How to strengthen your University of Memphis application

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What University of Memphis weights most

University of Memphis favors applicants with solid, improving academic records and clear ties to Tennessee or the Memphis region, especially those interested in business, education, health sciences, or audiology. They give weight to demonstrated interest and practical experience over perfect test scores, so applicants with internships, community service in Memphis, workplace experience, or leadership in applied projects stand out; they are more forgiving of lower SAT/ACT if GPA and coursework show upward trends and relevant extracurricular focus.

Supplemental essay strategy

Use the supplemental essay to show specific connection to Memphis programs or city assets, for example naming the Loewenberg College of Nursing, Fogelman College of Business internships with local firms, the AuD clinic, or partnerships with St. Jude and Memphis public schools. Explain exactly how a particular lab, clinic, internship pipeline, or neighborhood opportunity will advance your goals and include a short plan for engaging on campus, such as joining the Memphis Entrepreneurship Initiative, working in the audiology clinic, or conducting community-based education projects.

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Where to focus next

If you only have time for one thing this month, do this:

1. Read 2 admitted-student essays from University of Memphis (search official admissions site or Reddit r/memphis). Notice the level of specificity — that's the bar.
2. Write the ‘why this school’ supplement first, before anything else. If you can't fill 250 words with school-specific reasons, pick a different school.
3. Find one current student to ask about their experience — admissions offices often connect prospective applicants with current students. The follow-up email becomes specific essay material.