I wrote Why Michigan and describe a quality or skill, etc. I worked on my PS and supplemental essays for a few months, and I think that’s probably the main reason I got in. I also had (what I imagine to be) a very strong letter from a professor even though I graduated several years ago.

I know it sounds corny, but my best advice is to be yourself in your essays. My first few drafts of my Why X essays were usually dry/formulaic, and once I started just talking about my genuine interest in a school, it made the essays much better.

If you’re not KJD, ask for your rec letters in the spring and start writing your essays in the summer. Saves a whole lot of anxiety.

Good luck and Go Blue.