could watch, or consider reaching out to a professor and asking if they would be willing to speak with you on a 15-minute phone call.

If you’re applying to the School of Education, you should again, read the  website . You don’t want to just recite statistics from their webpage; admissions officers already know about the 1:8 faculty to student ratio. You want to make your response unique to your passion for education so that you can best demonstrate how you will benefit from UMich’s curriculum.

If you’re looking at the School for Environment and Sustainability, UMich’s undergraduate program is called the Program in the Environment (PitE). You already know the first step: read the  website . You should also connect your real-life experience to your interest in this program, and you’ll want to discuss your intended specialization and any ideas you may have for a capstone project.

• Do you prove that you’ve done research on the school?
• Do you explain what unique opportunities the University of Michigan would provide you that you could not get anywhere else?
• Does your draft offer specific details about what you hope to do while on the University of Michigan’s campus?

University of Michigan Supplemental Essays: Final Thoughts

Completing the University of Michigan supplemental essays can seem daunting, but don’t let that discourage you from applying. The UMich supplemental essays are a great opportunity to demonstrate who you are to the admissions team. The University of Michigan essays can also boost your application if you have a lower-than-average GPA or  SAT score .

Use this guide as a step-by-step aid when approaching the University of Michigan supplemental essays. Start writing earlier than you think you should, especially with the Why UMich essay question; don’t underestimate the UMich essays. Because there are only two UMich supplemental essays, you should pay extra attention when responding to the University of Michigan essay prompts. These UMich essays give you two great opportunities to show admissions officers why you belong at their school. Don’t squander those opportunities by rushing your writing or submitting under-researched UMich supplemental essays.

Remember that you can use the UMich essay prompts to engage more deeply with a topic only briefly mentioned elsewhere in your application. If you get stuck, take a break and come back to the University of Michigan essay prompts with fresh eyes. It can also be beneficial to have someone else look over your University of Michigan essays. Don’t be afraid to ask for revisions; it’s helpful to have another set of eyes checking your University of Michigan essays for grammatical errors, tone, and clarity. To read examples of essay topics written by advisors who were accepted to UMich, click  here . Good luck!

This 2021-2022 essay guide on UMich was written by  Laura Frustaci , Harvard ‘21. For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources on the University of Michigan, click  here . Want help crafting your University of Michigan supplemental essays? Create your free  account  or  schedule a free consultation  by calling (844) 343-6272.

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University of Michigan 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision Deadline: Feb 1

You Have: 

University of Michigan 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: One essay of 300 words, one essay of 550 words

Supplemental Essay Types:   Community , Why

1 . Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it.

Required for all applicants. 300 words maximum..

This is a pretty standard community essay and admissions is giving you very specific instructions and launch points, both expected and unexpected, to draw from. You could be a part of an Italian Culture Club or a schnitzel appreciation association, either way, University of Michigan wants to hear about it. So try your best, despite the small space you are given, to answer all parts of this question. Describe the community and then detail how you contribute to that community. The point of this question is to show admissions you will add value and diversity to campus, and that you are a proactive and involved student who will help to build their community.

2.  Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests?

Required for freshman applicants. 550 words maximum..

Here is your “why” essay, and it’s a nice, hefty one at 550 words.  Your answer should be mostly focused on the academic offerings: what you want to study, what subjects interest you, and how you will use the resources at your disposal to pursue your professional goals. This is where you prove to University of Michigan that they are a good fit for you and vice versa, and getting this essay right requires a lot of research. You’re going to want to dig deep into the programs that you’re interested in: find classes, professors, even extracurricular activities related to your desired major that interest you. The more specific you can get, the better. Show admissions that you know what differentiates U-M from other colleges and, in turn, you’ll distinguish yourself from other applicants. Finally, don’t forget to connect your own past experiences and accomplishments to the resources you choose to highlight. Paint the picture of where you’ll be found on campus (whether that be the bio lab, math building, or theatre) and what you hope to accomplish.

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How to Write the University of Michigan Essays 2023-2024

The University of Michigan is one of the leading public universities not only in the U.S., but around the world. Consistently highly ranked, the research university consists of 12 different colleges, including the Ross School of Business, School of Kinesiology, and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. 

The University of Michigan offers two forms of application: Early Action and Regular Decision. Make sure, however, to check the website of the UMich department you’re interested in. Certain programs have differing deadlines and individual requirements for specific majors.

Read these University of Michigan essay examples to inspire your own writing.

University of Michigan Supplemental Essay Prompts

All applicants.

Prompt 1: Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests? (100-550 words)

Prompt 2: Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. (100-300 words)

Ross School of Business Applicants

Business Case Discussion: Choose a current event or issue in your community and discuss the business implications. Propose a solution that incorporates business principles or practices. The review panel will look for creativity, drawing connections, and originality. Your response should be limited to approximately 500 words.

This case discussion helps us learn more about your understanding of business. The topic should be unique to your interests, experiences, and knowledge. There is no “right” or “wrong” business situation to choose — it’s truly up to you. We encourage you to select a topic that you are passionate about, and not a global topic that you are disconnected from.

Artifact & Description: Upload an artifact that represents something significant about your life and shows how you’ve put learning into action. This could be related to something inside or outside of the classroom (like an extracurricular accomplishment you’re particularly proud of). The goal is to give you the chance to showcase a unique aspect of yourself.

Artifact examples can include a: 

An academic project, a community project, community newspaper article highlighting an important achievement, personal website , piece on a school, extracurricular, or community program/event that you were instrumental in creating or implementing, high school or community award that was meaningful or prestigious, local, state, or national competition related to a club or school activity , picture of something of value to you , a culminating event for an ongoing activity from high school, the options for artifacts are endless — there is no need to feel limited by this list. note that your artifact does not need to be business related. ask yourself:  “what are you most proud of from your four years in high school”, we also ask that you submit a short description that explains how your artifact demonstrates your learning in action. essentially, what did you learn from this experience please limit this response to approximately 250 words., how to write the university of michigan essays, all applicants, prompt 1, describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate college or school (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the university of michigan. how would that curriculum support your interests (100-550 words).

This is what’s called a “ Why This College ” supplement: it is meant to gauge your interest in the school and how you would contribute to the academic and social environment of the university. This supplement contains two significant questions that you need to answer:

• Why do you like the specific College you’ve chosen at UMich?
• Why is this program a good fit for you on a personal and academic level?

Basically, the admissions officers want to see whether you are genuinely passionate about attending the university (not reluctantly applying because your parents told you to, or because you see it as a safety school). They also want to know whether you have thought critically about how the college can support your academic and professional interests.

Specificity is key, and you’ll need to do your research. Put the time and effort into studying what the university has to offer and what opportunities appeal to you. Why do you be a student here? Why is this college different to you from any other university?

An effective way of checking that your essay is sufficiently specific to the school is the Name Plug-in Test. The steps to the Name Plug-In Test are as follows:

• Replace the name of the school or department the essay is about with the name of a different school or department
• Read the essay over with the new name
• If the essay reads as an acceptable supplement for the new name school/department, it does not have enough detail.

The goal of this question is for admissions officers to see how invested you are in attending the program you select, and if you would be a good fit for that program. You can show them your interest and passion for the program by doing proper research on your compatibility with it. Go on your College or School’s website and try to find answers to the following questions:

• Which professors would you be interested in working with? Why?
• Which courses appeal to you?
• What are programs within the department that interest you?
• Are there any initiatives, events, or workshops the department has that differ from other universities?
• What is the department atmosphere? Why would you want to be a part of that community?

For example, if you’re interested in studying Education and are passionate about social justice, the UMich School of Education (SOE) might be a good fit for you because there’s a strong emphasis on diversity, inclusion, justice, and equity. During your time in the SOE, you might join the Student Rights Project, an interdisciplinary initiative by law, social work, and education students at UMich. The goal of the project is to keep students “in school, learning, and out of the criminal justice system.” You’re particularly interested in helping provide special education support, as your sibling has a learning disability, and has faced an unsafe educational environment that led to unfair disciplinary action for their disability-related behavior.

This would be a strong example, as the student not only cites a unique resource at UMich, but also connects that resource to their personal goals and background. You have to go beyond listing things you’re interested in, as anyone can do that. Take your essay the next step and mention why you’re interested in those aspects of UMich, and how they support your goals.

Wondering how to research for this essay ? Go through the course catalog, ask current students of the college, and scroll through various affiliated websites. In the end, you’ll come out knowing whether UMich and the College are in fact a good fit for you. You’ll also have a large amount of material to “describe the unique qualities” of whichever program you are applying to. You have 550 words: ample space to fully (and with plenty of detail!) describe why UMich is the best place to support your goals.

All Applicants, Prompt 2

Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. (100-300 words).

The point of supplements in the college admissions process is for officers to gain a better, well-rounded understanding of who you are as an individual. Here, you are asked to reflect on a community that you are a part of, how it has changed you as an individual, and what role you fulfill in this community.

This question gives you three separate parts to respond to: “describe a community to which you belong” and “describe your place within it.” It is important to always make sure that you are answering each part of the supplement! UMich is a university that prides itself in the openness and connection of its community, both between students on campus and between the university and the city of Ann Arbor. The school wants to read about how you contributed to and learned from a specific community, to better understand how you might interact with others at UMich.

Although community is commonly thought of as a large cultural or societal group, you have flexibility in defining what your community is. As stated in the question, a community does not only have to be geographic, ethnic, racial, or societal: consider groups to which you belong that share something in common with you, regardless of size. It can consist of various individuals who all have a specific interest in common, like a sport, an academic passion, an extracurricular activity. It can also consist of a tight group of friends who all have bonded over a particular idea or club.

Choose a group you belong to that has been most fundamental in shaping who you are, or that has been doing the most significant work. The university wants to hear your story of connecting to your community, and how you have both grown from it and contributed to it.

For instance, maybe you’re a vegetarian, and you have a vegetarian recipes blog. You could discuss the connections you’ve made online (whether other bloggers or your audience), and how you’ve used your platform to discuss intersectional issues, like poverty and access to healthy/vegetarian food. Or, maybe you’re part of the Minecraft community, and have collaborated with people around the world to develop plugins for the game.

Remember that you should primarily focus on your contributions to the community, rather than simply describing the community itself. The essay, after all, should focus on you and who you are.

Ross School of Business Applicants: Admissions Portfolio

UMich’s Ross School of Business has a renowned undergraduate program, which is ranked #3 nationally by U.S. News & World Report. Its graduates frequently land jobs at internationally successful corporations, and their median starting salary is $78,500. 

Applicants to this prestigious school must complete an Admissions Portfolio , which gives admissions officers a better look at your personality and goals. The portfolio is submitted through SlideRoom via the Common App or Coalition Application. This consists of two parts, the Business Case Discussion and the Artifact & Discussion. Read on to learn how to make your portfolio for Ross the best it can be.

Ross School of Business Applicants, Business Case Discussion

Choose a current event or issue in your community and discuss the business implications. propose a solution that incorporates business principles or practices. the review panel will look for creativity, drawing connections, and originality. your response should be limited to approximately 500 words..

With this prompt, Ross admissions officers want to better understand your grasp of business processes. Be sure to include technical terms and plenty of business jargon in order to demonstrate an understanding of the field. That being said, you don’t want your response to lack a narrative flair.

First, identify the current event or issue in your community that you wish to write about. Don’t worry about the scale of the issue, but rather, make sure it is something you can write about extensively. The prompt emphasizes that it should be a pre-established passion, and not a vague global topic that you’re not connected to. 

Ideally, the topic will be something you have experience with and have already made an effort to research or resolve. For example, if you volunteer at an animal shelter, your essay could be about stray animals in your community. If you’re one of the only girls in your STEM classes, your issue could be targeting the gender gap in the field.

You’ll want to start your essay with some sort of anecdotal line that provides enough context for readers to understand the issue at hand, and your connection to it. Then, you’ll want to spend the majority of your response constructing a business solution to the issue of your choosing. This, rather than the issue itself that you chose, is the most critical part of your response.

When crafting a business plan, think about marketing tactics, consider relevant costs, and define what success looks like. You’ll want to research different business models and plans online to adequately grasp the best approach to your solution. However, don’t just copy one you like; use creative ways to splice different techniques and make a business solution that is uniquely yours. 

For example, maybe you want to implement a foster care initiative to combat the overcrowding at your local shelter. You would need to brainstorm an incentive, such as free vaccinations or neutering/spaying services for adopted animals. Then, you would estimate the relevant costs to the shelter and justify how the business decision makes financial sense for the shelter using the proper terminology.

In your solution, the prompt emphasizes a focus on creativity and originality. The easiest way to communicate both of those things is by being specific and drawing on your personal experience. This will help you establish a unique perspective (your own!) and help admissions officers learn more about you and your approach to business – and the world. 

Ross School of Business Applicants, Artifact & Description

Upload an artifact that represents something significant about your life and shows how you’ve put learning into action. this could be related to something inside or outside of the classroom (like an extracurricular accomplishment you’re particularly proud of). the goal is to give you the chance to showcase a unique aspect of yourself..

This prompt can be extremely overwhelming to read at first. There are probably a lot of accomplishments from your four years of high school that you are proud of, so it might be hard to narrow it down to just one. As you read over the list of examples, take note of whatever comes to mind and keep the result as a working list of options.

From this list, determine which activities meant the most to you, and that you felt the most passionately about. Then, think about which of these activities would be the most unique in the eyes of admissions officers. What best showcases a unique aspect of your personality that has not been adequately explored in other parts of your application? What demonstrates your ability to think outside of the box and pursue your passions?

Additionally, Ross only gives you 250 words to explain your artifact – so you’ll need to use this space wisely. Make sure you focus on the “learning in action” component to really drive home the extent of your intellectual curiosity. For instance, if your artifact is a personal website, you could discuss learning a new coding language to create it. If your artifact is a set piece you built for the school musical, you could discuss how you acquired woodworking and painting skills. 

Again, the prompt gives you a lot of room and flexibility, so it can be tempting to focus on what you choose to write about. But equally as important is how you write about the artifact in question. Whatever you choose to discuss, make sure to use specific and technical language to demonstrate that you genuinely learned something new. This specificity will also be instrumental in illustrating your authenticity to the admissions committee. With this in mind, you’ll be on track to submit a stellar artifact and description.

Where to Get Your UMich Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your UMich 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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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 4 top tips for university of michigan supplemental essays.

College Essays

The University of Michigan is one of the highest-ranked universities in the nation and is therefore a popular choice for many students, especially those in Michigan and the Midwest. At present, U-M's got a relatively low acceptance rate of just 20% .

If you're planning to apply to this coveted university, then you'll need to know how to write your best University of Michigan supplemental essay possible . Read on to learn what the University of Michigan supplemental essays entail and to get some advice on answering the various prompts. We also give you real University of Michigan essay examples and general tips for producing a great college essay.

Feature Image: Ken Lund /Flickr

What Are the University of Michigan Supplemental Essays?

All applicants to the University of Michigan are required to submit two supplemental essays  in addition to a personal statement written in response to a prompt in the Common Application. 

So in total — and regardless of your major — you'll have to write three University of Michigan essays.

Although you'll have several prompts to choose from for your Common App/Coalition App essay, you'll only get one prompt for each University of Michigan supplemental essay (meaning you don't get to choose a prompt).

Here are the University of Michigan essay prompts you must answer for the 2022-2023 supplement:

Essay 1: Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. (Required for all applicants; minimum 100 words/maximum 300 words)

Essay 2: Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests? (Required for all applicants; minimum 100 words/maximum 300 words)

Each University of Michigan supplemental essay has its own maximum word limit, with Essay 2's limit (550 words) being a bit longer than Essay 1's (300 words). For both essays, you must write at least 100 words.

The University of Michigan Essay Prompts, Analyzed

Now that we've gone over the basic essay requirements, let's take a closer look at each University of Michigan supplemental essay and how you can answer the prompt effectively.

University of Michigan Supplemental Essay 1

Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. (Required for all applicants; minimum 100 words/maximum 300 words)

This essay prompt wants to know what makes you unique and what community you see yourself as belonging to. In other words, you're being asked to write a diversity essay , which focuses on you as an individual and what you have contributed to and gained from your specific community.

Through this essay, the University of Michigan admissions committee hopes to learn more about your values, goals, hardships, and achievements. This is why it's important to be your authentic self . Admissions officers will definitely be able to tell if you are exaggerating or making things up. Avoid trying to sound like someone else — write about what's important to you personally.

The prompt gives some examples of possible communities, but here are some more:

• Your gender identity
• Your sexual orientation
• Your school
• Your neighborhood
• Your disability
• A rare or strange talent you have
• A particular club or organization you are a member of
• Do you have any distinct characteristic that has defined you for much of your life? (This could be your ethnicity, race, or religion, for example.)
• How would other people describe you? Ask your family and friends.
• Do you have an uncommon or unique skill, interest, or experience?

Once you know what community you've chosen to write about, think about how this community has influenced you and your goals .

For example, maybe you grew up in a military family and had to move to new states and countries a lot as a child. You could discuss how this experience was isolating at first but how you eventually came to know other kids in military families, developing a sort of support network. Now you credit your experiences with moving with helping you learn to adapt quickly to new environments.

One compelling way you can let readers learn about your experience with your community is by telling your story through a specific anecdote , conversation you had, challenge you faced, etc.

You should also mention how you see your role in this community now . Has this role changed over time, or not? Why do you suppose so? For instance, maybe you used to be ashamed of your Navajo heritage but since having met other Navajo people your age, you now consider yourself a proud advocate for Native Americans and other indigenous groups around the world.

Finally, show, don't tell . Use imagery and realism to grab your readers and make them feel what you felt, see what you saw. Literary devices can help you more clearly describe your experience(s) with your community.

University of Michigan Supplemental Essay 2

Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests? (Required for all applicants; minimum 100 words/maximum 300 words)

You've got a higher word limit for this second University of Michigan supplemental essay than you do for the first one, so be prepared to dig deeper into your topic.

With this essay prompt, you're being asked, "Why U-M?" In other words, you need to write a "why this college" essay , with a focus on how the University of Michigan will be a fantastic fit for you and your academic goals.

Here, you're told directly what to write about: the "unique qualities" of the specific school/college at U-M to which you're applying. This means you could focus on traits such as these in your essay:

• Specific classes U-M offers that you're interested in taking
• A required curriculum that appeals to you in some way
• A particular professor you're excited to work with
• A lecture series or other program your school/college/department puts on
• A certain building, lab, or campus facility you can't wait to use
• Extracurricular activities or clubs related to your major or academic interests
• Career advice and internship opportunities (e.g., what's offered via the LSA Opportunity Hub )

With this essay, you'll need to be extremely specific to be effective . The admissions committee wants to see that you know what distinguishes U-M from other equally renowned universities and that you have a clear idea of how you'll take advantage of the benefits offered here to further your own intellectual and professional pursuits.

You should also talk about what you hope to do and accomplish at the University of Michigan . For example, perhaps you're planning to major in Korean and are eager to attend the Nam Center for Korean Studies' Colloquium Series so you can get a better grasp of the kinds of topics currently being addressed by academics in the field of Korean studies.

If you're not sure what to write about, browse your college/school's official U-M web pages to get a feel for what types of amenities, events, activities, classes, and support it offers undergrads.

You can also try asking current students or recent graduates about their experiences at Michigan and what resources, classes, and/or professors they recommend. Reddit and College Confidential are two good places to look for student opinions.

As you write, take care to avoid overly general descriptions— focus instead on what makes U-M stand apart from other schools you're applying to .

2 Real University of Michigan Essay Examples + Analysis

Sometimes seeing a real essay can give you a better idea of how you can approach and work on your own statement. Below we give you two University of Michigan essay examples written by a real admitted student , along with analysis as to what makes them work.

University of Michigan Essay Example 1

This first essay example is from a student on Reddit who was admitted to U-M in early 2018 (for the academic year starting in fall 2018). It is in response to prompt #1 above.

"Alice, I'm-I'm trans," he stammered.

My school's theatre group is an ever-expanding Ohana; to quote Disney's Lilo and Stitch , "Ohana means family, and family means no one gets left behind."

While this movie had over-prepared me for laser-beaming alien invasions, there was nothing about helping someone come out. Nevertheless, this was the person with whom I laughed, cried, and held hands through curtain calls; this was no alien, but a sibling. He was family.

Although theatre kids love performing for an audience, more importantly, we share an unconditional love for one another. Arriving in Pennsylvania as an international transfer student, I found myself twice removed from Hill's popular social scene, and it was the theatre company who welcomed me without ever questioning my self-worth. They became the anchor of my tempest-tossed first year; in them I found a home.

Thus, when my friend came out to me, I could only give him the love that I once received. When our cast misused his pronouns and name, I corrected them. Together, we transformed gender-specific roles into gender-neutral ones so everyone could partake in our productions. Off-stage, I held him as he grappled with his family's reaction. I grew into an advocate for queer students, both within the theatre company and at school as the co-president of Hill's gay-straight alliance, a position that I have held for two years. I look out for the "othered", lost, and lonely; I welcome them to a family that will never leave them behind.

Here's what makes this University of Michigan supplemental essay work:

• It's got an interesting hook. Starting the essay with a real quotation from someone close to the applicant gives us a real, unfiltered look into this student's life and how she interacts with those in her identified community.
• It's unapologetically honest. The student explains how she, too, has struggled with making friends and how the theatre company—her newfound community—ultimately helped her to feel welcome. In return, she actively supports her friend and goes out of her way to advocate for gay and transgender rights through her school's gay-straight alliance. She clearly cares very deeply about others.

University of Michigan Essay Example 2

This next essay example is from the same student on Reddit who got into U-M in early 2018. It is in response to prompt #2 above.

"Could Freud's theory of Eros and Thanatos apply to civilizations, especially with regard to their domination and subservience?" I asked, Niccolò Machiavelli's The Prince in my hand. Having spent the first two months of senior year reading political treatises, poems, psychological and anthropological works in a History course, this was the first time these texts intersected in my mind. Suddenly, history assumed a completely new form. No more was it only a series of discrete events, but it had blossomed into all the knowledge that this world had to offer, and my desire to explore humanity in multiple ways, instead of restricting myself to only one avenue, would similarly flourish at Michigan's College of Life, Science, and the Arts due to its emphasis on interdisciplinary learning.

As a child of a trilingual mother, I have grown to appreciate integrative learning: to explain how the world worked, my mother employed English and Russian, languages that she knew of, where Vietnamese failed. My initial hunger to overcome these linguistic boundaries has risen since to social and humanitarian ones as well, for as there are words without equivalents, there are communities whose disenfranchisement are unparalleled and cannot be resolved without understanding the history of civil rights worldwide. I will attain such a global outlook in LSA's Residential College program. With its smaller class size and emphasis on communal learning, the program and the varied experience of my fellow RC students will open my eyes to issues I have yet to undergo.

As a future activist, I will harness my education to benefit marginalized groups in underdeveloped, post-colonial countries. As a Social Theory and Practice (STP) and International Studies double major with a specialization in Comparative Culture and Identity (CCI), I will critique and analyze the role of institutions in the global context of behavioral expressions. These skills facilitate the execution of policies that will empower disenfranchised citizens to overcome their legal and economic struggles. Courses such as "Intergroup Conflict and Coexistence: Religion, Ethnicity and Culture" will equip me with important tools with which I can drive social change. Moreover, STP offerings, particularly "History and Theory of Punishment," allow me to craft an education aimed at creating legislations and organizations that will address the social inequality of ethnic and religious minorities in former colonies in Southeast Asia. Finally, I will tie this knowledge to reality by pursuing an STP Honors thesis.

Outside of the classroom, I can pursue the optiMize challenge and devise practical solutions to the issues that impoverished communities face in Vietnam; with my intersectional perspective, I can provide a fresh outlook and facilitate our work with various demographics. I will also lend my voice to the Tab Michigan as an opinion writer, borrowing from my own experiences, having grown up at the twilight of cultures and languages. Furthermore, given my love for performing arts, I will take part in 58 Greene, specifically for its multicultural focus, and MUSKET/UAC. In regard to affinity groups, I plan to join BiLateral, since I want to network with other bisexual members of the community, as well as raise awareness on Michigan's campus about ourselves. As a Wolverine sibling, I will employ my interdisciplinary lessons and hands-on work to make a difference on the Ann Arbor campus and in the world.

• It's extremely specific. The student not only makes telling connections between her love of interdisciplinary learning and desired major, but also name-drops specific classes she wants to take, explains how she'll take advantage of the optiMize challenge, and talks about specific groups she'd like to join. There's absolutely no doubt this student has done her research and is truly passionate about attending Michigan.
• It flows well. The entire essay follows a clear arc, starting with an anecdote of the applicant's first time she managed to make connections between different topics she was studying, and moving on toward her interest in the interdisciplinary offerings at U-M and how they can help her become a future activist.

How to Write a University of Michigan Supplemental Essay

Tip 1: use specific details and examples.

The key to writing an amazing University of Michigan supplemental essay is to write clearly and specifically so that the admissions committee can really feel your passion and understand what makes you the person you are today. After all, your ultimate goal is to tell a compelling story that will leave a mark on your readers.

So don't write vaguely —litter your essay with names, places, dialogue, and images. At the same time, try to stay focused by presenting an easy-to-follow story and logical structure.

For essay 1, for instance, you'll be way more successful if you home in on a specific community you're part of and what it's done for you, rather than trying to cram in tons of details about other communities you relate to. Pick one central topic for each essay, and stick with it.

Tip 2: Be Your Authentic Self

Another tip is to be completely and unapologetically honest in your University of Michigan essays. Write in a voice that's completely and utterly yours and concentrate on a story, person, event, or moment that means a lot to you personally—not what somebody told you to write about, even if that topic sounds more "impressive." So if you want to throw in a joke, go ahead and do it!

Just be sure to avoid the following in your essay , as doing any of these can make you seem lazy, inappropriate, arrogant, or plain unlikable:

• Typos or errors in spelling, grammar, and/or punctuation
• Overused quotations or clichéd analogies —writing something such as "It was raining cats and dogs" will make your essay come across unoriginal and bland
• Inappropriate events or stories —your U-M essay is not the time to write about something illegal or highly immoral you did!
• Anything outright rude or impolite —for example, don't attack the U-M admissions officers or write something mean about someone at school

Tip 3: Don't Repeat Anything You've Written in Other Essays

One of the tricky problems with writing your University of Michigan supplemental essays is that you need to ensure you're not having too much overlap in your essays , especially between your supplemental essays and your Common App/Coalition App personal essay.

While it's OK to have a little bit of overlap in general content, try to select essay prompts so that you're focusing on different (but still equally important) parts of yourself.

For example, because U-M requires a diversity essay as part of its supplement, you'd probably be better off not choosing the first Common App prompt (which is also about communities and your background).

Remember that the admissions committee wants to get a complete, holistic picture of who you are , so take care to incorporate all major (but different) aspects of yourself in your University of Michigan essays.

Tip 4: Edit and Proofread Before You Submit

Lastly, make sure to edit and proofread each University of Michigan supplemental essay you write before you submit your application.

Once you have a rough draft written, put it away for a few days. Then, take it out again and look it over with a fresh set of eyes. Check for any areas that are unclear, out of place, or irrelevant, and edit as needed.

Keep doing this process until you have a fairly clean rough draft and then give it to somebody you trust, such as a parent or teacher. Have them give you feedback on the content and structure of your essay; they should also look for technical errors.

Once your essay is almost ready to go, give it one last proofread. You should now have a fantastic University of Michigan supplemental essay!

What's Next?

Want to learn more about the University of Michigan? Then check out our Michigan admission requirements page , where we give you everything you need to know to get into this famed school.

Though the University of Michigan is not an Ivy League school , it's considered to be a Public Ivy. Learn what this means and why Michigan qualifies for this honor in our guide to Public Ivies .

Applying to other schools in Michigan or the Midwest? Then check out our essay-writing guides for Michigan State University , the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign , and Notre Dame .

Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

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UMich Supplemental Essays 2023-24 – Prompts and Tips

July 25, 2023

In forming the Class of 2027, the University of Michigan received over 87,000 applications, an all-time high. For historical comparison, there were under 24,000 applicants at the turn of the millennium. Therefore, it is safe to say that more students desire to become Wolverines in 2023 than ever before in the school’s 200+ year history. This greatly impacts the importance of the UMich supplemental essays.

The acceptance rate at UMich has fallen all the way down to 18%. However, this figure is typically twice as high for applicants who reside in the state of Michigan. If you are an out-of-stater or international student, you’ll need to bring even more impressive credentials than your in-state peers. Speaking of credentials, overall, the median SAT for current Wolverine undergrads is 1450, 77% placed in the top decile of their high school class, and the average unweighted GPA is 3.9+. If you possess statistics above those marks, you have a great shot of one day donning the maize and blue. However, you’ll still want to find ways to stand out against the intense competition.

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

Through its two essay prompts, the University of Michigan supplemental section still affords applicants an opportunity to showcase what makes them uniquely qualified for admission. Below are the University of Michigan supplemental prompts for the 2023-24 admissions cycle. The College Transitions team also offers tips about how to address each one:

2023-2024 University of Michigan Supplemental Essay Questions

1) Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. (Required for all applicants)

This can be done well whether you are talking about an ethnic, religious, or neighborhood community. It could even be a group of individuals who gather for a club, sport, or service project. Most applicants to the University of Michigan are involved in at least one “community”. You are the captain of a team, the editor-in-chief of your school paper, the president of a club… but don’t just rest on those laurels—instead, bring your involvement to life. Use your writing ability to show what type of community member you are rather than merely telling .

UMich Supplemental Essays (Continued)

You can also discuss how you have engaged with your high school local/community.  Further, you can share have learned from interacting with people of a different ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual identity, etc. Draw on past evidence of your commitment to being a positive force in your community and speculate how that is likely to manifest on the University of Michigan’s campus. You should research and cite UMich student-run organizations and/or local nonprofit groups. The Michigan admissions committee now desires to understand precisely how you will contribute to their campus community of 31,000+ undergrads. Drawing the link between your past efforts and future aims is critical here.

For example, if you dedicated many hours working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout high school, it will be most impactful if you express your commitment to joining UMich’s chapter of Best Buddies in the future.

2) Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests? (Required for all applicants)

In some ways, this is your quintessential “Why Us?” essay, but UMich is particularly interested in hearing about why the curriculum in your desired academic department is attractive to you—not so much about your love for the football team or the beautiful campus. Below are some quick tips for writing an essay that will help your admissions cause:

• Cite specific academic programs, professors, research opportunities , internship/externship programs, study abroad programs , student-run organizations , etc.
• State why your chosen program is the perfect fit for you and why you are the perfect fit for it.
• Show evidence of how your past/current academic endeavors/achievements will carry over onto UMich’s campus.
• What special academically-related talents and passions will you bring to the University of Michigan? What contributions will you make?

You’ll want to dedicate time to researching more about your prospective college/department and what makes it truly world-class. The more specific you can get here, the better your UMich essays will be!

How important are they to the admissions committee?

Michigan deems two factors as “very important” in evaluating a candidate. These are the rigor of your secondary school record and GPA. The UMich essays—both the general Common App essay and the Michigan supplements—are rated as “important”. They sit alongside standardized test scores, recommendations, character/personal qualities, and first-generation college student status.

UMich Supplemental Essays – Want Personalized Essay Assistance?

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

• College Essay

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August 8, 2022

Tips for Answering the University of Michigan Supplemental Essay Prompts [2022 – 2023]

The University of Michigan is a large (over 40,000 students), predominantly residential campus located in the small city of Ann Arbor. This well known school has an outstanding reputation for research, academic rigor and athletic spirit—it is often referred to as a public-Ivy. It offers a non-binding Early Action option with an application deadline of November 1st and accepts either the Common Application or Coalition Application with no preference. In the university’s efforts to gain a deeper understanding of the sort of student you might become at the University of Michigan, your application will ask you to write a main essay for whichever application type you select, as well as three supplemental essays.

Before you begin writing, take the time to research and identify what appeals to you most about the school . Consider location, athletics, academic programs, residential colleges, professors, particular clubs, study abroad programs, and anything else that attracts you to the University of Michigan. These responses are your opportunity to share more about yourself to make the strongest possible case for both your potential fit with the school and for the ways in which an education at UM will prepare you for the future.

Get a free consultation: Click here to schedule a call to find out how our admissions experts can help YOU get accepted to the University of Michigan!

Below are some suggestions to help you address the supplemental prompts.

The University of Michigan supplemental essay questions

University of michigan supplemental essay #1.

Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. (Required for all applicants; 1,500 character limit )

If you have applied to other selective schools, you are likely to be familiar with this sort of “diversity” prompt . What they are getting at is your personal story and how you might relate with others of similar and different life experiences. While there might be some overlap in how these communities/groups are defined, try to focus on the precise intersection that shapes your sense of identity. Describe how each factor contributes to who you are and how you engage with the world around you. Your story does not have to be exotic ; it just needs to reveal your sense of self-awareness, of both the world you come from and your place within it. Diversity is essential to the University of Michigan, as showcased on its website: “U-M is committed to creating a campus environment of equity and inclusion where students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds live, learn, and work together.” As you tell your story, consider how you will contribute to and benefit from this diverse atmosphere. How might you connect with other students, faculty, staff and the community at the University? Do your research and consider specific ways you can get involved.

University of Michigan supplemental essay #2

Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests? (Required for all applicants; 2,750 character limit )

This is another opportunity to demonstrate that you’ve done your homework and identified distinctive aspects of the program at the University of Michigan. You must communicate what appeals to you and how the specific program/curriculum will prepare you to achieve your goals. If you are undecided, you can speak to your areas of interest and how you might explore them at the University of Michigan. Consider the 14 different undergraduate Schools and Colleges it boasts to determine which might be the best prospective home for you. Be sure to notice that many programs at the university do not require application until your second year of college. Most students at the University of Michigan are admitted to the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) for their first year of study, while others (business school students, for example) go through the Preferred Admission process while still in high school, which allows them sophomore entry to a particular School/College provided they meet certain academic conditions. 

If you are applying to a School/College that predominantly admits new classes via Preferred Admission (e.g., Ross School of Business), it is critical that you decide now, while still a high school student, which School/College you’re targeting; it can be difficult to transfer from one School/College to another after your first year of study, even with exceptional grades. Review the degree/graduation requirements—what do you find attractive or what might be beneficial to you about this particular school? Why is this specific school such a good match for your interests, learning style, or ultimate goals? Provide details and support your statements with reasons why a particular program or School at the University of Michigan is the ideal place for you !

School of Education applicants only

Discuss where you would like to teach and/or the types of students you would like to teach and how you developed this commitment.

This is a question asking as much for information about your teaching future and desires as it is for your teaching history and your passions and skills up to the present. Be sure to demonstrate past experience, passion, and values that are all relevant to the field of teaching, as well as relatively specific goals and reasons behind them.

Final thoughts on applying to the University of Michigan

As a school that accepts the Common Application , the University of Michigan is committed to a holistic review of your application materials. This means it takes all aspects of your application into account. Don’t miss your opportunity to stand out among your peers; provide a genuine sense of your character through your essay responses!

To provide some context for where you might stand, of the 79,743 students who applied to enter the class of 2025 at the University of Michigan, 16,071 or about 20% were offered admission. The interquartile (middle 50th percent) ranges for SAT scores were between 1400 and 1540. For ACT scores, they ranged from 32 to 35. The average entering GPA was 3.9 on a 4.0 scale. This is a competitive applicant pool.

While keeping these statistics in mind, take a moment to relax and plan. Make sure you meet all deadlines and allow yourself adequate time to write and revise your essays . Consider the best way to communicate your personal experiences, convey your interests, express your enthusiasm for learning, and demonstrate how and why the University of Michigan is the best place for you!

If you’re applying to the University of Michigan, you already know you’re up against tight competition. Don’t be overwhelmed. Get the guidance of an experienced admissions specialist who will help you stand out from a highly competitive applicant pool so you can apply with confidence, and get accepted! Click here to get started!

Related Resources:

• From Example to Exemplary , a free guide to writing great application essays
• The Essay Whisperer: How to Write a College Application Essay
• Mining Identity for College Essays, Personal Statements

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The Ultimate Guide to Acing the University of Michigan Supplemental Essays 2022/23

The acceptance rate at the University of Michigan is 28.6%, which may seem high compared to the Ivy League, but don't be fooled. The school is very selective—admissions officers review over 65,000 freshman applicants a year. For every 100 applicants, they only admit 29. The University of Michigan Supplemental Essays is the perfect opportunity for you to stand out in your applications!

Some people aspire to study in the Ivy League , but small class sizes and an intimate learning environment aren't for everyone. The University of Michigan is one of the world's highest ranked public state schools, coming in at #25 according to QS Global World Rankings .

What are the University of Michigan Essay Prompts for 22/23?

University of Michigan’s supplemental essay prompts remain unchanged from last year.

Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. (300 words)

Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests? (550 words) (required for freshman applicants)

Top 3 "Why This School?" Essay Tips

How to Answer Prompt 1

Before beginning this essay, ask yourself the following questions:

• What can I contribute to a new community?
• What do I bring to the table?

By reflecting first, you can put yourself in the mindset of the people reading your essay. Admissions officers will be asking themselves a similar question:

What can this applicant share with the University of Michigan?

For many students, the issue is focus. Nearly everyone belongs to multiple communities (some of which overlap in powerful ways), so choosing just one can be difficult. Therefore, this essay might be more challenging but also more rewarding!

Tip 1: Write down a list of communities that come straight to mind

When starting the brainstorming process, do not use your existing extracurricular/activity list. Start a new document or page without any of your other application materials nearby, and take your time writing out any community that comes to mind regardless of its size, location, unity, or widespread fame. This approach allows for some more unrestrained thinking.

For some, the most influential community immediately jumps off the page. If you fall into this category, express that excitement and passion in your essay!

Tip 2: Write about an informal community

For those who find it more difficult to choose a community, write about a community that might not be considered a "formal" community. Think creatively by reflecting on what you do with your extra time, where your head wanders when you're daydreaming, or who you turn to when you have a bad day. These questions, though more abstract, can make you realize that you belong to communities of people who might not be as visible in your day-to-day life. You might recognize that you daydream in your second language, signifying that you belong to a community of bilinguals. Maybe you visit your grandmother across town when you have a bad day, making you associate certain feelings with her house and neighborhood. These are all communities that can make compelling essays.

Though this essay will take shape in different ways for different people, you mustn't use this essay as an opportunity to brag! You have many opportunities in your application to show off your accomplishments. The essays are not the place. Use this essay to discuss your background, and do it in a way that provides insight into how this community has shaped your character and what it will allow you to contribute to your college community.

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How to Answer Prompt 2

Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate college or school (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the university of michigan. how would that curriculum support your interests (550 words).

While this essay prompt is a favorite of many schools, there are two major pitfalls for this kind of essay.

Don’t reuse an old essay

The first is that students will change the university's name within one stock essay and use it to apply to several schools. Do NOT do that! Your reasons for wanting to go to the University of Michigan should be thoughtful and based on your genuine research. Using broad statements about the "thriving college town" or the size of the student body can be used to describe other places. It does not make a compelling case for why the University of Michigan should accept you.

Summarise don’t copy information from Michigan’s website

The second pitfall is when you copy blocks of text from the university's website or promotional materials. Instead of quoting, synthesize why the information they provided is conducive to your future studies.

Be as detailed as possible

In this kind of essay, the more detail, the better! Spend that extra time doing your research. If you have friends at the school or have alumni contacts, talk to them. Read everything on the website. Learn about the requirements of the degree programs, the nuances of the school traditions, and the school's values and mission.

Write down the names of specific professors or classes that excite you. Try to imagine which activity groups you might join or the places on campus you might want to visit. This research doesn't take much time, and it will help you get more excited about applying to the University of Michigan! Those who read your application can sense your excitement and tell if you are expressing genuine passion. They will be impressed that you're taking this part of your application seriously.

It is important to note that detail in the essay does not mean you're firmly committed to a specific degree program. If you are unsure what you want to study, choose a college and major that allows you flexibility. Provide reasons for why your indelible curiosity motivates you to continue exploring before settling into a major program.

This essay is important and should help you make a compelling case for why you believe you will grow academically and personally from the University of Michigan environment. Convey that passion in the 550-word space that they provide you!

How to Stand Out in Your University of Michigan Supplemental Essays?

Want to make an impact on admissions officers? Don't put off the supplemental essay. It's not an afterthought. Spend time crafting your essay responses. Be creative and thoughtful in your answers, highlighting how your experiences are preparing you for the University of Michigan and how you will utilize the school's resources to further your career goals and make a difference during your time on campus.

How Crimson Can Help You With Your University of Michigan Supplemental Essay

When you work with one of Crimson's knowledgeable and approachable advisors , you'll receive unique advice specifically for you. Our advisors want to hear about your unique dreams, aspirations, and goals. They get to know you personally so they can help you craft supplemental essays as original and exceptional as you!

Final Thoughts

Don't forget to proofread! You'll spend a lot of time staring at your responses. Sometimes you won't even see the obvious grammatical errors. After you finish writing, don't look at the essays for a day or two. Then look at the essays again. You might see something you missed before. Finally, ask someone you trust to review your responses for clarity and structure. Make your final edits and turn them in with the rest of your application.

While grades and test scores are important, the University of Michigan takes a holistic look at applications. Your supplemental essays matter more than you may think! They allow you to show your enthusiasm for the school and why the University of Michigan is the best school for you.

What Makes Crimson Different

Key Resources & Further Reading

• Acing your College Application Essay: 5 Expert Tips to Make it Stand Out from the Rest
• MIT Supplemental Essay
• Harvard Supplemental Essay
• Columbia Supplemental Essay
• Princeton Supplemental Essay
• Cornell Supplemental Essay
• Brown Supplemental Essay
• Upenn Supplemental Essay
• Dartmouth Supplemental Essay
• Johns Hopkins Supplemental Essay
• University of Chicago Supplemental Essay
• NYU Supplemental Essay
• Northwestern Supplemental Essay
• How to Tackle Every Type of Supplemental Essay
• 2021-22 Essay Prompts Common App Essay Prompts
• What are the Most Unusual US College Supplemental Essay Prompts?

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How to Write the “Why University of Michigan” supplemental essay (2022-23)?

• March 7, 2022

Writing 500 words on the Why U of M? topic is easier for students applying to the nursing school or engineering program.  It’s not so bad for those who want to be musicians or architects. But what if you are applying to U of M’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts ? 

Why U of M? Prompt is Not as Hard as You Think!

Responding to this prompt is less challenging  than you might think. Are you interested in a specific program? Do you want to do research for a professor you’ve read about? Is there a unique program at UM-LSA that you are looking forward to? Be sure to write about it and show that you really understand what it is about.

Do not tell the admissions committee you “bleed maize and blue” or that you have been attending Big Ten football games since you were a toddler. Don’t repeat the stats on the LSA web page. Your audience knows they have gifted faculty, dozens of inspiring programs and opportunities for undergraduate research and exploration.

What Do You Know About Yourself?

What do you know about yourself? Are you curious? Creative? Innovative? Do you love a good challenge? Are you a problem-solver?

What do you know about U of M-LSA? What appeals to you about liberal arts? Are you interested in the Residential College? Do you want to participate in the University Research Opportunity Program? Do you want to go to the Biological Station? Are you curious about the Institute for Social Research?

Choose a story that demonstrates how your best qualities intersect with the best of U of M, then give it your all.   Related Stores: Wow’s Best College Essay Writing Tips

What are the MIT college essay prompts?

How to Answer the UC Personal Insight Questions?

How to Write the Common App College Essay (2022-23)

Before you read more about how to think about and parse any college essay supplemental prompt, consider what you think you know about the college essay. Ask yourself,  what if everything I think I know about the college essay is wrong?

There’s a good chance the information you’ve heard is indeed wrong. That’s because a lot of inaccurate and out-of-context information makes its way to you through the Internet, books, blogs, and even inside your high school hallways. It’s so important to get accurate information when you are applying to college. That’s where we come into the picture at Wow. We will always give you the most accurate information regarding the college essay, its purpose, how to write one that is effective and also captures the right kind of attention (the kind you want!) inside the admissions office.

No one knows more than the college essay than Wow.

Want to know what else admission teams care about?  Click here.  If you want to learn more about how to write a college essay that Shawn and any admissions officer would want to read, please join me for a monthly free webinar for students (invite your bring your friends; Mom and Dad are invited, too!) We offer the  college essay class , called Everything You Think You Know About the College Essay Is WRONG, the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm Eastern (February – September). In it, I take students like you through the first 4 steps of Wow’s signature process to give students a taste of our approach to the college essay. I dispel the college essay myths, share our best tips, and answer questions live.   Can’t join us live? No problem!  Just register,  and I’ll send you the recording.

There’s so much information about college essays out there, how can anyone, even a bright, talented student, tell the difference between what’s worth listening to and what’s not? That’s where I can help. I’m a journalist by training, and I only share information I have checked and double-checked, then checked again.

I go straight to the source – college admissions officers like Shawn Felton – to find out what they’re looking for in application essays, and I’m excited to share what I know with you.

Tips to answer any type of college essay prompt

In every case, your answer to a Why College X? Prompt needs to address three important areas:

• The school: What attracts me to this college or program?
• The student: What do I want readers to know about me?
• The stories: How does what I know about the program mesh with what I want readers to know about me? How can I illustrate this intersection? (stories/anecdotes)

Many students have very little idea what a school offers academically, socially, or culturally. Sometimes students choose a college because of the location or its status. This is not what admissions officers want to know. They may need to know you will be comfortable in a big city, but they are more interested in their school and what the college or program offers. Do you have the chops to succeed academically? Are there any clubs and activities to support your interests? Why do these factors matter to you? Depending how familiar you are with the school, answering these questions may require some research (online, in-person visits, talking to current students or alumni, etc.)

Each year, we meet many young people w ho insist that a school is perfect because they feel at home inside the football stadium and love listening to stories around the Thanksgiving dinner table from Dad, Aunt Lisa and Cousin Diana, all enthusiastic and accomplished alumni. Colleges want students to be comfortable for many reasons, but this type of answer is never sufficient. It does not answer the prompt.

You can use the illustration below as a thought-starter for thinking about a Why This College? essay. As with personal statements, focus on content before structure and polish. Make sure you understand the purpose of this type of essay. 

To prepare for writing a Why This College? essay, go to the prompt ask yourself these questions Below. This can generate useful notes and ideas that will help you in the writing process:

• What is the prompt really asking?
• What appeals to you about the college/university/program?
• What do you want the readers to learn about you from reading your response?  
• Why are you compatible with this school/program?
• What examples/illustrations can you share to demonstrate your compatibility?
• Before drafting your essay, write out a simple paragraph or bullet points responding to this question: When they are done reading this essay, what will readers know about me that they can’t find out from the rest of my application?

If you have already written a Why Us? Essay,

• Note how this prompt is similar to or different from the other school’s Why This? prompt. 
• Use your other essay(s) as a starting point for this one but use examples for this school. 
• Make some notes about what you are interested in and what this school offers that address those interests (academic, social, intellectual, cultural, etc.)

Pay attention to the different categories (academic, social, intellectual, cultural, etc.) noted in the specific prompt you’re trying to answer. Here is a sample table for a student applying to the University of Michigan’s LSA program who needs to write this supplemental essay:

Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests? (100-550 words)

This table, like the questions above, will be useful for generating ideas and understanding the prompt. We encourage you to fill out this chart for every Why This College? essay you write, as it will help you see the common themes you can use across multiple Why This College? essays, as well as key differences you should be sure to include.

Community Essays

Some schools want to find out how students might contribute to the campus community by learning about how they participate in their current community.

The University of Michigan has asked this type of question for several years. It is a typical community essay prompt:

Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong and describe that community and your place within it. (300 words maximum)

Kim Bryant, U-M’s Assistant Director of Admissions, Visitor Experience & Engagement, spends a lot of time reading and reviewing essays—thousands of application packages each season. She has spent decades inside the admissions office in Ann Arbor and loves hearing student stories.

She knows what she wants from a community essay: “We have an amazing, vibrant, thriving community made up of students in athletics, strong academics, research, over 1,200 student clubs and organizations. We want to know what applicants do in their community, church, high school, synagogue, and mosque. What are they going to do on our campus to make a difference in the world?”

Here are a couple more prompts that ask students to write about how they have contributed, or hope to contribute, to a specific community.

University of Pennsylvania

At Penn, learning and growth happen outside of the classrooms, too. How will you explore the community at Penn? Consider how this community will help shape your perspective and identity, and how your identity and perspective will help shape this community. (150-200 words)

At MIT, we bring people together to better the lives of others. MIT students work to improve their communities in different ways, from tackling the world’s biggest challenges to being a good friend. Describe one way in which you have contributed to your community, whether in your family, the classroom, your neighborhood, etc. (200-250 words)

Diversity and Inclusion Essays

Some colleges present opportunities for students to discuss how they will contribute to a diverse and inclusive campus. While these prompts can sometimes sound similar to the community essays described above, pay attention to what each school specifically asks students to focus on in their essays.

Duke University

Duke University seeks a talented, engaged student body that embodies the wide range of human experience; we believe that the diversity of our students makes our community stronger. If you’d like to share a perspective you bring or experiences you’ve had to help us understand you better, perhaps related to a community you belong to or your family or cultural background, we encourage you to do so here. Real people are reading your application, and we want to do our best to understand and appreciate the real people applying to Duke. (250 words maximum)

Pomona College

We believe that everyone has something to contribute and receive from a diverse community. Why is belonging to a diverse and inclusive college community important to you? (200 words maximum)

Rice University

Rice is lauded for creating a collaborative atmosphere that enhances the quality of life for all members of our campus community. The Residential College System and undergraduate life is heavily influenced by the unique life experiences and cultural tradition each student brings. What life perspectives would you contribute to the Rice community? (500 words maximum)

Activity Essays

Often, colleges like to know more about how a student spends their time than the sentence or two that students include on the activities section of an application or resume. When asked, “Which activity would you continue in college?” or “Tell us about one significant activity,” students need to expand upon the activity by explaining what they like about it, what they find engaging about the activity and why this is important to them.

As with all essay opportunities, make sure you know why you are sharing a story. If you write about tennis because you won six championships, that information is likely already in your application. If you write about how hard you worked to get along with your new doubles partner, and as a result you became a better team player, that’s something readers wouldn’t already know.

One of our students wrote an amazing activity essay about learning the value of hard work when he cleaned out a dumpster; it was not the easiest task to get while working at a summer camp. But he was asked to do it as part of his job in the kitchen of the overnight camp he had attended for many years. His colorful description of the activity, along with what he learned, showed how hard he worked under the worst of circumstances. His essay revealed his character. That’s why it worked. And that’s why we loved it.

Every activity essay, no matter how short, offers a space to share something new and meaningful about yourself and your interests. Consider these examples:

Georgetown University

Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved. (Approximately one-half page, single-spaced)

Vanderbilt University

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (200-400 words)

Harvard University

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (50-150 words)

Princeton University

Briefly elaborate on an activity, organization, work experience, or hobby that has been particularly meaningful to you. (Please respond in about 150 words.)

Influential Person Essays

The prompts on college applications are not always as straightforward as they appear. Consider the “influential person” essay prompt, which might look like this: Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you and describe that influence.

Colleges do not want to just read stories about Aunt Rose, a beloved first-grade teacher or the student’s great-grandfather who invented the crinkle potato chip. Instead, you need to write about how this special person helped shape you, what you gained from the relationship, and why it matters to you now.

It is admirable if Aunt Rose saved five children from a burning house or won the Presidential Medal of Freedom. But what does that have to do with you? Were you one of the kids she saved? Are you a volunteer firefighter because of this experience? If not, let Aunt Rose apply to college on her own. She might even earn a scholarship for her heroic acts.

Issue Essays

Even if a college asks students to discuss an issue (racism, poverty, domestic violence, world hunger, gun control) that is relevant to them, admissions officers still want you to reflect on that issue from a personal perspective. Consider the “issue essay” prompt, which might look like this: Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you.

Are you passionate about the environment? Do you follow politics like a veteran pundit? Are you a vegetarian or an advocate for the elderly? These are admirable issues, but unless you can explain what you have done because of this great concern, this essay won’t shine; it won’t be effective. Why did you become a vegetarian? How has it affected your daily life? What insight have you gained while teaching Mom and Dad to cook tofu? Answers to questions like these demonstrate reflection.

University of Virginia

Rita Dove, UVA English professor and former U.S. Poet Laureate, once said in an interview that “there are times in life when, instead of complaining, you do something about your complaints.” Describe a time when, instead of complaining, you took action for the greater good. (Roughly 250 words)

Creative Essays

Students generally either love or hate creative essays. Here are three sample prompts from the University of Chicago, the leader of the creative, provocative prompt:

• What if the moon were made of cheese? Or Neptune made of soap? Pick a celestial object, reimagine its material composition, and explore the implications. Feel free to explore the realms of physics, philosophy, fantasy…the sky is the limit!
• What’s so easy about pie?
• It’s said that history repeats itself. But what about other disciplines? Choose another field (chemistry, philosophy, etc.) and explain how it repeats itself. Explain how it repeats itself.

In addition to a personal statement, UChicago asks students to write several supplemental essays, including one creative essay, about 1-2 pages long.

Students who attend UChicago like questions like this. But if you can’t bear the question, it might be a sign that UChicago is probably not a good fit.

The idea is to have some fun with this essay. “Write it any way you want,” the school tells students. “We think of (the creative prompt) as an opportunity for students to tell us about themselves, their tastes, and their ambitions. They can be approached with utter seriousness, complete fancy, or something in between.”

Other schools offer creative prompts as well. These samples come from current and past application seasons.

University of Vermont

Which Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor (real or imagined!) best describes you? (500 words maximum)

Stanford University

What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed? (50 words maximum)

Covid Prompts

The Common App, Coalition App, and some colleges, like the University of Texas, added prompts during the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic, some optional and some required. The Common App’s prompt was optional. Colleges ask these types of questions to find out how you lived through challenging circumstances like Covid or other natural disasters in a genuine way.

Common App Covid Prompt

Community disruptions such as COVID-19 and natural disasters can have deep and long-lasting impacts. If you need it, this space is yours to describe those impacts. Colleges care about the effects on your health and well-being, safety, family circumstances, future plans, and education, including access to reliable technology and quiet study spaces. (250 words, optional)

This prompt, or one like it, may remain on the Common App and other applications for the 2022-23 application cycle; it might or might not seem relevant for you. If you have something to add to your application surrounding a natural disaster of any kind, this is a good place to share that information. But remember, no whining and no gloating. This is a place to share information you want colleges to know about you.

The Common App added this question to the Additional Information section, where students have always had the opportunity to share other information, about circumstances like an extended absence from school, long-term illness, or a significant decline in grades. If you feel you have something to share in the Additional Information, or another optional section, it is recommended you discuss your circumstances with your high school counselor or another trusted admissions expert.

There’s no need to manufacture challenges or heroic efforts in an answer to any prompt.

The Covid prompt, and all supplemental essays, offer a chance to share something new with colleges and give a more complete picture of who you are. Make the most of this opportunity.

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2022-2023 Supplemental Essay Prompts: Emory, UChicago, Michigan, and More! Plus Writing Tips for Supplemental Essays.

Seniors: Start here for tips for supplemental essays! The writing prompts for many of these school-specific essays, also known as the essay supplements, became available with the August 1 release of the Common Application. We strongly recommend that you start brainstorming, drafting, and writing these essays now, ahead of the upcoming school year.

Need help? Get essay support and review through our sister company  Edit  The Work . This is the ideal option for students who need writing-focused assistance with the college process. Pricing is available on a per-essay basis. 

College Writing Supplements: An Overview

While the Common Application essay is submitted to multiple colleges, supplemental essays are exclusive to the schools asking them. A great supplemental essay can give admissions officers more reasons to admit you, while also providing the opportunity to tell colleges more about you and your accomplishments.

The most common supplemental essay question ask why you want to attend a particular school or program. Some prompts may also ask you to showcase your talents, tell your unique story, and/or emphasize your ability to contribute on campus. Some colleges get more creative by asking a unique question or two just to see how you think.

Students applying to multiple selective colleges can expect to write 15 or more supplemental essays during the college application process. These essays generally range in word count anywhere from 150 to 500 words.

After reading our tips for supplemental essays, want an easy link to many of the supplemental essay questions for the Class of 2023? You can find them  here . Some of them include:

“If you could witness a historic event (past, present or future) first-hand, what would it be, and why?” — Emory University

“What advice would a wisdom tooth have?” — University of Chicago

“Socrates stated that ‘the unexamined life is not worth living.’ Discuss a time when reflection, prayer, or introspection led to clarity or understanding of an issue that is important to you.” — Boston College

“We are a community with quirks, both in language and in traditions. Describe one of your quirks and why it is part of who you are.” — University of Virginia

“Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong and describe that community and your place within it.” — University of Michigan

“Brown students care deeply about their work and the world around them. Students find contentment, satisfaction, and meaning in daily interactions and major discoveries. Whether big or small, mundane or spectacular, tell us about something that brings you joy.” — Brown University

Supplemental essays are an integral part of the application. You will need thoughtful, well-written responses. Therefore, let us emphasize again: do not leave these essays for the last minute! They will take time to write, and you owe it to yourself to put your best foot forward and not rush through them. One last tip – optional essays are not really optional. In fact, anytime you see the word “optional,” pretend it’s not there!

We’ll keep updating  our list of essay prompts  as we learn of them. If you don’t see a school you’re applying to listed, you should check each college’s website or the application itself for the essay requirements.

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The Ultimate Guide to 2022-2023 Brown Supplemental Essays

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Join college consultant Shane Niesen and CollegeVine co-founder Vinay Bhaskara in this stream all about the Brown supplemental essays!

Shane and Vinay will be going through every detail you should know to successfully answer these prompts and be taking your questions along the way. Don't miss this opportunity to receive advice directly from experts!

Shane Niesen

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