Students applying to the University of Miami will continue to apply through the Common Application, but they will not need to submit an additional UM-specific supplemental essay.
What do you need to apply to the University of Miami?
The list of items required to apply for the University of Miami recently got a little shorter. Here’s what you need to do to apply for admission:
The Common Application
There’s a built-in opportunity within the Common App to write about your experiences. Use your free responses to your advantage and let your voice shine! Here are seven tips to tackle the Common App like a champ.
One letter of recommendation
Pick a teacher, counselor, coach, or employment supervisor, just to name a few, who can speak to your accomplishments and drive.
A School Report
Ask a school official, most typically your counselor, to send your School Report.
Your high school transcript(s)
Your transcript(s) gives the admission committee important context about your academic performance.
Self-report your ACT and/or SAT scores in the Common App, if required for your application
Most students applying to UM are required to self-report ACT and/or SAT scores in the Common App. Some students may choose to apply without scores: students applying to performance-based academic programs in the Frost School of Music; students applying to Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree programs in the College of Arts & Sciences; students applying to the School of Architecture; and students graduating from a high school or secondary school outside the United States.
That’s it!
What can you do to help your application stand out without a supplement essay?
We are confident that this change to the admission checklist will continue to provide high-achieving and qualified applicants a path to enrollment at the University of Miami. Choose an essay prompt in the Common App that speaks most to your personal journey. Put simply, you and your story are what will make your application stand out.
Here’s a look inside the minds of your application readers.
Quick Answers
Does the University of Miami require a supplemental essay?
No, the University of Miami does not require a supplemental essay for first-year admission as of the 2026–2027 application cycle.
What do you need to apply for admission?
The Common App, one letter of recommendation, a school report, high school transcripts, and SAT/ACT scores, if required for your application.
How do you make your application stand out?
Use one of the Common App essay prompts to help us understand your journey. There is only one you, and that will stand out.
