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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!

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University of Miami Undergraduate Admission
Admission Requirements

First-Year Admission Requirements

1. Complete the Common 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, including registering for standardized tests.

If applying for Spring or Fall 2024, you will be required to submit a supplemental essay of 250 words.

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, students will be asked to respond to one of seven prompts in a personal statement of 650 words or less.

These portions of the Common Application give you the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to develop your thoughts, to communicate them clearly, and to write them concisely conveying your unique voice. Please include a list of your extracurricular activities; these activities will be evaluated as part of the admission process.

2. Send Official High School Transcripts

If you attended high school in the United States, s ubmit your official high school transcripts directly from your high school. A school official may submit them electronically via the Common Application, Slate.org, SCOIR, or Parchment. They can also be emailed directly from your school official to [email protected] .

If electronic submission is not possible, these documents can be mailed to one of the following addresses:

Mailing Address University of Miami Office of Undergraduate Admission P.O. 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

If you attended a secondary school outside of the United States, please refer to the International Evaluation Requirements page .

If you are a homeschooled applicant, please refer to the Homeschool Transcript Requirements page .

3. Submitting Test Scores

No change announced from current test optional policy for students who are applying for admission for the Spring or Fall 2024 term.

Students who choose to submit an ACT and/or SAT score may:

Request that official scores be sent to the University directly from the testing agency.
Self-report their scores on the Common Application. You will not need to Superscore your own results or recalculate your scores. Simply enter your scores exactly as you receive them. Students self-reporting scores will be required to submit official score reports only if they are admitted and choose to enroll.

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.

Architecture applicants not submitting test scores must instead submit a portfolio. All Music applicants complete an audition as part of the evaluation process.

Note: You may update your decision to have your application reviewed with or without test scores even after you have submitted your application. Early Decision I and Early Action applicants have until November 15, while Early Decision II and Regular Decision applicants have until January 15 to update their file.

Here are some examples of testing-specific updates applicants can make:

Submit test scores for the Admission Committee’s consideration
Update your test scores
Update your choice to be test optional or not

To make these and other changes, applicants must complete the Test Score Updates form in the Applicant Portal .

Submit your application by the stated deadline: November 1 for Early Decision I and Early Action or January 1 for Early Decision II and Regular Decision. The deadline for opting in or out of having your test scores considered as part of your application and for self-reporting your test scores is November 15 for Early Decision I and Early Action, and January 15 for Early Decision II and Regular Decision.

Test Codes for UM:

TOEFL Code: C730
IELTS Code: 4861
ACT Code: 0760
SAT Code: 5815
DET Code: select “University of Miami Undergraduate Admissions” from the options

4. Complete the School Report

The School Report should be completed by your high school guidance counselor and can be found on the Common Application . It is often submitted along with your high school transcript and information about your high school.

5. Submit a Letter of Recommendation

You are required to submit one letter of recommendation/evaluation, which can be from either a school counselor or a teacher. The most expedient way to submit your letter electronically is through the Common Application, Slate.org, Scoir, or Parchment.

6. Additional Requirements for Special Programs

Bachelor of Architecture - Portfolio required if not submitting ACT/SAT scores
Frost School of Music* - Supplemental Application, Prescreen, and Audition Required
Theatre Arts B.F.A.* - Supplemental application and audition required

*Not available for Spring applicants

Supplemental applications are available in the Applicant Portal. Beginning mid-September, access to the portal will be granted 48-72 hours after your admission application is received . Please submit any additional documentation as soon as possible. We will accept documents up to seven days after the admission plan deadline.

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.

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. Complete the Financial Certification Form (International applicants only)

All prospective first-year international students who apply for admission to UM must submit an International 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.

9. 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.

10. Send Conduct Updates

If there is any update to your academic achievement or personal conduct, you must notify the Office of Undergraduate Admission immediately by uploading the documentation to your Applicant Portal in the "Materials Upload" section or by emailing the update to [email protected] .

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

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University of Miami Supplemental Essays 2023-24 Prompts and Advice

August 28, 2023

university of miami supplemental essays umiami

In the 1980s and ‘90s, the University of Miami was a football powerhouse; albeit one with its fair share of controversy. In the 2020s, the school has more to brag about on the academic front than on the gridiron. Now attracting close to 50,000 applications and sporting an acceptance rate of just 19% (and dropping), U Miami has become a highly selective university that is no longer anything close to a sure thing, even for students with excellent grades and test scores. This means that, in 2023-24, the University of Miami supplemental essay is more important than ever before.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into the University of Miami? Visit our blog entitled: How to Get Into the University of Miami: Admissions Data and Strategies for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

Although it only has one general essay prompt, the University of Miami’s supplemental section still affords applicants an opportunity to illustrate what makes them uniquely qualified for admission. Below is U Miami’s supplemental prompt for the 2023-24 admissions cycle. Additionally, we offer advice on how to pen a winning composition.

2023-2024 U Miami Supplemental Essays

Prompt 1 (250 Words): 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.

Pro tip: the language used in any given prompt provides you with critical information about what your essay should address. As such, note the information that U Miami chooses to share about itself : a values-based and purpose-driven postsecondary institution that embraces diversity and inclusivity and strives to create a culture of belonging . Essentially, they want to know how you will contribute to that mission, and how your personal experiences will impact what kind of academic and social community member you might be.

University of Miami supplemental essays (Continued)

As such, you might consider discussing:

Your role in your family.
Your role in your social group.
A challenge you’ve faced.
A formative experience or realization.
An opinion or perspective that has developed over time.
Important aspects of your upbringing.
Cultural, religious, community influence.
A skill you have that you feel could impact others in a positive way.

Once you’ve chosen a particular direction, think about what you’ve learned from the experience. Also ponder what you think others could learn from you. Most importantly, how will your learnings positively contribute to U Miami’s mission? This is a chance to show that you are an open-minded, curious, and humble young person who is willing to learn and grow from their experiences.

How important is the UMiami supplemental essay?

The essays (both the Common App essay and the supplemental one) are “very important” to the evaluation process. Five other factors are also considered as “very important.” These factors are: rigor of coursework, class rank, GPA, recommendations, and extracurricular activities. Clearly, the University of Miami places enormous value on the quality of your supplemental essay.

Want personalized essay assistance with the University of Miami supplemental essays?

In conclusion, if you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your University of Miami supplement, we encourage you to get a quote today.

College Essay

Andrew Belasco

A licensed counselor and published researcher, Andrew's experience in the field of college admissions and transition spans two decades. He has previously served as a high school counselor, consultant and author for Kaplan Test Prep, and advisor to U.S. Congress, reporting on issues related to college admissions and financial aid.

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University of Miami Supplemental Essays 2023-24

Wondering how to write your University of Miami supplemental essays? For many students, writing the University of Miami essays can feel like a daunting task. Luckily, CollegeAdvisor has the expertise and resources to help you write a standout University of Miami essay.

The University of Miami is a private college located in Miami, Florida. Indeed, UMiami is one of the top colleges in Florida . To get in, you’ll need to write strong UMiami supplemental essays.

In this article, we’ll discuss which University of Miami essays are required to apply, as well as tips for how to write a standout University of Miami essay. By the end, you’ll have all the resources you need to write winning University of Miami supplemental essays.

UMiami Supplemental Essays: Quick Facts

Umiami supplemental essays quick facts.

University of Miami Acceptance Rate: 27%– U.S. News ranks University of Miami as a most selective school.
1 (250 word) essay
UMiami Application: Students must submit their University of Miami application through the Common Application . Make sure to have all of your University of Miami supplemental essays and other required application materials ready when applying.
Early Decision I and Early Action: November 1
Early Decision II and Regular Decision: January 1
University of Miami Essay Tip: Since there is only one University of Miami supplemental essay to complete, answer as thoughtfully and authentically as you can.

Please note that essay requirements are subject to change each admissions cycle, and portions of this article may have been written before the final publication of the most recent guidelines. For the most up-to-date information on essay requirements, check the university’s admissions website.

Does University of Miami have supplemental essays?

Yes, the University of Miami has one supplemental essay. The UMiami supplemental essays seek to gather more information about you and how your experiences or interests fit with the school’s resources and culture.

The University of Miami supplemental essays focus on community. Indeed, UMiami prides itself on its diverse campus. Located in Miami, UMiami’s student body reflects the diversity of the city it calls home. In fact, more than half of its student body identify as students of color. Additionally, nearly half of students speak a second language. Furthermore, more than two-thirds of students come from out-of-state. As we can see, UMiami attracts students from all different walks of life.

So, how does one write the University of Miami supplemental essays? We’ll share the University of Miami essay prompts and how to address them later. But first, we’ll explore how the UMiami supplemental essays fit within the broader admissions process.

University of Miami Requirements

The University of Miami, like many competitive schools, uses a holistic admissions process to build its incoming class. But what, you might wonder, is a holistic admissions process?

A holistic admissions process takes every factor into account when evaluating a student’s application. This kind of process does not simply rely on academic achievement. Instead, the process seeks to evaluate who you are as a whole student.

This means that the University of Miami supplemental essays form a critical piece of your application. They offer a fuller picture of your personality, strengths, and experiences. So, pay attention to the University of Miami essay prompts, as they can make a major difference in the admissions process.

Additionally, a holistic admissions process seeks to build an incoming class composed of students from different backgrounds. When reading UMiami supplemental essays, the admissions team aims to ensure that their students will collectively represent a cross-section of society. In this, each student adds to the strength of an incoming class through their own unique lived experiences.

Understanding the UMiami requirements

The University of Miami requirements are multifold. To apply, you will need to submit a completed Common Application, your high school transcripts, a school report completed by your counselor, a letter of recommendation, a personal statement (Common App essay), and your University of Miami supplemental essays.

Many students wonder how SAT or ACT scores factor into admissions decisions. The University of Miami is still test-optional as of 2023-24, meaning that students can opt to not submit test scores. However, this does not mean the University of Miami admissions is becoming less selective. On the contrary, the University of Miami acceptance rate has declined in recent years. In fact, choosing not to submit test scores means that other factors—like your University of Miami supplemental essays—may weigh more heavily in your application review. So, strong University of Miami supplemental essays can make a major difference in the admissions process.

University of Miami Personal Statement

In addition to writing your University of Miami supplemental essays, you’ll submit a personal statement . A personal statement is a more general introduction to who you are. On the Common Application, which you will use to apply to the University of Miami, there are seven essay topics. You’ll choose one of these prompts for your personal statement. Additionally, note that the word limit for this essay is 650 words.

We recommend choosing a personal statement prompt before writing your University of Miami supplemental essays, since you should not repeat ideas in both essays. In addition, since your personal statement goes to all the schools you apply to using the Common App, make sure to choose a topic that showcases core parts of your personal brand .

Choosing a personal statement prompt

You might be wondering, how do I select an essay prompt? The key is to choose a topic that you feel passionate about. So, look at each of the Common App prompts. Which ones connect with a story you have that reflects a key part of your identity? Moreover, how can you use these prompts to showcase who you are and what makes you unique?

If you are passionate about the topic, you’ll write a compelling essay. Additionally, don’t be afraid to try your hand at multiple prompts. Sometimes, you need to redraft an essay multiple times in order to find the right topic. Check out these sample essays to see how other students approached writing their personal statements.

Once you have any idea of what to write about in your Common Application personal statement, you can think more specifically about your University of Miami essay. Overall, your University of Miami essay should highlight a different part of your identity than your Common App essay. So, look for things UMiami should know about you that don’t come through in the rest of your application.

University of Miami Essay: Community Essay

The University of Miami supplemental essays include just one 250-word essay—the diverse community essay. This type of essay seeks to understand what makes you a unique and diverse candidate. You might recognize this kind of essay prompt from other schools.

Here is the prompt for the diverse community essay:

Community 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., umiami supplemental essays – understanding the prompt.

With this prompt, we see how the University of Miami supplemental essays aim to determine not only what makes you unique, but how your life experiences will add to UMiami’s diverse community. The prompt itself also highlights what kind of community UMiami seeks to cultivate. So, strong UMiami supplemental essays will clearly address how a student will contribute to UMiami’s diverse campus culture.

Indeed, as a UMiami student, you’ll be exposed to students from all walks of life and be encouraged to value and respect your peers’ experiences. So, writing your UMiami supplemental essays can allow you to reflect on whether the school is a good fit for you.

So, think about how you would benefit from—and contribute to—a diverse campus environment like UMiami. Then, you’ll be ready to approach the University of Miami supplemental essays. In the next section, we’ll talk about how to craft strong University of Miami supplemental essays.

How to write the University of Miami supplemental essays

Writing your University of Miami supplemental essays might seem daunting. However, if you think critically about how to approach the UMiami supplemental essays, you can make the most of your supplements and increase your admissions odds.

Here are some important steps in writing your UMiami supplemental essays:

1. Reflect upon your identities

The college admissions process is all about reflection. Indeed, reflecting should be the first step in writing your University of Miami supplemental essays. In this essay prompt, UMiami highlights how it values “diversity and inclusivity in all its forms.” So, don’t get stuck on race or ethnicity, even if this is what most people think of when they hear diversity. Also, don’t feel the need to exaggerate experiences or focus on parts of your identity that aren’t meaningful to you.

Instead, think about all the life experiences that have truly shaped you and taught you valuable lessons. For example, maybe you lived in eleven different states as a child. Or perhaps, you had a learning disability when you were starting out in school. Any of these aspects of your experience are valid to highlight in your UMiami supplemental essays—as long as they are important to you.

2. Free-write

Once you have which aspect of your life experience you want to highlight, do a free write. This can help you get used to writing about your experiences. As such, it’s a great way to learn how to approach the University of Miami supplemental essays.

A free-write is when you write for a set amount of time, such as 10 minutes, and don’t stop even if your thoughts feel jumbled or pointless. The purpose of a free-write is to remove the anxiety that comes with trying to find perfect words for your University of Miami supplemental essays.

After your free-write, take a look at what you’ve written. Do any ideas stand out? You don’t need to use any information from your free-write in your UMiami supplemental essays. However, you might still find a useful idea to refine as you begin drafting.

3. Revise for key ideas

Once you have completed a free-write, review your writing to identify themes you wish to keep. For example, maybe as you moved around as a kid, you realize that you were constantly worried about making new friends. In this case, you may write your UMiami supplemental essays about how to relate to people from different backgrounds.

Once again, don’t be afraid to write multiple different University of Miami supplemental essays. The more you write about your experiences, the easier it will become.

4. Highlight examples and details

As you revise your University of Miami supplemental essays, ensure that you use specific examples and details to make your story come to life. We sometimes call this process “showing, not telling.”

For example, instead of saying “I was nervous to start at a new school,” say “I walked into class with my head low, trying to avoid locking eyes with anyone.” This detail shows us, rather than tells us, how you are feeling.

5. Have a takeaway

In the revision process for your UMiami supplemental essays, focus on sharing what you learned from your experience. Indeed, this essay prompt asks how your experiences will help you contribute to the UMiami community.

No matter what you write about, the University of Miami admissions officers want to understand how you’ve grown and changed as a person. Moreover, they want to see how your growth and experiences will allow you to enrich their community.

Tips to make your UMiami essay stand out

Each year, the University of Miami receives about 48,000 applications. As such, it is critical that your University of Miami essays stand out.

Here are a few tips to ensure you write intriguing essays :

1. Be honest

The best way to stand out in the admissions process is to be yourself. University of Miami admissions officers can see through inauthentic answers. So, instead of writing UMiami supplemental essays you think admissions officers want to read, be authentic. Think critically about what experiences make you who you are. Then, make sure these experiences shine through in your University of Miami supplemental essays.

2. Find a hook

Make sure to have a compelling start to your UMiami supplemental essays. For your University of Miami supplemental essays, a hook can take many forms. For instance, you might place the reader in the middle of a story, or you might include a surprising thought upon which the rest of your essay expands.

3. Edit for clarity and grammar

Since the University of Miami acceptance rate is low, you’ll need to demonstrate strong writing skills to stand out. As such, always have at least one to two trusted people read your essay to help you fix grammatical errors and refine your ideas. The best UMiami supplemental essays won’t be written overnight, so give yourself plenty of time to edit and redraft.

When is the University of Miami application due?

There are several UMiami application deadlines . While all of them have the same University of Miami requirements, including the same UMiami supplemental essays, they have different dates .

The first major decision you’ll want to make when applying to UMiami is whether you wish to apply early. Applying early may increase your odds of admission, as it demonstrates to UMiami that you’re serious about attending the school. Further, you can learn about your admissions status earlier when you apply by one of the two early deadlines.

There are two ways to apply early to UMiami, both of which have November 1 deadlines:

Early Decision I

Early Decision is a binding application program. By applying Early Decision, you are stating that you will definitely attend UMiami if admitted. While applying Early Decision can increase your odds of admission, it is only recommended if financial aid is not a deciding factor for you in the college process. Indeed, if you are admitted Early Decision, you are bound to accept whatever financial aid the school offers. Since UMiami has an average annual price of $30,742 , you should be comfortable with paying this amount or more when you apply Early Decision to Miami.

Early Action

Early Action is another way to apply early to the University of Miami. Applying EA may not increase your odds of admissions as much as Early Decision. However, it is also not a binding application. In this sense, it is a better option if cost is a major factor in deciding where to attend college.

Choosing an application deadline

There are many reasons why you may not wish to apply early to a college. First, you may not yet be sure whether you want to attend, which makes applying ED difficult. Secondly, you might wish to have more time to work on your University of Miami supplemental essays or boost your GPA by raising your grades in the fall of your senior year.

If you wish to apply by the regular deadlines for Miami, you have two options. Both application deadlines are January 1:

Early Decision II

Though this deadline is called Early Decision II, it is not actually an early deadline. In fact, you have till January 1 to apply Early Decision II. However, like Early Decision I, your acceptance to UMiami is binding if you apply Early Decision II. But, if UMiami is still your top choice by the time January 1 approaches, you may wish to apply Early Decision II to increase your odds of admission.

Regular Decision

Regular Decision is a standard way of applying that does not confer any of the advantages or restrictions of the early deadlines. However, if UMiami is not a top choice for you, then applying Regular Decision may make the most sense.

Regardless of which deadline you choose, your application must be clear and compelling. Moreover, it should demonstrate why you are an ideal student for the school to admit. Well-crafted University of Miami supplemental essays form a critical part of any strong application.

University of Miami Supplemental Essays – 5 Takeaways

By now, we hope it’s clear how important your UMiami supplemental essays are in your application.

Here are five key takeaways as you prepare to write your University of Miami supplemental essays:

1. Show your authentic self

Whether you are writing your UMiami supplemental essays or putting together your activities list, showcase what makes you unique. From the University of Miami essay prompts, we can tell that the school values individuality and diversity. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to sound impressive, as this will hinder the authenticity of your application. Instead, be honest about why you belong at UMiami.

2. Learn about the school

Before you write your UMiami supplemental essays, ensure that you know a lot about the institution. This will help you craft an application that showcases how your strengths align with UMiami’s offerings. Visit the school, follow their social media, and read the University blog to stay on top of admissions news .

3. Develop an application strategy

As you prepare your application to UMiami, you must decide whether applying early to the school makes sense. If you truly wish to attend this well-regarded school, you’ll want to take whatever steps are possible to increase your odds of admission. Still, be sure that you’ve considered financial aid implications if you decide to apply early. In addition, your application strategy should include developing a personal brand, writing strong UMiami supplemental essays, and getting recommendation letters that highlight your academic and personal strengths.

4. Start early

Even if you don’t apply early to UMiami, you should start preparing for the application process well before the deadline. The earlier you start, the better. With more time, you’ll be able to do deeper research, spend longer on your UMiami supplemental essays, and reach out to the admissions office if you have questions.

5. Get help

While the college admissions process can be overwhelming, you’re never alone. Consider all the people in your community who can help you, from family and friends to teachers and guidance counselors. If you want personalized support, our team at CollegeAdvisor.com is here to help. Our experts will guide you through every aspect of the admissions process, from completing the Common App to crafting your UMiami supplemental essays to applying for scholarships.

In this article, we reviewed how to write your University of Miami supplemental essays. We took you through the University of Miami essay prompts and offered tips for making your University of Miami essay stand out. With thoughtful reflection and careful writing, you’ll surely put together a University of Miami essay that stands out from the rest. Good luck!

This essay guide was written by Senior Advisor Courtney Ng . Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Home — Application Essay — University — University of Miami

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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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, university of miami essay prompts.

Hi guys! I'm in the process of applying to the University of Miami and I'm wondering if anyone has any insight on the essay prompts for this year's application. What kind of topics should I focus on to make my application stand out? Thanks for any tips!

Hi there! University of Miami has just one essay prompt this year, and you can read up on how to craft an effective response on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-miami-essays. Remember that CollegeVine also offers both free peer essay reviews and paid reviews by expert college admissions advisors, if you want guidance catered to your particular essay.

Good luck with your application to the U!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

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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Audley Webster Memorial Essay Contest | Writing Studies

The Writing Studies Department hosts an annual writing competition for all students enrolled in first-year writing courses (WRS 105, 106, 107, or 208). The contest is endowed by the family of Professor Audley M. Webster who taught composition courses and mentored scores of students at the University of Miami. Essay entries submitted correspond to an assignment from one of the first-year writing courses, and they demonstrate a range of skillful and engaging writing produced by Writing Studies students every semester.

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Students contribute to sustainability efforts on campus

Graduate student Elizabeth Deese, left, and junior Erin Burnett embrace sustainability efforts on campus.

By Barbara Gutierrez [email protected] 04-08-2024

Erin Burnett, a junior, has always loved sports. In high school in Mount Olive, New Jersey, she played field hockey, golf, and soccer. Her dream is to become an athletics director with a collegiate or professional sports team.

Toward that end, she is majoring is sport administration at the University of Miami School of Education and Human Development . She is also the student football equipment manager in the Department of Athletics.

Last semester, she heard Teddy Lhoutellier, the University’s sustainability director, talk about the efforts of Green U , the office of sustainability, and she was drawn in by the importance of these efforts for the good of the planet.

Burnett is now the UM Green Athletics Liaison, and her mission is to bring the message of sustainability to athletes and fans.

“It is really about being mindful to the environment,” she said. Her goals are to make sure athletes and fans are aware that even small efforts can make a big difference.

Lhoutellier’s message resonated with her because he emphasized how efforts to create a green environment at the University have always been student driven.

“We have a history that everything regarding sustainability at the U has been thanks to the students,” he said. “It is not very common to see student initiatives turn into powerful organizations.”

From 2007, when a student-led initiative resulted in the University’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2050 to the establishment of a myriad of programs and groups to sustain the environment, students have always led the effort, said Lhoutellier. He cites the ECO Agency, a group within Student Government that boosts sustainability projects on campus, as one example.

As one of several liaisons throughout the University, Burnett in her role shares information a bout environmental sustainability initiatives and opportunities while identifying improvements in the units. Her role is particularly important when it concerns large athletic events, which tend to generate a great deal of waste, she said.

One of those events took place on March 6, at the Watsco Center during Miami Hurricanes’ "green” game against Boston College. Videos on sustainability were shown during half-time and participants who signed a plastic free pledge took part in giveaways.

Burnett is currently carrying out audits of the baseball stadium, Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field, and football cafeteria to determine the kinds of products being used and whether the waste could be minimized and disposed properly.

“ Some examples of what I look to find are if they are using more paper or plastic, if there are enough recycling bins, and if they have the correct bags,” she said. “I like to ask about any recent changes they’ve made or about to make.”

For Elizabeth Deese, her love of nature, and particularly the ocean, led her to the Office of Sustainability. As a native Bostonian, she would often sail the New England coast with her family. Deese is a graduate student in the M.A. in Environment, Culture, and Media Program through the Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy .

“Growing up sailing instilled in me a sense of adventure and a reverence and deep connection to the ocean and the environment,” she said. “It taught me to appreciate not only the recreational and aesthetic value of nature, but also its intrinsic value.”

Today, Deese works part-time as the communications coordinator for the Office of Sustainability and has married her love of storytelling with her interest in advocating for green practices.

In addition to maintaining the office’s social media platforms, she creates videos highlighting “green” programs, people, and initiatives around campus.

One such video was on “Sustainable Dining at UM.” It focused on how the dining halls are emphasizing plant-based offerings as well as buying produce from local suppliers and providing students with Ozzi reusable to-go containers.

Deese finds that the messages are well received by the students and staff members.

“In 2024, because of climate change and the array of environmental problems that we are facing, shifting to more sustainable practices helps to mitigate the negative effects,” she said.

“Reducing our individual carbon footprints is profoundly important, but we also have power beyond that. We can vote, educate ourselves, and get involved with local environmental organizations. Not only living as ‘green’ as we possibly can, but also using our power and our voice, will help bring us closer to that more sustainable and equitable future,” Deese added.

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Meet the Temple student who is the 6th Truman Scholarship recipient in university history

By Marcella Baietto

Updated on: April 12, 2024 / 8:35 PM EDT / CBS Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A student at Temple University has become the sixth person in the school's history to receive a prestigious public service scholarship. Ray Epstein can now add Truman Scholar to her list of achievements.

"There's so much more in reach now than there was before," Epstein said.

She's one of about 60 students nationwide who were honored with a $30,000 scholarship from the Harry S. Truman Foundation.

Hundreds apply, but only the top students are awarded the designation for their potential in public service.

"It's a huge financial relief for a pursuit of a graduate career," she said. "I'm very, very grateful."

The 21-year-old is majoring in English, Communications and Social Influence at Temple.

Aside from studying, she's also running for student body president, leading a sexual assault advocacy group on campus and fighting for survivors like herself.

"I was abused by a classmate when I was in middle school and forced to finish 8th grade at home by my school," Epstein said. "My mom wanted me to channel that energy and all of that free time into something impactful."

She's now a student activist. Her experience directly translated to her scholarship application which included a policy proposal.

"You pick a policy that's relevant to your future and kind of your niche area of interest and for me, that's sexual assault prevention," Epstein said.

According to Epstein, the application process took about five months and involved her writing 10 essays before being asked to participate in a long interview process in Washington, D.C.

"It was the most intense interview of my life," she said.

Her public speaking instructor John Matthews helped her prepare for it.

"She put her heart and soul into this," Temple Adjunct Instructor Matthews said. "And it was gratifying to see someone who cares so much about a topic get recognized."

"He really taught me how to be authentic to myself and how to be confident," Epstein said.

She's hoping to take that confidence with her to law school and continue fighting for sexual assault survivors.

"I am exactly where I should be and I'm doing exactly what I need to be doing," Epstein said.

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Marcella Baietto is a bilingual reporter with CBS News Philadelphia. She's originally from Phoenix, Arizona, but considers El Salvador her second home since much of her family still lives there.

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87th-annual Honors Convocation

2024 Honors Convocation wide shot from back of auditorium

Anjolaoluwa Favour Oyebadejo ’24, Meredith Shepherd ‘24 and Kennedi Burroughs ’24 headlined award recipients at Hanover College’s 87th-annual Honors Convocation. The trio was joined by Anthony Miller and Xiaolong Wu, who earned top faculty honors at the event, held April 11 in Fitzgibbon Recital Hall, Lynn Center for Fine Arts.

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Oyebadejo, Shepherd and Burroughs were presented with Hanover’s highest student awards during the hour-long program, which recognized academic, community and creative achievements.

Oyebadejo earned the John Finley Crowe Citation for Scholarship and General Excellence . She also earned the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award and the Keith and Gwen White Award for Graduate Study in Chemistry.

A chemistry major with a minor in graphic design, Oyebadejo is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta and Mortar Board honor societies. She has conducted research at the University of Kansas and served as an intern at Eskenazi Health and the Indiana Immunization Coalition. She founded the club, Be Kind, which partners with the local Salvation Army. She has been active with many other campus organizations, including: Student Senate, Black Student Union, American Chemical Society, Sister 2 Sister, International Club, Art Club, Panthers Making a Difference, Rhythm and Poetry, and Red Cross Panthers.

Shepherd, a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority, received the Henry C. Long Citation for Scholarship and General Excellence and the Dorothy S. Bucks Award in English. A prior honors recipient, she was presented with the Dennis Kovener Award and the John Livingston Lowes Award in English during the 2023 convocation.

Shepherd, a member of Alpha Lambda Delta honor society, is an English major with a focus on creative writing. She served as a tutor in the Gladish Learning Center, as well as an intern at the Levett Career Center and Madison (Ind.) Chamber of Commerce. In addition to positions with Student Senate and Hanover’s concert band, she also held memberships in a variety of campus organizations, including: Campus Activities Board, Kennings, Horror Club, Psychology Club, Table Top Club, Love Out Loud, Rhythm and Poetry, and Science Fiction/Fantasy Club.

Burroughs, along with Oyebadejo, earned the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. The honor is presented annually to recognize outstanding service to the campus community and the community at large.

Burroughs, a biochemistry major, is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta and Beta Beta Beta honor societies. She has served as a student representative on the College’s Committee on Equity, Inclusion and Multicultural Education and is a member of Black Student Union and Sister 2 Sister. In addition, she conducted research through the Indiana University School of Medicine’s Physician Engineers, Scientists and Clinicians Preparatory Program at the Wells Center for Pediatric Research and, on campus, worked in the College’s Health Services Department.

Faculty members Miller and Wu, in recognition of their efforts in the classroom, were presented with Hanover’s top awards for teaching and scholarly activities.

Miller was presented with the Arthur and Ilene Baynham Outstanding Teaching Award . Established by the College in 1969, the honoree is selected by a ballot of currently enrolled students and alumni from the past two graduating classes. To be eligible, a faculty member must be in at least the fourth year of teaching at the College. The winner receives a bronze medallion and a cash prize.

A specialist in world and East Asian history, Miller joined the College’s faculty in 2020. His recent courses include modern East Asia, world history since 1500, China and Christianity, and the Middle Kingdom and Midwest. His research interests include the Cold War, Sino-American relations and the transnational ties forged by religion, immigration and diplomacy connecting the U.S. Midwest to China.

Miller earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Northern Iowa and a doctoral degree at the University of Kentucky. Prior to his arrival at Hanover, he worked at the University of Colorado’s International College Beijing, the University of Maryland University College’s Asia Program in Japan and Miami University.

Xiaolong Wu, professor of art history, received the Daryl R. Karns Award for Scholarly and Creative Activity . The award, named for the biology professor who died in 2011, recognizes sustained scholarly or creative achievement. Faculty members nominate colleagues for the award, which are sent to three judges at liberal arts colleges similar to Hanover. The winner receives a bronze medallion and a cash prize.

A specialist in Chinese and Japanese art and Eastern art history, Wu joined Hanover’s faculty in 2004. He has taught such courses as the history of Western art, beauty and idea in Asian art, arts and cultures of Japan and China, modern and contemporary Chinese art and archeology of East Asia.

Wu holds a bachelor’s degree from Peking University and master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. Before joining Hanover’s faculty, he served as a teaching associate in the Henry Frick Department of History and Art and Architecture at Pittsburgh.

87th-annual Honors Convocation award recipients:

Hanover College aerial after April 3, 1974 tornado

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University of Miami Essay Example
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2022-23 University of Miami Supplemental Essay Prompt and Tips
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How to Write the University of Miami Essay 2023-2024
How to Write the University of Miami Essay 2023-2024. The University of Miami has one required supplemental essay prompt for all applicants. The prompt asks about how your life experiences, challenges you've overcome, or skills you've acquired would contribute to the UMiami community. Since UMiami receives thousands of applications from ...
2 Magnificent University of Miami Essay Examples
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 ...
First-Year Admission Requirements
If applying for Spring or Fall 2024, you will be required to submit a supplemental essay of 250 words. 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.
University of Miami's 2023-24 Essay Prompts
Required. 650 words. 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 ...
University of Miami 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide
University of Miami 2023-24 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.
University of Miami Supplemental Essays 2023-24
Below is U Miami's supplemental prompt for the 2023-24 admissions cycle. Additionally, we offer advice on how to pen a winning composition. 2023-2024 U Miami Supplemental Essays. Prompt 1 (250 Words): Located within one of the most dynamic cities in the world, the University of Miami is a distinctive community with a variety of cultures ...
University of Miami Supplemental Essays Guide 2021-22
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 ...
University of Miami Supplemental Essays
The University of Miami is a private college located in Miami, Florida. Indeed, UMiami is one of the top colleges in Florida. To get in, you'll need to write strong UMiami supplemental essays. In this article, we'll discuss which University of Miami essays are required to apply, as well as tips for how to write a standout University of ...
Guide to the University of Miami's Supplemental Essay Prompt
The University of Miami asks applicants to respond to one supplemental essay prompt in 250 words or less (full text below). CEA's Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, is here to share some tips and tricks for differentiating your response. About Kat StubingView all posts by Kat Stubing »
How to Write the University of Miami Supplements 2023-2024
And, they're test optional through 2025. It is a private research university in Coral Gables, Florida with a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 19% admission rate. Luckily, UM only has one supplement question. We'll break that down, and then you'll be on your way to a 9-5 of sand, sun, and — okay, fine — definitely some class, too.
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 ...
Essay Writing Tips from Charles Cammack
University of Miami Coral Gables, FL 33124 305-284-2211 Office of Undergraduate Admission P.O. Box 248025 Coral Gables , FL 33146
Writing Center
The Center offers free, one-on-one assistance to students with all types of writing concerns, where we can help at any stage of the writing process, from brainstorming to final revisions. The Writing Center also advises and offers support to faculty in all disciplines. We serve all of the University of Miami community, including undergraduate ...
University of Miami supplemental essay examples?
About CollegeVine's Expert FAQ. CollegeVine's Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.
Advice on U Miami Supplemental Essays
The University of Miami is known for its strong emphasis on research, community involvement, and experiential learning. To write strong supplemental essays for this college, you should focus on aligning your values and experiences with the university's mission and opportunities. Here are a few tips to consider: 1. Research the school: Browse ...
Writing Studies
As a fully-fledged discipline for pedagogy, research, and practice, the importance of Writing Studies has been recognized by the University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences as an essential component of teaching, learning, and scholarly inquiry. The new Department of Writing Studies, established in 2022, is the College's 21st department ...
University of Miami Essay Examples
About CollegeVine's Expert FAQ. CollegeVine's Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.
MS Fall 2024 Admissions
Complete the Essay. Students should submit a 500-word statement of academic and professional goals. Please note that all official documents must be sent directly to: University of Miami College of Engineering - Office of Admission 1251 Memorial Drive, Room 244 Coral Gables, Florida 33146-0620 U.S.A. Track Your Application
University of Miami Supplemental Essays
Hey guys, I'm starting to work on my college applications and I'm wondering if anyone knows what the supplemental essay prompts are for the University of Miami this year. I'd really appreciate any info on this, as I want to make sure I address them effectively. Thank you in advance!
University of Miami Essay Prompts
Remember that CollegeVine also offers both free peer essay reviews and paid reviews by expert college admissions advisors, if you want guidance catered to your particular essay. Good luck with your application to the U!
University of Miami Undergraduate College Application Essays
Join Now to View Premium Content. GradeSaver provides access to 2359 study guide PDFs and quizzes, 11005 literature essays, 2764 sample college application essays, 926 lesson plans, and ad-free surfing in this premium content, "Members Only" section of the site! Membership includes a 10% discount on all editing orders.
Reading the Essay That Got Me Into UMiami
Reading the college essay that helped me get into the University of Miami!Check out these books to help with your college essays:"College Essay Essentials": ...
First-Year Writing
Completes the university Written Communication Skills requirement for those students who transfer into UM with credit for one first-year writing course from another institution. Open only to transfer students who have received transfer credit for either WRS 105 or WRS 106. Not open to students who have taken WRS 105, WRS 106, and/or ENG 106 at UM.
Audley Webster Memorial Essay Contest| Writing Studies
The contest is endowed by the family of Professor Audley M. Webster who taught composition courses and mentored scores of students at the University of Miami. Essay entries submitted correspond to an assignment from one of the first-year writing courses, and they demonstrate a range of skillful and engaging writing produced by Writing Studies ...
Students contribute to sustainability efforts on campus
Toward that end, she is majoring is sport administration at the University of Miami School of Education and Human Development. She is also the student football equipment manager in the Department of Athletics. ... at the Watsco Center during Miami Hurricanes' "green" game against Boston College. Videos on sustainability were shown during ...
College Essay for University of Miami : r/ApplyingToCollege
It sounds like your post is related to essays — please check the A2C Wiki Page on Essays for a list of resources related to essay topics, tips & tricks, and editing advice. You can also go to the r/CollegeEssays subreddit for a sub focused exclusively on essays. tl;dr: A2C Essay Wiki. I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically.
Meet the Temple student who is the 6th Truman Scholarship recipient in
This Temple student is one of about 60 students nationwide who were honored with a $30K scholarship from the Harry S. Truman Foundation. She sat down with CBS Philadelphia in an exclusive interview.
2024 HEAT Scholarship Winners Presented by X World Wallet and the Miami
X World Wallet and The Miami HEAT Charitable Fund offer $25,000 annually in scholarship funds to high school seniors attending Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe or Palm Beach schools. This is the 28th ...
87th-annual Honors Convocation
Anjolaoluwa Favour Oyebadejo '24, Meredith Shepherd '24 and Kennedi Burroughs '24 headlined award recipients at Hanover College's 87th-annual Honors Convocation.The trio was joined by Anthony Miller and Xiaolong Wu, who earned top faculty honors at the event, held April 11 in Fitzgibbon Recital Hall, Lynn Center for Fine Arts.

What are your chances of acceptance?

Your chancing factors

2 Magnificent University of Miami Essay Examples

Essay Example #1 – Perspective

What the Essay Did Well

What Could Be Improved

Essay Example #2 – Perseverance

Where to Get Feedback on Your Essay

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Requirements

First-Year Admission Requirements

1. Complete the Common Application

2. Send Official High School Transcripts

3. Submitting Test Scores

4. Complete the School Report

5. Submit a Letter of Recommendation

6. Additional Requirements for Special Programs

7. Submit Educational Activities

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

9. Submit Financial Aid Documents

10. Send Conduct Updates

Office of Undergraduate Admission

Tools and Resources

University of Miami Supplemental Essays 2023-24 Prompts and Advice

2023-2024 U Miami Supplemental Essays

University of Miami supplemental essays (Continued)

How important is the UMiami supplemental essay?

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University of Miami Supplemental Essays 2023-24

UMiami Supplemental Essays: Quick Facts

Does University of Miami have supplemental essays?

University of Miami Requirements

Understanding the UMiami requirements

University of Miami Personal Statement

Choosing a personal statement prompt

University of Miami Essay: Community Essay

Community Essay Prompt

How to write the University of Miami supplemental essays

1. Reflect upon your identities

2. Free-write

3. Revise for key ideas

4. Highlight examples and details

5. Have a takeaway

Tips to make your UMiami essay stand out

1. Be honest

2. Find a hook

3. Edit for clarity and grammar

When is the University of Miami application due?

Early Decision I

Early Action

Choosing an application deadline

Early Decision II

Regular Decision

University of Miami Supplemental Essays – 5 Takeaways

1. Show your authentic self

2. Learn about the school

3. Develop an application strategy

4. Start early

5. Get help

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