Want to learn more about graduate programs offered by the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)?
A written declaration that explains how your interests, coursework, and research experiences led you to become invested in pursuing graduate training and describes how your experiences and interests fit the program.
Your academic statement should convey:
Discuss how this program will contribute to your future professional goals, even if you’re not sure what you want to do (e.g., academia, industry, etc.). Think in terms of pressing questions you want to answer, and why you’re interested in those particular questions. Try to include:
Describing your intellectual development in action, beginning from what sparked your interest in the field all the way up to your decision to pursue graduate studies, can be a powerful way to tell your story.
Show that you’re excited about your area, but avoid using the following types of language:
These styles come off as superficial and can make it difficult for reviewers to take your statement seriously. And if you include personal information in your academic statement, make sure it relates to some concrete aspect of your intellectual development. For writing help, visit the Purdue Online Writing Lab.
U-M’s Rackham Graduate School offers guidance on the ethical use of GenAI in your application to graduate school.
Here are several considerations for how you can ethically use GenAI in your graduate school application process:
The unethical use of GenAI in your application process would include:
The personal statement (~500 words) gives you a place to discuss your personal history in some depth, especially as it relates to your academic development. Some programs will ask that you write about specific topics; be sure to make the necessary adjustments to your personal statement if need be.
The personal statement should include and/or show:
Applicants to the Landscape Architecture program may opt to submit a portfolio to highlight any previous creative design work.
Letters of recommendation are one of the most important parts of the application and can make or break you. They give the admissions committee a chance to learn more about your qualities and limitations from those with whom you’ve worked.
Applicants will register their letter writers via the online application system, which will generate an emailed set of instructions (sent to each letter writer) to upload their letter electronically at a later date.
Although letters from faculty can carry more weight, it is okay to ask non-academic supervisors or mentors for recommendations. The important thing is that they can speak about the qualities and abilities that make you a great candidate for graduate school.
Some recommenders only provide letters of recommendation if you waive your right to access the letters. Consult in advance with your recommenders about their preference.
Your resume or curriculum vitae (C.V.) should include relevant academic and professional experience, research projects, and publications, and highlight any information that was not included in the other parts of the application.
First, check to see which one your application requires!
Prioritize experiences that are most relevant to the degree and program you’re pursuing. In your education section, include only institutions where you have received degrees at the Bachelor’s level or beyond. For your experience section, it’s fine to use multiple subheadings (such as Teaching and Related Experience, Research, or Industry) to showcase the breadth of your involvement.
Keep personal information limited to essential contact details and avoid unnecessary items such as marital status, date of birth, health, or religious affiliation. However, if you have unique or unconventional experiences that set you apart and support your application, don’t hesitate to include them – even if they may seem out of the ordinary.
Find guidance on preparing strong application materials, building networking skills, and excelling in interviews in SEAS Career Resources.
Good news! In order to build more opportunities for students like you to tackle the world's greatest sustainability challenges, the U-M School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) is removing barriers to education in these important fields.
You are no longer required to submit GRE scores when you apply to SEAS.
Make a great first impression
Most PhD programs will invite their top candidates to visit their campus for interviews or a visitation weekend for those who have been offered admission. Use interviews and visits to introduce yourself and get to know the place and students.:
Follow up
After your visit, send an email to those with whom you met, thanking them for their time and restating your interests.
Congratulations! Now it’s time to look at the packages you were offered and consider the following:
Make a list of what’s important to you (and to your family), and do not be afraid to email the program if you have any questions.
Want to learn more about graduate programs offered by the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)?