Ever wonder who’s reading your college application?
Are they an early bird or a night owl? What’s their favorite movie? Do they subscribe to the sock-sock-shoe-shoe method, or the far more chaotic sock-shoe-sock-shoe?
All fun questions, but let’s get real. You’re probably less interested in their morning routines and more interested in what makes them pause and think “Yes, this student would thrive here.”
Though if you’re curious about what they vibe out to while reading, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a curated playlist of what our admission counselors queue up (and play at a low volume in the background) while reviewing applications.
Extracurricular Activities
Don’t stress about checking some imaginary “perfect activities” box. What matters is what your extracurricular activities reveal about you. Whether you’re president of a club, holding down a part-time job, volunteering at a local nonprofit, or supporting your family at home—every experience has value.
We’re paying attention to how those activities shape you, what you care about, and how you might get involved within our campus community. In other words: show us the real you beyond the classroom.
The Essay
We know the essay can feel like the scariest part, but it’s also where your voice can shine through.
Write about something that excites you. Tell a story only you could tell. Also, get someone you can trust to proofread your work! Have them read for grammar and structure, and above all that you answer the prompts for both the Common App essay and our supplemental essay clearly.
When your essay makes us feel like we just met you in person, that’s when it stands out.
Test Scores
Starting with Fall 2026 applicants, the University of Miami will once again require standardized test scores. You can self-report scores through the Common App or Applicant Portal. Only students who enroll will need to send official scores.
For reference, the middle 50% superscore for the class of 2024 (when scores were optional) was 1350-1510 for SAT and 31-34 for ACT.
Scores don’t tell the whole story, but they do help us see your academic readiness in the bigger context of your application. When your scores line up with the rigor of your coursework and the effort you’ve shown throughout high school, it paints a clear and consistent picture.
Overall, admission counselors aren’t looking for the “perfect” applicant. They are looking for real people who will thrive academically and contribute to campus life in meaningful ways at UM. The best way to stand out? Make sure your application tells the story of you.
