The University of Michigan's writing supplements include two required essays and one optional essay.
Question 1: Community and Place
At the University of Michigan, we are focused on developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future. In your essay, share with us how you are prepared to contribute to these goals. This could include the people, places, experiences, or aspirations that have shaped your journey and future plans (required for all applicants; 100 word minimum; 300 word maximum).
University of Michigan 'Community & Place' Q&A Slides
Q: What is the prompt asking?
A:
Your contribution to U-M as a leader and citizen.
Show how you 'challenge the present' and 'enrich the future.'
Tell a specific story about what shaped you (people, places, experiences).
Connect this to your future plans.
Q: How do I show, not tell?
A:
Don't write: "I am a leader."
Write: "I secured a grant to fund our robotics club's prototype."
Use active voice and a single, specific anecdote.
Q: How to use the key elements?
A:
Select one tangible element, not a group.
Weak: "My family taught me."
Strong: "My grandmother, a botanist, taught me to classify invasive species."
Focus your narrative tightly.
Q: What do 'challenge' and 'enrich' mean?
A:
Challenge the present: Disprove an assumption. Solve a problem no one else addressed.
Enrich the future: Scale a solution. Mentor others. Share your work.
Tie your action to a real, measurable outcome.
Q: Give a concrete example.
A:
Weak: "I am interested in computer science."
Strong: "I developed an open-source tool to help novice programmers detect syntax errors in Python."
The second sentence uses a verb, provides a specific action, and a measurable outcome.
Q: What is a good structure?
A:
Part 1: The Inciting Incident. Your formative experience.
Part 2: The Action. What did you do to 'challenge the present'?
Part 3: The U-M Connection. How will you 'enrich the future' at Michigan?
Do not use clichés like "I am passionate about..."
Do not list activities. Tell a story about your role and impact.
Do not summarize your resume.
Question 2: Unique Qualities and Curriculum Fit
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)
University of Michigan 'Unique Qualities & Curriculum Fit' Q&A Slides
Q: How to find unique qualities?
A:
Go beyond general facts.
Example: Not "Ross is a business school," but "Ross's Multidisciplinary Action Projects (MAP) program."
Look for specialized centers, unique teaching methods, specific faculty research.
Q: How to connect curriculum to interests?
A:
Link specific courses, programs, or faculty to your passions.
Example: "My interest in sustainable energy aligns with Engineering's Energy Systems Engineering track and Professor X's research on Y."
Show a direct, logical path.
Q: How to provide specific examples?
A:
Name course numbers, specific lab names, faculty names.
Example: "I am drawn to LSA's 'Big Questions' courses, specifically ENVIRON 201: Environmental Justice, to explore ethical dimensions of climate policy."
Demonstrate in-depth research.
Q: How does it support your future?
A:
Explain how the curriculum prepares you for post-graduation goals.
Example: "The Stamps School's interdisciplinary studios will prepare me to design socially impactful art installations."
An optional essay related to the impact of challenges on the applicant. We encourage students to share their specific circumstances, and we will bring empathy and compassion to our holistic review process.
University of Michigan 'Impact of Challenges' Q&A Slides
Q: What challenge to write about?
A:
Select one significant personal, academic, or social obstacle.
Example: Navigating a family illness, adapting to a new country/school.
Avoid minor setbacks.
Focus on a challenge that genuinely impacted you.
Q: How to describe the challenge?
A:
Briefly set the scene (1-2 sentences).
Example: "My family's move to a new country presented a language barrier in daily interactions."
State the core obstacle clearly.
Q: How did you respond?
A:
Detail specific actions you took.
Example: "I enrolled in evening language classes, practiced with neighbors."
Show active problem-solving.
Q: What did you learn?
A:
Explain specific insights gained.
Example: "This experience taught me resilience, the value of direct communication."
Connect learning to your personal development.
Q: How did it impact you?
A:
Describe how your perspective changed.
Example: "I now approach unfamiliar situations with greater empathy, a readiness to adapt."
Show lasting effects.
Q: How does this connect to Michigan?
A:
Briefly link your growth to your future at U-M.
Example: "My adaptability will help me thrive in Michigan's diverse academic environment."
