Hello all, I'm currently a junior and considering University of Michigan, but I honestly have no idea where to start. I mean, what does their acceptance process look like? What factors do they usually consider when admitting students?
The University of Michigan (UMich) follows a holistic review process, which means the admissions committee considers a wide array of factors when deciding on an application. One factor they consider is your academic performance. This includes your high school GPA, the rigor of classes you've taken (including honors, AP, or IB classes), and the trend of your grades throughout high school. As of the 2024-2025 admissions cycle, UMich is still test-optional, so you have the choice of submitting SAT or ACT scores if you feel they strengthen your application.
Furthermore, your extracurricular activities are also taken into account. UMich wants to see how you've engaged with your community and utilized your time outside of school. They appreciate students who've shown a strong commitment to a few activities and have assumed leadership roles over time. Keep in mind that these activities should be spread over a range of Tiers described in the 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars, but with an emphasis on Tier 1 and Tier 2 activities.
Your essays are also a significant part of your application. UMich requires a few supplemental essays aside from the Common App essay. These essays are an opportunity for you to showcase your personality, values, and passion, along with explaining why you're interested in UMich and how you plan to contribute to their university community.
Additionally, any demonstrated interest you show may play a small role in their decision. While UMich doesn't consider demonstrated interest a major part of the process, showing genuine interest in the university can help your case. This can be done through campus visits, attending virtual events, or reaching out to their admissions office.
To sum up, there's a wide range of factors for UMich's admissions process: academic performance, standardized test scores (optional), extracurricular activities, essays, and demonstrated interest. Keep in mind that it's not just about being a high achiever, but being a well-rounded individual who will make significant contributions to the campus community. Good luck with your application!
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