Why Michigan - Engineering

<p>So, I'm applying to University of Michigan and I've done everything except the 2nd essay (Why Michigan essay). It sorta stumps me. I could write an essay about why I want to go to Michigan in general, but not specifically about the engineering section. I've been searching their website and, as of now, I haven't found anything unique about their engineering program. Are there any engineering students here that disagree and could you possibly give some information?</p>

<p>Just for some people that may misunderstand. I am serious about taking engineering, specifically mechanical engineering. I really enjoy mechanics class in my high school and having engineers as parents also gave me a deeper and personal look on what engineers do. I know the Engineering program at the University of Michigan is very good (which is why I'm applying), but I just can't seem to find anything unique about it.</p>

<p>S was accepted EA to the UM COE… as I remember he wrote more about the University in general than specifically about the COE. It seems UM is pretty numbers driven, so if your stats are good I’m guessing as long as your essay is decently written, it’s not going to matter all that much.</p>

<p>I wrote that I like Michigan because of Engineering program and Ross.</p>

<p>There’s not really anything that unique, but you could talk about how since the Engineering school is so big, there are a lot of options for what you can study, what classes you can take, what clubs you can get involved in, and how that will allow you to find a niche field that is perfect for you that you wouldn’t be able to find at other schools, and that you can excel in it at Michigan.</p>

<p>One thing you could mention is how Michigan is highly regarded in virtually all engineering disciplines, which is relatively uncommon for engineering programs at other universities. Thus, in case it happens that you don’t like mechanical engineering as much as you would’ve hoped, you can always switch into a different engineering major that has a good reputation. To a great extent, this quality goes beyond engineering and holds true for many other fields at UM as well. For example, UM has a good premed/prelaw track, business school, etc.</p>

<p>I doubt the essays are that important for engineering</p>

<p>I rehashed the same “Why engineering” or “Why ____ university” for every place I applied, lol</p>

<p>I would consider talking about how those who study at Mich Engineering have many opportunities outside of engineering - consulting, ibanking, management, to name a few. If you’re set on having a career in engineering, this may not apply, but I know this was mentioned in my essay.</p>

<p>The “why” essays are really pointless and rarely given much consideration-- they’re more of a last resort when reviewing apps than anything else. Admissions knows that a large quantity of the students simply use the same essay written for a different university or just use a lot of general appraisals about the school (“the school has a good academic reputation,” “the campus is amazing,” etc.) but these people are still accepted anyway. Don’t worry much about the essay and just write what you /do/ know. 250 words isn’t a lot.</p>

<p>Thanks for the replies. I thought of several things to write now.</p>