Michigan Supplimental Essay #1 Question

College Essays
1

<p>Hi everyone,
I had a quick question about Michigan's 1st supplemental essay. The prompt, if you are unfamiliar, is </p>

<p>Essay #1 (Required for all applicants. Approximately 250 words)
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</p>

<p>Obviously, it asks to pick one community and really focus on it, but I was wondering if I could write about how multiple communities have impacted my life. I was thinking about how I consider myself to be multifaceted and well-rounded and how I am not just defined by one community. Would this make my essay weak? I don't want to blatantly change what the essay is asking for. I was just hoping to be unique. I definitely can write a solid essay on just one community and how it has impacted my life, but I could probably write a slightly stronger one if I incorporated how multiple ones have come together to make me who I am. Any input is appreciated. Thanks! </p>

2

<p>All due respect, but yes, it would make for a lousy essay. They have been quite clear that they want you to discuss one community, and while it’s fine to lead in with something like “I’m a multifaceted person that belongs to many communities” or whatever, it would have to be introducing the one that you’re going to talk about.</p>

<p>What you could do, however, is provide a good outro with context to your other communities. So as you’re finishing saying your role in one community, quickly list off how it’s similar to what you do in all your other communities. But IMHO, the main body of the text really must focus on one community.</p>

3

<p>Ok, that makes sense. Thank you for the input. I appreciate it. I have decided to just go with one community.</p>