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2 Magnificent University of Miami Essay Examples

Located in sunny Miami, the University of Miami consistently ranks as one of the top 50 colleges in the country. With over 180 degree programs to choose from, more than 300 student organizations, and a prime location in one of the most vibrant cities in the U.S., there is something for everyone at UMiami—especially those that love the sun!

Given how much UMiami has to offer, getting in isn’t easy: you’ll need more than just strong grades and test scores. Your essays will play a large role in your admissions decision, so they need to be good. In this post, we will share two essays that got students accepted into UMiami We will also go over what each essay did well and where there is room for improvement.

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our UMiami essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts.

Essay Example #1 – Perspective

I had been dreaming of my high school experience since my six-year-old self watched High School Musical. I saw this dream shatter, as I was tasked with watching my baby sister after school until 5:30 due to my mom’s struggles with her birth. Although months had passed since the birth, she continuously struggled with c-section recovery. After one of my mom’s surgeries, my sister and I went to the hospital to visit her. Seeing her in such a fragile and vulnerable state shocked me into reality. 

One day I would be the person carrying on the family name. I worked hard academically to make the family proud, but failed to embody the mindset and values my mother taught me. All her positivity, love for new experiences and family were clouded by my disappointment and frustration. Watching my sister wasn’t the fun, new experience I hoped for, but it was the one I was given and I needed to embrace it with the same happiness and excitement as the other.  

In the previous years, I had failed myself before I even started with my pessimistic mindset. This period in life showed me the importance mindsets hold. When I began to embrace and enjoy my time watching my sister, I realized I still lived out my dream. I cheered her on in games peek-a-boo and created our own, personal coloring club. Now when things are not going to plan, I take on the challenge of remaining positive with a smile.

What the Essay Did Well

This is a classic “ Overcoming Challenges ” prompt, so the key to writing a strong response is to focus not just on the challenge itself, but also your thoughts and feelings to demonstrate how you grew as a result of experiencing the challenge. This essay does just that.

The shift from context to self-reflection occurs at the end of the first paragraph with the sentence “ Seeing her in such a fragile and vulnerable state shocked me into reality. ” What follows is a description of the student’s thoughts, which shows readers what being shocked into reality meant for them, and why that shock caused them to change their mindset.

We see the student start to see their unexpected high school experience not as a burden, but a responsibility and perhaps even an honor: “ One day I would be the person carrying on the family name.” They also show humility by explaining how they “ failed to embody the mindset and values ” of their mom, and then telling us what those values were by describing her “ love for new experiences and family. ” 

Additionally, opening the essay with the lighthearted, fun image of High School Musical is a savvy choice, as the contrast between the “ fun, new experience [they] hoped for ,” and the serious, mature position they actually found themself in emphasizes the emotional weight of the student’s situation.

It’s also nice that this essay finishes by showing us what the student’s new mindset looks like: “ I cheered her on in games peek-a-boo and created our own, personal coloring club. ” Since the “Overcoming Challenges” essay is usually about a heavy topic, readers will appreciate things ending on an uplifting note.

Although a lot of the focus should be your thoughts and emotions in this type of essay, getting to see how those internal factors affected your choices and actions takes the story out of your head, and proves that this experience changed not just your mindset, but also how you conduct yourself out in the world.

What Could Be Improved

While the first paragraph does a nice job providing context, it could be rewritten to be more engaging by telling the story like it’s currently happening rather than reflecting. This might look something like replacing the line “I saw this dream shatter, as I was tasked with watching my baby sister after school until 5:30 due to my mom’s struggles with her birth” with “Instead of bursting into song and dance at the drop of a hat, however, every day after school I found myself cleaning mushy peas off the floor, dozing off during educational TV shows, and trying anything to keep my baby sister from kicking her socks off.”

The part of this essay that needs the most attention, however, is the last paragraph. As it’s written, the student is telling us in a general sense that this experience was good for them: “ This period in life showed me the importance mindsets hold…Now when things are not going to plan, I take on the challenge of remaining positive with a smile. ” 

While this is a valuable realization, it also comes across as generic, as many people have this realization at some point in their lives. In this kind of essay, it’s okay to have your big takeaway be something familiar, since lots of teenagers learn similar lessons as they’re growing up. But to keep your essay from sounding like a Hallmark card, you want to include enough details that your reader can concretely see how this lesson has impacted your life. The writer could have accomplished this by reworking the last paragraph to something like:

“I’d always considered myself pessimistic, but suddenly I found myself smiling even on my worst days. I replaced counting down the minutes left watching my sister with a giggle-infused countdown that ended in “Ready or not, here I come!” My boredom-induced pencil doodles gave way to an invite-only sisters coloring club with glitter gel pens. Maybe my experience doesn’t look like High School Musical, but with a positive outlook, I’ve enjoyed myself just as much as Troy and Gabriella. ”

Essay Example #2 – Perseverance

Content warning: This essay includes graphic depictions of mental health struggles. If this topic is triggering for you, please read with caution. If you’re thinking about covering similar topics in your essay, we recommend reading our post Should You Talk About Mental Health in College Essays?

For the past two years, I’ve been more familiar with toilet bowls than dinner bowls.

Given my lengthy hours vomiting in the bathroom weekly, seeing liquid reiterations of each meal is commonplace. When people discuss mental health, they neglect to mention its physical manifestations.

It starts with an intense stomach ache that cements me to the bed. Then, the dry heaving ensues. For the rest of the day, I alternate between the bedroom and the bathroom as I endure body pains, fevers, and chills that persist even after I’ve finished vomiting. Major Depressive Disorder is more than a mental illness— it’s a physical issue that has affected my attendance for years.

However, despite my class absences, I’ve managed to juggle health, extracurriculars, and grades. From staying after school to complete make-up tests, to receiving study guides and class agendas from friends, diligence and community are the key ingredients of perseverance. At first, adapting to my limitations was difficult, but today, I work with my condition, not against it. When I launched a POC writers space for marginalized creatives and took on heavy social justice work, I learned setting time boundaries and honoring my own needs was necessary for my health.

At UMiami, my approach to adversity will thrive. Whether my Public Affairs Internship is too demanding, or my slam competition with Speak What You Feel is anxiety-inducing, I’ll remember to prioritize my mental health so my academic commitments don’t suffer.

Most importantly, I hope UMiami’s toilet bowls are decent.

This essay is incredibly well-written. While their graphic descriptions of their struggles may initially be jarring for some people, their detailed imagery is what allows this student to elicit such a visceral reaction from their readers. 

For example, the image of being “ more familiar with toilet bowls than dinner bowls ” is a shocking way to start an essay, but the reader can’t help but immediately be invested. Although we might not like the thought of “ liquid reiterations ” of food, the creative phrasing paints a crystal clear picture in our heads, and that clarity helps us feel like we’re right beside the writer, rather than watching her struggle from a distance.

The student’s descriptions of the physical manifestations of their mental illness, including, “ an intense stomach ache that cements me to the bed ,” “ the dry heaving ensue s,” and “ I alternate between the bedroom and the bathroom ” continue to build our sympathy towards them, as these lines are described so well that we feel like we’re experiencing some of their pain ourselves.

However, this essay’s strength isn’t just in the imagery. This student also provides details that show us how they have overcome their challenge. For example, the line “ From staying after school to complete make-up tests, to receiving study guides and class agendas from friends, diligence and community are the key ingredients of perseverance” shows the student can weather a storm, which is exactly what admissions officers want to see in your response to this kind of prompt.

They also show us how they were able to “ [launch] a POC writers space for marginalized creatives and [take] on heavy social justice work ” by “ setting time boundaries and honoring my own needs. ” This sentence shows that they have not only persevered through their struggles, but actually used the lessons they learned as motivation in other areas of their life.

Another positive aspect of this essay is how the student ties in UMiami in the second to last paragraph. Just because you aren’t writing a “Why School?” essay doesn’t mean you can’t talk about resources at the college that align with your interests—in fact, colleges will be even more impressed if you weave school opportunities into a different essay topic.

That being said, you don’t want the connection to the school to feel forced, so if you aren’t able to figure out how to do it in a way that’s natural, it’s completely fine to just focus on responding to the prompt you actually have.

Finally, the ending is a nice tie back to the opening of the essay, which reminds the reader one last time about the challenges this student has had to overcome. Bringing back the image of a toilet bowl might be a bit of a shock, but it ensures that this essay is memorable.

While this essay doesn’t necessarily need to change anything, one thing to keep in mind is how to approach difficult or possibly triggering topics in a college essay. Although, on the whole, this essay handles the topic of mental health with tact, you never know who your reader is and what perspective they are bringing to the table. It’s important to not be excessive with your depictions of mental health, and to make sure the focus is primarily on how your illness has impacted your personal growth.

Where to Get Feedback on Your Essay

Do you want feedback on your University of Miami essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

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Miami University Requirements for Admission

What are Miami University's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into Miami University and build a strong application.

School location: Oxford, OH

This school is also known as: MU, Miami University, Miami University (Ohio)

Admissions Rate: 87.9%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at Miami University is 87.9% . For every 100 applicants, 88 are admitted.

This means the school is lightly selective . The school will have their expected requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores. If you meet their requirements, you're almost certain to get an offer of admission. But if you don't meet Miami University's requirements, you'll be one of the unlucky few people who gets rejected.

We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies . We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools , from state colleges to the Ivy League.

We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.

Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

Miami University GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 3.89

The average GPA at Miami University is 3.89 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

With a GPA of 3.89, Miami University requires you to be near the top of your class , and well above average. Your transcript should show mostly A's. Ideally, you will also have taken several AP or IB classes to show that you can handle academics at a college level.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

Miami University hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Otherwise, don't."

Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to Miami University will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students. We therefore recommend that you consider taking the SAT or ACT, and doing well.

Miami University SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1254

The average SAT score composite at Miami University is a 1254 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes Miami University Competitive for SAT test scores.

Miami University SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1170, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1350. In other words, a 1170 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1350 will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

Miami University has the Score Choice policy of "Highest Section."

This is also known as "superscoring." This means that you can choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school. Of all the scores they receive, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all SAT test dates you submit .

Click below to learn more about how superscoring critically affects your test strategy.

For example, say you submit the following 3 test scores:

Even though the highest total you scored on any one test date was 1000, Miami University will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 1000 to 1400 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and Miami University forms your Superscore, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your SAT superscore is currently below a 1170, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it . You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the SAT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

Miami University ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, Miami University likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 27

The average ACT score at Miami University is 27. This score makes Miami University Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 24, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 29.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 24 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

We weren't able to find the school's exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore. Regardless, you can choose your single best ACT score to send in to Miami University, so you should prep until you reach our recommended target ACT score of 24.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

Miami University considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is lightly selective, you have a great shot at getting in, as long as you don't fall well below average . Aim for a 1170 SAT or a 24 ACT or higher, and you'll almost certainly get an offer of admission. As long as you meet the rest of the application requirements below, you'll be a shoo-in.

But if you score below our recommended target score, you may be one of the very few unlucky people to get rejected.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

• 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
• 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
• 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
• 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
• 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

At PrepScholar, we've created the leading online SAT/ACT prep program . We guarantee an improvement of 160 SAT points or 4 ACT points on your score, or your money back.

Here's a summary of why we're so much more effective than other prep programs:

• PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses . You don't waste time working on areas you already know, so you get more results in less time.
• We guide you through your program step-by-step so that you're never confused about what you should be studying. Focus all your time learning, not worrying about what to learn.
• Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts . PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers . You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
• We've gotten tremendous results with thousands of students across the country. Read about our score results and reviews from our happy customers .

There's a lot more to PrepScholar that makes it the best SAT/ACT prep program. Click to learn more about our program , or sign up for our 5-day free trial to check out PrepScholar for yourself:

Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of Miami University here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Accepted
• Electronic Application Available
• Essay or Personal Statement Required for all freshmen
• Letters of Recommendation 1
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee $50
• Fee Waiver Available? Available
• Other Notes

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Considered if submitted
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests
• Scores Due in Office None

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language
• Social Studies

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes February 1 March 15
• Yes December 1 February 1
• Yes November 15 December 15

Admissions Office Information

• Address: 501 Oxford, OH 45056
• Phone: (513) 529-1809 x1809
• Fax: (513) 529-1550
• Email: [email protected]

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in Miami University, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to Miami University.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than Miami University. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for Miami University, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for Miami University, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If Miami University is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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University of Miami

Academic Programs

• Art & Design
• Communication
• Engineering
• Finance/Accounting
• Government/Political Science
• Health Science
• Liberal Arts
• Performing Arts
• Social Science
• Visual Arts

Student experience

• Co-op/Internship Opportunities
• Disability Services
• Intramural/Club Sports
• LGBTQIA Services
• Military/Veteran Services
• Night Class Offerings
• On-Campus Housing
• ROTC Program
• Study Abroad
• Undergraduate Research
• Veteran Fee Waiver

Application information

Find out about requirements, fees, and deadlines

University of Miami employs a holistic review process. First-year applicants must submit the Common Application, which includes a personal statement, supplemental essay, and a section for detailing extracurricular activities. These portions of the application are a chance to show us who you are, what you have devoted your time to during high school, and what you will add to our dynamic campus community. Applicants must also submit a School Report form, high school transcript, and one letter of recommendation. There may be additional requirements for special programs, such as Architecture, Music, Theatre Arts B.F.A., and Health Professions Mentoring (HPM). If you completed secondary school and/or attended University outside of the United States, applicants are required to submit a Financial Certification Form. Non-native English speakers are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo test scores unless they meet one of our waivers.  admissions.miami.edu/i-eval

For 2024, the University of Miami is test optional. Applicants who choose not to submit ACT/SAT test scores will not be at a disadvantage for admission or merit-based scholarships.

Transfer applicants should apply by the April 1 priority deadline for entry in the fall semester or the November 1 priority deadline for entry in the spring. Applications and/or supporting documents received after the stated priority deadlines will be reviewed on a space available basis. Students submit the Common Application, as well as their college transcripts and a College Report from every U.S. postsecondary institution attended. There may be additional requirements for special programs, such as Architecture, Music, Theatre Arts B.F.A., and Health Professions Mentoring (HPM). If you completed secondary school and/or attended University outside of the United States, applicants are required to submit a Financial Certification Form. Non-native English speakers are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo test scores unless they meet one of our waivers. admissions.miami.edu/i-eval

For 2024, if you have completed fewer than 30 postsecondary credits (not including dual enrollment/concurrent enrollment courses) you can choose whether you submit ACT/SAT test scores.  admissions.miami.edu/testoptional

Additional Information

Admissions office

1306 Stanford Dr Coral Gables , FL 33146 , United States of America

[email protected]

Phone number

(305) 284-6000

For first-year students

Admissions website.

admissions.miami.edu/firstyear

Financial aid website

finaid.miami.edu/firstyear

For transfer students

finaid.miami.edu/applying-for-aid/transfer-students/index.html

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University of Miami (UMiami) Supplemental Essay Guide: 2021-2022

Not sure how to approach the University of Miami essay prompts? With tips from an Ivy League graduate, CollegeAdvisor.com’s guide to the University of Miami supplemental essays will show you how to write strong University of Miami supplemental essays and increase your chances in the University of Miami admissions process.  For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources on the University of Miami and University of Miami supplemental essays, click here . Want help crafting your University of Miami supplemental essays? Create your free account or schedule a free consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

University of Miami Essay Guide Quick Facts

• The University of Miami acceptance rate is 33%— U.S. News ranks University of Miami as a highly competitive school. 
• We recommend answering all University of Miami supplemental essays with detail and care.

What is the acceptance rate for the University of Miami?

The UMiami acceptance rate is 33%, according to U.S. News . Compared to the UMiami acceptance rate, the national average for college acceptance rates is 68% . 

What does the UMiami acceptance rate mean? Well, a few things. First, when you build your college list, you should keep the UMiami acceptance rate in mind. It’s important to apply to a combination of “reach,” “target,” and “safety” schools. UMiami would likely fall in either the “target” or “reach” category, based on the UMiami acceptance rate. 

Want to learn more about how to use data like the UMiami acceptance rate to build a college list? Check out our blog articles on acceptance rates , college rankings , and building a college list .  

Demonstrated Interest

Another way to use the UMiami acceptance rate? Think of it as an incentive to write the best University of Miami supplemental essays possible. When schools have low acceptance rates (i.e. lower than the national average) then demonstrated interest (DI) becomes even more important. Colleges use DI to determine how much a student wants to attend their school. If an admissions officer is looking at two similar students (similar GPAs, test scores, extracurricular profile, etc.), often the decision comes down to which student shows greater DI. And, while there are many ways to show DI, one of the strongest is through your supplemental essays. This makes the UMiami supplemental essays even more important. To read more about DI and how it relates to the admissions process, check out this article in Forbes . 

Given the UMiami acceptance rate, you should pay attention to the University of Miami supplemental essays. The UMiami application process is competitive. While the UMiami acceptance rate is lower than the national average, it shouldn’t discourage you from applying. Strong University of Miami supplemental essays will set you apart from applicants with weaker answers to the University of Miami essay prompts.  

Does the University of Miami require a supplemental essay?

Yes. In addition to the Common App Personal Statement, there is an additional University of Miami essay. Some colleges have more than one essay prompt, but you will not find multiple UMiami supplemental essays. 

Given the UMiami acceptance rate, and since there are not multiple University of Miami supplemental essays, we recommend that you compose a thoughtful University of Miami application essay.  

Need tips on writing your Common App essay? Then, check out our blog article .  

How many essays are required for Miami?

There is only one short supplemental essay for the University of Miami. It may seem easy to tackle the University of Miami essay quickly. However, you should get an early start on the University of Miami application essay. Even though there are not multiple UMiami supplemental essays, you should not leave the University of Miami essay to the last second. This could decrease the quality of your University of Miami application essay and weaken your application. 

This also means that the Com m on App Personal Statement will play a large role in your admissions results. So, you should ensure you have a strong response to that prompt as well. UMiami will want to know that you are a strong writer, and they’ll also want to see how you have grown throughout high school. Both the Common App essay and the supplemental University of Miami essay let you show those things. Your University of Miami supplemental essay should highlight what makes you unique and how you would enrich the UMiami campus. No two University of Miami supplemental essays will be the same!

The essay matters

Since there are not multiple University of Miami essay prompts, you should approach the University of Miami application essay carefully—especially given the low UMiami acceptance rate. With just one University of Miami essay to write, you don’t have much space to impress your readers. A strong University of Miami application essay can boost your chances against the low UMiami acceptance rate. 

Last year, over 40,000 students applied to UMiami. That means that your readers are evaluating 40,000 University of Miami supplemental essays. With so many essays to wade through, the admissions team will be looking for strong writers who clearly and concisely answer the University of Miami essay prompt. The best University of Miami supplemental essays will draw the reader in with a strong opening anecdote and leave the reader wanting to know more about the student.

What are the University of Miami essay prompts?

In this guide, we will discuss how to respond to the University of Miami essay prompts. As noted, there is only one essay for UMiami, not multiple UMiami supplemental essays. This means that you should put extra effort into your one short UMiami essay. 

You can view the University of Miami application essay question here , on the UMiami website. You can also view it on the Common App website . 

Below, we will tell you the University of Miami essay question. We’ll also break down how to write the best University of Miami essay possible in order to boost your chances against the UMiami acceptance rate. You want your essay to stand out from other University of Miami supplemental essays by capturing your unique outlook and personality. Although there are not multiple University of Miami supplemental essays, you should spend a good amount of time writing your University of Miami application essay.  

For tips to make your University of Miami application essay stand out against other University of Miami supplemental essays, read on. Remember, admissions officers read thousands of University of Miami supplemental essays each year. This means you should try to set your essay apart from other applicants’ UMiami supplemental essays. 

University of Miami Supplemental Essays – Question 1

The University of Miami’s official mascot is the ibis. Folklore maintains that the native marsh bird is the last to take shelter before a hurricane hits and the first to emerge once the storm passes, making it an apt symbol of courage and resilience. Considering your ability to control your own motivation and behavior, how have past experiences helped build your courage and resilience to persist in the face of academic and life challenges so that, once these storms pass, you can emerge in continued pursuit of your goals? (Maximum 250 words).

How do I write the Miami supplemental essay? 

The University of Miami essay is a key part of your application. A strong response to the University of Miami essay prompt will boost your chances against the low UMiami acceptance rate. 

Basically, this University of Miami application essay asks you what challenges you have overcome. College can be a stressful place, so UMiami wants to see how you’ll handle the social, academic, and emotional pressures of university life. 

Focus on structure

Start your University of Miami application essay by thinking about structure. With only 250 words, you should structure your essay carefully. The best University of Miami supplemental essays will have three parts: what challenge you faced, how you dealt with it, and how the challenge helped you grow.

First, you must choose a challenge to discuss. Don’t choose something too common or too small, like getting a C on a test. However, you should also avoid choosing a problem too complex to fully address. You only have 250 words for this University of Miami essay question, so try to maximize the impact of each sentence. 

Narrow your focus

The prompt refers to your “past experiences,” so you could choose to discuss more than one experience in this University of Miami application essay. However, you want to make sure you have enough space to address the full prompt. Don’t spend the whole essay discussing many setbacks you have had in your life—instead, keep a narrow focus. 

This essay should discuss a time when you faced a setback but did not let that setback beat you. Admissions officers want to see your resourcefulness, creativity, and problem-solving skills in this University of Miami essay. The prompt wants to see that you “emerge in continued pursuit of your goals.” Make sure you focus on the how and not just the what . 

After you describe your chosen challenge, explain how you overcame it. Focus on your skills, ideas, and actions. Describe how—in specific terms—you beat the challenge and came out stronger on the other side. You’ll want to show how you learned and grew from your experience. Colleges love to see growth, and UMiami is no exception. 

The long-term effect

The best University of Miami supplemental essays will also reflect on how this challenge affected you long-term. How did this challenge change you? What did you gain from the experience? Think about any skills or traits that you developed from your challenge. Then, in your essay, discuss how you will carry those skills with you in the future. Try to gesture toward your goals; admissions officers want to see that you’re forward-thinking in your response to the University of Miami essay prompt. 

Admissions officers also want to see your creativity and problem-solving. As you start your University of Miami application essay, then, reflect on how you solve problems. How do you address a challenge? Why did this challenge matter to you? What was at stake? Most of all, this essay lets you show what has made you into the person you will be on the UMiami campus. Again, a solid University of Miami essay will boost your chances against the UMiami acceptance rate. 

University of Miami  Supplemental Essays—Final Thoughts

The University of Miami supplemental essay can seem daunting, especially given the UMiami acceptance rate. However, don’t let that discourage you from applying. The University of Miami supplemental essays are a great opportunity to show your readers who you are. 

Want to hear more from UMiami’s undergraduate admissions team on approaching the University of Miami supplemental essay? Check out this video from the Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions below.

Given the low UMiami acceptance rate, strong responses to the University of Miami essay prompts can help you succeed if you have a lower than average GPA or SAT score . Use this guide as a step-by-step aid to the University of Miami supplemental essays, and start earlier than you think you should. Strong UMiami supplemental essays will help you stand out against other applicants’ responses to the University of Miami essay prompts. Don’t be afraid to ask for edits from someone; it is helpful to have another set of eyes checking your UMiami supplemental essays for grammar, tone, and clarity, especially given the UMiami acceptance rate. Good luck!

This 2021-2022 essay guide on UMiami was written by Laura Frustaci , Harvard, ’21. This guide to the University of Miami supplemental essays shows you how to write engaging University of Miami essays and maximize your chances against the UMiami acceptance rate. For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources on writing strong UMiami supplemental essays, and on UMiami, click here .

Want help crafting your University of Miami supplemental essays? Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

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University of Miami 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide  

Early Action/Decision: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 6

University of Miami 2024-25 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 essay of 250 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Diversity

Located within one of the most dynamic cities in the world, the University of Miami is a distinctive community with a variety of cultures, traditions, histories, languages, and backgrounds. The University of Miami is a values-based and purpose-driven postsecondary institution that embraces diversity and inclusivity in all its forms and strives to create a culture of belonging, where every person feels valued and has an opportunity to contribute.

Please describe how your unique experiences, challenges overcome, or skills acquired would contribute to our distinctive university community..

Odds are that this isn’t the first “ diversity ” essay prompt you’ve come across this year—even if the prompt doesn’t explicitly use the word. If it is, however, please read on. UMiami wants to accept students from a range of backgrounds who will contribute to a “distinctive” University community, so tell admissions about what makes you you and how you will be a meaningful addition to the UMiami student body. Think about times when people have been intrigued by or curious about your identity, skillset, or background. Maybe you began practicing meditation and Buddhism during your sophomore year and you hope to spread some wisdom and mindfulness on campus next fall. Perhaps you were raised on a farm and have a very special relationship to all living things (plants, animals, people, etc.) around you. What do you hope to share with others about your lived experience? How will you incorporate this element of your identity into your college experience? Show admissions that you’re eager to make your mark in their community. Bonus points if you can reference a specific component of the UMiami experience (think clubs, classes, volunteer opportunities, etc.) to demonstrate interest and fit.

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Transfer Admission Requirements

Related links, 1. complete the application.

Complete and submit the  Common Application . Upon submitting, you will be asked to pay a $70 nonrefundable application fee. Be sure you use the same email address for every part of the application process.

Spring and Fall 2025 transfer applicants with fewer than 30 postsecondary credits at the time of their application who do not submit ACT or SAT scores will be required to submit  a  supplemental essay  of 250 words or less. 

Supplemental essay prompt:

Located within one of the most dynamic cities in the world, the University of Miami is a distinctive community with a variety of cultures, traditions, histories, languages, and backgrounds. The University of Miami is a values-based and purpose-driven postsecondary institution that embraces diversity and inclusivity in all its forms and strives to create a culture of belonging, where every person feels valued and has an opportunity to contribute.

Please describe how your unique experiences, challenges overcome, or skills acquired would contribute to our distinctive University community.

In addition, you will be asked to respond to a prompt in the Common Application addressing your reasons for transferring to the University, using 650 words or less. This essay portion of the application gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to develop your thoughts, to communicate them clearly, and to write them concisely conveying your unique voice. We also ask that you list your involvement in extracurricular activities, outside of school involvements and/or commitments; these will be evaluated as another factor in the admission process.

APPLY AS A TRANSFER STUDENT

2. Send Official College Transcripts

If you have attended more than one college/university, request that all of your official college transcripts be sent. We do not require dual/concurrent enrollment transcripts for transfer students. 

If you have completed fewer than 30 college/post-secondary credits, not including dual/concurrent enrollment courses, at the time you are applying for admission to the University of Miami, you are required to submit your final high school transcripts in addition to your college transcript(s). 

Note, if you completed secondary school and/or attended University outside of the United States, please refer to the  International Evaluation Requirements page.

Documents can be sent electronically to [email protected] or by mailing them to one of the addresses listed below. 

Mailing Address University of Miami Office of Undergraduate Admission PO Box 249117 Coral Gables, FL 33124-9117

If sending via FedEx, DHL, UPS, or courier University of Miami Office of Undergraduate Admission 1306 Stanford Drive University Center, Suite 2275 Coral Gables, FL 33146

Prior to enrolling at the University of Miami, all transfer applicants—regardless of the number of postsecondary credits earned—will be required to submit a final high school transcript with date of graduation or its equivalent, including the GED (General Education Development/General Education Diploma).

3. Complete the College Report

>> Understanding the College Report

We require a College Report from every US postsecondary institution you have attended as a degree-seeking student.

The College Report must be completed and submitted directly to the University by a college official who has access to both your academic and disciplinary information. Usually this form is submitted to us by an official in the Dean of Students or Conduct office at your school.   This item is different than the academic transcript. The college official may submit the completed form by email to [email protected] . It can also be mailed to one of the following addresses:

If sending via FedEx, DHL, UPS, or courier University of Miami Office of Undergraduate Admission 1306 Stanford Drive University Center, Suite 2275 Coral Gables, FL 33146   

If you are currently attending, or attended, a college/university on a part-time basis (11 or fewer credits) as a  non-degree seeking student , you are not required to submit a College Report from your part-time institution. All others enrolled in  domestic (US) postsecondary institutions , including part-time degree-seeking and full-time non-degree seeking students, must submit a College Report. 

4. Letter of Recommendation (Optional)

You may submit a letter of recommendation from a professor, college instructor, college academic advisor, or a recent employer, but it is not required. The letter should be submitted electronically through the  Common Application   or as an email directly from the person writing the recommendation to [email protected] .  It can also be mailed to one of the addresses below:

If sending via FedEx, DHL, UPS, or courier University of Miami Office of Undergraduate Admission 1320 S. Dixie Highway Gables One Tower, Suite 945

5. Additional Requirements for Special Programs & Majors

If you are applying to any of the programs listed below, complete the supplemental application, submit a portfolio, and/or schedule an audition.  Supplemental applications are available in the Applicant Portal. Starting mid-September, access to the Applicant Portal will be granted 48-72 hours after  your admission application is received .

• Bachelor of Architecture   -   Portfolio optional  unless requesting advanced standing in the design sequence.
• Frost School of Music*   - Supplemental Application, Prescreen, and Audition Required
• Theatre Arts B.F.A.*   - Audition and Supplemental Application Required

* Not available for Spring applicants

Applicants to the Frost School of Music and the Theatre Arts B.F.A. program who are not admitted to the major of choice and did not indicate a second-choice major on their application will not be considered for admission to any  other  academic program at the University of Miami. Applicants may not add a second choice major after submitting their application to the University of Miami.

If you are applying to the   Miami Herbert Business School , you must meet the following requirements:

• 3.0 GPA or better calculated by the University of Miami Office of Undergraduate Admission. 
• Completed  college credit for an approved calculus course equivalent to either  MTH 161  (4 credit hours) or  MTH 140 / MTH 141  (8 credit hours), and earned a grade of “B” or better in the(se) course(s). Please note, w e will not accept a grade of P, S, or CR for the equivalent course. To have your calculus class approved, visit mates.miami.edu . The syllabus should include the name of the college where the course was taken, the title and author of the textbook, the modality by which the course was administered, and the chapters covered. Online math classes are  not  transferrable to UM without prior approval from the math department. 

Visit the  University Academic Bulletin  for additional information.

All transfer coursework will be reviewed on a course-by-course basis for equivalency to Miami Herbert Business School course requirements.  Any business class that is from a non-AACSB accredited institution will be accepted only as elective credits toward the overall degree requirements.  Transfer applicants may appeal to have transfer classes from non-AACSB accredited institutions reviewed for possible application toward business course requirements by submitting the course syllabus and textbook title to the  Office of Undergraduate Business Education .

6. Send Test Scores

Review the options below and follow the instructions for the option that describes your educational background. 

If you have completed less than 30 postsecondary credits (not including dual enrollment/concurrent enrollment courses), and are applying for Spring or Fall 2025, you can choose whether or not to  submit test scores . If you choose not to, you must submit a supplemental essay. 

If you have completed more than 30 postsecondary credits, neither test scores nor a supplemental essay are required.

• Completed High School in the U.S.
• Completed Secondary School Outside of the U.S.

If you choose to submit your  official   ACT and/or SAT  scores, have them sent directly from the testing agency.  

Test Codes for UM:

• ACT Code: 0760 
• SAT Code: 5815 

Submitting ACT and/or SAT scores is   optional   for students graduating from a secondary school outside the United States.

All students whose native language is not English are required to submit official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo English Test (DET). For information on scores, visit the  English Proficiency Requirements  page. 

• TOEFL Code: C730
• IELTS Code: 4861
• DET Code: select “University of Miami Undergraduate Admissions” from the options

7. Submit Educational Activities

If you have a time gap of three months or more during your educational career or from the time you graduated high school to the date of your intended University of Miami enrollment, you must submit an Educational Activities statement in the Common Application explaining the reason for the gap(s) and include the dates.

If you are unable to provide this information within your Common Application, you can submit it through the applicant portal under the "Materials Upload" section, or by emailing it to [email protected] . If emailing, be sure to include “Educational Activities” in the subject line and your full name and date of birth on all correspondence. This information is required to complete your application file.

8. Submit Financial Aid Documents

If you are applying for financial aid, review the checklist on our  Applying for Aid   page. There you will find the dates and required documents that must be submitted in order to be considered for need-based financial aid. 

It is recommended that the financial aid application including all supporting documents is completed at the same time as the application for admission to ensure a financial aid package at the time of admission.

9. Complete the Financial Certification Form (International applicants only)

All international transfer applicants must submit a Financial Certification Form, which can be accessed via the Applicant Portal after you have submitted your application.

International applicants who are applying for need-based financial aid must also submit the CSS Profile.

10. Send Conduct Updates

If there is an update to your   conduct   (academic or behavioral) or your standing as a student in your high school (suspension, expulsion, withdrawal, etc.) you must alert the Office of Undergraduate Admission immediately by uploading the documentation to the applicant portal in the "Materials Upload" section. You can also email documents to  [email protected] . 

Be sure to include your name and date of birth on all documents.

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University of Miami Admission Essays

Introduction to university of miami essays.

The University of Miami, known for its vibrant campus life and academic rigor, requires essays that help the admissions committee understand each applicant's unique story. Crafting a compelling essay for the University of Miami involves reflecting your personality, goals, and fit with the university's ethos. This guide delves into various aspects of the University of Miami essay, including University of Miami essay examples and UMiami supplemental essay examples.

Before diving into the essay writing process, it's essential to grasp some key facts about the University of Miami essays. These essays are a critical part of your application, offering a chance to showcase aspects of your personality and aspirations that aren't evident in other parts of the application.

Main Facts about University of Miami Essays

Before diving into the essay writing process, it's essential to grasp some key facts about the UMiami essays. These essays are a critical part of your application, offering a chance to showcase aspects of your personality and aspirations that aren't evident in other parts of the application. Understanding these facts will help you approach your essay writing with clarity and purpose.

• The University of Miami requires applicants to submit essays as part of their application to gain a more holistic view of the candidate.
• These essays often include a personal statement as part of the Common Application or Coalition Application.
• Supplemental essays specifically tailored to the University of Miami are also a requirement, focusing on specific aspects such as why you choose the University of Miami or how your goals align with its programs.
• The word limit for these essays is typically strict, requiring concise and focused writing.
• Topics range from personal growth stories to discussing specific academic interests or career goals.
• Essays are used by the admissions committee to assess not only writing skills but also creativity, critical thinking, and suitability for the university's culture.
• Unique and original essays tend to stand out more in the admissions process, reflecting the applicant's genuine personality.
• Successful essays often connect personal stories with future aspirations and how the University of Miami can facilitate these goals.
• Demonstrating knowledge about the University of Miami’s programs, values, and community can add depth to your essays.
• Proofreading and revision are key, as well-structured, error-free essays reflect a candidate's attention to detail and dedication.

University of Miami Requirements

Gaining admission to the University of Miami requires meeting specific academic and application criteria. Prospective students must navigate a range of requirements, including GPA thresholds, standardized test scores, recommendation letters, and a well-rounded application showcasing extracurricular activities and personal achievements. Additionally, the university's unique essay prompts demand thoughtful, articulate responses that reflect the applicant's personality and compatibility with the institution's values. Understanding and meticulously adhering to these requirements is crucial for a successful application, as they collectively represent the standards and expectations set forth by this prestigious university.

Understanding the University of Miami Requirements

The University of Miami has specific requirements for its application essays, which play a pivotal role in the admissions process. These include word limits, usually ranging from 250 to 650 words, prompt choices that vary each year, and focus areas the university expects applicants to address. It's crucial to adhere to these requirements to ensure that your application is considered. This includes showcasing your writing skills, your ability to think critically, and your alignment with the university's ethos. Understanding and following these guidelines is the first step towards crafting a compelling application.

Role of Supplemental Essays in the University of Miami Application

The University of Miami recognizes the importance of a holistic review process, and as such, it requires applicants to submit supplemental essays. These essays are an opportunity for applicants to provide more detailed insights into their background, experiences, and why they are interested in attending the University of Miami. The supplemental essays usually ask students to elaborate on their academic interests, extracurricular activities, and personal experiences that have shaped their decision to apply. They allow the admissions committee to get a more holistic understanding of the applicant beyond grades and test scores. Crafting thoughtful and authentic essays can significantly impact the overall strength of an application.

University of Miami Supplemental Essay Prompts

The University of Miami offers a range of supplemental essay prompts, which are carefully designed to assess the applicant's fit with the university's culture and values. These prompts encourage students to discuss their academic and personal interests more deeply, their community involvement, leadership experiences, and personal challenges. They vary each year, but typically include questions that invite students to reflect on their personal growth, future aspirations, and how they plan to contribute to the university community.

• The first prompt focuses on personal growth and asks students to describe a significant challenge they have overcome and the lessons learned from that experience. For example, an applicant could write about overcoming a language barrier, which taught them resilience and the value of diverse communication skills.
• The second prompt delves into academic and career aspirations, where students are asked to articulate their future goals and how the University of Miami can help them achieve these. An effective response might involve a student's aspiration to become an environmental scientist, emphasizing how the university's cutting-edge research facilities and expert faculty can aid in their academic journey.
• The third prompt centers around community contribution, asking applicants to discuss how they plan to engage with and contribute to the University of Miami community. A compelling response could detail a student's plan to start a cultural exchange club, fostering a more inclusive and diverse campus environment.

Thoughtful responses to these prompts, showcasing personal narratives and clear alignment with the university's values, are key to demonstrating suitability for admission.

How to Write the University of Miami Supplemental Essays

Writing the UMiami supplemental essays involves a strategic approach that begins with thorough brainstorming:

• Start by reflecting on experiences and ideas that are meaningful to you and align with the prompt.
• Ensure that your essays are well-structured, engaging, and reflective of your unique experiences and perspectives.
• Focus on clarity and coherence, making sure each paragraph contributes to the overall narrative.
• Use specific examples to illustrate your points and avoid generalizations.

Most importantly, let your personality and genuine interest in the university shine through. Editing and revising multiple drafts is also key to polishing your essays to perfection.

University of Miami Essay Examples

Examining University of Miami supplemental essay examples can provide valuable insights into what the admissions committee looks for in a successful essay. These examples often demonstrate creativity, depth of thought, and a strong personal connection to the university's values. Analyzing these essays can help you understand the balance between personal storytelling and intellectual discourse that the university values. Note how successful essays integrate personal anecdotes with reflections on broader themes and how they align with the university’s academic and social environment. Use these examples as a guide but remember to inject your originality and voice into your writing:

• My Experience and How It Shapes My University Goals
• The Role of Failure in Personal Growth
• My Journey Towards Environmental Advocacy
• Lessons from Leading a Community Service Project
• How My Experiment Impacted My Academic Aspirations
• My Initiative to Promote Inclusivity in Education
• How Music Influences My Educational Path
• My Story of Resilience and Its Impact on My Future
• How Multilingualism Has Shaped My Worldview
• My Plan to Enhance Campus Sustainability at the University of Miami

University of Miami Essay Examples: Conclusion

In conclusion, the University of Miami essays are a significant component of your application. They offer an opportunity to demonstrate your unique qualities and how you align with the university. Writing these essays requires introspection, creativity, and a clear understanding of the university's ethos. Utilize these tips, examples, and insights to craft essays that truly reflect your identity and aspirations for your university journey. Remember, a well-written essay can be a deciding factor in your admission, making it essential to invest time and effort into crafting compelling narratives that resonate with the admissions committee.

Passion for Sustainable Science at University of Miami

As an aspiring environmental scientist, my journey has been shaped by a deep-rooted passion for sustainable development and a profound belief in the power of scientific knowledge to catalyze positive change. Therefore, it is with great enthusiasm that I submit my application for admission to…

Passion for Scientific Research and Pursuing Advancement

I have always been passionate about exploring the world of science and conducting research in order to contribute to the advancement of knowledge. This passion was ignited during a significant research project that I had the opportunity to participate in during my undergraduate studies. This…

Eye-Opening Experience: Embracing Diversity & Multiculturalism

I had limited exposure to diversity and different cultures. However, it was during my high school years that I had a personal experience that completely shattered my preconceived notions and opened my eyes to the importance of diversity and multiculturalism. Sophomore Year: Meeting Javier During…

University Of Miami: My Journey to Understanding Inclusion

The majority of the population in my town shared similar backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences. It wasn’t until I moved to a larger city for college that I truly began to understand the importance of diversity and inclusion. Introduction During my freshman year, I decided to…

Becoming a Global Citizen: My Journey in Ecuador and Beyond

As a high school student, I always had a keen interest in exploring different cultures and understanding global issues. This passion led me to participate in a student exchange program during my sophomore year, which turned out to be a life-changing experience. The time I…

Visualizing Tomorrow: UMiami's Design

Initiating the compelling journey of expressing my passion for architecture and design, the University of Miami Architecture & Design School supplement essay stands as a gateway. In the following narrative, my goal is not only to narrate the chapters of my creative journey but also…

UMiami Supplemental Example: My Scientific Odyssey

In this UMiami Science School supplemental essay example, my goal is not only to recount the milestones of my scientific journey but also to illuminate the profound motivations and aspirations propelling my pursuit of knowledge. Beyond being a mere application requirement, this essay stands as…

My Goal to Advance my Education as a Nurse

I have always been intrinsically drawn to the nursing profession. I have not survived or experienced any life-threatening illness nor had a role-model for inspiration to be a nurse and luckily, never had to take care of anyone close to me suffering from a medical…

Why I Want To Pursue A Master's Degree In Geometry

There is an undeniable beauty to pure mathematics. Now, after several years of working with deep abstractions, my dream is to go back to the real world and make use of all the theoretical tools that I’ve acquired, and contribute to further developments in different…

Why I Want to Study International Relations

In this essay, I will elaborate on why I want to study international relations. From my early fascination with the intricacies of global relationships to my experiences in Model United Nations and my desire for a comprehensive education, I am drawn to this field. The…

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University of Miami’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Diversity short response.

Located within one of the most dynamic cities in the world, the University of Miami is a distinctive community with a variety of cultures, traditions, histories, languages, and backgrounds. The University of Miami is a values-based and purpose-driven postsecondary institution that embraces diversity and inclusivity in all its forms and strives to create a culture of belonging, where every person feels valued and has an opportunity to contribute.

Please describe how your unique experiences, challenges overcome, or skills acquired would contribute to our distinctive University community.

Common App Personal Essay

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

University of Miami (Miami Miller / UMiami) – University of Miami Secondary Application Tips & Essay Prompts

• Cracking Med School Admissions Team

Getting accepted to Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami is hard. Submitting an outstanding Miami Medical School secondary application is vital to receiving an interview invite, which ultimately can lead to an acceptance. The Miami Miller secondary is notorious because it is one of the longest secondary applications. Get started and read our Miami Medical School secondary application tips below.

Before you start working on your Miami Miller secondary applications, make sure you fulfill of UMiami’s pre-requisites. In the 2023-2024 cycle, students who submitted their University of Miami secondary application and did not fulfill the required courses were not eligible for an interview. You should also consider pre-writing the University of Miami secondary application. 

Because our Cracking Med School Admissions team has no word limits when it comes to our secondary essay editing , it is one of the most common secondary applications that we read each year. The Miami Miller Med School Admissions committee gets an intimate look into each applicant. University of Miami secondary essays are extremely personal and open-ended, allowing applicants to write about their passions and their backgrounds.  Make sure to answer as many questions as possible.  

Our Cracking Med School Admissions team has a track record of helping our mentees receive acceptances to Miami Miller School of Medicine.  Start early and get our help. If you have questions about how you can stand out, contact us  below. Need editing help on your secondary? We can help you through our  secondary essay packages,  which includes no word or character limits.

• Personally Tailored Essays
• Edits by Stanford & Harvard-trained Doctors
• We study your application strengths to see what unique attributes we’ll bring to the medical school

University of Miami Secondary Application Essay Questions: 2023 – 2024

• What have you done during the recent COVID-19 pandemic that will better prepare you to be a medical student and future physician? (500 words max)
• Why have you selected the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine for your medical education? Please be as specific as possible. (500 words max)
• Please provide a chronological list with dates AND a brief description of your clinical experiences/shadowing. (500 words max)
• Please provide a chronological list with dates of your community service/volunteering. (500 words max)
• Please discuss a situation where you had to use your leadership skills. (500 words max)
• Please briefly discuss your research experience. (500 words max)
• Please provide a chronological list with dates of your employment. (500 words max)
• What have you done to help identify, address and correct an issue of systemic discrimination? (500 words max)
• Provide a description of any activities involving the FINE ARTS (dance, drama, music, art, photography, etc. (500 words max) OR
• Provide a description of any activities involving SPORTS (organized team sports, recreational activities that you play, watch or follow) (500 words max)
• (Optional) Describe your most meaningful involvement in STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS. (500 words max)
• (Optional)  Provide a description of your most memorable TRAVEL experience. (500 words max)
• (Optional)  Provide a description of your HOBBIES and what you do for fun and relaxation.

10 Tips to Answer University of Miami Secondary Application Essays

University of Miami Secondary Application Pre-Writing Guidance:  Before you start working on your Miami Miller secondary applications, make sure you fulfill of UMiami’s pre-requisites. In the 2023-2024 cycle, students who submitted their University of Miami secondary application and did not fulfill the required courses were not eligible for an interview. You should also consider pre-writing the University of Miami secondary application. 

• Download  all  our HIGH-YIELD tips for secondary essays:  Cracking Med School Admissions Secondary Essay Guide

Miami Medical School Secondary Application Tip #1: Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami values the following in its study body: 1) ample clinical experience, 2) research, and 3) past experiences and future commitment to improving the health of diverse cultures.

As much as possible on the University of Miami secondary application, highlight your clinical experiences and research work. Show your direct impact on patients. For example, if you are part of an undergraduate journal student organization, you can talk about what you learned about research and how you applied it to your research projects during undergrad. Additionally, in the COVID-19 question, leadership essay, or community service work, you can highlight patient stories. 

Miami Medical School Secondary Application Tip #2: Many students forget to put their volunteer or community service work. If you are still a premedical student not yet applying to medical school, make sure to write down all your volunteer and community service work using our AMCAS workbook . If you are applying to medical school this cycle, don’t forget any community work!  If you have done any work in Florida or Miami, don’t forget to mention this too.

Miami Medical School Secondary Application Tip #3: Tell stories to convey your impact and leadership. Essays with stories are more memorable than essays without stories. 

Miami Medical School Secondary Application Tip #4: For the COVID-19 question, incorporate your personal experiences as well as healthcare current issues you noticed throughout the COVID pandemic.

>> We have an entire healthcare current events blog post here, where you can read more about healthcare disparities and COVID-19. We would HIGHLY recommend you read all the articles we’ve curated for you!

Miami Medical School Secondary Application Tip #5: Make sure to discuss specifics about why you want to receive a medical degree at the University of Miami Medical School. Discuss what you will contribute to the student body too. Read our blog post Why this Medical School? Secondary Essay Example . Discuss specific pre-clinical, clinical, extra-curricular activities, and community organizations you want to work with as a future Miller Medical School student. 

Miami Medical School Secondary Application Tip #6: Start early  and  get our help . Writing secondary essays for the University of Miami secondary application is similar to writing personal statements for several primary applications. Dr. Rachel Rizal and Dr. Rishi Mediratta can help you stand out. Contact us below and get our essay editing help with our secondary essay packages . 

Miami Medical School Secondary Application Tip #7:  For the University of Miami secondary application question about your clinical experiences / shadowing, make sure to emphasize DIRECT clinical experiences as much as possible, rather than just observational clinical experiences in your extracurricular activities. Additionally, write stories about patients you met. We tell our students to write 1 patient story per clinical experience. 

Miami Medical School Secondary Application Tip #8: For the University of Miami secondary application question about your community service extracurricular activities and community volunteering, we advise our students to write a short 1-3 sentence description about the activity. And, we advise them to link what they learned from the community service activity to clinical medicine. For example, if you volunteered at a local soup kitchen, you can link your insights about the social determinants of health.

Miami Medical School Secondary Application Tip #9: For the University of Miami secondary application question about your research experience, you should discuss all your research experience, including substantial research from high school. You have to write the following for each research experiences:

• What was the research question / hypothesis / research area? 
• What did you do?
• Any leadership you had on the research team?
• Research analysis you conducted.
• What were results of the study?
• (if applicable) How is this research related to what you want to do as a medical student or as a physician?
• Is there anything else you learned through this research experience that you can apply during your career in medicine?

Miami Medical School Secondary Application Tip #10: Answer all the optional questions. We know you’re tired. We know it takes a lot of work to answer each University of Miami secondary application question. BUT, University of Miami wants an extremely diverse student body, so you should discuss your involvement in sports, fine arts, student organizations, travel experiences, and hobbies.

For the question about “most memorable travel experience,” many of the students we’ve helped through secondary essay edits have written about their global health experiences !

[ Read more secondary essay tips:  Florida Atlantic University (FAU) ,  University of Central Florida (UCF) , Florida State University College of Medicine ]

Your medical school application Coaches, Mentors, & Cheerleaders

We Personally Advise Every Student We Work With

Rachel Rizal, M.D.

Changing the trajectory of people’s lives.

Undergraduate Princeton University, cum laude

Medical School Stanford School of Medicine

Residency Harvard, Emergency Medicine

Awards & Scholarships Fulbright Scholar USA Today Academic First Team Tylenol Scholarship

Rishi Mediratta, M.D., M.Sc., M.A.

Advising students to attend their dream schools.

Undergraduate Johns Hopkins University, Phi Beta Kappa

Residency Stanford, Pediatrics

Awards & Scholarships Marshall Scholar Tylenol Scholarship Global Health Scholar

stand out from other applicants with our secondary essay edit packages

University of miami secondary application essay questions: 2022 – 2023.

• (Optional) Provide a description of any activities involving the FINE ARTS (dance, drama, music, art, photography, etc. (500 words max)
• (Optional)  Provide a description of any activities involving SPORTS (organized team sports, recreational activities that you play, watch or follow) (500 words max)

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University Of Miami Secondary Application Essay Questions: 2021 – 2022

University of miami secondary application essay questions: 2020 - 2021, university of miami secondary application essay questions: 2019 – 2020.

• Briefly describe the one clinical experience you have had that has most significantly influenced your decision to study medicine. Do not replicate your AMCAS personal statement. (500 words max)

University Of Miami Secondary Application Essay Questions: 2018 – 2019

There’s an option to choose between different joint and dual degrees and there’s different secondary questions that vary.

University Of Miami Secondary Application Essay Questions: 2017 – 2018

University of miami secondary application essay questions: 2016 – 2017.

• Briefly describe the one clinical experience you have had that has most significantly influenced your decision to study medicine. Do not replicate your AMCAS personal statement.  (500 words max)
• Why have you selected the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine for your medical education? Please be as specific as possible.  (500 words max)
• Please provide a chronological list with dates AND a brief description of your clinical experiences/shadowing.  (500 words max)
• Please provide a chronological list with dates of your community service/volunteering.  (500 words max)
• Please discuss a situation where you had to use your leadership skills.  (500 words max)
• Please briefly discuss your research experience.  (500 words max)
• Please provide a chronological list with dates of your employment.  (500 words max)
• (Optional)  Provide a description of any activities involving the FINE ARTS (dance, drama, music, art, photography, etc.  (500 words max)
• (Optional)  Provide a description of any activities involving SPORTS (organized team sports, recreational activities that you play, watch or follow)  (500 words max)
• (Optional)  Describe your most meaningful involvement in STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS.  (500 words max)
• (Optional)  Provide a description of your most memorable TRAVEL experience.  (500 words max)

MD/MPH Essays

• Please describe any experience you have had in public health – this could be experience in the field, in training, in education or other related experience. (500 words max)
• Please describe how you envision you would use the public health training provided in the joint MD/MPH in your future career as a physician. (500 words max)
• Is there anything else you want to tell us about your interest in the MD/MPH program? (500 words max)

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University of Miami Undergraduate College Application Essays

These University of Miami college application essays were written by students accepted at University of Miami. All of our sample college essays include the question prompt and the year written. Please use these sample admission essays responsibly.

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College Application Essays accepted by University of Miami

Creativity from tragedy dylan w, university of miami.

I remember sobbing with my face pressed against the wooden swing set in my backyard while my parents yelled at each other on the patio. I remember playing with my toys in my room only to go hide in the darkness of my closet because my parents were...

A loss that has changed me for the better Anonymous

I always looked forward to June 17, the birthday of my only living grandparent. Every year I spent the day composing corny jokes that made her to snort with laughter and murmur loving approval. But in 2002, in a matter of seconds, my associations...

A Journey Through Perdition Hilary Jewel Lange

I stood on the ground where millions of innocent people perished. I walked into a gas chamber, and I walked out. I saw the scratch marks on the walls where people were clawing their way to the top, trying to get one last gasp of oxygen as the...

New People, New Dreams Amanda Grewer

“I think we’re lost,” I said to my parents as I stood on the corner of 114th Street and Broadway carrying a large bag of luggage. I stopped confused as to where I was going. I knew I was close; I could tell by the number of people wearing Columbia...

Summer Business Jake Nolan

I stepped out of the train. People pushing and shoving, back and forth, loud noises echoing down the narrow walls into the abyss. Searching for a way to the street, I too pushed my way through the barrage of people searching for the streets above:...

More Motivated Than Ever Anonymous

I sometimes daydream about how my life would have been if I led the carefree life of the average teenager. Then I snap back into reality, realizing that life is never average. There are always obstacles to overcome. My transition into high school,...

Young Entrepreneur Michael Magnotto

Throughout my younger years, wearing a blazer, collared shirt, and nice pants to preschool always set me apart from my classmates. As I got older, selling pencils to kids who needed them right before a test sparked my business interest. That...

Walking the Simple Pathway Anjali Pati

I had thought of living in simplicity and happiness before, but I never understood its significance until I heard this sentence. “I will not allow you to come to my house. I am poor.” I stared and looked at him as my eyes filled with tears,...

Religious Diversity Anonymous

For the past three years, I have been the diversity. Seventy-five percent of the students around me share in the Roman Catholic faith, while I am a devout Presbyterian. However, attending a Catholic school has not diverted me from my Presbyterian...

What I Learned from My Mom Anonymous

Hair a mess, eyelids heavy, and bags under her eyes: every day I would see my mom come home, looking like this, tired from a day’s load of work. My mother, who had me at a young age, was forced to raise and support me all on her own. Where was my...

4'11 Forever Anonymous

When my mom gave birth to me, I weighed in at nine and a half pounds and measured twenty-two inches. One could say I was pretty big for a newborn, but whenever I tell this story, it is soon followed by a: “And that’s pretty much when I stopped...

I Am My Own Life Coach Ecem Karaman

I've always been my own life coach. Some people are born to be “lucky,” but others have to create that “luck” by themselves. Having had to fight obesity at the age of 6 was the first and the biggest challenge that life ever put me through. The...

All for Freedom Melanie Delgado

It was Valentine’s Day six years ago. There were no roses, chocolate, or any romanticism in the air; there was instead, the scent of puke, fear, sea spray, yet a trace of freedom. It is mind-boggling what a human being is capable of enduring for...

The Life of Church Music Brandon J. Morgan

"See you on Sunday, Brandon," Pastor Park says. After gathering my things, I shake his hand appreciatively and leave through the exit at side of the sanctuary. The pastor closes the broad, brown doors as best as he can, but they never quite meet...

Moving Forward Felipe Parodi

As the new student in my sixth grade English class, I was asked where I was from. "Where is your home?" a classmate inquired. As I opened my mouth to answer, I was struck by the sudden realization that there was no particular place that I was able...

My life-changing Pursuit Taylor Haley Starr

I sat across the room, watching my father in awe as he typed out a document with mind-blowing speed. I had no idea precisely what I was watching him do, of course, since I was only six years old, but still -- Wow. How can someone move his fingers...

Home Away From Home Laith Nasfat Shehadeh

For many of my friends, summer break means swimming at the local pool and hanging out at our downtown movie theater. Yet for me, summer means traveling 6,000 miles to a completely different country, where I speak a completely different language...

Bus Rides Grace Redford

Every bus ride is marked with either utter serenity or galling racket. At eight years old, I found both equally unbearable. "The world," my mother would often say, "isn't always going to be the way you want it to be." Innumerable repetitions of...

My Introduction to Programming. Anonymous

Whenever my grandparents visit, they take me to Barnes & Noble. My grandmother, Shasha, a strong believer in self-education through voracious reading, passed on that trait to me. On this particular trip, I spied the book “C++ for Dummies”. I...

Brace Yourself. Alexa Miller

I walk to the waiting area and call, “Michelle,” and she follows me into a big room with three beige, reclining leather chairs. “Have a seat,” I urge, directing her as if I’m a hostess. “Are you ready?” She nods her head; her shoulders tense up,...

What impact do you want to make in the world? Select a problem or social issue and explain why it is important to you. What do you need to learn to contribute toward its solution? Anonymous

Regardless of where you come from, police brutality is currently the hot topic in media. With countless accusations of police using excessive force making the headlines, it has generated unfavorable views against those in law enforcement. Race is...

Battle Scars Anonymous

Of all markings that can grace the human body -- above moles, freckles, or even tattoos -- scars hold the most meaningful anecdotes. They display proudly won battles and mistakes on the individual who bears them. I have a few scars myself, the...

Master of Answers Anonymous

My dad taught me my first science lesson. He knew it did not have to start at school, but rather the minute a mind starts asking questions. That is what science has always consisted of—a curiosity forming into a question and a question being...

Ibiza Gabriel Roig-Francoli

The four of us sit still for a full minute, too humbled to move or to speak. My hand finds its way to the door handle and I cringe as the car opens with a low clunk, interrupting the total silence. I walk to the edge of the lookout to survey the...

Recent Questions about University of Miami

The Question and Answer section for University of Miami is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

The conclusion of the Declaration of Independence states that

I'd go with "The United States is free" as the essential point.

“These united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown.”?

What does the conclusion of the declaration of independence state?

I think it talks about independent states having autonomy to make agreements with foreign nations. It says that God will protect them in their desire to establish a just government. The citizens of each colony have pledged their fidelity and lives...

What was Jefferson's opinion about changing long-established governments?

Straight from the source; you don't change long established

governments without good cause and much thought.

"Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and...

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Application Review

Miami receives more applications from qualified candidates than we can accommodate. And because we cannot overextend resources, such as residence halls, faculty, classrooms, and labs, admission to Miami is selective.

Our application review is comprehensive and individualized. We review applicants holistically, considering all provided information to assess the entirety and context of each student’s achievements and potential.

Factors considered during application review include the following (listed in alphabetical order):

• Application essay(s)
• Class rank (6-semester cumulative), if available
• Commitment to social service and/or volunteer activities
• Demonstrated leadership
• Employment status during high school
• Extenuating circumstances
• Extra- and co-curricular involvement
• First-generation college student status
• Grade-point average (cumulative GPA, grade trends)
• High school profile
• Recommendation(s)
• Life experiences
• Obstacles overcome
• Potential contributions to the university community (breadth of experience, geography, ideology, lifestyle, world view)
• Socioeconomic status
• Some majors within the College of Creative Arts require a  portfolio, audition, or video
• Special abilities, talents, and achievements
• Standardized test scores (per our   test optional policies )
• Strength of high school curriculum (depth in each core academic area, honors or accelerated courses, AP/IB courses, College Credit Plus, or dual credit courses)

Additional Information

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217-222 MacMillan Hall 501 E. Spring St. Oxford, OH 45056, USA

• Main Operator 513-529-8600

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A Letter to 2025-2026 Applicants

By Nate Crozier 08-01-2024

Dear High School Seniors,

I know you’ve worked hard the last few years. You have probably overcome major obstacles and put in late nights and early mornings. You’ve done a great job. Before I say anything else, I want you to take a moment to appreciate how much effort you’ve put into your high school career and be proud of yourself. Let all that pride sink in, because no matter where you go after high school, absolutely no one can take away the work you’ve done.

Now I want to explain the application process at the University of Miami. I hope breaking it down helps demystify the way we do things here. I’ll give you a condensed version here, but if you want something with more detail, this page is for you .

Applications are only accepted through the Common App. We are test optional once again this season. While your application does not require test scores, we do require the Common App’s personal statement and a supplemental essay. You must submit one letter of recommendation from a school counselor or teacher too. About two to three days after you submit your application, you’ll receive a link to your Applicant Portal, where you’ll have a personalized checklist of requirements. That’s also where you can submit supporting documents.

We run a holistic review process on all applications. That means we look at the big picture when your application comes across our desk. If you’re a numbers person, check out the profile of last year’s first-year class . The best advice I can give is to put your best foot forward, lean into your inherent strengths, and acknowledge that your challenges made you stronger too. As far as decisions go, the timeline of decisions depends on when you apply. I encourage you to familiarize yourself with the various admission plans and deadlines so you have an idea of your specific timeline.

The last thing I want to tell you about is my team . They (like you!) are an essential piece of the puzzle. They’re dedicated to their work, passionate about the U, and really excited to learn about you. We’re a tight-knit group that genuinely looks forward to reading about what makes you a great fit for our institution. Please know that I and my team are here to answer your questions. There are real people behind the [email protected] email. Please use it!

I wish you the best this application season.

Best regards,

Undergraduate Admission

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Application Advice: How to Approach the Booth Essay

Starting your application here are five questions to ask yourself before drafting your essay..

• By EW Admissions FT Admissions
• July 16, 2024
• Share This Page

Alumni and students routinely describe applying to Chicago Booth as a life-changing decision. This is why we encourage candidates to use our application not only as a means of gaining admission, but also as an opportunity for self-reflection and to prepare for this exciting next step. One of the best ways to communicate your MBA motivations and connection to Booth is through the essay portion of the application. The essay prompts for this cycle are as follows:

Part-Time MBA Program:

• Why are you seeking an MBA from Chicago Booth, and why is Chicago Booth's Evening MBA or Weekend MBA your program of choice? (maximum 400 words)
• Optional Essay: If there is any important information relevant to your candidacy you were unable to address elsewhere in the application, please share that information here. (maximum 500 words)

Full-Time MBA Program:

• How will the Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (250-word minimum)
• An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. In addition to sharing your experience and goals in terms of career, we’d like to learn more about you outside of work. Use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are. (250-word minimum)

Before starting your application and writing your essay, here are five questions we suggest you ask yourself:

• What inspired me to pursue an MBA? Take time to reflect on your personal and professional experiences, relationships, and goals. Did you know you wanted to pursue an MBA during your prior educational training? Is there a family member, friend, mentor, or professional colleague who influenced you to pursue an MBA? Are you looking to better understand your industry, develop leadership skills, or improve your career? There is no right or wrong answer, we just want to understand why an MBA is important to you at this stage in your life.
• What do I hope to accomplish professionally? There are innumerable ways our students and graduates use an MBA to transform their careers. Whether it's a job promotion or a career pivot, a Chicago Booth MBA will open doors that can change the trajectory of your career and influence your professional goals. Have a clear plan for what immediate and future success might look like for you. Take time to assess where you’ve been, where you are now, and where you want to be. Think deeply about how a Booth MBA can fill any gaps and help get you there.
• How will I apply what I learn in and out of the classroom to my current or future role? The Chicago Booth MBA experience will provide you with the space to learn frameworks you can directly apply to your current role (for Part-Time students) or future role (for Full-Time students). The skills you develop at Booth continue to be one of the biggest returns on investment Booth students rave about. With the instant impact a Booth MBA can have on your career, we encourage you to be clear about the MBA experiences, resources, and relationships that will help you meet your desired career goals.
• How will the collaborative culture at Booth be a part of my experience? Boothies are well-known to help one another. Whether it's through referrals for new opportunities, collaboration on group projects, or providing the confidence to embrace new challenges, support is at the heart of our culture. Consider how you can give back to the community by leveraging your unique strengths and skills to contribute and help others, ultimately creating a cycle of support that extends well beyond graduation. Let us know how these values resonate with the MBA experience you seek.
• How can I show my true self? Be honest. Share your experiences, thoughts, and emotions truthfully. Admissions directors appreciate authenticity and value your unique perspective. The optional essay provides a great platform to reflect on your personal experiences, challenges you've faced, and how they've influenced your growth.

Whenever you decide to apply, we wish you the best of luck! Looking for more application tips? Check out more application advice  from Boothies and Admissions. We’re also hosting events ( Full-Time ; Part-Time ) throughout the summer, where you can get your questions answered in real time. We wish you the best of luck with your application!

Start Your Application Journey Today

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