University of Michigan supplemental essays 2026-27
Every University of Michigan supplemental prompt for this cycle, quoted with its limit and who has to answer it, then what to write and in what order. Checked against University of Michigan’s own page on November 5, 2026.
The University of Michigan supplement at a glance
- Prompts listed
- 2
- Words to write
- 850 words
- Admitted posters
- GPA 3.90 to 4.00
SAT 1,510 to 1,570
The GPA and SAT are the middle half of what admitted applicants posted publicly, not a requirement. The full tables, activities and majors are on how to get into University of Michigan.
What changed this year
Michigan's two prompts and limits are word for word the same as last year. New this cycle is a section on using AI in your own voice.
The University of Michigan prompts, quoted
Every applicant (850 words)
“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.”
Limit: 100 word minimum; 300 word maximum · Who: All first-year applicants · Required for this group
Goals read as believable when they grow out of something already in the file. Connect the future you describe to one concrete thing you have done, and keep it specific enough to check.
“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?”
Limit: 100 word minimum; 550 word maximum · Who: All first-year applicants; written about the specific U-M school or college (or preferred admission / dual degree program) applied to · Required for this group
University of Michigan's readers see this answer more than any other, and most versions would survive a find-and-replace with another college's name. Try it on your draft: every sentence that still works with a rival's name in it has to go. What is left should be things you would actually use at University of Michigan, each tied to something you have already done.
How many words the University of Michigan supplement takes
850 words for every applicant, counting each choice once at its limit.
A plan for writing the University of Michigan set
The second Michigan essay carries the most weight: it is about the specific school or college you applied to, and readers in that unit know their own curriculum. Use the room it gives you to show how particular courses or programs fit work you have already done, and say what you would do in the first year. The first essay asks how you will contribute, so ground it in people and places that shaped you and keep it shorter than the limit allows if the story is done.
University of Michigan on AI and your essays
Michigan says AI tools can help with brainstorming, outlining, proofreading or organizing information, but your application should reflect your own ideas, experiences and voice. Do not copy and paste AI-generated text. Read University of Michigan’s statement.
How University of Michigan reads a file
University of Michigan supplement questions
- What are the University of Michigan supplemental essays for 2026-27?
- University of Michigan lists 2 supplemental prompts for 2026-27, all of them quoted in full on this page from University of Michigan's own admissions page as it read on November 5, 2026. Every applicant answers all of them.
- How many words are the University of Michigan supplements?
- 850 words for every applicant, counting each choose-one group once at its limit. Program and optional prompts are listed separately.
- What changed in the University of Michigan supplement this year?
- Michigan's two prompts and limits are word for word the same as last year. New this cycle is a section on using AI in your own voice.
- Does University of Michigan allow AI on application essays?
- Michigan says AI tools can help with brainstorming, outlining, proofreading or organizing information, but your application should reflect your own ideas, experiences and voice. Do not copy and paste AI-generated text.
Writing the University of Michigan supplement?
A Specialist who went through a school like University of Michigan can read your drafts against these prompts and tell you which answers sound like you and which could belong to anyone.
Checked against University of Michigan’s own admissions page on November 5, 2026. Prompts are quoted word for word, with the college’s dashes set in our house style. Prompts can change during a cycle; confirm the wording in your application before you submit. Aristo Scholars is not affiliated with University of Michigan. Every college’s supplement