Join us for The Importance of Leadership in College Admissions on 7/16 at 8 pm EST. Space is limited, register today!
Join us for The Importance of Leadership in College Admissions on 7/16 at 8 pm EST. Space is limited, register today!
For the 2025/2026 admissions cycle, the University of Michigan supplemental essay prompts have been updated—and if you’re applying, these short essays are your golden chance to stand out.
This guide breaks down each prompt, explains what admissions is really looking for, and helps you understand how to write UMich’s supplemental essay with clarity, depth, and authenticity.
This supplemental essay prompt is all about your potential to lead and make an impact. Here’s the official prompt for 2025/2026:
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 (required for all applicants; 100 word minimum; 300 word maximum).
This essay asks you to demonstrate how you’re prepared to contribute to UMich’s mission of developing leaders and citizens who will “challenge the present and enrich the future.” The key phrase here is “how you are prepared to contribute,” which means you need to show evidence of your readiness through past experiences, current qualities, and future aspirations. Michigan is looking for a focused, personal story that highlights leadership, growth, and impact.
Admissions officers want to know how your life experiences have prepared you to bring something meaningful to their community:<
Instead of listing all your achievements, choose one or two specific moments that show real leadership. This doesn’t have to be a formal position like club president. It could be leading a team project, mentoring a peer, organizing a fundraiser, or even standing up for a cause. The key is to demonstrate initiative, courage, and positive influence.
Focus on Specific Impact: Admissions officers love stories with results. Describe what you did, but more importantly, explain what changed because of your actions. Did someone’s life improve? Did your club grow? Did you spark a new idea in your school or community?
Connect Past to Future: This supplemental essay prompt also wants to know how your experiences shape your future. Use your story as a springboard. If you organized a community event, how did that inspire your interest in public policy? If you mentored others, how will that carry over into student leadership at UMich?
Show a Growth Mindset: One of the characters top universities value is resilience. Talk about challenges, how you adapted, and what you learned. This demonstrates humility, reflection, and a growth mindset. Stuck? Ask yourself:
This University of Michigan supplemental essay tests your academic self-awareness and how well you’ve researched the school. Here’s the official prompt:
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 (required for all applicants; 100 word minimum; 500 word maximum)?
Unlike the leadership essay, this prompt is more fact-based—Michigan wants proof that you understand what makes their programs distinctive and why you’re a perfect match. The emphasis on “unique qualities” means you need to identify specific aspects of the program that distinguish it from similar programs elsewhere.
Before writing this supplemental essay, conduct thorough college research in order to:
Demonstrate Deep Knowledge: you should show you know exactly what you’re applying to and why it matters for your future. Explain why these particular elements appeal to you and how they align with your goals.
Tell a Story That Connects the Dots: Your essay should tell a story about your academic journey, connecting your past experiences to your current interests and future aspirations. Show how your chosen program at UMich is the logical next step in this journey.
Be Specific About Why Michigan: Explain not just what you want to study, but why you want to study it at UMich specifically. What unique opportunities does their program offer that you can’t find elsewhere?
If you’re applying in the 2025/2026 cycle, there are major changes to the University of Michigan application that you need to understand.
For the first time ever, UMich is introducing an Early Decision option in addition to its Early Action program. Learn more about the difference between Early Action and Early Decision here.
Here’s what you need to know:
The Integrated Business and Engineering Program at UMich is a new offering for students who want the best of both worlds: technical skills and business acumen.
In this innovative program, students earn:
It’s a perfect fit for future tech leaders, product managers, or startup founders. If you’re passionate about both of these disciplines, this could be a unique opportunity you won’t find at many other universities.
This dual-degree path offers a clear competitive edge in today’s job market—and it’s exactly the kind of detail to highlight in your Michigan supplemental essay if you’re applying to either college.
For aspiring educators, the Marsal Family School of Education now allows students to declare their intention to pursue teaching from their first semester.
Previously, education-track students had to apply as sophomores after first enrolling in College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. Now, the first-year students may select the Marsal Family School of Education on the Common App.
If you’re passionate about education reform, mentorship, or child development, this program gives you the head start you need—and yes, it’s something worth writing about in your academic interest essay.
Writing your UMich supplemental essay is your chance to go beyond grades and test scores. Show who you are, what drives you, and why Michigan is the perfect fit. Keep it real. Be specific. And most importantly, make it personal.
Need help bringing your story to life? Book a free intro call with our team. We’ll help you map out your academic story and make your essay stand out to the admissions committee.
