The most accurate AI grader for Michigan essays.
Kolly was built and calibrated on hundreds of thousands of essays from students who actually got into University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and the rest of the T20.
Michigan essay prompts for 2026-27
Copy the prompt you are answering into the prompt field above, then paste your draft, so the readers grade the answer against the question it has to answer.
These are the most recent Michigan prompts Kolly has verified, checked . Michigan may have updated them since, so check University of Michigan-Ann Arbor admissions before you submit.
Leaders and citizens essay
At the University of Michigan, we are focused on developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future. In your essay, share with us how you are prepared to contribute to these goals. This could include the people, places, experiences, or aspirations that have shaped your journey and future plans.
300 words max · Required
Why Michigan
Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests?
550 words max · Required
Challenges and circumstances
The Common Application includes an opportunity for students to share unique challenges they have faced. U-M encourages students to share their specific circumstances and will bring empathy and compassion to our holistic review process.
300 words max · Optional
All Michigan supplemental essays, with word limits and the published source.
How Kolly grades a Michigan essay
The grade covers the same six dimensions as every Kolly read: hook, theme, detail, authenticity, reflection, and writing, each scored from 0 to 5. The big number is a percentile that shows where your draft lands among accepted essays of the same type from top US schools. Michigan readers, like their counterparts at peer schools, read fast and form an impression in the first paragraph. The verdict quotes the line that lands and names the weakest moment, so you know what to fix first.
Why Kolly instead of a ChatGPT read
ChatGPT and other general models grade against writing in general, which is not what Michigan readers do. Kolly grades against essays that got in, and four readers argue over the draft before they vote, so a polished answer that says nothing specific gets called out instead of praised. The quick read is free without an account. A free Kolly account adds the full review: a stronger scoring model, notes on each paragraph, and a fix-it plan.
Grading your personal statement?
Use the main college essay grader for a Common App essay that goes to every school on your list. For acceptance rates, test scores, and cost, see University of Michigan-Ann Arbor admissions.