How to Write a College Essay That Stands Out at the University of Miami—and Beats the AI Bot

The University of Miami asks this year's applicants:


“Reflect on a community that has influenced you… What significance did that community hold for you, and in what ways did you contribute to it? How will you bring those experiences, values, and insights to enrich our campus community at the University of Miami?”


AI might answer this prompt with polished generalities about teamwork, culture, or perspective. But real admissions readers are looking for depth, clarity, and humanity.


Start by defining your community in your own terms

Maybe it’s your family’s dinner table, your robotics team, your church youth group, or your neighborhood book swap. What matters most is that this community helped shape how you see the world—and your role in it.


Now tell us what that meant to you. What did you learn? What did you give? When did you feel most included, most trusted, most challenged?


Then pivot to the future

Once you’ve shared your story, connect it to how you’ll contribute at Miami. Be specific. Will your experience building community across language barriers make you a natural leader in a student org? Will your time coaching others help you mentor new students or build inclusive spaces?


The strongest responses do more than describe a group. They show how you belong to it—and how you’ll bring that spirit with you.



AI can talk about community. You can show what it means to be part of one.