2026–27 Common App cycle · Ann Arbor, MI
University of Michigan supplemental essays
2 prompts, 2 required, about 850 words in total. Below: each prompt, what it is really asking, where drafts go wrong, and the shape of an answer that works.
Free, no card. Paste a draft and Admitify reads it line by line against the prompt. It never writes for you.
The prompts, one by one
- Leaders and citizens essay100-300 words · Leadership
“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.”
What it's really askingNot your title but a moment where you changed what a group did. Michigan reads "leadership" broadly; the youngest sibling organising a family can answer this as well as a club president.
Where drafts go wrongDescribing the role instead of a decision. "As president, I led the team to success" contains no information. Taking credit for a group's work.
The shape of a strong answerOne situation, one decision you made that others didn't have to accept, how you got them to, and what happened. Include what it cost you or what you'd do differently.
- Why your college or school?100-550 words · Why this major
“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?”
What it's really askingThe moment this subject stopped being a class and became a question you couldn't drop. Michigan wants evidence you've chosen on purpose, not by default.
Where drafts go wrongTurning it into a résumé: grades, awards and "I have always been passionate about." A list of achievements is not a reason to study something. Grand missions ("to cure cancer") read as borrowed.
The shape of a strong answerOne specific experience, one specific confusion or question it left you with, and what you did about it on your own. Then one or two things in Michigan's version of the major that match that question. Small and real beats big and vague.
Every US applicant also writes the Common App personal statement: 650 words, seven prompts. Don't repeat it here; the supplements are for what the statement didn't show.
A self-check before you submit
Cover the school name and read the essay. Then cover your name and read it again. It should fail the first test (it only makes sense for Michigan) and pass the second (only you could have written it). If it passes the first test, it's a brochure. If it fails the second, it's a template.
Run your draft through Admitify, free →Prompts verified September 2026 against Michigan's published application. Admission facts and requirements for Michigan are on its university page. Spotted a change? Tell us.