Michigan State University

Name a moment in your life that has changed your outlook on life? When I first heard the lyrics of the Rolling Stones’ “Paint it Black,” it was from this little red contraption that I bought from a garage sale for ten dollars. I was hooked. That small record player eventually became the two Numark … Read moreCommon App Short answer

Michigan State University recognizes that an assortment of interests, viewpoints, and life experiences are important in student learning and enhance the university community. Describe an experience, passion, or characteristic that illustrates what you would contribute to the MSU community and how this will add to the overall richness of campus life. I carefully stepped down … Read moreThe Learning Curve

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. As I sit typing my final paper for eighth grade on a rainy Portland night in May, I hear my mother suddenly call, … Read moreNotes From a Nomad

If admitted to Michigan State, you will join a diverse community of students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Please respond to the following hypothetical situation: In your first-semester English course you are assigned a group writing project to be completed within a week. In addition to yourself, your group is comprised of five other students, some … Read moreNew Experiences

Choose one of the personal essay topics below and write a short essay of up to 400 words. Describe the environment you come from – for example, your family, community, or school – and how this environment has affected or influenced your plans for the future. “Τι κάνεις? Στην υγειά μας! Opa!” “Howdy, partner. What’s … Read moreTwo Worlds as One

Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you. When my dad first began working in Mexico, I nonchalantly changed my schedule to include seventh grade “Intro to Spanish.” Naturally, I didn’t think twice about what would later prove a crucial decision—few seventh graders … Read more“Buenos días, ¿cómo estás?”

Describe a personal experience that has changed your life. “Lower your lids!” Gilad, my drama instructor, paced back and forth on the stage, arms folded over his belly, Israeli impatience rising in his voice. His eyes narrowed, scanned me through bushy slits, and he barked new commands.“Let your smile raise your cheekbones… Arch your back … Read moreImported Culture

What led you to choose the area(s) of academic interest that you have listed in your application to the University of Michigan? If you are undecided, what areas are you most interested in, and why? It seems as though every day since elementary school people have been asking me the same daunting question: “So, what … Read moreLooking to the Future

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. The vibrant skyline stood dead. It was 4:30 A.M. and life ceased to exist on the streets of Shanghai. The sunrise peaked through … Read moreShanghai for a Year

Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud and how does it relate to the person you are? So ubiquitously sold in the streets of cold breezes of winter in South Korea, a red bean bun brings deliberate … Read moreChemistry, Conflict, and the Red Bean Bun