July 8, 2025
18 min read

How to Get Into the University of Michigan

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”Mary

Reviewed by:

Mary Banks

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 4/26/24

This guide will cover everything you need to know about how to get into the University of Michigan (UMich), including its acceptance rates, deadlines, and the best admissions strategies.

If you’re just here for the requirements, click here.

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University of Michigan Acceptance Rate: 15.64%

The University of Michigan has an acceptance rate of 15.64%. In the 2024–2025 admissions cycle, 98,310 students applied to UMich, and 15,373 were admitted.

University of Michigan Early Action Acceptance Rate

The University of Michigan offers non-binding Early Action (EA), meaning students are not obligated to enroll if they’re accepted. While UMich does not release a separate EA admit rate, applying early can be beneficial if you have a strong application. 

Applying EA demonstrates interest and allows for earlier review, but EA alone will not boost a weaker profile.

How Hard Is It to Get Into the University of Michigan?

Getting into the University of Michigan is very difficult. The university received almost 100,000 applications in the 2024-2025 admissions cycle and rejected 84% of these applications. In other words, fewer than 2 in every 10 applicants are offered admission to UMich.

Take our data-driven quiz to better assess your chances of getting into UMich

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University of Michigan GPA and SAT/ACT Requirements

Students need to demonstrate academic excellence through their GPA and/or test scores to be admitted to UMich. 

Here are the medians and what scores you should aim for:

UMich Average GPA: 3.9

The University of Michigan reported an average GPA of 3.9 for its 2024 first-year class. According to the Common Data Set (CDS), a standardized report used by colleges and universities to share key admissions and academic data, 54% of students had a GPA in the 3.75-3.99 range. Aim for a 4.0 to have a competitive GPA.

UMich Median SAT Score: 1460

UMich reported a median SAT score of 1460 for its 2024 first-year class. According to the CDS, the full range of SAT scores of these students was 1360 to 1530. To score above the average of admitted students, aim for 1480 or higher.

UMich Median ACT Score: 33

The 2024 first-year UMich class had a median ACT score of 33. According to the CDS, the full range of ACT scores of these students was 31 to 34. To have a competitive score, aim for 34 or above.

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What Is the University of Michigan Looking for in Applicants?

The University of Michigan seeks applicants who are diverse, intellectual, and curious about new ideas, people, and ideas. UMich assesses these traits through students’ academic and non-academic profiles.

Academic Admissions Criteria

According to the Common Data Set (CDS), UMich labels the Rigor of Secondary School Record and Academic GPA to be ‘Very Important’ in the admissions evaluation process. The university does not consider Class Rank. Standardized Test Scores, Essays, and Recommendations are also considered “Important” in the review process.

Academic Factors Very Important Important Considered Not Considered
Rigor of Secondary School Record x
Class Rank x
Academic GPA x
Standardized Test Scores x
Application Essay x
Recommendation(s) x

The Importance of Academic Rigor and Context at UMich

As reported in the CDS, the Rigor of your Secondary School Record and your Academic GPA are very important to the UMich admissions team. However, just maintaining a high GPA isn’t enough to get accepted. 

Melissa Purdy, an Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at UMich, explains in an admissions blog pos about what admissions officers are looking for in applications:

The University of Michigan “gets applications from many more academically qualified students than we have space to admit, so we look for students who also have the drive and motivation to challenge themselves and take advantage of the many opportunities we have to offer here.”

UMich requires more than just strong grades. The UMich admissions committee wants applicants who enroll and succeed in the most rigorous courses available at their high schools, such as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), honors, or other advanced classes.

UMich considers the courses and grading standards your school offers when reviewing your academic record.

If your high school offers limited advanced or honors courses, explain this clearly in your application. To demonstrate your intellectual curiosity and drive despite these limitations, highlight any alternative ways you have challenged yourself academically. 

Alternative academic paths could include: 

  • Participating in rigorous summer academic programs
  • Taking college-level courses online or at local colleges
  • Engaging in independent study projects
  • Pursuing enrichment opportunities such as academic competitions or research

Non-Academic Admissions Criteria

Character/Personal Qualities are “Important” in the UMich admissions process. Extracurricular Activities, Talent/Ability, Geographical and State Residency, Volunteer Work Experience, and the Level of an Applicant’s Interest are ‘Considered’ by admissions members. 

The Interview, Alumini/ae Relations, and Religious Affiliatation/Commitment are ‘Not Considered’ in the evaluation process.

Non-Academic Factors Very Important Important Considered Not Considered
Interview x
Extracurricular Activities x
Talent/Ability x
Character/Personal Qualities x
First Generation x
Alumni/ae Relation x
Geographical Residence x
State Residency x
Religious Affiliation/Commitment x
Volunteer Work x
Work Experience x
Level of Applicant’s Interest x

Who Is the Ideal UMich Applicant? 

The ideal UMich applicant  is passionate beyond their academics, self-aware, has a clear purpose, is diverse, is resilient, and offers a unique perspective.

As reported by the CDS, the University of Michigan considers an applicant’s character and personal qualities important in the admissions process. Other non-academic factors, like extracurriculars, talent or ability, work experience, and level of interest, are also considered during evaluation. 

Your personal traits and life experiences are not just secondary to your academic record; these traits and experiences play a central role in the holistic review process.

To stand out, you need to demonstrate the traits that UMich values most: passion, drive, self-awareness, resilience, and a desire to contribute to both campus and society. Below are the non-academic qualities UMich seeks and insights into what they mean.

Passion and Engagement Beyond Academics

UMich considers extracurriculars, work experience, and talent/ability as important factors in the application review, according to the CDS. However, they don’t require you to join a specific club or hold a certain title. Instead, they want to see genuine commitment and meaningful contributions in any type of extracurricular you pursue. 

As Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Purdy writes:

“We look for students doing amazing things in their communities, with their religious organizations, or with their families or caregivers … Whether you contribute 20 hours a week to a community dance troupe or hold a weekend job to support your family, every type of involvement counts.”

Purdy emphasizes that the University of Michigan does not expect you to participate in specific or traditionally prestigious extracurriculars. Instead, admissions officers want to see that you’ve made a meaningful impact wherever you’ve chosen to invest your time.

Your activities should reflect your values, initiative, and depth of commitment. You need to go beyond surface-level participation. You need to show what you actually did, why it mattered, and how it shaped you.

Self-Awareness and Clarity of Purpose

The University of Michigan looks for applicants who are intentional about their college choice and clear about what they bring to the school. 

Purdy explains:

“Compelling applicants are the ones who have a good sense of self. They know why they want to come to Michigan. They know who they are, and what they want to contribute.”

This means your application, especially your essays, should not just focus on your achievements. Instead, you should explain what motivates you, how your experiences have shaped you, and how the University of Michigan will help you grow. It is also important to show how you plan to contribute to the campus community once you arrive.

Diversity, Resilience, and Unique Perspective

On UMich’s selection process page, the University of Michigan states that it values applicants who bring different perspectives shaped by their personal circumstances. If you’ve experienced challenges at home, in school, or in your broader environment, UMich encourages you to share that context. 

These experiences can strengthen your application by showing resilience, maturity, and perspective.

A Final Note on First-Generation Status

According to the CDS, first-generation status is rated as “important” in UMich’s admissions review. If you are the first in your family to attend college, make sure to clearly indicate this in your application, in your personal statement, or in your supplemental essays.

Being a first-gen student speaks to both your determination and your potential to contribute a valuable perspective to the university community. UMich admissions officers actively seek out applicants with this background as part of their commitment to educational access and equity.

Summary: What Makes a Strong UMich Applicant?

Here’s a quick table summarizing the traits UMich values and how to demonstrate them:

Trait What UMich Values How to Show It
Authentic Engagement Real passion and commitment in extracurriculars, work, or family responsibilities Track your hours, highlight leadership, connect your activities to personal values
Self-Awareness Clear understanding of goals, identity, and fit with UMich Write focused essays, reference specific programs, explain your purpose
Resilience and Perspective Overcoming challenges and learning from life experience Reflect on hardship, describe growth, show how it shaped your ambition
Contribution to Community Desire to make a difference on campus and beyond Highlight service, initiative, or other actions that helped others
Intellectual Curiosity Drive to learn, grow, and explore beyond what’s required Participate in enrichment programs, demonstrate interdisciplinary interest, seek involvement outside of the classroom

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University of Michigan Application Requirements

Here’s what you’ll need to apply to UMich, as well as important deadlines and admissions details.

Requirements Details
Common Application Accepted
Coalition Application Not accepted
Supplemental Essays and Personal Statement Required
Letters of Recommendation 1
Interview Not required
Application Fee (2025) $75
Fee Waiver Available? Available

Coursework Requirements

Requirements Required Units Recommended Units
English 4 4
Mathematics 3-4 4
Science 3-4 4
Foreign Language 2 (for the College of Literature, Science, and The Arts) 4
Social Studies 1 1
History 3 3
Computer Science 0 1
Visual Arts 0 2

Testing Requirements

Requirements Details
SAT or ACT Optional
Scores Due in Office February 2, 2025

Deadlines and Early Admissions

Requirements Offered? Deadline Notification Date
Regular Admission Yes February 1, 2025 Early February - Early April, 2025
Early Action Yes November 1, 2025 January 31, 2025
Early Decision No N/A N/A

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Into the University of Michigan

To improve your chances of getting into UMich, show passion and engagement beyond your extracurriculars. You must also show self-awareness and purpose and demonstrate diversity, resilience, and your unique perspective. 

Here are specific examples of how to show each of these traits in your application:

How to Make Your Extracurriculars Stand Out

To make your extracurriculars stand out:

  • Quantify your involvement. Specify how much time you dedicated (e.g., “five hours a week for two years”), what your role was, and whether you took on leadership roles or initiated any changes or new programs.
  • Describe your impact. Explain what you accomplished. Did your tutoring help classmates raise their grades? Did you work to support your family financially? 
  • Tell the story behind your involvement. In your essays, share what inspired you to join your extracurriculars and what you learned from them.

Reflect clearly on your extracurriculars and explain them in detail. This reflection helps the UMich admissions team understand who you are and how you’ll fit in.

How to Show Self-Awareness and Purpose

Here’s how to show self-awareness and purpose in your UMich application:

Be Specific About Why You Want to Attend UMich

Do not make general statements such as “UMich has great academics.” Instead, name specific programs, resources, or opportunities that connect directly to your interests. For example:

  • If you are passionate about public service, mention your interest in the Ginsberg Center for Community Service and Learning.
  • If you want to study business and leadership, talk about how the Ross School of Business or the BLI (Barger Leadership Institute) aligns with your goals.

Explain Your Personal Motivation and Experiences

Use your essays to tell a clear story about your values, goals, and growth. Describe moments that influenced your path. For example:

  • A student who worked a part-time job to help their family might write about how this taught them discipline, time management, and empathy.
  • A student who mentored younger classmates might explain how that experience led to a desire to become an educator or counselor.

Show What You Will Contribute to UMich

The UMich admissions committee seeks students who will actively engage with the university. Be clear about how you will participate and make an impact. For example:

  • If you have experience with research, talk about how you want to join the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP).
  • If you have been active in cultural clubs, mention how you plan to get involved in similar student organizations on campus and support inclusive communities.

Show Direction and Purpose

You do not need to have your entire career path figured out. However, you should explain how UMich fits into the larger story of who you are and what you want to do. Talk about how your time at the university will help you grow academically, personally, and professionally.

How to Demonstrate Diversity, Resilience, and Your Unique Perspective

Here’s how to effectively demonstrate your diversity, resilience, and unique perspective:

  • Describe specific personal or family challenges. If you had to work a part-time job to support your family, care for younger siblings, or navigate instability at home, include that in your application.
  • Demonstrate what you’ve learned or how you’ve grown. Reflect on how your experiences shaped you. Did you develop leadership by managing family responsibilities? Did financial hardship teach you resourcefulness or determination?
  • Show how your background influences your goals. Explain how your lived experience motivates your academic and career interests.
  • Mention if your background is underrepresented at UMich.  If you come from a low-income household, rural community, underrepresented racial or ethnic group, or a school that rarely sends students to UMich, state this clearly. These details help admissions understand your achievements in context.

Clearly outline your circumstances, show how you’ve grown, and connect your experience to your goals at UMich. Doing so demonstrates the kind of reflection and resilience that stands out in a competitive applicant pool.

FAQs

1. Are SAT/ACT Scores Required at UMich?

No, SAT and ACT are not required at UMich. UMich is test-optional until at least the 2025 admissions cycle, but strong scores can still enhance your application.

2. Is There a Minimum Number of Credits Required to Transfer to UMich, and How Do My Credits Transfer?

UMich does not require a minimum number of credits to apply as a transfer student. However, having completed two or more semesters of transferable college coursework makes your application stronger. 

To find out which credits transfer, use the University of Michigan’s Transfer Credit Equivalency Search tool. This tool matches courses from your current institution with UMich courses to show which of your courses will count toward your degree.

3. What Should I Do If I’m on the UMich Waitlist?

If you are on the UMich waitlist, the first step is to accept the waitlist offer promptly to remain eligible for admission. Being waitlisted means you are a competitive candidate, but admission is not guaranteed. UMich may offer admission to waitlisted students after the May enrollment deposit deadline. The waitlist process usually ends by mid-June.

To improve your chances of getting off the waitlist, consider submitting a letter of continued interest explaining why UMich is your top choice and how you plan to contribute to the campus community. It is also helpful to update the admissions office with any new achievements, awards, or improved grades since your initial application. 

While these actions can support your case, admission from the waitlist is not assured, so it is wise to have alternative plans in place while you wait for UMich’s final decision.

Get Into UMich

Crafting an application that effectively showcases both your academic and non-academic strengths is challenging. Our UMich admissions counselors can help you showcase your unique strengths and stand out from a large pool of qualified applicants.

Book a consultation to create a strong, standout application that highlights your full potential and fit with UMichigan.

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