Timothy Peck December 15, 2022 5 Applying to College,College Application Tips

The Ultimate Guide to Applying to the University of Michigan

What’s Covered:

• Average Stats of Accepted University of Michigan Students
• University of Michigan Application Process
• University of Michigan Financial Aid
• What Are Your Chances of Acceptance?

The University of Michigan consistently ranks among the best public universities in the nation, thanks to its sterling reputation for research, heralded athletic program, and location in one of the country’s best college towns, Ann Arbor. UMich’s multitude of desirable qualities put it at the top of many high-achieving students’ college lists and competition for admission is fierce. Hail to the victors that gain admission to this excellent university.

Average Stats of Accepted University of Michigan Students

The University of Michigan attracts academically talented students, which is demonstrated by the strong grades and test scores of its applicants. The average GPA of enrolled first-time freshmen at UMich is 3.88. Their average SAT/ACT scores are 1360-1530/31-35.

The University of Michigan has implemented a test-flexible admissions policy which is scheduled to run through the 2024 admissions cycle. Test-flexible admissions allow applicants to choose whether or not to include their SAT/ACT scores with their application—there is no penalty for not submitting scores. Students who elect not to provide SAT/ACT scores can still submit other optional forms of testing, like AP and IB exam scores. It’s generally recommended that candidates include their test scores if they’re within the middle 50% range of accepted applicants; this is especially true for applicants with scores on the high end of the spectrum. 

It takes more than great grades and superb standardized test scores to secure admission to a highly selective college like the University of Michigan. Top schools that receive an enormous amount of applications use a tool known as the Academic Index to screen out candidates they believe are underqualified. Applicants who fail to meet UMich’s benchmark academic performance are at risk of not having their application given serious consideration.  

University of Michigan Application Process

The University of Michigan accepts the Common Application. There is a $75 fee to apply, although a fee waiver is available to qualifying domestic applicants.

Application Overview

UMich has two paths to admissions: Early Action (EA) and Regular Action (RA). The overall acceptance rate at the University of Michigan for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle was 20.15%. Early Action is a non-binding pathway that provides students with an admissions decision by January—giving them a clearer picture of their future and providing additional time to plan for college. UMich doesn’t post the acceptance rate of EA candidates, however, they’re commonly accepted at higher rates than RA applicants.

*The application deadline for applicants to the School of Music, Theatre & Dance is December 1.

Application Components

• Common Application 
• High School Transcript 
• School Report
• Teacher Evaluation
• SAT/ACT Scores (optional) 
• Supplemental Essays

Some schools at UMich have additional application requirements. For example, portfolios/profiles are required of applicants to the:

• Ross School of Business   
• Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning (Architecture majors only)
• Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design
• School of Music, Theatre & Dance

Supplemental Essays: Applicants to the University of Michigan also must complete two supplemental essays along with their application:

• Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. (minimum 100 words/maximum 300 words)
• Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests? (minimum 100 words /maximum 550 words)

Applicants to the Ross School of Business must also compose two additional essays as part of their portfolio:

• Choose a current event or issue in your community and discuss the business implications. Propose a solution that incorporates business principles or practices. The review panel will look for creativity, drawing connections, and originality (approximately 500 words).
• Upload a document or artifact that represents something significant about your life to show your learning in action.​ Describe how your artifact demonstrates your learning in action (approximately 250 words).

CollegeVine’s article, How to Write the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor Essays 2022-2023, provides good advice for strategically composing compelling essays that will attract the attention of admissions officers and boost an applicant’s odds of acceptance. Those who’ve already drafted essays will want to explore CollegeVine’s Essay Review, which provides free feedback from other students and expert assessment.

Portfolio: The role a portfolio plays in admissions at UMich varies depending on the school a student is applying to. Some UMich schools don’t require the submission of a portfolio, while 50% of admissions decisions into the Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design are based on the applicant’s portfolio. 

When Will You Hear Back?

The date applicants receive their admissions decision depends on the application path they took.   

*Regular Action applicants for the School of Music, Theatre & Dance will receive their decision in late February or early March.

University of Michigan Financial Aid

Financial aid plays a significant role in the lives of many UMich students—two out of three first-year students receive financial aid. The University of Michigan is a public university and less expensive for in-state students than out-of-state students. The sticker price of UMich is:

Financial Aid Generosity

The University of Michigan practices need-blind admissions and meets 100% demonstrated need for in-state students only—the ability of out-of-state applicants to pay for college is factored into admissions decisions.  

UMich’s Go Blue Guarantee is one way that the school is removing financial barriers for low-income students. The Go Blue Guarantee provides up to four years of free tuition to high-achieving, in-state, full-time undergraduate students with family incomes of $65,000 or less and assets below $50,000.

There are a number of institutional scholarships—based on factors like academic achievement, personal talents, interests, and leadership qualities—available from the University of Michigan. UMich applicants are automatically considered for many institutional awards when they apply; however, there are numerous scholarships available through the university’s individual schools that require their own applications.  

The cost of college is just one consideration when examining its overall financial ramifications—return on investment is another. The University of Michigan has proven a good investment for its students; the website Payscale ranks the university 78 for in-state students and 165 for out-of-state students (out of 1,978 schools) on its list of best-value colleges. To get a more well-rounded understanding of the expense of attending UMich, read our article What Does It Cost to Attend the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor? 

How to Apply for Financial Aid

To apply for financial aid at UMich, applicants will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a CSS Profile. December 15 is the suggested filing date for financial aid, though the final deadline is March 31.

What Are Your Chances of Acceptance?

Admission to highly ranked colleges, such as the University of Michigan, is extremely competitive. However, an applicant’s odds of acceptance are tied to a number of unique elements and vary from student to student. CollegeVine’s free chancing engine can add clarity to your college search—it considers factors like academics, extracurriculars, and demographics to provide students with their personal odds of admission to the University of Michigan, along with hundreds of other colleges across the country. 

CollegeVine’s University of Michigan profile page has further information about becoming a Wolverine, including diversity stats, majors, and how long it should take to complete an application.