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.
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.
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.
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.
Application Path
Application Deadline
Early Action
Regular Action
*The application deadline for applicants to the School of Music, Theatre & Dance is December 1.
Some schools at UMich have additional application requirements. For example, portfolios/profiles are required of applicants to the:
Supplemental Essays: Applicants to the University of Michigan also must complete two supplemental essays along with their application:
Applicants to the Ross School of Business must also compose two additional essays as part of their portfolio:
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.
The date applicants receive their admissions decision depends on the application path they took.
Application Path
Application Notification
Early Action
No later than the end of January
Regular Action
*Regular Action applicants for the School of Music, Theatre & Dance will receive their decision in late February or early March.
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:
Estimated Cost for First-Year In-State Students
Estimated Cost for First-Year Out-Of-State Students