Thank you for your interest in the University of Michigan's LEAPS Program! This asynchronous video interview is a required step in the application process and helps us get to know the person behind the application: how you learn, connect, and contribute in community. We hope to hear what draws you to LEAPS’ first-year residential experience on our Detroit campus, how you would engage with the city, and how you approach complex public-good challenges.
- What to Submit
You will create and submit a filmed response for each prompt below. Each video should be no more than 2 minutes.
Video 1 Prompt:
LEAPS starts with a unique first-year residential experience in Detroit, a vibrant city 45 minutes away from Ann Arbor. The majority of your activities will be focused on engagement with people and organizations in the city. Please tell us how you would make the most of the opportunity of living and learning on the Marygrove Campus in Detroit and why this appeals to you.Video 2 Prompt:
Imagine a public-good challenge or project in an urban context you would be excited to explore during your time in LEAPS. What makes this problem important, what makes it complex, and what do you hope to learn from working on it with others? How will the LEAPS curriculum, experiential learning, and community engagement program elements support your readiness for real-world challenges compared to a more traditional degree program?Your Marsal Admissions Video should be submitted along with your Common Application. Receipt of both the Common Application and the Admissions Video are required for your application to be considered complete.
- How to Submit
- The admissions video interview is hosted on the SlideRoom platform and can be submitted with your Common Application.
- The link to submit is: https://marsal.slideroom.com/
- For technical assistance with SlideRoom, please visit support.slideroom.com
- What We Are Looking For
We are not looking for a "correct" textbook answer. We are looking for YOU. When we review your video, we are looking for three things:
- Reflection: Show us that you can think deeply about your own experiences and how they have shaped your views.
- Vision: We want to see that you view living and learning in Detroit as an opportunity. Show us you are serious about the work of learning with others to help solve pervasive societal problems.
- Authenticity: Put down the script. We want to hear your natural voice. It is okay to be nervous; it is more important to be genuine.
- Production Tips
- Low Tech is Fine: We are interested in your thoughts, not your video editing skills. A video recorded on your phone or laptop webcam is perfectly acceptable!
- Audio Matters: Ensure you are in a quiet room where we can hear you clearly. Check the audio before you submit your video.
- Lighting: Try to have a light source in front of you (like a window) rather than behind you.
- No Reading: Please do not read an essay off the screen. It is okay to have bullet points to keep you on track, but look at the camera and speak to us like you would a future colleague or employer.
- Applicant Deadlines
- Early Decision and Early Action: November 1, 2026
- Regular Decision: February 1, 2027
For questions, please email [email protected].