essays that worked university of michigan

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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How to Write UMich Supplemental Essays - Examples & Tips

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 11/6/23

Ready to learn how to write the UMich supplemental essays? This guide has all the information you need.  

The college admissions process can be pretty lengthy. If you’re applying to the University of Michigan , you need your transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and letters of recommendation. You’ll also be required to write essays .

The Michigan University supplemental essays make up the meatiest part of the application. Here, you show the admissions committee different sides of yourself than your grades and test scores reveal. The essays can add tremendous value to your application and highlight your candidacy. 

This comprehensive guide will teach you all about the University of Michigan supplemental essays . We’ll discuss their purpose, offer tips to create your own masterfully, and give some examples of University of Michigan supplemental essays. If you want to boost your chances of acceptance to the University of Michigan, read on! 

UMichigan Supplemental Essay Prompts 2023-2024

The University of Michigan requires that all applicants write two supplemental essays regardless of what program they want to enter. Remember that you still need to complete an essay as part of the Common Application or the Coalition Application. 

Any school’s supplemental essay prompts can vary from year to year, but most will revolve around similar themes. Below are the 2023-2024 UMichigan supplemental essay prompts : 

UMich Supplemental Essay 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."

UMich Supplemental Essay 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?"

How to Write Each Essay Prompt for the University of Michigan

While the rest of your application components are essential, your grades and test scores don’t show the admissions committee the person behind the numbers and accolades. The UMichigan supplemental essays are a way to humanize your application. You get to show the admissions committee how your experiences have shaped you.

While you should make sure that you’re adequately answering the prompt, you still have a lot of freedom in your essays. You may choose to focus on a variety of themes and topics, including: 

• Your background and community
• Instances that you’ve overcome adversity
• How going to this school will help you realize your aspirations
• How your acceptance would improve the school’s culture and community

The supplemental essay prompts can feel tricky because of their broadness. However, these top tips will help you flawlessly execute essays that captivate the reader. You’ll be able to demonstrate why you should be accepted into any program at the University of Michigan.  

How to Write UMich Supplemental Essay #1 + Analysis and Tips

As a refresher, UMich’s essay prompt #1 is: “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.” 

The purpose of this prompt is for the admissions committee to evaluate your character and individuality. You want to show the UMichigan who you are beyond numbers and scores. This a great opportunity to portray yourself authentically.

This prompt has a minimum word count of 100 words and a maximum of 300 words. Here are some tips to help you tackle this essay: 

• Tip #1: Demonstrate Curiosity : UMich seeks to admit students “who will lend educational and cultural diversity to campus and who are curious about new ideas, people, and experiences.” Reflect on what you’ve learned from the others in your community and how that has increased your curiosity about others. 
• Tip #2: Brainstorm Your Narrative : UMich advises starting with a brain dump and then narrowing your ideas down to organize your thoughts. Compile a list of communities you belong to and consider meaningful aspects of each one. Then, identify which community could make the most compelling narrative.
• Tip #3: Tell Your Unique Story : Prioritize authenticity; don’t just avoid cliches for the sake of it. What matters most is that it’s your story. Your essay shouldn’t be able to apply to anyone else. 

How to Write UMich Supplemental Essay #2 + Analysis and Tips

The second UMich essay prompt is: “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?” 

This essay prompt asks you to discuss your reasons for choosing UMichigan and your future aspirations. It also allows you to share more about your interests and passions through your discussion of your intended area of study. 

You’ll need to answer this prompt in a minimum of 100 words and a maximum of 550 words. Here are some things to keep in mind as you answer this prompt:

• Tip #1: Don’t Overlook Your Intro + Conclusion : It’s easy to just focus on the body of the essay, but make sure you still start and end well. You need to make a good impression with your introduction , and you should go out with a bang at the end by getting specific about how you see your future at UMich. 
• Tip #2: Stay on Topic : UMich also encourages applicants to make sure they’re actually answering the prompt . Some writers can lose sight of the prompt as they write. If you feel that you’re shifting off track of the story you want to tell, use an outline to organize your thoughts.
• Tip #3: Edit, Edit, & Edit More : Your first draft won’t be perfect, so a second pair of eyes, like a parent, friend, or even an admissions consultant , can be a valuable asset. It’s also helpful to leave it for a few days after finishing your first draft so that you can look it over with fresh eyes and catch errors more easily. 

Examples of University of Michigan Supplemental Essays That Worked

Excellent essays can help you stand out in the admissions process and show why you’re a fantastic candidate. Below, you will find UMich supplemental essay examples written by real students who were admitted to UMichigan, to give you an idea of how to create meaningful essays. 

UMich Essay Example #1

The University of Michigan essay excerpt below addresses the first prompt, asking you to describe your place within one of the communities you belong to.

“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 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…

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

Why Essay #1 Worked

This essay immediately immerses the reader in the writer’s narrative. The writer demonstrates how they integrated into a community and forged meaningful relationships with the children at the camp. 

This essay shows the writer’s initiative to contribute to their community. It also demonstrates their impact on a group while in a leadership position. The writer’s story is short but impactful and shows that they have a strong spirit capable of contributing to their community and, hopefully, the University of Michigan’s. 

UMich Essay Example #2

The following essay excerpt addresses the University of Michigan’s second supplemental essay prompt, which asks students to describe why they’re drawn to their specific program at UMich. 

“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…

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…

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 my 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…

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…

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.”

Why Essay #2 Worked

This essay wastes no time getting to a vital issue that the writer wants to address. The writer explains in detail what classes and causes motivate them. They explain what they aspire to do in the future and how their extracurricular activities align with their goals. 

This essay demonstrates that the writer has done their research and knows what path to take to achieve their goals. Best of all, the writer illuminates how admission to the University of Michigan can help them work toward their goals of a brighter future. 

The University of Michigan is looking for leaders who want to impact the world and their community through positive change. This essay’s conclusion perfectly outlines what the applicant wants to do.

Get More Sample Essays Here!

If you feel stuck and don’t know how to begin your essays, you can find inspiration in the work of others. To discover more sample essays, take a look at our college essay database down below!

UMich Supplemental Essay FAQs

Still have questions about how to write the University of Michigan essays? We’ve got you covered. 

1. Besides the Supplemental Essays, Are There Other Essays I Need to Write? 

Yes, you will need to write another essay in addition to the supplemental essays. When you apply with the Common Application or the Coalition Application, you’ll need to select one prompt to respond to from a list.

2. How Important Are the UMich Supplemental Essays? 

The University of Michigan essay section is a crucial part of your application. Remember that “Unlike test scores and transcripts, the college admissions essay[s] offers students a chance to showcase their personality.”

The admissions committee reviews college applications holistically, meaning that every part you submit counts toward their decision. Your essays are a way to inject life into your application and show the human behind the scores and grades. Don’t be afraid to show who you are; it can help you rightfully claim your seat at UMich. 

3. How Long Should the Essays Be?

The first UMichigan essay prompt should be a minimum of 100 and a maximum of 300. Prompt #2 has a 100-word minimum and a 550-word maximum. 

4. What Tone Should My Essays Convey? 

You don't want to sound too stiff and formal, nor do you want to fill your essay with slang —you want to shoot for conversational yet friendly and professional. Make sure that your voice shines through unedited! 

5. What’s the Best Thing I Can Do in My Essay? 

In your essay, be honest, concise, and coherent, and make sure that your reader can easily digest and follow your narrative. While you still want to sound like you, don’t be afraid to flash your intellect and be sure to include vibrant details and anecdotes that bring your essay to life! 

Write Your Future with the UMich Supplemental Essays

The University of Michigan is a great school to complete your undergraduate degree. Now that you know a lot more about what you should write in the supplemental essays, you can feel empowered knowing that you have the knowledge to deliver stellar pieces of writing. 

Don’t forget the purpose of the University of Michigan’s supplemental essays and the top tips to ensure your writing is polished. With this information, you can undoubtedly capture the admissions committee’s attention. Go forth knowing that you have the tools to submit the best supplemental essays and give yourself the best chance of acceptance!

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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.

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University of Michigan Supplemental Essays 2023-24

Like all college essays, the University of Michigan supplemental essays offer the admissions team insight into who you are and what you’ll bring to campus. Given UMich’s ranking as #3 among public universities nationwide, your UMich supplemental essays are vital to crafting a competitive University of Michigan application.

As one of the best colleges in Michigan and even the Midwest , the University of Michigan attracts students from across the nation. Additionally, with its location in Ann Arbor, Michigan , an excellent college town, it’s no wonder so many students strive to become a part of this buzzing campus community. 

With the low University of Michigan acceptance rate, you’ll want to make your UMich supplemental essays stand out. In this guide, we’ll discuss the University of Michigan essay requirements and prompts so that you are prepared to write stellar essays.

UMich Supplemental Essays: Quick Facts

• University of Michigan Acceptance Rate: 20%–U.S. News ranks University of Michigan as a most selective school. 
• One 100-300 word essay
• One 100-550 word essay
• The University of Michigan Application: UMich exclusively uses the Common App for first-year admission . Be sure to have your supplemental essays and all other application requirements ready when applying . 
• Early Action: November 1st
• Regular Decision: February 1st 
• * School of Music, Theatre, & Dance students: December
• University of Michigan Essay Tip: Start early when working on your UMich supplemental essays! Through your essays, the admissions team should get a good glimpse of who you are beyond your academic achievements. Remember, the UMich acceptance rate is highly selective, so your University of Michigan supplemental essays have to stand out. 

Strong University of Michigan supplemental essays can make a major difference in the admissions process. If you’ve got your heart set on this top university, learning more about the UMich supplemental essays can help you begin your application process.

Does University of Michigan have essays?

Yes! In addition to the Common App personal statement, students applying to the University of Michigan must complete two additional supplemental essays. 

The UMich supplemental essays both have a 100 minimum word requirement. However, the maximum word limit varies between the UMich essay prompts, with one essay at 300 words and the other at 550 words. This may seem like a large range, but take each essay step by step.

Before panicking about your word count, make sure that you’ve chosen a compelling topic, interesting anecdote, or moment of personal growth to center on. When you’re finally ready to draft, remember that every word counts. Admissions reads plenty of essays, so don’t just add words without intention. Each word, sentence, and paragraph should serve a purpose. 

University of Michigan Supplemental Essays Requirements

There are two required UMich supplemental essays that all applicants must complete. All applicants will respond to the same UMich essay prompts. 

As we have already mentioned, the University of Michigan requires students to complete the 650-word max Common App Personal Statement, a 100-300 word Diversity Community Essay, and a 100-550 word Why School Essay.

If you think about it, you really have 1,500 words in total to impress the University of Michigan admissions team. So, plan each University of Michigan essay ahead of time. Be clear and concise in the things you want to say, and get personal with the details you choose to include. You want to make sure you craft a stellar University of Michigan essay that lets your personality shine through. This will help you increase your chances against the highly selective University of Michigan acceptance rate. 

The admissions review process

In the selection process , the University of Michigan admissions team looks at the entirety of the application. This includes a review of each applicant’s talents, interests, passions, and skills. By looking beyond grades and test scores, the school admits a widely diverse class of students. 

UMich uses a holistic review process. This means that no single element of your application will make or break your admissions odds; rather, the school seeks to understand each applicant as a whole person. So, use your UMich supplemental essays to demonstrate your academic preparation, extracurricular involvement, and desire to pursue excellence in a challenging environment.

UMich Essay #1: Diverse Community Essay

The first of the two University of Michigan supplemental essays may look familiar. Essentially, it’s a diverse community essay. This sort of essay is popular at colleges across the nation. 

Here’s the UMich prompt:  

UMich Essay #1 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. .

Why are prompts like these popular on college applications? Well, this question lets you show the admissions team how you may fit into the UMich campus community. How will you help in creating a diverse community? What unique perspectives and experiences will you bring? Basically, this essay is an opportunity to show how you’d enhance the UMich community.

Crafting your response

Firstly, to write a successful response to this UMich essay prompt, you’ll need to identify a community that you belong to. Then, you’ll need to think critically about how you interact with that community. Consider how you have impacted this community and how the community has impacted you. Use this University of Michigan essay to convey, in no more than 300 words, who you are and what you value.

Remember, the University of Michigan seeks to enroll a class with a wide variety of backgrounds, intellectual passions, and interests. Your diverse community essay should demonstrate how you fit into the UMich environment and plan to enrich the student body. So, show that you are a curious, open-minded, and proactive community member. 

For tips and tricks on approaching the first of the UMich supplemental essays, check out other cultural diversity and community essay examples.  

UMich Essay #2: Why School Essay?

The second of the University of Michigan supplemental essays is another common prompt among universities: the Why School Essay. 

Here’s the second University of Michigan essay prompt:

UMich Essay #2 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.

In this University of Michigan essay, you should tell the admissions team why you want to go to UMich. Don’t just list what you like about the school or restate information on their admissions website. The institution offers more than 280 degree programs across 14 undergraduate schools and colleges. However, you’ll want to focus on specific programs or offerings that excite you. 

Do a deep dive and let your educational and extracurricular interests fuel your search. Your University of Michigan essay should demonstrate exactly what has drawn you to UMich and why you belong on campus.  

Your Why School Essay should help the UMich admissions officers learn more about you as an individual and what you hope to gain from attending the University of Michigan. However, this essay needs to be specific. What makes the University of Michigan the perfect fit for you?

Do your research

To show your interest in UMich, you’ll need to do some research. As you prepare to write your UMich supplemental essays, reflect on specific aspects of the University of Michigan that align with your educational and career goals. Then, in this University of Michigan essay, use your research to describe your goals and how UMich will help you reach them. 

Remember, the University of Michigan is a highly competitive school. So, your UMich supplemental essays have to stand out. The second of your University of Michigan essays should allow the admissions team to get to know you while assessing mutual fit.

If you’re stuck writing your UMich Why School essay, check out these two successful University of Michigan essay examples . Here, you’ll find stellar UMich supplemental essay examples of the Why School essay as well as commentary from a former admissions officer on why each University of Michigan essay worked.

Tips for approaching the UMich Supplemental Essays

We’ve reviewed the UMich essay prompts and what kind of responses they are looking for. If you’re struggling to choose a topic, try to include information that hasn’t been shown in other parts of your application. Don’t shy away from using personal anecdotes and experiences. In fact, the best University of Michigan supplemental essays will do just that.

Additionally, in your UMich supplemental essays, you should highlight goals or passions that motivate you as well as impactful lessons you have learned. These details give life to your University of Michigan essay and help you stand out. However, make sure that you fully answer each prompt while doing so. 

Here are 4 tips to write better UMich supplemental essays: 

How to Write UMich Supplemental Essays

1. choose the right topic.

Carefully consider what experiences have meant the most to you while thinking about your future educational, career, and life goals. Choose topics that comprehensively answer each of the University of Michigan supplemental essays. However, your passion for your topic should shine through. So, choose themes that genuinely matter to you. 

2. Get personal

There is nothing less interesting than reading a surface-level college essay. In your essay, you should craft a story that brings your application to life. Use anecdotes, personal details, and meaningful experiences to paint a picture of who you are. As you do so, demonstrate why you deserve to attend the University of Michigan.

3. Draft your essay

Remember that you’ll likely write multiple rough drafts before you hone in on your final piece. Although you must adhere to a limited word count in your final draft, your rough drafts can (and should!) be longer than the word count. Consider your rough drafts as a place to get all of your thoughts down on paper. From there, you can see what you want to focus on. It’s better to start with more information than you need than to not have enough to begin with!

4. Leave time to edit and revise

Always leave plenty of time for revision. Grammatical errors can be distracting and leave the admissions team with the wrong impression of you. Don’t let grammar and mechanics be the fatal flaw that impedes your admissions odds.  Ideally, have a couple of people look over your work before you submit your final essays. In addition to checking for grammatical and spelling errors, your proofreaders can let you know how they perceive your essays. Does your main point come across? Is your personality evident? Get second and third opinions where possible! 

Writing your University of Michigan essays can feel daunting at first. However, with these tips and tricks, you’ll be on your way to writing outstanding UMich supplemental essays in no time. And, most importantly, make sure to get your essays and application done by the deadlines !

How to make your UMich Essays stand out!

The best way to prepare to write University of Michigan supplemental essays that stand out is by getting ahead of the game. And staying organized is a great way to do so. Create an application checklist in order to manage your UMich supplemental essays along with your other application requirements. 

Standout UMich supplemental essays can make all the difference in the application process. Remember, your University of Michigan supplemental essays should show the UMich admissions team what makes you unique. Convince your reader why you are a highly qualified applicant who deserves admission to UMich. Your University of Michigan supplemental essays should showcase your personality, experiences, and potential contributions. So, make an argument about why you are the perfect fit for the UMich community when answering the UMich essay prompts.

Make sure that your UMich supplemental essays have:

• An authentic and personal writing voice 
• Personal experiences, values, passions, goals (be sure to include how these have impacted your personal growth)
• Use of imagery, thoughtful language, strong narrative flow, and storytelling
• School-specific details

And, here are some things to keep out of your UMich supplemental essays: 

• Generic or cliche responses 
• Information that was already shared in other parts of your application

University of Michigan Supplemental Essays – 5 Takeaways

Let’s go over some final takeaways to keep in mind when tackling the UMich supplemental essays. 

1. Start early

Give yourself ample time to develop college essay ideas, write drafts, and review them multiple times. Before starting to brainstorm and draft, you should familiarize yourself with the UMich application and University of Michigan supplemental essays requirements. Take time to review past University of Michigan supplemental essays to gain insight on what the admissions team looks for. You’ll want to make sure you have budgeted enough time to write both required University of Michigan supplemental essays.

2. Do your research

Before you even begin drafting your University of Michigan supplemental essays, you should do your research on the University of Michigan. Your University of Michigan supplemental essays should include school-specific details and demonstrate how the school environment will help you to achieve your goals. The schools you apply to should meet all of your needs. So, spend time looking into their offerings such as majors, internships, student organizations, and campus culture. Use your findings to show that you have invested time and energy into finding the best college for you. 

3. Create an outline

In addition to researching the school, you should outline your thoughts and ideas before drafting your essay. Outlines allow you to organize your thoughts, structure your essay, and ensure that your University of Michigan supplemental essays answer the UMich essay prompts entirely. This helps streamline your writing process by clarifying your main points and maintaining focus throughout your University of Michigan supplemental essays. Clarity counts for more than creativity of vocabulary, especially when you’re limited in word count. So, focus on quality over quantity. To write clear and concise University of Michigan supplemental essays, you should narrow your thoughts down to only your strongest arguments. 

4. Show don’t tell

Utilize “show” vs “tell” writing. Your UMich supplemental essays should show readers who you are beyond your academic achievements. Stories are more effective at explaining your qualities and passions than statements. What have you done that shows your interests? What examples can you give of your character? Your University of Michigan supplemental essays should paint a clear picture of who you are and why you would succeed at the University of Michigan. Give life to facts and details by using anecdotes and intriguing hooks. This will make your University of Michigan supplemental essays more interesting and fun to read. 

5. Proofread and ask for help

The editing phase of writing your University of Michigan supplemental essays is just as important as the writing phase. UMich supplemental essays are evaluated for content and writing style as well as grammar and mechanics. So, you will want to make sure you’ve reviewed your University of Michigan supplemental essays for each component. Having someone else review your essay can make a huge difference. So, make sure you leave sufficient time for this step. However, remember to filter the feedback you get on your University of Michigan supplemental essays. Don’t compromise your own writing style and voice by taking someone else’s notes. 

We hope that you have found this guide useful! Remember to revisit this article when you’re in the thick of writing your own University of Michigan supplemental essays. You may also check out this guide on How to Get Into the University of Michigan. Additionally, you can learn more about what it takes to apply to and attend the University of Michigan from a recent alum in this webinar .

If you’re looking for personalized attention when approaching your University of Michigan essays, reach out to our advisors at CollegeAdvisor to help you write the very best UMich supplemental essays. Click here to schedule a free consultation.

This essay guide was written by Bailey Bennett. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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September 11, 2023

2023-2024 University of Michigan Supplemental Essays Prompts

The University of Michigan has published its 2023-2024 admissions essays for applicants to the Class of 2028. And unlike many highly selective schools, the highly-ranked public university has not changed this year’s essay prompts in the wake of the United States Supreme Court ruling outlawing Affirmative Action. So, what are this year’s essay prompts, and how should applicants approach them? Let’s dive in!

2023-2024 UMichigan Essay Topics and Questions

Applicants to the University of Michigan are required to respond to both supplemental essays. For the first essay, the response should be a minimum of 100 words and a maximum of 300 words. For the second essay, the response should be a minimum of 100 words and a maximum of 550 words. Of course, regular readers of Ivy Coach’s college admissions blog know that applicants should use all the real estate students given to tell their stories by going to the maximum word count in all essays !

The two prompts are as follows:

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. 

When the Supreme Court outlawed Affirmative Action , Chief Justice John Roberts penned a loophole in the majority opinion. In that opinion, he wrote, “Nothing in this opinion should be construed as prohibiting universities from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise.” As such, through essays, schools could continue considering race within the context of its impact on applicants’ lives.

This loophole led many schools to adopt supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle asking about an applicant’s community, background, or experience. While worded differently, these prompts generally offer applicants the chance to write about the impact of their race (or faith, the town where they come from, etc.). But this prompt has long been a staple of the University of Michigan supplement. As such, Michigan didn’t need to change it one bit.

And remember, students need not be underrepresented minorities to answer this question powerfully. A community can mean many different things to many different students. It could be a community of mathematicians! The question is intentionally open-ended.

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?

This essay prompt is a straight-up-the-middle Why College essay prompt , and it too has long been a staple of the Michigan application. Michigan wants to know that an applicant loves them and that they love them for the right reasons. Why? Because so many students who apply to Ivy League schools or Ivy League peer institutions also apply by November 1st to Michigan. And why? Because students are allowed to apply to any public school no matter their Early Decision/Early Action choice. So Michigan — fairly we might add — wants to know they’re not being used as a backup.

Thus, how can applicants make Michigan’s admissions committee believe the school is their first choice? That’s  easy ! By demonstrating they’ve done their homework on the school. The essay should be filled with specifics that only apply to Michigan on how a student will contribute their singular hook — rather than well-roundedness — to Michigan’s vibrant community.

Just about every sentence of the essay should be tailored to Michigan. If a sentence can apply to another university, it should be deleted. And, no, name-dropping professors or listing classes do not count as genuine specifics. Michigan’s admissions officers weren’t born yesterday. If a student approaches the Why Michigan essay like a game of Mad Libs in which they replace a specific from one school for a Michigan specific, they’ll see right through it.

Instead, students must capture the genuine, enduring specifics of the school — the programs, institutes, culture, traditions, activities, and so much more!

Ivy Coach’s Assistance with the University of Michigan Essays

If you’d like to optimize your case for admission to the University of Michigan, fill out Ivy Coach ’s free consultation form , and we’ll be in touch to delineate our college admissions counseling services for applicants to the Class of 2028.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, umich essays that worked.

Hey guys, I'm currently working on my application for Umich and I was wondering if anyone has any examples of successful essays they've used for their application? I'm trying to get some inspiration and see how to showcase my own personality in the best light. Thanks in advance!

Hey there! You should totally check out this post from Collegevine which has essays students submitted to UMich and a breakdown of their strengths and areas for improvement.

https://blog.collegevine.com/university-of-michigan-essay-examples

Also, for more general tips on how to approach the essay, I also found another great Collegevine resource that provides a detailed breakdown of how to approach the Michigan prompts.

https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-michigan-essays/

Together, these should give you a strong foundation to help you start writing your essays. Good luck!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

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

Most Searched

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.

Special Assistant to the Head Coach

How to apply.

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

The University of Michigan Athletic Department is seeking qualified applicants for a Special Assistant to the Head Coach to support the NCAA DI men's basketball program. Duties include: lead special projects; analysis for purposes of program and player development; analyze film of opponents to contribute to the development of game strategy in coaches meetings; assist coordinating video operations for the program; assist in coordinating aspects of team travel; utilize computer editing software to prepare reports and/or videos used in recruiting, instructional purposes, and analysis; prepare reports. Position will attend daily practices and competitions. The position will be responsible for helping foster an environment that promotes the well-being and personal development of the student-athletes. Responsible for a commitment to adhering to university, Big 10 Conference and NCAA policies, procedures, and regulations. Establish and maintain effective interactions with the university community, alumni, media and the public.

The position requires in-depth knowledge of competitive basketball along with high work ethic and exceptional skills in organization, video analysis and communication.   

Responsibilities*

• Assist with special video and or administrative projects and support as assigned by the Head Coach 15%
• Oversee Graduate Manager on the coordination of the Head Coaches officiating evaluations 5 %
• Assists the Video Coordinator to compile and provide initial analysis of future opponents 20%
• Oversee Team Blue Student Manager program 5 %
• Assist in Creating specialized recruiting film edits and statistical analysis 5 %
• Complete other Duties assigned by the Head Coach, Director of Operations and Director of Program Personnel 15%
• Assists in Organizing Team Travel, meals, and practice times 5%
• Assist in Coordinating Visiting team Shoot-arounds and schedules 5%
• Assist in coordinating on-campus official and unofficial visits, and in developing recruiting materials 5%
• Create and coordinate special statistical and analytics project sand requests from coaching staff 15 %
• Co-liaison to the Academic Success program 5%

Required Qualifications*

• 2-3 years of administrative support experience.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the NCAA Compliance rules.
• Able to interact and communicate with all individuals at all levels of the organization.  

Desired Qualifications*

• Must have four-year college degree.
• High level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations.  Position continually requires demonstrated poise, tact, and diplomacy.
• NCAA Basketball working or playing experience.
• Experience with Mac and PC operating systems.
• Proficient knowledge and experience using Hudl/Sportscode video editing software.
• Work well in work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks and time sensitive demands.
• Knowledge of a variety of computer software applications in word processing, spreadsheets, database and presentation software (MSWord, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop).  

Additional Information

The University of Michigan Athletic Department is dedicated to building a department culture which demonstrates respect for all, shows compassion for others, and celebrates the differences among our staff, student-athletes, and supporters. We are committed to the hiring and development of diverse staff who contribute to an inclusive environment.

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off.
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting.
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Long-term disability coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

2024 Oyer Lecture highlights work of educational audiology services

On March 8, the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders hosted the 2024 Oyer Lecture on campus and online.  The event is named for Dr. Herbert J. and Dr. E. Jane Oyer.  Herbert J. Oyer came to Michigan State University in 1960 as director of the Speech and Hearing Clinic. 

This year’s speaker was Dr. Carrie Spangler, educational audiologist in Ohio and owner of empowEAR Audiology and Coaching , an organization supporting people who are deaf or hard of hearing, their families, educators and audiology speech language pathology professionals. 

Speaking with the aid of an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter, Spangler described the collaboration between educational audiologists and speech language pathologists (SLP) as they serve children who are deaf or hard of hearing.   

“If you end up working in the schools or a pediatrics type of setting, you will likely run into a student sometime in your career that is hard of hearing,” Spangler said.  “How do you collaborate with the right people?  I want you to be thinking about some of the things that could negatively impact the students in a school setting and how we make sure the classroom is accessible for them.” 

Spangler referred to educational audiologists as “brain builders” for young children, noting that the brain’s auditory functions are not fully developed until about age 15. 

“So, every single student is probably at risk of not hearing appropriately in the classroom,” she said.  “About 60 to 70 percent of what we expect kids to learn is through listening in the classroom, and that doesn’t even factor in all of the visual information that they’re trying to take in and multitasking throughout the class.” 

Spangler noted that the elementary classroom of today isn’t designed like those of previous generations.  When she was growing up, Spangler said, students sat in rows of desks with the teacher standing at the front of the room.  She said, growing up with a hearing loss herself, she learned how to position herself where she knew the teacher would be standing so she could better hear and understand what was being said.   

“But when I go into the classroom now, we have a lot of different learning styles,” Spangler said.  “When we think about our hard of hearing kids, the environment is changing all the time.  Kids are moving their seats. They’re bouncing on balls. They’re standing up at high tables…there’s lots of movement happening within the classroom. When you’re thinking about deaf and hard of hearing kids, sometimes that can be a big factor.” 

Spangler also said it’s vital that parents, teachers and anyone else in the education continuum help hearing impaired students learn to advocate for their own needs.   

“One of the things that I wish I would have had more of growing up was advocacy and being more determined about who I was; to be able to make decisions that were important for me and that were autonomous (to) me,” Spangler said. “Without having knowledge of what your difference or disability or however you want to frame it is, it’s really hard to advocate.  It’s important to be able to teach a student from a young age how to advocate for their hearing needs all the way through high school and beyond.” 

By: Kevin Lavery

• Grand Rapids/Muskegon
• Saginaw/Bay City
• All Michigan

Fewer parking spots open during $3.6M University of Michigan structure repair

• Updated: Mar. 29, 2024, 11:26 a.m. |
• Published: Mar. 29, 2024, 9:00 a.m.

University of Michigan campus. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

• Samuel Dodge | [email protected]

ANN ARBOR, MI - A rotating number of parking spots will be unavailable this summer in a University of Michigan parking structure due to a $3.6 million repair.

The Fletcher Street Parking Structure, built in 1968, will likely experience “rolling closures of a few parking spaces” or a bay of parking at a time to accommodate repair work, said university spokeswoman Kim Broekhuizen.

Read more University of Michigan stories:

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• See what the future University of Michigan center in Detroit will look like
• Oh my! Star Trek’s George Takei visiting University of Michigan
• ‘Chilling’ proposal threatens free speech at University of Michigan, students say
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An Overview of the ‘Why University of Michigan’ Essay

This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Robert Crystal in a CollegeVine livestream. You can watch the full livestream for more info.

What’s Covered

• What Is the “Why University of Michigan” Essay?
• What Is the Prompt Asking?
• What to Write about in Your “Why Michigan” Essay
• How Culture Factors into Your “Why Michigan” Essay
• How Long Should Your “Why Michigan” Essay Be?

What Is the ‘Why University of Michigan’ Essay?

The University of Michigan requires all applicants to submit supplemental essays . The prompt for the University of Michigan’s first supplemental essay is:  

“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 to the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests?” (100-550 words) 

This essay is one of the most common prompt archetypes: the “Why This College ” essay. The goal of this prompt is for admissions officers to gauge your interest in the school, why you want to attend, and how you would contribute to the university as well as ensure you have done your research on the school. 

What Is the Prompt Asking? 

This prompt contains two significant questions that you need to be prepared to answer. At a more general level, the admissions officers want to know why you like this specific program at the University of Michigan. More specifically, they are curious why the program is a good fit for you personally and academically, based on your prior experiences and future goals. 

What To Write about in Your ‘Why Michigan’ Essay

Before writing, spend some time thinking critically about how the college can support your interests and how the curriculum would support both your academic and professional goals. To come up with specific examples, browsing the college or school’s website can be helpful. Finding professors you would be interested in working with and courses that appeal to you is a good place to start, as well. 

You can also research programs within the department that interest you and whether they have any initiatives, events, or workshops that other universities do not. These are good to reference in your essay, particularly if they are unique to the University of Michigan. 

How Culture Should Factor Into Your ‘Why Michigan’ Essay

Although it may not be obvious to write about, department culture should be referenced in your “Why Michigan” essay. You want to make it clear to the admissions reader why you want to be a part of the department’s community. 

From an admissions standpoint, the university wants students who will be engaged and embedded in the campus community. That goes beyond academics, so your essay should too. 

How Long Should Your ‘Why Michigan’ Essay Be? 

The word count for this essay is 100 to 550 words, which is a much larger range than is normally listed for supplemental essays. 

If you submit a 100-word response, readers are going to assume that you are doing the bare minimum and do not have much to say about the school. That would be very detrimental to your application, especially in a “Why This College” essay. Colleges will assume that is the sort of student and community member you are, and there are probably other applicants they would choose to have on their campus instead. 

As such, you need to use the whole word count to go into detail about the program you are applying to and how that can support your goals. You are the main character in all these essays, so you need to remember to center yourself and use the full 550 words to do so in a compelling way.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

New details, renderings out for University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit

New details are out on the University of Michigan Center for Innovation, a graduate school mini-campus under construction in downtown Detroit that also will offer robotics and other programs in technology-related fields for the local workforce.

Freshly released renderings show how the UMCI, once completed in time for the 2027-28 academic year, will have a highly unique architectural design unlike any structure in Detroit. Overall, the building will have six floors plus a basement and span 200,000 square feet.

In an interview this week the UMCI's Director Scott Shireman said they anticipate 500 to 1,000 U-M graduate students enrolled at the UMCI by its third year of operation. While these students will be instructed by U-M faculty and earn U-M graduate degrees, they will be a distinct population apart from that at the university's main Ann Arbor campus, and all of their classes will be held at the UMCI.

The faculty instructors at the UMCI will come from the Ann Arbor campus, and possibly U-M Dearborn and Flint, Shireman said.

It is anticipated that the graduate students would live in or near Detroit — rather than Ann Arbor — with many of them taking residence in a planned 18-story, 261-unit residential tower to be built next to the UMCI.

“ We are going to be recruiting students who want to be in Detroit," Shireman said. "These programs will be designed to be in Detroit, they will be the same quality (as those in Ann Arbor), but we are really focused on interdisciplinary programs at UMCI ... so they will be programs that will be unique or have (a) unique spin.”

The UMCI also will offer "gateway certificates" in career fields for the local workforce. About 2,000 individuals are expected to enroll in these certificate programs, Shireman said.

Additionally, as many as 30,000 Detroiters could be impacted by one of the UMCI's community programs, which would include day programs and some K-12 instruction, according to Shireman.

While the specific courses to be offered at the UMCI are still being determined, Shireman said, there will be four primary areas of instruction:

• Advanced manufacturing, mobility and robotics
• Climate action/clean energy transition
• AI and its “practical impact” in areas such as urban technology and smart cities
• Entrepreneurship and innovation.

"So we’re looking for programs interdisciplinary by nature that fit in those four themes,” Shireman said.

UMCI staff also plan to have a series of public meetings to hear from the community on the type of programming they want to see.

More: New timeline, construction plan for $1.5B District Detroit development

Those enrolled for a "gateway certificate" would typically need six months to a year to complete a course, Shireman said. The cost for certificate courses has not been determined, he said, but the goal is to keep them affordable.

The certificate courses "will be based on the skills that employers are looking for, and then backed by the University of Michigan’s brand," Shireman said.

“This is a gateway for somebody with some or no college," he said. "Maybe they’re in a gig job or a retail job or something where there’s not a lot of career path. It’s a gateway for someone like that into an entry-level job in something that’s going to have a career path.”

$250 million cost breakdown

The anticipated $250 million cost for the UMCI project is to be covered by a $100 million state grant, a $100 million donation from New York developer and U-M alumnus Stephen Ross and $50 million in university fundraising.

The UMCI is being built on land behind the Fox Theatre on what was surface parking lots. In December, U-M President Santa Ono joined with Ross, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and other officials for a groundbreaking celebration at the site.

There are two other planned buildings for the site: a 18-story residential tower, and adaptive reuse of the former Moose Lodge building, 2115 Cass, as a four-story business incubator and coworking space for the UMCI.

On Thursday, the U-M Board of Regents approved a final schematic design for the UMCI building.

"The UMCI will bring together the best of the University of Michigan to catalyze economic development in the city of Detroit," U-M Provost Laurie McCauley said at the regents meeting. "It will house a robust portfolio of academic programs, including new interdisciplinary graduate degrees and certificate programs aligned to the skills of the future and needed to attract startups and major employers to the region.”

The other two buildings on the UMCI site — the residential tower and Moose Lodge rehab — are part of a separate development, the $1.5 billion District Detroit, and are being developed by Ross' New York-based firm, The Related Cos., as well as the Ilitch organization's Olympia Development of Michigan.

The developers recently adjusted the timeline and sequencing order for District Detroit, making the residential tower next to the UMCI as one of its first projects. Construction is to begin next year and finish in time for the UMCI's opening in fall 2027.

An updated timeline for the Moose Lodge adaptive reuse was not available Friday.

Size: 6 floors plus a basement, 200,000 square feet

Architect: New York-based Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates

General contractor: Walbridge

Anticipated cost: $250 million

Anticipated completion: summer 2027

Contact JC Reindl: 313-222-6631 or [email protected]. Follow him on X @jcreind l