What Does It Take to Get into the University of Miami?
What’s Covered
- How Hard Is It To Get Into University of Miami
- Average Academic Profile of Accepted UMiami Students
- What is University of Miami Looking for?
- How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into University of Miami
- How To Apply to University of Miami
- Learn More About University of Miami
Set on a lake in the center of Coral Gables, Florida, seven miles from downtown Miami, University of Miami is a private research university with a total student population of around 17,000. The University comprises 12 undergraduate and graduate schools and colleges, including its College of Arts and Science, College of Engineering, School of Architecture and 6 other pre-professional schools. Students join a lively and diverse academic community focused on teaching and learning, the discovery of new knowledge, and service to the South Florida region and beyond.
How Hard Is It to Get Into University of Miami?
For the 2019–2020 admissions cycle, University of Miami received 40,131 applicants, of which 13,280 were accepted. This means that last year, UMiami acceptance rate was 33%, making it a moderately selective school. That same year, UMiami received 1,357 early decision applicants, of which 830 were accepted, which yields a 61% acceptance rate for early decision. UMiami also has a non-binding early action option.
Want to get a better idea of your personal chances of admission? Our free chancing calculator can help you better understand your chances of acceptance into any college. By taking into account multiple elements of your profile, including your grades, test scores, extracurriculars, and more, we’ll estimate your odds of acceptance, and give you tips on improving your profile!
Average Academic Profile of Accepted UMiami Students
GPA
The average high school GPA of UMiami’s Class of 2024 was 3.6. 13% had a GPA of 4.0. 25% had a GPA between 3.75 and 3.99, and a similar 24% had a GPA between 3.5 and 3.74.
Class Rank
Of the 36% of Colgate’s class of 2024 who submitted class rank, 51% graduated in the top 10% of their high school class, and 78% graduated in the top 25%. 95% graduated in the top half.
SAT/ACT
While standardized test scores are normally required for applicants, University of Miami is test-optional for students applying for the Spring or Fall 2022 semesters. Of the students who enrolled in Fall 2020, the top 25% of students scored above a 1400 on the SAT, and above a 32 on the ACT.
What is University of Miami Looking for?
With more than 180 academic programs and majors, University of Miami is the intellectual and professional life of undergraduate and graduate students regularly representing all fifty states. In short, UMiami has a place for everyone. From the College of Arts and Science to the College of Engineering, University of Miami looks for all kinds of students ready to gain critical skills to lead in a global economy.
How University of Miami Evaluates Applications
According to their 2020-2021 Common Data Set, University of Miami considers the following factors “very important”:
- Course rigor
- Class rank
- Academic GPA
- Standardized test scores
- Application essay
- Recommendations
- Extracurricular activities
These factors are “important”:
- Talent/ability
- Character/personal qualities
- Volunteer work
- Work experience
These are “considered”:
- First generation
- Alumni/ae relation
- Geographical residence
- State residency
- Racial/ethnic status
- Level of applicant’s interest
And these are “not considered”:
- Religious affiliation/commitment
- Interview
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into University of Miami
1. Achieve at least a 3.6 GPA while taking the most challenging classes available
As the average GPA of enrolled Colgate students last year was a 3.6, in order to be a competitive candidate, you should aim for at least a 3.6 GPA. In addition, Colgate wants to see that you’ve challenged yourself, so you should try and take advanced honors, AP, or IB classes.
Selective schools like Washington and Lee receive a massive number of applications and use a tool known as the Academic Index to sort through them. Academic Index consolidates your entire academic performance into a single number which is used to see if you meet a school’s academic standards. If you fail to meet a college’s Academic Index threshold, you risk not having your application read.
If your GPA is lower, and you’re still a freshman or sophomore in your high school, check out our tips for increasing your GPA. If you’re a junior or senior, it will be harder to increase your GPA, so the easiest way to increase your Academic Index is to get a higher test score.
2. Report your SAT scores if above 1400, and ACT if above 32
While standardized test scores are optional for students applying for Fall 2022 enrollment, University of Miami will still consider your test scores if you submit them. For next year, students who does not submit test scores will not be at a disadvantage from those who do. That being said, a high standardized test score is a valuable way to display your academic aptitude in addition to your transcript. If you do take the SAT or ACT and score in the 75th percentile of UMiami students, which is a 1400 on the SAT or a 32 on the ACT, reporting your scores will likely give you a boost.
To improve your SAT/ACT score, check out these free CollegeVine resources:
- How to Get a Perfect 1600 Score on the SAT
- How to Get a Perfect 36 Score on the ACT
- More SAT Info and Tips
- More ACT Info and Tips
3. Write engaging essays and supplement responses
In addition to the Common Application personal essay, University of Miami will require you to write a 250-word response to the UMiami supplemental essay prompt. With UMiami’s focus on a student’s character and personal qualities, as well as real-world applications of skills, the essay is the perfect place for applicants to show his or her strengths, character, authentic voice, and written eloquence.
For tips on how to approach the supplemental questions, take a look at our guide on how to write the University of Miami essays 2021–2022.
4. Highlight any work or volunteer experience
University of Miami prepares students from all kinds of backgrounds for today’s global world. The school values putting theory into practice, and wants students who have a stake in how they choose to spend their time. Underlining your work or volunteer experience will show UMiami that you have engaged with the real world and that you are invested in putting your skills to practice.
For ideas on how to spin a high school job into an impressive extracurricular, check out our tips here.
5. Apply Early Decision
University of Miami’s early decision acceptance rate is 61%, while the regular decision acceptance rate is 33%. A student has almost a two-fold increase in chances of acceptance when they apply early decision to UMiami, even after accounting for profile strength. If you have your heart set on UMiami, applying ED can be a great way to show your commitment. However, keep in mind the drawbacks to applying early decision. You’ll have less time to refine your application, fewer financial aid packages options, and there’s the obvious inability to try your hand at other colleges if you do get into your ED school.
How to Apply to University of Miami
Deadlines
Planning on applying to UMiami? Here are some dates to keep in mind for the 2021–2022 application cycle.
|
Application Timeline |
Admissions Application Due |
Notification Date |
|
Early Decision 1 |
November 1 |
Late December |
|
Early Action |
November 1 |
Late January—Early February |
|
Early Decision 2 |
January 1 |
Late February |
|
Regular Decision |
January 15 |
April 1 |
Application Requirements
University of Miami accepts applications through the Common Application. To apply, you will need the following materials:
- All parts of your Common Application, including personal essay, extracurricular activities list, and application fee (option to request fee waiver)
- Official high school transcript
- SAT or ACT scores (optional for Class of 2026)
- One letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor
- Supplemental materials for students applying to the Schools of architecture, music, theater, and Health Professions Mentoring Program
- Educational activities (for students who have had a time gap of three months or more during their educational career or from the time they graduated high school to the intended date of enrollment at University of Miami)
- Financial Certification Form (for international applicants only)
Learn more about University of Miami
