University of Michigan Essays That Worked

Hi all! I'm working on my UMich essays and I'm curious to see examples of essays that caught the admissions office's attention. Can anyone share their essays that worked or direct me to some resources where I can find them? It'd be super helpful in giving me an idea of what they're looking for!

Hey there! You're in luck, because CollegeVine indeed has a sampling of successful University of Michigan essays on their blog, as well as breakdowns of what each essay did well and what could have been done even better: https://blog.collegevine.com/university-of-michigan-essay-examples/.

I'd also be happy to share some general tips and guidance on how to write compelling essays for your University of Michigan application.

1. Focus on what makes you unique: UMich receives tens of thousands of applications every year, so it's essential to make your essay stand out. Emphasize experiences, skills, or perspectives that are unique to you, so your essay doesn't get lost in a sea of similar narratives.

2. Be genuine and authentic: Similarly, don't try to craft the "perfect" essay that you think the admissions office wants to read. Rather, write about experiences and emotions that are true to you. Admissions officers can tell when an essay is insincere or pre-packaged, so don't be afraid to let your personality shine through.

3. Relate your interests to UMich: Show how your interests and passions align with the opportunities available at the University of Michigan. This could include mentioning specific courses, professors, research opportunities, or clubs that excite you. Demonstrating that you've done your homework on the university will display your commitment and enthusiasm.

4. Use clear, concise language: While it might be tempting to insert big words or complex sentences to impress the admissions office, this can often hinder your message. Instead, prioritize clarity and conciseness in your writing to ensure that your essay doesn't become convoluted or difficult to understand.

5. Revise, revise, revise: Writing a winning UMich essay isn't a one-time effort. Be prepared to revise your essay multiple times to refine your ideas, tighten your language, and ensure that your essay flows smoothly. Consider asking someone (a teacher, mentor, or peer) to review your essay and offer constructive advice. Or, if you want to get a more objective set of eyes on your writing, remember that CollegeVine offers both a free peer essay review tool and paid reviews by expert college admissions advisors.

While you can definitely use the example for inspiration, it's crucial to create a unique essay that reflects your personality, experiences, and aspirations, rather than trying to replicate what someone else did. Finally, if you want more specific guidance, consider referring to CollegeVine's breakdown of the current UMich supplemental essay prompts: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-michigan-essays.

Good luck, and happy writing!