Growing up in Detroit, I am surrounded by Black culture. When I was younger, I soaked it up greedily. I learned and learned about Black history until my head was teeming with knowledge. I sang what I considered my personal anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, with absolute delight. I built up pride for my people that no one could take away from me. I was proud to be from Detroit, to have come this far and to be this...

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? (500 words max.) 330 words One of my greatest passions is reading science fiction novels. I practically live in the library, checking out book after book. From books about the infinity of space to books about genetics or biology, I love them all. Science fiction is a never-ending adventure that paves...

Everyone belongs to many communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion…, or ideology. Choose one of the communities to which you belong and your place within it. Approx. 250 words. My community is home for those who don’t fit in because of their religion, sexuality or faith. When society is unrelenting in disdain for those who don’t fit the expectations of what life is supposed to be like, we are here. We believe that...

Be personal. I cannot express how important this is. If you plan to rattle off your achievements, the university will pass you over. They have the rest of the application to do this. What they want is to see into your heart. They want to see what motivates you, what inspires you, who you are, and what your pursuit of higher education truly means to you.

After getting deferred, I was asked to send in my updated semester one high school transcript. That was what they wanted on paper, but what they actually wanted was different. Of course they wanted to see if I was doing better in my classes, but my grades weren't the issue. Since my high school is one that the university likes to admit many of our...

No. I don't believe anyone...

Keep in touch with your counselors, as they will have local scholarships that are easier to get. Also, apply for the larger...

University of Michigan gave me the best...

Get a job, or in internship if you're lucky. If you can't do that, spend your time working on a project...

My school is high ranked, and the best option in proximity to my home. For personal reasons, I needed to stay close to home...

I got letters of recommendation from teachers who were my favorites, and who I excelled in their classes. My letters were from my counselor, whom I had a good relationship with, my Biology/AP Biology teacher, and my Pre-Calculus...

While grades are important, you can't choose to rely on them because you as a person...