The University of Michigan has released two required supplemental essay prompts for the 2024-25 application cycle.
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. (Required for all applicants; minimum 100 words/maximum 300 words)
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? (Required for all applicants; minimum 100 words /maximum 550 words)
When choosing a community to write about, consider the following:
Let's start by jotting down bullet points based on the tips mentioned above. Begin by reflecting on how your ethnic identity shapes your identity. Here's an example:
Community: Cultural Heritage and Ethnic Identity
Reason
Served as a cultural ambassador in my local community
These experiences have deeply influenced me by:
Now that you have outlined the skeleton, the next step is building a solid first draft. You can start by referencing other drafts, writing a quick initial draft yourself, and utilizing AI-based editors like the GradGPT college essay builder. Here's a rough first draft generated based on the outlined points:
Growing up in a tight-knit Mexican-American community, I have developed a deep appreciation for my cultural heritage. From the vibrant flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine to the colorful celebrations of holidays like DĂa de los Muertos, my Mexican roots are woven into every aspect of my life.
As a cultural ambassador in my local community, I have had the privilege of sharing my Mexican-American identity with others. I have organized and participated in cultural events and festivals, such as Cinco de Mayo celebrations and Mexican Independence Day parades, to educate and engage the broader community. Additionally, I have taught Spanish language classes to children and adults, helping them develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the language and its cultural significance. I am also passionate about advocating for diversity and inclusion in my school and community.
My experiences as a cultural ambassador have had a profound impact on my personal growth and development. They have deepened my appreciation for my cultural heritage and identity, helping me to better understand and celebrate the unique aspects of my background. These experiences have also helped me develop strong communication and leadership skills, as I have worked to engage and inspire others to learn about and appreciate Mexican culture. Most importantly, my role as a cultural ambassador has given me a strong sense of pride and belonging in my ethnic community.
Looking ahead, I aspire to use my experiences as a cultural ambassador to make a meaningful impact in the global business world. I plan to pursue a degree in Latin American Studies, which will provide me with the knowledge and skills needed to work as a cultural diversity consultant for multinational corporations. In this role, I will leverage my language skills, cultural knowledge, and leadership experience to help companies effectively navigate cross-cultural communication and collaboration.
The draft shows promise in substance but needs more evidence and substantial improvements in writing style and readability.
The essay scores well in terms of content and substance, earning an 87/100. However, the writing style needs improvement. Readability is a major issue.
With some effort, you can improve this. Shorten a few long sentences to achieve a readability score of 13 or lower.
Growing up in a tight-knit Mexican-American community, I have developed a deep appreciation for my cultural heritage.From the vibrant flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine to the colorful celebrations of holidays like DĂa de los Muertos. My Mexican roots are woven into every aspect of my life.
As a cultural ambassador in my local community, I have had the privilege of sharing my Mexican-American identity with others. I have organized and participated in cultural events and festivals, such as Cinco de Mayo celebrations and Mexican Independence Day parades, to educate and engage the broader community. Additionally, I have taught Spanish language classes to children and adults, helping them develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the language and its cultural significance. I am also passionate about advocating for diversity and inclusion in my school and community.
My experiences as a cultural ambassador have had a profound impact on my personal growth and development. They have deepened my appreciation for my cultural heritage and identity, helping me to better understand and celebrate the unique aspects of my background. These experiences have also helped me develop strong communication and leadership skills, as I have worked to engage and inspire others to learn about and appreciate Mexican culture. Most importantly, my role as a cultural ambassador has given me a strong sense of pride and belonging in my ethnic community.
Looking ahead, I aspire to use my experiences as a cultural ambassador to make a meaningful impact in the global business world. I plan to pursue a degree in Latin American Studies, which will provide me with the knowledge and skills needed to work as a cultural diversity consultant for multinational corporations. In this role, I will leverage my language skills, cultural knowledge, and leadership experience to help companies effectively navigate cross-cultural communication and collaboration.
Now, let's construct a solid first draft that we can refine further. To begin, jot down some initial thoughts.
Here's a rough first draft generated based on the outlined points:
The University of Michigan's unique interdisciplinary curriculum, combined with its exceptional resources and faculty expertise, makes it the ideal place for me to pursue my academic and career goals. The flexibility to explore different fields aligns perfectly with my passion for combining computer science with business and entrepreneurship. Michigan’s interdisciplinary approach will allow me to delve into AI, robotics, and data analytics while fostering my diverse interests.
Michigan's dual degree programs, such as the Computer Science + Business Administration (CSBA) program, offer a blend of technical and business skills that is essential for achieving my goal of starting a tech company. This program’s integration of computer science and business principles will equip me with the knowledge and experience necessary to innovate and lead in the tech industry.
My academic record, including a 3.9 GPA and high scores in computer science and math courses, demonstrates my dedication and capability in these fields. I have developed a mobile app for local businesses and built a robot for the FIRST Robotics Competition, both of which showcase my technical skills and creativity. My internship at a tech startup provided hands-on experience in software development and product management, further preparing me for the rigorous and dynamic environment at Michigan.
As the president of the Computer Science Club and vice president of the Entrepreneurship Club, I have honed my leadership skills and fostered a mindset of curiosity, creativity, and entrepreneurship. These experiences have prepared me to thrive in Michigan's vibrant and innovative community.
Michigan’s state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Ford Motor Company Robotics Building, and its commitment to cutting-edge research in fields like data science and machine learning deeply inspire me. I am excited about the opportunity to learn from renowned faculty, collaborate with talented peers, and contribute to groundbreaking research in AI and robotics. Moreover, the vibrant campus community at Michigan offers numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth, which I am eager to embrace.
The University of Michigan's reputation for excellence in computer science and its dedication to interdisciplinary education make it the perfect place for me to pursue my ambitions. I am enthusiastic about becoming a part of this dynamic community and leveraging Michigan's resources and opportunities to achieve my goals.
The first draft requires some improvement in content and substantial refinement in writing style. Here are some of the best tips on how to improve the writing style.
You can play around with these tips on the GradGPTÂ editor to keep improving your essay.
With a little work, you can improve this by adding some humor and an engaging writing style to achieve a green tick on all five components of a great essay.
The University of Michigan checks all the boxes for me. Their interdisciplinary programs and amazing resources align perfectly with my academic and career goals. It's the ideal place to fuse my passion for computer science with business and entrepreneurship—a combination that not only excites me but also promises to keep me on my toes (and hopefully not tangled in Ethernet cables).
Their dual degrees, like the CSBA, bridge the tech-business gap, which is crucial for launching a tech startup. This program merges computer science and business, giving me the tools to innovate and lead in tech—because let's face it, the world needs more tech wizards who can also balance a budget.
My 3.9 GPA and top scores in computer science and math showcase my dedication and skills. This passion translates into real-world action. For instance, I built a mobile app for local businesses and even wrangled a competition robot into championship form—proof that my coding isn't just code, it's a dance of logic and creativity.
Moreover, my tech startup internship provided hands-on experience in software development and product management, preparing me for Michigan's demanding academic environment and the occasional surprise pop quiz in coding languages.
As President of the Computer Science Club and vice president of the Entrepreneurship Club, I honed my leadership skills and fostered a curious, creative, and entrepreneurial mindset. These experiences have shaped me into someone who's not only ready to contribute but also eager to collaborate with Michigan's diverse and dynamic community.
Michigan's state-of-the-art facilities, like the Ford Motor Company Robotics Building, and their cutting-edge research in AI and data science ignite my passion. I can't wait to learn from renowned faculty, collaborate with talented peers, and contribute to groundbreaking research—because who knows, maybe together we'll invent a robot that can make coffee and deliver it across campus!
The University of Michigan's commitment to excellence in computer science and interdisciplinary education makes it the perfect place for me to pursue my ambitions. I am genuinely enthusiastic about joining this vibrant community, contributing my skills, and leveraging their resources to achieve my goals—coffee-fetching robot prototype included.
Crafting standout University of Michigan supplemental essays for 2024-2025 requires thoughtful reflection and clear, engaging writing. These prompts are your chance to demonstrate your fit with Michigan’s community and academic offerings. With careful planning and authenticity, you can showcase your unique qualities effectively. Best of luck with your application!
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