How to get into the University of Michigan — General Information
The University of Michigan is a public research university in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It was founded in Detroit in 1817 as University of Michigania. The undergraduate UM student population is currently 32,282.
Overview of this How to Get Into University of Michigan Guide:
- University of Michigan GPA requirements
- Optimal University of Michigan SAT scores
- University of Michigan supplemental essays
- Tips for the University of Michigan interview
- Information about UM student population
- Details on University of Michigan Early Action, and more!
Are you wondering how to get into University of Michigan? First, make sure you’re studying hard, keeping your grades up, and taking part in enriching activities outside of class.
Figuring out how to get into University of Michigan takes strategy. We can help. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) includes University of Michigan graduates. Want to maximize your Michigan admissions odds? Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.
How can I get into the University of Michigan?
If you’d like to know how to get into University of Michigan, make sure you do your research first. First, look up the University of Michigan application requirements. You should also research the UM student population and learn what the University of Michigan has to offer. This will help you see if UM would meet your needs and help you achieve your goals.
To get into UM, make sure you exceed the average University of Michigan SAT scores. Also, find a teacher who can supply you with a strong teacher evaluation. While there are no formal University of Michigan GPA requirements, you should still aim for a high GPA. You should also make sure your University of Michigan supplemental essays show a clear sense of your identity and interest in the school. Note that a University of Michigan interview is not required for most students.
To find more about how to get into University of Michigan, head to their admissions page.
Is it hard to get into the University of Michigan?
Considering how to get into University of Michigan? First, know that UMich admissions are competitive.
US News currently ranks University of Michigan as #23 among US universities. While it does have a large student body, it still has a low acceptance rate of just 26%.
There are no formal University of Michigan GPA requirements. However, your GPA will play a major role in the review process. The median high school GPA for first-year students admitted to UM in 2021 was 3.90.
Your University of Michigan SAT scores are also important. The middle 50th percentile of undergraduates admitted to UM in 2021 received SAT scores of 1400-1540.
So, as you plan how to get into University of Michigan, pay attention to the average University of Michigan SAT scores and informal University of Michigan GPA requirements. You can make the process much easier by studying throughout high school. Also, make sure you secure strong results early if you’re applying University of Michigan Early Action.
You’ll find some great advice on how to improve your test scores here.
What is the required GPA for the University of Michigan?
There are no specific University of Michigan GPA requirements. However, UM does value a strong academic record alongside engaging extracurricular activities.
Their 2021 entry class had an average GPA of 3.90, so you should aim to match or exceed this in your own classes.
Note that the University of Michigan SAT scores are also important. The average score is 1384, so try to exceed that.
The deadline for University of Michigan Regular Entry is February 1, while the deadline for University of Michigan Early Action is November 1. So, if you’d like to apply for University of Michigan Early Action, ensure your GPA is as strong as possible by the end of your junior year.
Try to avoid a situation where you need to boost your grades dramatically in one semester. Consistent and thorough studying is key to get into University of Michigan. You can also read more about the ideal timeline for college applications here.
What does the University of Michigan application require?
Want to join the UM student population?
The University of Michigan application requirements include the following:
- Completed Common Application or Coalition Application
- High school transcript
- School Report or Counselor Recommendation
- One Teacher Evaluation
- SAT or ACT score, if available
- TOEFL, IELTS, MET, or Duolingo, etc. scores (for non-native speakers of English)
- Official college transcripts (for high school students dual enrolled in a college or university)
A University of Michigan interview is not a part of the University of Michigan application requirements unless Michigan Engineering is considering you for a scholarship.
You should collect all of your materials by the University of Michigan Early Action deadline of November 1 or the Regular Decision deadline of February 1.
Note that for the 2023 and 2024 recruitment cycles, the University of Michigan application requirements have changed. To accommodate the impact of COVID-19, the school’s “Test Flexible” policy means students won’t be required to submit their SAT or ACT scores. However, if you have strong test scores, we still suggest you submit them.
Deciding what to submit
Try to submit as much information as you can about your academic and personal achievements, goals, and interests.
Through the Common App, you will submit your full application as well as your University of Michigan supplemental essays. You can read more about those essays here.
Note that a University of Michigan interview only takes place when Michigan Engineering is considering a student for a High Achieving Involved Leader (HAIL) scholarship. In these cases, the school will contact each student directly. For all other applicants, including the University of Michigan Early Action applicants, the University of Michigan interview is not one of the University of Michigan application requirements.
If you want to join the UM student population, make sure you have everything ready well before the deadline.
What extracurriculars does the University of Michigan like?
Your extracurricular activities are a central part of how to get into University of Michigan and join the UM student population. UMich looks for people who will contribute to the campus community.
As they build the UM student population, UM views each student as a whole package. So, while your GPA and University of Michigan SAT scores are important (even without formal University of Michigan GPA requirements), UM also wants to see your passions beyond academics. They want to create a UM student population with both excellent academics and diverse personal interests.
Your University of Michigan supplemental essays are a great place to discuss your extracurriculars.
Your activities should:
- Build positive character traits—e.g. you may captain your hockey team, which develops leadership skills and responsibility
- Develop or excel a particular skill—e.g. you may play a musical instrument which you’ve improved at over time
- Bring value to your community—e.g. you may help organize youth activities at your local church
- Show a strong passion or intellectual interest—e.g. you might love Japanese literature or compete in school chess tournaments
- Use creativity or original thought—e.g. you may design and make your own phone and laptop cases
You should choose extracurriculars which you truly enjoy. It’s also important to write about them properly in your University of Michigan supplemental essays. For more advice on tailoring your extracurriculars to your University of Michigan application, check out this CollegeAdvisor.com resource!
In your University of Michigan supplemental essays, try to mention:
- Goals or passions that motivates you
- Any successes you have achieved
- Impactful lessons you have learned
- The value you have brought to yourself and others
If you have won any awards or competitions through your extracurricular activities, you should mention these, too.
Writing about yourself well is a key part of how to get into University of Michigan. Through your University of Michigan supplemental essays, UM should learn about who you are and how you’d enrich the UM campus. Your essays should also help you stand out from other students who meet the average University of Michigan SAT scores and informal University of Michigan GPA requirements.
What is the acceptance rate at the University of Michigan?
The acceptance rate for University of Michigan is 26%, which makes it quite selective.
When thinking about how to get into University of Michigan and join the UM student population, you need to take the University of Michigan application requirements seriously.
To improve your chances, make sure your scores meet the average University of Michigan SAT scores. Remember that the middle 50th percentile of undergraduates admitted to UM in 2021 received SAT scores of 1400-1540 and ACT scores of 32-35. While there are no University of Michigan GPA requirements, your grades should match the average GPA of the UM student population.
Try to take the PSAT in your sophomore or junior year, since this will let you see how much you need to improve. This is especially advisable if you’re applying University of Michigan Early Action.
Also, focus on building strong relationships with your teachers so that your recommendation attests to your character and work ethic. Your recommendation is an important part of the University of Michigan application requirements and key to how to get into University of Michigan.
Want to learn more about acceptance rates? Then, check out our expert guide.
Do University of Michigan applicants get interviews?
The standard University of Michigan application requirements do not include a University of Michigan interview. So, when thinking about how to get into University of Michigan, rest assured you will not need to prepare for a University of Michigan interview.
However, Michigan Engineering may offer a University of Michigan interview to students they are considering for a High Achieving Involved Leader (HAIL) scholarship. This University of Michigan interview is an optional part of that process—that is, it’s not part of the mandatory University of Michigan application requirements. That said, it is a good chance to show your passion for the subject and the Michigan Engineering program.
For all other applicants, the University of Michigan interview is not a part of the University of Michigan application requirements.
How do I write a University of Michigan supplemental essay?
Alongside the informal University of Michigan GPA requirements and the University of Michigan SAT scores, your supplemental essays are also a key part of your “how to get into University of Michigan” strategy.
UM requires two University of Michigan supplemental essays. They consider these alongside the Common App Personal Statement. One is 300 words, and one is 500 words. Both are an important part of how to get into University of Michigan.
Essay #1
The first of the two University of Michigan supplemental essays asks you about the community you belong to and your place within it. This question is designed to show the admissions team what you will bring to the UM student population and community.
Try to show the following:
- A clear sense of who you are and what you value
- What you contribute to groups or communities whose values or identities you share
- Curiosity and openness to perspectives that are different from your own
Your identity or values may fall across national, religious, ethical, artistic, cultural, or intellectual lines. Whatever you discuss, make sure it is meaningful to you.
UM wants to build a diverse, exciting, intellectually stimulating, and mutually enriching UM student population. So, use your essays to show them how you would enrich the UM community.
Essay #2
The second of the University of Michigan supplemental essays asks you to discuss your interest in the school. This means you have to show why you’re applying to UM in particular. To show a genuine interest in UM, do some research. Find what interests you most, be that academic or extracurricular. Then, in your essay, describe what your goals are and explain how UM will help you reach them.
Check out our in-depth guide to the University of Michigan supplemental essays here.
How does the University of Michigan review applications?
Like many top schools, UM uses a holistic review process. There are no formal University of Michigan GPA requirements, but admissions will consider your GPA. Alongside this, there are the University of Michigan SAT scores, extracurricular activities, professional arts training, and evidence of leadership, awards, and service.
Because there are no formal University of Michigan GPA requirements, you can still apply if you don’t quite meet the median GPA. To make up for lower grades or scores, try to excel in the other University of Michigan application requirements.
Each application goes through three rounds of review.
In the First Review, an Application Reader, often a former educator or admissions professional, makes their recommendation.
A Territory Counselor performs the Second Review. They will often have a deeper knowledge of the school region and system of the applicant, so they can make a more nuanced judgment.
Sometimes, the application is put through a Third Review.
Finally, the student’s application goes to the admissions review committee for a final recommendation. The decisions from the three rounds of review are all taken into account.
Will the University of Michigan consider my social media accounts?
Considering how to get into University of Michigan? Then, you may wonder whether your social media presence will have an impact.
Social media is not mentioned in the University of Michigan application requirements. Since UM receives so many applicants, your social media is not likely to impact your admissions result.
However, you should still avoid posting any inappropriate content. Other schools and future employers may look at your online presence to learn about your character. You can also find helpful guidelines for social media use here.
Is the University of Michigan the school for me?
When considering how to get into University of Michigan, it’s important to think about whether it’s the right school for you.
The UM student population is full of ambitious high-achievers who are passionate about their activities. The campus is an inviting place with a strong school spirit, and there’s always a lot going on.
The UM student population is diverse, so there’s space for a wide variety of interests and personalities. Before you apply, make a list of the things you hope to achieve and experience in college. Then, research University of Michigan carefully. This will help you ensure that if you attend, you’ll meet those goals and have those experiences.
Additional tips to get into the University of Michigan
Although there are no formal University of Michigan GPA requirements, your GPA is the most important thing to consider when thinking about how to get into University of Michigan. So, focus on doing as well as you can in your high school courses.
Also, study hard for your SATs in order to exceed the average University of Michigan SAT scores. In addition, consider taking the PSAT, especially if you are applying for University of Michigan Early Action.
Outside of academics, you should pursue interests and join communities that matter to you. This will help you write strong University of Michigan supplemental essays and enrich your candidate profile.
To find more tips about how to get into University of Michigan, applying University of Michigan Early Action, and more, visit their undergraduate admissions site.
This guide was written by Bethany Nelson. If you want to know how to get into the University of Michigan, we’ve got you covered. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) includes University of Michigan graduates. Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.