Add Project Key Words

From football to research, the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor is a school that’s as sought-after as it is selective. With over 280+ degree programs and 14 undergraduate schools, the University of Michigan ranks at the top for public research universities and #2 for public schools in the United States. With its reputation also comes competition. Tens of thousands of students apply every year, though the University of Michigan’s acceptance is only 18%. To gain an edge against all the other students, your application must be flawless, including your essays. To help students navigate the admissions process and craft the most compelling college essays, here is InGenius Prep’s guide to the University of Michigan supplemental essays 2024-2025. 

Want an expert's opinion on your college applications? Book a free strategy call and begin your admissions journey today!

University of Michigan Supplemental Essays 2024-2025

Prompt 1 (Required: 300 word limit)

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 University of Michigan is interested in your involvement with communities that you’re a part of in high school. From the question, you can see that “community” isn’t limited to a club or organization. Your response to the first question can reflect on the food your family makes, or you can talk about your hometown. No matter what you write about, make sure you focus on your place within this community. It’s easy to spend all 300 words describing your community when the Admissions Officer really wants to hear about you! You don’t necessarily have to talk about your race or cultural background either. Your community could be your group of friends who are all passionate about baking! As long as you are able to position this community as impactful and important to you personally, it’s fair game for this essay. Admissions officers want to know how you will fit into their community and contribute to the school—so don’t take this prompt lightly!

Prompt 2 (Required: 550 word limit)

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 is the longest of the supplemental essays and perhaps the most important. This is the University of Michigan’s version of the “Why do you want to attend this school” essay. 

With approximately 275 majors and 14 undergraduate schools and colleges, the University of Michigan can be a great fit for many types of students. Make sure you’re researching the exact school within UMich that you hope to apply to. You might be interested in the College of Literature. Science and the Arts (LSA) is the largest college on campus in terms of majors and enrollment. Or, you have your eyes on the College of Engineering, which boasts an amazing program with 17 different specializations. There’s also the Ross School of Business, the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, and the School of Art and Design. 

Spend time looking through the different colleges and the majors within them. What kind of research opportunities do they provide? Who are some of the faculty? The more specific you can be about what aspects of the program interest you, the better. Regardless of your choice, your answer should focus on the specific resources within the college that you have chosen, your specific interests in the major you are applying for, and how the school will help you reach your future goals. Don’t forget to demonstrate why you are going to be a strong fit for the college of your choice. 

Additional Tips for Writing the University of Michigan Supplemental Essays 2024-2025

Now that you’ve taken a look at the prompts, here are a few tips to help your brainstorming process: 

• If You Get an Early Start, You Can Apply Early Action: If you have time, why not start working on the University of Michigan supplemental essays right now? Unlike Early Decision programs, Early Action does not bind you to the University of Michigan, so you are free to apply to other schools. Applying EA will allow you to receive your admissions decision sooner, which may relieve some application season stress.
• Remember to Connect Your Answers to Yourself: While it’s pretty easy to fill up a page with everything appealing about UMich, remember that the University of Michigan supplemental essays are designed to get to know you. Your answer to the question does not have to be extremely deep or existential if such a theme has no relevance to you. You need to write two essays that will help make you memorable: avoid writing about cliché features that have a hundred other essays and brochures about them.

Successful essays are those that stand out from the crowd. Each student is different, so set yourself apart by highlighting your unique traits. Understand the University of Michigan’s mission, learn its values, and highlight the qualities that showcase those traits in your essays. By being genuine and avoiding the canned answers that other applicants are likely to give, you vastly increase your chances of making an impression on Admissions Officers—and your odds of acceptance as a whole. 

Consider your writings carefully. Find your voice and use it to show Admissions Officers why you’re the prime candidate for the University of Michigan.

For more about essay writing, application counseling, and building your profile, see InGenius Prep’s coaching programs. Our Former Admissions Officers from the top universities are here to help you perfect every aspect of your college applications. 

Book a free strategy call with an advisor today to get started on your academic journey.