How to Write the University of Michigan Essays

This prompt provides an opportunity to highlight who you are as a person to admissions officers by showing your engagement with a community. Given the wide scope of the prompt, you can choose any community that is important to you or has been formative for your growth. This could be anything from a local sports team, a cultural or religious group, an academic club, a volunteer organization, or even an online community. Then, consider your unique place within that community. Discuss your role or involvement, such as any positions you’ve held, activities you’ve participated in, or contributions you’ve made. Has your perception of this group changed overtime? How has this community shaped you?

There are many ways to answer this question, but the key is to demonstrate your self-awareness and your ability to contextualize the world around you and what matters most to you. Go beyond the surface to explore the deeper significance of this community in your life.

Upon seeing the swirls of pink and purple displayed on the projector during my seventh grade biology class, I was transported back to when I was four years old, when my dad brought me to work where he diagnosed cancer patients. With a picture of those cancer cells from class in hand, I raced home, excited to tell my dad that I remembered peering through a microscope that day, arranging the slides with my tiny hands.

Ever since I could speak, medicine and science have been a part of my life through dinner table conversations, schoolwork, and my own interest. As an innately curious person, I’m fortunate to have a family that celebrates knowledge; coming home to discuss the intricacies of a day’s learning is only natural. In such an environment, my desire for knowledge has only grown.

At the same time, my family doesn’t just value curiosity for curiosity’s sake. We’re not too far removed from tragedy to forget that it’s a privilege to revel in intellectual pursuits. During World War II, my mother’s family was held in Japanese internment camps and my father’s family barely escaped Nazi-torn Europe. Though I’m two generations removed from this hardship, I’ve never taken my education for granted, and I recognize how privileged I am to be where I am.

So, while those swirls of pink and purple cells alone are fascinating, it’s more than just curiosity that drives my interest. My family’s story inspires me to use my inquisitiveness for a greater purpose—to benefit the lives of those around me. Wherever it takes me, I know my family will cheer me on, mirroring my childlike thrill.

The key to this prompt is research, as the goal is to demonstrate specific knowledge of the University of Michigan’s academics. The admissions committee is not looking for interest in any academic area in particular, but rather a genuine expression of your interest in a field and how the University’s resources can support that interest. Start by demonstrating a clear understanding of the specific undergraduate College or School you are applying to, then discuss how it aligns with your academic and career interests.

Highlight the specific aspects of the program that attract you. This could include the curriculum structure, interdisciplinary opportunities, hands-on learning experiences, study abroad programs, or the reputation of certain professors. Be specific and mention elements that genuinely resonate with you—you should not be able to repurpose this essay for any other school on your list. Finally, discuss how attending this specific College or School will help you achieve your long-term goals. Whether it’s a particular career path, further studies, or a desire to contribute to a field, show that you have a vision for your future and that Michigan is a crucial step towards achieving it.

I want my college education to look like my ideal plate of food: full of variety and unusual combinations. Just like tasting unique blends of flavors, I find that learning different academic subjects in tandem informs how I approach and see each one in isolation, which is why I find Michigan’s dual degree program through the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) and the College of Engineering incredibly appealing. This unique program allows me to combine my diverse passions in biomedical engineering and philosophy with a broader liberal arts education, fostering a unique skill set and perspective.

Last summer, I had the incredible opportunity to do research in a computational biology lab, working on a project that employed mathematical and computational modeling to understand genetic data. This opportunity only increased my interest in pursuing research, and I am excited to dive further into research in college. The robust research environment at Michigan presents unmatched opportunities to engage in groundbreaking research. The chance to collaborate with esteemed faculty members on cutting-edge projects—like Professor Kelly Arnold’s bioengineering projects which seek to apply systems engineering approaches to understand disease—aligns perfectly with my passion for scientific inquiry. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to innovation would enable me to explore my interests more deeply. Such experiences would foster intellectual growth, develop my analytical skills, and prepare me for a career in research.

At the same time, my interests extend far beyond biomedical engineering; I’ve relished learning about subjects such as history, art, and especially philosophy. Since freshman year, I’ve established and led my school’s Philosophy club, in which students discuss a variety of philosophical questions over lunch period. We have had fruitful conversations about topics ranging from self-driving cars to genetic modification via CRISPR technology. I am seeking an education that will satisfy and inspire my interests spanning engineering and the liberal arts, and the dual degree program presents the unique chance to do so. By integrating coursework across both colleges, I will gain a comprehensive understanding of the technical aspects of engineering as well as the societal implications of technology. This multidisciplinary approach would equip me to address complex challenges at the intersection of technology, ethics, and society. I would be thrilled to pick from the more than 3,000 courses offered by the LSA. From “Urban Inequality” to “Data Science Ethics” to “Programs, Information, and People,” I am eager to take courses like these, as I know that they will shape and be shaped by my education in engineering.

Finally, Michigan’s vibrant and inclusive community is renowned for its collaborative spirit. The opportunity to engage with a diverse group of individuals from various backgrounds across its colleges would enhance my educational experience and broaden my perspective. The university’s emphasis on teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration aligns with my values, as I believe that diverse perspectives foster creativity and lead to innovative solutions.

The broad and diverse curriculum, research opportunities, and collaborative community offered by the University of Michigan’s dual degree program suit my interests and ambitions, offering an exciting plate full of variety—and I can’t wait to take the first bite.