Essay #3 - questions about how I should write it

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Michigan
1

Hello everyone,

So I am trying to finish up my EA app, and I want to write my essay for the typical “Why Michigan/Why LSA” question. The question is fairly straightforward, and many people that I know of write these essays for most of their colleges in a very vanilla, formulaic way: “I saw the campus, I love it, really good school, interested in this major”. However, I have heard that for very good schools such as Michigan, and the other schools that I am applying to, it is necessary to make this essay very specific if you want to stand out. So, I suppose my question is: How specific should I go? Will I sound like I am sucking up too much? I have made myself an outline that includes discussing the major, internships, specific faculty and their research that I am interested in, courses, student clubs that align with this major in the College, undergraduate research projects, and even graduation requirements that allow me flexibility. Which of these should I drop in there, and which ones should I go into the most detail on? Which ones of these are “too much” and will sound too (for lack of a better word) suck-up-ish?

Here is the exact prompt, if anyone needs it to answer my question: 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?

Thank y’all for your help!

2

bump! sorry, I have a deadline to meet and I want to make sure someone who might be able to help can see it.

3

What I did and would suggest doing, as it worked for me, is go into specific courses and professors that interest you. It’ll give you an extra edge.

4

I wanted to do that, and was afraid to sound to suck-upish. Are there any ways I can go about this subtly, or what do you suggest?

5

I don’t think it is suck-upish to show that you have actually researched the University. You can say something along the lines of “I am excited for the opportunity to take classes such as . . . and to learn from faculty such as . . .” Michigan WANTS to know that you have a genuine interest in the University and why . . . otherwise, it wouldn’t ask the question.