The University of Michigan's writing supplements include two required essays and one optional essay.
Question 1: Community and Place
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)
University of Michigan 'Community & Place' Q&A Slides
Q: How to choose a community?
A:
Select a group that shaped you.
Example: a debate team, a cultural heritage group, a neighborhood initiative.
Not just a casual association.
Show deep connection.
Q: How to describe the community?
A:
Use specific details, not generalizations.
Example: "Our robotics team, 12 members strong, met daily in the cramped workshop."
Show its unique characteristics.
Q: How to describe your place?
A:
Define your role, responsibilities.
Example: "As lead programmer, I debugged code for our robot's autonomous functions."
Show your active involvement.
Q: How to show impact/contributions?
A:
Detail specific actions you took.
Example: "I mentored new members, improving their coding skills by 20%."
Show how you made a difference.
Q: What did you gain from it?
A:
Explain personal growth, lessons learned.
Example: "This team taught me problem-solving under pressure, collaborative leadership."
Connect to your development.
Q: How does this connect to Michigan?
A:
Briefly link your community experience to U-M's values.
Example: "My collaborative spirit aligns with Michigan's interdisciplinary research culture."
Show how you will contribute to Michigan's community.
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."
