Statements and Curriculum Vitae or Resume

• Include at the top of each document:
  • The type of document (Academic Statement of Purpose, Personal Statement, or Curriculum Vitae or Resume)
  • Your name
  • The name of the graduate program (i.e. Chemical Engineering, Mas)
  • Your 8 digit U-M ID (if known)
• Make sure margins are at least one inch so nothing is cropped/cut off when you upload the documents to the application.

The academic statement of purpose should be a concise, well-written statement about your academic and research background, your career goals, and how this graduate program will help you meet your career and educational objectives. The academic statement of purpose should be different from your personal statement. Questions about length should be directed to the program.

How have your life experiences, including its opportunities and challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan?

For example, if you grew up in a community where educational opportunities were either especially plentiful or especially lacking, you might discuss the impact this had on your development, interests, and experiences. This statement should be a discussion of the journey that has led to your decision to seek a graduate degree.

The personal statement has a 500 word limit and should be different from your Academic Statement of Purpose.

A curriculum vitae (CV) or resume describes your education, work experience, research publications, teaching experience, professional activities, volunteer activity, community engagement, as well as honors and awards.