U of M Community Essay Tips

Hey everyone! I'm working on my University of Michigan application, and I'm a bit stuck on the community essay. Does anyone have any tips or suggestions for what to focus on while writing about a community I belong to?

Hello! When writing the University of Michigan community essay, it's essential to focus on a community you are genuinely passionate about and have a connection to, as this will make your writing more authentic and engaging. Here are a few tips to help you craft a strong response:

1. Choose a specific community: Whether it's a cultural group, club, sports team, or local organization, zero in on a community that is meaningful to you. The more specific you can be, the more you can demonstrate your connection and commitment.

2. Show your involvement: Describe your role within the community and how you've contributed over time. Highlight any leadership positions you've held, projects you've spearheaded, or unique ways you've participated.

3. Reflect on personal growth: Discuss how being a part of this community has impacted your personal development, such as learning new skills, building relationships, or discovering new perspectives. Share any challenges you've faced and the growth that came from overcoming them.

4. Make connections to U of M: Mention how the experiences you've gained from being a part of this community will translate to your time at the University of Michigan. Think about ways you could get involved in similar groups or activities on campus and how you'd contribute to the overall university community.

5. Keep it focused and concise: With a relatively low word limit, it's important to stay on topic and avoid tangents. Focus on a few key elements that best showcase your connection to the community and the positive impact it's had on you, rather than trying to say every single thing you have in mind.

6. Take advantage of CollegeVine's resources: You can find a breakdown of how to approach all of Michigan's supplemental essays, including this one, on CollegeVine's blog (https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-michigan-essays). If you're looking to get a second set of eyes on your essay, you should also consider taking advantage of CollegeVine's Free Peer Essay Review Tool, or submitting your essay for a paid review by an expert college admissions advisor through CollegeVine's marketplace.

Overall, remember to stay true to your own experiences and be genuine in your writing. Showing how your chosen community has shaped you and influenced your values will create a strong response for this University of Michigan essay prompt. Best of luck with your application!