The "Why This School" Essay

“Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests?”

I’m really not sure what to say…I’m an in-state prospective transfer student and I’d like to attend the University of Michigan to study Economics and Math/Statistics. I suppose everyone has trouble with this essay because it’s difficult to differentiate between schools in a way that doesn’t ultimately come off as perfunctory. I guess I’m looking for more perspective on the University of Michigan and also some perspective on what they would like me to say. Do they want to hear more about their school and why I want to go there, or why I want to do what I want to do?

They want to hear about why Michigan is right for YOU and what you’ll bring to their campus. If you are a transfer, what does Michigan offer that your current school does not? What appeals to you about their program in your field of study?

It is obvious that Michigan is a great school. You don’t have to remind them. It’s how you fit on campus and as stated what you bring to the table. My son talked some about the types of students he wanted to be educated with and being challenged. He never did the… I see myself standing on the quad kind of thing. Be yourself and don’t make the mistake of writing as you stated what they want to hear. They want to hear who you are.

also, I think they are really worried about their yield… so, make it seem like you for sure want to attend so, while they review your application, they think you will attend Umich no matter what. As an accepted applicant with below average scores, I think this was a huge part of the reason I got in. I truly wanted to be a Wolverine.