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.
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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.
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.
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
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:
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Here’s a quick table summarizing the traits UMich values and how to demonstrate them:
Here’s what you’ll need to apply to UMich, as well as important deadlines and admissions details.
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:
To make your extracurriculars stand out:
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.
Here’s how to show self-awareness and purpose in your UMich application:
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:
Use your essays to tell a clear story about your values, goals, and growth. Describe moments that influenced your path. For example:
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:
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.
Here’s how to effectively demonstrate your diversity, resilience, and unique perspective:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
