University of Michigan Questions

  1. At the University of Michigan, we are focused on developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future. In your essay, share with us how you are prepared to contribute to these goals. This could include the people, places, experiences, or aspirations that have shaped your journey and future plans. (Required for all applicants; 1,500 characters maximum.)
  2. 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? (Required for all applicants; 2,750 characters maximum.)
  3. An optional essay related to the impact of challenges on the applicant. We encourage students to share their specific circumstances, and we will bring empathy and compassion to our holistic review process.

Additional Question for Transfer Applicants:

  1. Please provide a statement that addresses your reasons for transferring and the objectives you hope to achieve. (1,500 characters maximum.)

Marsal Family School of Education Transfer Applicants Only:

  1. Please review the Educator Preparation Program (EPP) mission and vision statements below:

    Mission: Our mission in the EPP at the Marsal Family School of Education is to prepare educators to support the well-being and learning of young people and to advance justice through their practice, advocacy, and activism. All pathways within the EPP leverage both research and the expertise of experienced educators to prepare novices for the complex work of supporting young people's learning and thriving, as well as that of their families and communities. We strive to uphold diversity and inclusion, and to advance justice and equity, in the field of educator preparation. 

    Vision: The EPP at the Marsal Family School of Education pursues a vision of educating toward justice. 

    Please address the following in your essay (4,000 characters – approx. 500 words - maximum): 
     
    • How does your experience prepare you to engage in a program with these commitments?
    • What goals do you have for your own career in light of these commitments? 
       
  2. Please answer in approximately 250 words (2000 characters) maximum:
    Describe your experiences (work and/or volunteer) engaging with youth.

The Common Application Personal Essay

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don't feel obligated to do so. (1,250-3,250 characters maximum; approx. 250-650 word limit.)

  1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
  2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
  3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
  4. Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma-anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.
  5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
  6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
  7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.