My University of Michigan Acceptance

Here's the basic run down of my stats and essays that got me into my parents' alma mater. (Yes, my mom and dad both went to U of M. No, they did not meet until after college... bummer.)

Freshman Year Schedule and Grades

Semester 1

French 1 - A

Honors Geometry - A

Biology - A

AVID (College Prep class basically) - A

English 9 - A

Student Leadership - A

AP US Government and Politics - A

Semester 2

French 1 - A

Honors Geometry - B

Biology - A

AVID - A

English 9 - A

Civics - A

AP US Government and Politics - A

Sophomore Year Schedule and Grades

Semester 1

French 2 - A

Global Studies of Gender - A

Honors American Literature - B

Global Studies of Genocide - A

Honors Algebra 2 - A

Honors Chemistry - A

AP US History - A

Semester 2

French 2 - A

3D Art Foundations - A

Honors American Literature - A

Student Leadership - A

Honors Algebra 2 - A

Honors Chemistry - B

AP US History - A

Junior Year Schedule and Grades

Semester 1

French 3 - A

AP Chemistry - B

AP World History - A

Honors World Literature - A

Honors Pre-Calculus - A

Student Leadership - A

Honors Physics - A

Semester 2

AP Chemistry - A

Honors Physics - A

AP World History - A

French 3 - B

Honors Pre-Calculus - A

Yoga and Pilates - A

Honors World Literature - A

Senior Year Schedule

Semester 1

AP Physics C Mechanics/ E&M

Beginning Photography

AP English Literature

AP French Language and Culture

Student Leadership

AP BC Calculus

Professional Apprenticeship (Intenship Class)

Semester 2

AP Physics C Mechanics/ E&M

Human Biology

AP English Literature

AP French Language and Culture

Student Leadership

AP BC Calculus

Professional Apprenticeship

Standardized Test Scores (only the ones I sent)

SAT (October Test Day): 1320, 18*

SAT (April Test Day): 1340, 16

AP Gov: 5

APUSH: 5

APWH:4

AP Chem: 4

Chemistry Subject Test: 720

*This was my score on the writing portion, total is out of 24. U of M does require the writing section of either the SAT or the ACT

Following are my responses to all of the University of Michigan supplementary essays. Not attached is my common app personal essay:

Question 1: If you could only do one of the activities you have listed in the Activities section of your Common Application, which one would you keep doing? Why?

After high school, I want to continue playing volleyball on a college club team. It has been a great stress reliever, and has gotten rid of some of the pressures I feel to do well academically. When I'm on the court playing for my school or club team, I can focus on the game and not worry about the other pressures in my life. The feeling of getting an ace or beating a competitive team is very exciting and never gets old.

Question 2: Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it.

I am proud to be African American, but it wasn't always that way. I grew up believing that I had to hide my dark skin and kinky hair. In third grade I joined an organization called Jack and Jill of America, Inc. This organization aims to nuture future American American leaders through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving, and civic duty. Over the years, Jack and Jill helped me to realize that my skin tone was nothing to be ashamed of. Just by being around other strong and empowered black people, I became more comfortable knowing that I could be strong and empowered as well. Now, I work to pass on the pride I feel to others.

Currently, I am the Teen Vice President of the Motor City Chapter of Jack and Jill. In this role, I have taken it upon myself to make sure that everyone feels welcome and involved. This year, we added 14 new members, which is the largest number of new teens in several years. To help the new members get to know the older members, I encourage them to introduce themselves to the older members and voice their opinions during chapter meetings. My hope is that the new members will find strength in Jack and Jill the way I did.

Question 3: Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests?

I hope to go to medical school, and believe that LSA will get me there. There are three aspects about this college that stand out to me: First Year Seminars, UROP, and because it is a liberal arts college. The First Year Seminars will allow me to take a course in Biology and learn about the properties of stem cells and how that applies to medicine. The small class size will afford me a closer connection to the professor and the students around me. I am excited about the opportunity to ask questions from an expert in the field I am studying, and engage in meaningful discussions with the 17 other students in my class. This will give me the opportunity to get the most for this course. The second reason is the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program. Through this program, I will learn from other researchers about how to conduct research and write reports. I would create a research project on my desired topic and get support from a peer mentor who will help guide me through the process. The third reason why I am applying to LSA is because I will be receiving a liberal arts education, which will help me experience disciplines and ares of study I might not otherwise see in a different environment. I will be challenged to know how to deal with complex problems that I have never seen before. This will prepare me for grad school because I will already have the skills necessary to tackle complex issues and to think critically. I will value greatly what I learn from attending LSA at the University of Michigan because I know that when I graduate I will be prepared for the future.