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I take calls – lots of calls – from prospective students (and their parents) interested in knowing how we evaluate the admissions applications we receive at the University of Michigan. And we receive a lot – nearly 50,000.

I don’t offer long-winded answers or flowery prose. I don’t need to. Because facts are facts: Michigan gets applications from many more academically qualified students than we have space to admit, so we look for students who also have the drive and motivation to challenge themselves and take advantage of the many opportunities we have to offer here.

We find them by using a review process that is holistic and multi-faceted. Yes, we definitely look at grades, curriculum, and test scores. But there’s more – a lot more.

We read your application multiple times, looking at quality and quantity – time spent inside the classroom and out. A one-dimensional student is not a strong applicant at Michigan. We’re not looking for a certain club or a specific organization. But we are looking for passion and enthusiasm. We look for students doing amazing things in their communities, with their religious organizations, or with their families or caregivers.

That’s why any and every type of extracurricular involvement should be noted – from the 20 hours spent in a community dance troupe to the weekend job that contributes to the family income.

Those things matter. Leadership, awards and depth of involvement matter, too. It’s wonderful to say you’re involved with Habitat for Humanity. But we want specifics. Did you contribute 300 hours to the organization? Tell us about it. U-M is known for graduating the Leaders and Best, so we’re looking for students who embrace giving back, not only to campus, but to society.

Compelling applicants are the ones who have a good sense of self. They know why they want to come to Michigan. They know who they are, and what they want to contribute.

Our job in admissions is to build a class of students that will uphold the tradition of excellence for which Michigan is known. Your job is to show us who you really are on that application – and tell us how you’ll do that. We really want to know.