A bit stressed about applying to Michigan State University. Can anyone tell me about the acceptance rate, or what they look at in an application? What's the typical GPA of accepted students?
Sure, happy to help! The acceptance rate at Michigan State University often fluctuates year by year but hovers around 84%. This means that around 84 students out of every 100 applicants are accepted. However, don't be fooled by this relatively high acceptance rate as MSU still upholds strong academic standards for its applicants.
When looking at applications, MSU employs a holistic review process. In simple terms, this means they take into account a range of factors—not just academics. These can include your high school curriculum and grades, class rank, test scores (if you choose to submit them, as MSU is currently test-optional), personal statement, and your involvement in extracurricular activities.
As for academics, the typical high school GPA of incoming first-year students tends to fall around a 3.8 (unweighted on a 4.0 scale). This signals that MSU tends to attract and accept students who perform well academically in high school, placing themselves among the top performers.
Remember that these are averages and it does not mean that if you fall slightly below, you stand no chance. Remember that the school looks at each application in its entirety. Strong letters of recommendation, a powerful personal statement, and a robust list of extracurriculars can often help tip the scale in your favor.
Good luck with your application!
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