I have searched but haven't seen anyone really mention the optional essay included for U Michigan's MPH. The prompt states: "This should be a brief description of your background and any personal experiences relevant to your interest in the field of public health or UM SPH. This essay should be approximately 500 words in length."
For comparison, here's the description of the required statement of purpose: "This statement should be a concise, well-written essay about your educational background and reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in public health, specifically the area of study you wish to follow. This essay should be approximately 1500 words in length. You should give information about:
Your background as it pertains to your academic and professional goals.
The motivating influences that stimulated interest in your specific discipline.
Your future career goals and objectives.
Indicate how an advanced degree will help to achieve your educational and career objectives."
This seems incredibly redundant. My personal and professional background in PH are somewhat intertwined, so my statement of purpose already mentions my personal background. It does not make sense to write a second essay that rehashes the first. However, I am nervous that if I do not do the optional essay, it will negatively affect my application, particularly since I am applying after the priority deadline. (EDIT: Apparently UMich priority deadline has been extended to 02/15 this year, but even so, I know people are already getting acceptances...) What are your thoughts? How did others who applied to UMich handle this?
For comparison, here's the description of the required statement of purpose: "This statement should be a concise, well-written essay about your educational background and reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in public health, specifically the area of study you wish to follow. This essay should be approximately 1500 words in length. You should give information about:
Your background as it pertains to your academic and professional goals.
The motivating influences that stimulated interest in your specific discipline.
Your future career goals and objectives.
Indicate how an advanced degree will help to achieve your educational and career objectives."
This seems incredibly redundant. My personal and professional background in PH are somewhat intertwined, so my statement of purpose already mentions my personal background. It does not make sense to write a second essay that rehashes the first. However, I am nervous that if I do not do the optional essay, it will negatively affect my application, particularly since I am applying after the priority deadline. (EDIT: Apparently UMich priority deadline has been extended to 02/15 this year, but even so, I know people are already getting acceptances...) What are your thoughts? How did others who applied to UMich handle this?
