Why Michigan: College Admission Essay Sample

Even in the very Southwest corner of the continental United States, 2301 miles away and weather patterns worlds away from Ann Arbor, it seems that ever since I began the process of college exploration, I cannot escape the presence of UMichigan. The Ohio State vs. Michigan game is on the living room television. UMichigan frequents my Facebook page, boasting its existence in every top ten list known to mankind. Every adult I know seems to have graduated from there, and cannot refrain from raving enthusiastically about their ideal and memorable college experiences.

I think the universe is trying to tell me something.

As someone who likes to be involved and is interested in many seemingly incongruent areas of study, from International Relations to Neuroscience, I am applying to the College of Literature, Science and the Arts at UMichigan because it seems to cater to a broad range of educational interests with its liberal arts curriculum and vast opportunities for involvement. It’s hard to know what field you want to pursue for the rest of your life when the federal government doesn’t even deem you a legal adult. Thankfully, I can pursue more than one passion under the broad umbrella of this college, finding my niche along the way.

However it is UMichigan’s seemingly endless opportunities for extracurricular involvement that draws me to this school, enough to even apply early action. Research positions from the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program are noted to be readily available to interested undergraduates, study abroad programs are rampant at the Center for Global and Intercultural Study, The Ginsberg Center provides opportunities to give back, the LSA honors program is top notch, professors are accessible, and the page of student organizations took me two hours to scroll through. With clubs from Hips Don’t Lie to Aerial Silk Club Revolution to Friends of the Gargoyle, I don’t know when I will ever find time to sleep.

But as a recent UMichigan graduate reminded me a few weeks ago, I could most likely find the quality education I am looking for at any school to which I’m applying. What sets UMichigan apart and has allowed it to climb to the top of my list, what has persuaded me to apply early action, is the frequently-cited, unforgettable, ideal college experience shared by its students. I am of the persuasion that college life (and for that matter, all of life) is about balance. My grades can attest to the fact that I am a committed student and will work hard at whatever school I attend. However, college is not simply a means to an end. From all that I have heard from people I trust, and from all that I have read and researched, UMichigan seems to offer an ideal environment for education, engagement, and growth. And I will enjoy the ride.