University of Michigan

University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor Michigan, is a large, highly selective public institution. The US News and World Report, in fact, ranks it #3 for National Undergraduate Public Universities, The National Science Foundation ranks it #2 for Public Research Universities, and the Princeton Review ranks it #7 as Best Value Public Colleges. The acceptance rate hovers in the high teens, and that includes in-state as well as out-of-state students – which puts Michigan in the “reach” category for most.

34,000 undergraduates are served on 2 campuses linked by buses that run all day and night. Central campus is quite beautiful, and that’s where a lot of the action is. North campus isn’t known for its beauty, but the facilities are great, and it houses the architecture, engineering, music, theater and dance programs. Despite its size, 84% of Michigan’s classes have fewer than 50 students, and to flip that, only 7% of classes have more than 100 students. First year math and foreign language classes are capped at 18.

Michigan offers a top-notch education. There are 19 schools, 14 of which are open to undergrads. The business school, Ross, is second to none, and there's only one major, which is direct-entry: business administration. A portfolio is required of all applicants which is reviewed by Ross faculty. The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance is one of the best in the country and requires an audition. The School Literature, Science, and the Arts is the largest and students can apply in undecided. The College of Engineering has 18 majors including Materials Science & Engineering, Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, Climate & Meteorology, Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences, Space Sciences & Engineering, Robotics, and Industrial & Operations Engineering. And they don’t have to decide their major right away. Lastly, Michigan has changed its policy on this more than once, but currently, all applicants must choose one college to apply to EXCEPT: students applying to talent-based programs may apply to two. These are 2 separate applications, and students may be accepted to both, not accepted to either, or accepted to one of the two.

I mentioned that Michigan is very selective. We were told they can’t admit every applicant with a 4.0 and SAT of 1600. In fact, the average unweighted GPA of the 2023 entering class was 3.9, the average SAT 1350-1530, and the average ACT 31-34. Most importantly, they said, “We’re test optional but… if you’re not sending scores, you need really, really, really strong grades.” This was made very clear. I think I’m hearing they want scores. Also, they like to see leadership, honors and awards, and strongly encouraged only one letter of recommendation from a teacher, while the counselor recommendation is optional. Lastly, they did say that most students are admitted through Early Action.

So that’s Michigan – a great place to spend four years if you can get in!