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Michigan

University of Michigan

Two essays: a 300-word community essay and a 550-word Why Michigan. Annotated examples.

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Required essays

2

Lengths

300 and 550 words

Test scores

Optional

Supplement

Required

What Michigan rewards

Michigan asks for two supplemental essays on top of the Common App personal statement. The first is a required community essay of 100 to 300 words about how you are prepared to contribute as a leader and citizen. The second is the Why Michigan essay, up to 550 words, about the specific college or school you are applying to. Michigan is test-optional.

The two essays do very different jobs, and applicants who blur them lose. The community essay is about you and the people and places that shaped you. The Why Michigan essay is the most demanding 'why us' in the top tier, 550 words is a lot of room, and Michigan uses it to filter out anyone who did not do real research. You apply to a specific undergraduate college (LSA, Engineering, Ross, and others), and the essay must speak to that exact school's curriculum and your fit with it.

01Specific Michigan, not generic. The 550-word Why essay rewards real homework: named courses, programs, labs, traditions in your actual college. Generic praise of a great public university reads as a copy-paste.
02Contribution, not just fit. The community essay asks how you will contribute as a leader and citizen. They want what you will add, shown through who you already are.
03Authentic community. Michigan reads 'community' broadly: a neighborhood, a team, a family, a tradition. The honest, specific one beats the impressive-sounding one.
04Earned, concrete enthusiasm. 550 words of vague excitement is worse than 300 words of precise reasons. Michigan trusts applicants who can connect a specific offering to a specific part of themselves.

Essay prompts for 2026-2027

2 prompts for Michigan, each broken down with annotated examples.

Community and contribution (required)100 to 300 words

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.

Why MichiganUp to 550 words

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?

See all 2 prompts and get a read

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Add your GPA, test scores, and profile to estimate your odds at Michigan and build a balanced list.

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Deadlines

Early ActionNov 1
Regular DecisionFeb 1

Cost

Sticker price$38,044
Avg net after aid$19,005
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How to get inAcceptance rate, the GPA and SAT profile, and what Michigan weighs most Supplemental essays2 prompts, each broken down with annotated examples Cost & financial aidAverage $19,005/yr after aid · net price by income + calculator InterviewDoes Michigan interview? Format, tips, and practice The Michigan Reader ProScore your draft against Michigan's exact prompts
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Michigan FAQ

What is Michigan's acceptance rate?

About 18% overall in recent cycles, from a pool of roughly 98,000 applicants. Out-of-state admit rates run well below the overall figure. Early Action is non-binding and non-restrictive. At Michigan, a strong application essay and a well-balanced school list matter alongside your grades and test scores.

What supplemental essays does Michigan require?

Michigan requires 2 supplemental essays on its application. On EssayLens each prompt is broken down with annotated examples, and you can get a free admissions-style read of your draft against the exact prompt.

How much does Michigan cost?

Michigan's published sticker price is about $38,044 per year, but the average family pays $19,005 after financial aid. Your net price depends on your family income; use the calculator to estimate yours.

Does Michigan require SAT or ACT scores?

Michigan is test-optional: you can apply without SAT or ACT scores, and strong scores are just one factor among many when you do submit them.

When are Michigan's application deadlines?

Michigan's application deadlines are Early Action Nov 1; Regular Decision Feb 1. Add Michigan to your plan on EssayLens to track its deadlines automatically.

Campus photo via Wikipedia.

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