Prompt: University of Michigan Supplemental
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? (550 words)
Essay
As an aspiring physician with a love for the environment, I am drawn to the University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts because of its enriching opportunities to become a multifaceted scholar. The liberal arts mission of the college calls to me, as it provides the rare space to explore STEM and the humanities, plus social, behavioral, and natural sciences. I connect with all of these fields. But as I plan my career and further my environmental advocacy, two different areas stick out to me: science and anthropology.
This is why, at LSA, I’ll major in Biology, Health, and Society and minor in Medical Anthropology. Like the college itself, the unique major option represents a vast umbrella. I can’t wait to quench my eagerness to explore human health under LSA’s academic rigor. I am especially excited to take “Introduction to Infectious Diseases” as a Group B course in my major because of its direct application to the modern world. After experiencing the pandemic just a few years ago, learning about emerging infectious diseases will give insight into what’s to come! Pairing this education with courses like “Medicine & Healing” within my Medical Anthropology minor will help me understand the biological side of diseases while applying that knowledge to broader society. I already have a background in this type of anthropology from a course I took at the Cornell Summer Experience, “Body, Mind, and Health.” This course piqued my initial interest in the intersection between anthropology and biology, and I am committed to diving deeper. I hope to explore this overlap further in the medical field, pursuing my dream career of becoming a physician. I want to help patients based on physical science, social science, and intuition.
That journey starts at LSA. The school has such a welcoming community, and I would love to explore it further by participating in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP). A historic program, UROP creates research partnerships between undergrads, UMich researchers, community partners, and local organizations—what a perfect umbrella. Collaborating with my research sponsor, I hope to research topics like the effects of microplastics on human health, utilizing seminars as a space to reflect on our progress. Eventually, I also want to enroll in the Honors Program within my Biology, Health, and Society major, so I can learn to conduct independent research within the biological sciences. It would be an honor to partake, eventually creating my honors thesis and proudly presenting it in a public forum.
Meanwhile, outside of the classroom, I’ll further my volunteering efforts across the entire UMich campus. I currently run my high school’s Outdoors Club, which I also founded, and will become a Planet Blue ambassador to continue advocating for the environment. (For fun, I plan to join the Michigan Backpacking Club as well.) My commitment to service goes beyond nature, too. Throughout high school, I volunteered with Saturdays in Motion (SIM) at my YMCA, which provides social opportunities for autistic youth. It’s been the most rewarding experience of my life so, at UMich, I’ll join Autism Society Michigan, forming new connections with and advocating for the special needs community in and around Ann Arbor.
Between all these opportunities, my days at LSA will be jam-packed. I wouldn’t have it any other way—there’s so much I want to do.
Tips for Writing
- When first getting started, 550 words about why you want to go to Michigan sounds like a lot. But trust me, once you are writing, 550 is not enough.
- First, find what YOU want to do. Think about what your goals are, and then once you have that in mind, you can apply what Michigan has to offer to what you want to achieve. This could be your major, clubs, research opportunities, community events, etc.
- Explain what draws you to this particular school. Michigan’s readers are going to know if you’re copy-pasting your “Why this school” essays so you have to have this point come across
- Do your research– they want to know that you’ve found communities that you will participate in. This means that once you’ve done your research, connect it to things you are currently doing. If you’re a part of Amnesty International at Ridge, highlight that you’ll continue it at UMich.
- Show your personality! If you’re funny, make some jokes. These essays are a way of getting to know you, so the more personable you are, the better.
- Overall, be genuine. Tell the truth as to why you want to go to Michigan, and that way you will come across as a better candidate.
- Good luck writing!