What Michigan looks for
- Contribution framed as action — what you'll actually do at Michigan, not what you'll receive.
- School-specific detail that proves real research into your particular college and curriculum.
- A consistent through-line between who you've been and what you want to study.
- Named programs, courses, or communities over generic praise of the university's reputation.
Michigan supplemental prompts (2026-27)
Leadership & Contribution
100-300 wordsRequired“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.”
How to approach it. Anchor this in one or two formative experiences and show the specific way they prepare you to contribute, not just who you are. Michigan wants evidence of impact and intention, so end on what you'll bring rather than a list of values.
Why Michigan / School-Specific
100-500 wordsRequired“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?”
How to approach it. Name the exact college you're applying to and reference specific courses, sequences, research, or programs that map to your goals. The strongest versions connect your interests to Michigan's curriculum in a way that couldn't be copy-pasted to another school.
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Michigan essay FAQ
- How many supplemental essays does Michigan require?
- Two required essays: a community/contribution essay up to 300 words and a why-school essay up to 500 words.
- How long are the Michigan supplemental essays?
- The contribution essay runs 100-300 words and the why-school essay runs 100-500 words.
- How can I tell if my Michigan essay is strong?
- Strong Michigan essays are specific to your college within the university and show concrete contribution, not generic enthusiasm. Halo scores your drafts against a Michigan-specific rubric so you can catch where the why-school essay reads interchangeable and where your contribution claim lacks evidence.
Sources & official links
- Michigan official website
- Michigan on College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education)
- Prompts and requirements are published by Michigan on its official application and admissions pages.
Prompts shown are from the 2026-27 cycle and reflect each school’s officially published questions. Schools release new supplements each year; we update these guides each cycle.