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Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
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What are the GPA requirements for University of Michigan?

I'm really interested in applying to the University of Michigan, but I'm not sure what GPA I should have to be a strong applicant. What should my target GPA range be? And how much does UMich weigh other aspects of the application, like extracurriculars and essays?

6 months ago

To be a strong applicant for the University of Michigan (UMich), you should aim for a competitive GPA, typically around a 3.9 unweighted or higher. However, it's important to note that UMich does employ a holistic approach to admissions, which means they also consider other aspects of your application such as extracurriculars, essays, and standardized test scores (if submitted).

While GPA is a significant factor, keep in mind that UMich also values students with strong course rigor, including AP and honors courses, which showcases your ability to excel in a challenging academic environment. A slightly lower GPA earned in more challenging courses can sometimes be more impressive than a perfect 4.0 earned in only standard-level courses.

You can also underscore your academic readiness for college with a strong score on either the SAT or ACT - around a 1450 on the SAT or a 33 on the ACT, to be competitive within UMich's applicant pool. While UMich is officially test-optional, at selective schools like UMich, you typically want to showcase your strengths in as many ways as possible. For detailed guidance on how to navigate test-optional policies, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional

Regarding extracurriculars, ensure that you have a good balance of participation and leadership roles in a few areas of interest, with a preference for quality involvement rather than quantity. UMich tends to favor students who have demonstrated a commitment to their extracurriculars and have made meaningful contributions in their chosen fields, rather than those who have been only casually involved in a wide range of activities.

Essays also play a crucial role in your application to UMich. Ensure that they are well-written, engaging, and reflect your personality, values, and interests. UMich's supplemental essays provide an excellent opportunity for you to highlight your understanding of the school's programs, culture, and what makes you a good fit for the university. For tips on how to tackle UMich's current supplemental essay prompts, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-michigan-essays

In summary, while your GPA is essential, UMich takes a comprehensive look at your application. By combining a high GPA with strong extracurriculars and impactful essays, and taking challenging courses and earning a high SAT or ACT score, you can strengthen your application and improve your chances of admission. Good luck!

6 months ago

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