Why U of M?

One of the most challenging questions for our students shows up on the University of Michigan supplement: 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? 

Writing 500 words on this topic is easier for students applying to the nursing school or engineering program.  It’s not so bad for those who want to be musicians or architects. But what if you are applying to UM’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts? 

Responding to this prompt is less challenging  than you might think. Are you interested in a specific program? Do you want to do research for a professor you’ve read about? Is there a  unique program at UM-LSA that you are looking forward to? Be sure to write about it and show that you really understand what it is about.

Do not tell the admissions committee you “bleed maize and blue” or that you have been attending Big Ten football games since you were a toddler. Don’t repeat the stats on the LSA web page. Your audience knows they have gifted faculty, dozens of inspiring programs and opportunities for undergraduate research and exploration.

What do you know about yourself? Are you curious? Creative? Innovative? Do you love a good challenge? Are you a problem-solver?

What do you know about UM-LSA? What appeals to you about liberal arts? Are you interested in the Residential College? Do you want to participate in the University Research Opportunity Program? Do you want to go to the Biological Station? Are you curious about the Institute for Social Research?

Choose a story that demonstrates how your best qualities intersect with the best of UM, then give it your all.  Need some help brainstorming? Contact Wow Writing Workshop. Wow can help you come up with a great idea that will set you apart from the crowd.

Kim Lifton is a partner at Wow Writing Workshop.