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Applying to the University of Michigan? Read on for Essay Tips

U-M wants to know about your place in your community. What should you write? Wow Writing Workshop offers tips to help you tell a great story.

Are you working on the 250-word community supplement for the University of Michigan?

Here's the prompt: Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it.

Before you start writing, take a minute to understand what the prompt really means. What is the school asking? Then think about what you want the admissions team to know about you. Though the prompt is broad, your story should still be tightly focused. Are you the youngest in a family of 23 cousins? Do you organize basketball games for the kids on your block? Are you president of your youth group? An accomplished baker? A member of the debate team? Do you repair bicycles or tend a community garden?

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As with all college essays, this one needs a clear theme. Readers should easily know 1) What happened? and 2) Why does it matter? Describe the community, but most importantly, tell the admissions team about your place within it.

So start writing! Then check out our advice on U-M's other supplemental essay, as well the Michigan State University prompt.

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