Crafting the Perfect University of Michigan Supplemental Essays

The University of Michigan is one of the most respected public research universities in the world—and with its competitive applicant pool, standing out is more important than ever. Beyond your GPA and test scores, the supplemental essays are your opportunity to speak directly to the admissions committee and show them who you are, how you think, and why Michigan is the right place for you.

UMich requires two supplemental essays for first-year applicants. These essays are designed to evaluate your fit with the school’s values, academic rigor, and community-driven ethos. In this guide, you’ll find in-depth advice, examples, and strategies to help you write standout responses.

University of Michigan’s 2024–2025 Supplemental Prompts

Essay #1: Community (100–300 words)

“Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups... Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it.”

Essay #2: Why Michigan? (100–550 words)

“Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School to which you are applying... How would that curriculum support your interests?”

Essay 1: The Community Essay

This prompt is your chance to express who you are outside of your grades and awards. Michigan wants to understand the values, connections, and perspectives you bring to campus life. “Community” can mean many things: a team, an identity, a shared experience, a place, or even an online group.

How to Approach It:

• Be personal, not performative. Choose a community that actually matters to you, not one you think will sound impressive.

• Define your role. Explain how you contribute to the community—are you a leader, a listener, a connector, an advocate?

• Show growth. Share how this community shaped your identity or worldview.

Example Ideas:

• A cultural or religious community that shaped your values

• A robotics or debate team that taught you resilience

• A close-knit neighborhood, rural community, or immigrant experience

• An online community you’ve helped moderate or support

• 
  

What to Avoid:

• Over-generalizations like “I belong to the global community” without a personal story

• Focusing too much on what the group is, instead of your relationship to it

Essay 2: Why Michigan?

This is one of the most important essays in your application. UMich wants to know whether you've done your homework—and whether you're a good match for the specific college, program, and academic environment you're applying to.

How to Approach It:

• Be specific. Generic statements like “Michigan has a great engineering program” don’t cut it. Mention specific courses, faculty, labs, or programs that fit your goals.

• Connect your past to your future. Link your current interests and achievements to what you’ll pursue at UMich.

• Focus on fit. Why this college or school at UMich? How do its values, opportunities, and style of learning align with you?

What You Might Include:

• A dual degree or interdisciplinary program (e.g., LSA + Engineering)

• Undergraduate research labs, student-led startups, or co-ops

• First-year seminars or living-learning communities

• A commitment to public service or social justice

• Unique curriculum structures (flexible majors, Honors Program, etc.)

What to Avoid:

• Writing about Michigan football or school spirit without connecting it to academics or community

• Copy-pasting your “Why X School” essay from another college

Writing Strategies That Work

• Use active language. Show your passion through specific actions and experiences. Avoid vague adjectives—opt for concrete examples.

• Don’t waste your word count. Every sentence should reveal something new about you.

• Show, don’t tell. Instead of saying “I’m passionate about medicine,” describe the day you shadowed a neurologist and how that shaped your academic direction.

• Make it readable. Structure matters—use short paragraphs, transitions, and clean storytelling to guide your reader.

Final Tips

• Start early. Michigan’s supplemental essays require more research and reflection than most. You’ll likely go through multiple drafts.

• Tailor each essay. No two applicants will have the same story or reasons for choosing Michigan. Make sure your essays reflect you.

• Don’t write for them—write for yourself. The best essays come from a place of clarity, not performance.

FAQ: Michigan Supplemental Essays

How important are these essays in the admissions process?

Very. With so many high-achieving applicants, your essays can be the deciding factor.

Can I go under or over the word count?

Stick to the limits. Essay 1: 100–300 words. Essay 2: 100–550 words. Being concise is part of the evaluation.

Can I write about the same topic in both essays?

No—each essay should reveal something distinct about you. The community essay is about identity and values; the Michigan essay is about academic and institutional fit.

Should I mention specific professors or classes?

Yes, if relevant. Make sure you show how they connect to your interests and future plans, not just name-drop.

Do I have to apply to a specific college at UMich?

Yes. Michigan requires you to apply to a specific undergraduate college (e.g., LSA, College of Engineering, Ross). Your “Why Michigan” essay should focus on that division.