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OT: Getting into UofM

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:04 PM
#1
go16blue
go16blue's picture
Joined: 04/28/2010
MGoPoints: 6746
OT: Getting into UofM

I am currently a junior in high school, and am beginning my college selection process. Since I was a kid, Michigan has been one of my dream schools. My question was: to all of the MGoBloggers who have recently attended and are attending michigan, what do you think helped you get in? While this is by no means the only research I am doing on the topic, I think it would be very useful for me and anyone else in a similar situation. Any info would be appreciated.

 

PS: i say recently because i know standards have changed over the years. My dad got into michigan with a 3.5, and i know that wouldnt get him in in 2010

 

Edit: thanks to everybody. The one highlight i am taking from this (and will tell my friends) is to enroll early. I didnt know to do this before i started this thread.

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:08 PM
#2
outwest
outwest's picture
Joined: 09/24/2009
MGoPoints: 1720
Can you kick field goals?

Can you kick field goals?

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:18 PM
(Reply to #2) #3
UMdad
UMdad's picture
Joined: 05/14/2009
MGoPoints: 2292
UofM uses a rolling

UofM uses a rolling admission, meaning they accept, deny or wait list as applicants come in instead of waiting untiil they have all applications and judging them against each other.  This means that applying early when there are more slots available is better than applying late when they have more limited openings.  The same stats could get you in early and denied late.

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:39 PM
(Reply to #17) #4
blueheron
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Joined: 03/26/2009
MGoPoints: 2579
seconded

Definitely get things lined up as soon as you can.

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October 7th, 2010 at 4:22 PM
(Reply to #42) #5
el segundo
Joined: 04/17/2009
MGoPoints: 575
Lined up?

Are you talking about kicking field goals or admission applications?

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:42 PM
(Reply to #17) #6
dvlfnfv5
Joined: 10/07/2010
MGoPoints: 566
Agreed, however...

When I was going through the whole process I applied in October and didn't find out I was accepted until April/May...not sure what took so long, but I've heard similar stories from others.

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:15 PM
#7
wigeon
wigeon's picture
Joined: 07/05/2008
MGoPoints: 6729
good

luck! 

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:08 PM
#8
Umich4Life
Joined: 07/15/2010
MGoPoints: 490
It's the extra stuff

Besides the obvious grades & ACT scores, it's the extra stuff that shows you're a leader that will make the difference.  I was our class co-president and did a ton of volunteer work in high school, that's what made the difference for me.  Good luck!!

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:41 PM
(Reply to #4) #9
profitgoblue
profitgoblue's picture
Joined: 09/01/2009
MGoPoints: 19557
True but . . .

Ace the ACT and/or SAT and you're in for sure.  Study like hell before you take the SAT - take a prep class, spend a little time every day studying.  Its worth it.  That's what I did for the LSAT and my score was enought to get me a scholarship in law school!

Write a thoughtful and unique essay, something to distinguish you from the other applicants.  Think hard about it before you write and be creative.

I was in your same shoes in high school - Michigan was the only place for me.  I got waitlisted and it crushed me.  But I held out and finally made it.  Don't get disheartened if you don't get in right away, don't give up.  GOOD LUCK!!! 

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:58 PM
(Reply to #4) #10
profitgoblue
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Joined: 09/01/2009
MGoPoints: 19557
Denard

Better than any extracurricular stuff, you should consider changing your name to "Denard" . . .

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October 7th, 2010 at 4:07 PM
(Reply to #4) #11
Michigan Shirt
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Joined: 02/05/2010
MGoPoints: 1683
Being a Varsity athlete will

Being a Varsity athlete will help a lot as well, even if its not a big time sport like football (golf / tennis is usually not as competitive as football).

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October 7th, 2010 at 5:21 PM
(Reply to #60) #12
STW P. Brabbs
Joined: 08/27/2008
MGoPoints: 3372
This

Is some incredibly productive advice.  Develop varsity-athletics-level athleticism, in non-revenue sports if necessary. 

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October 8th, 2010 at 11:42 AM
(Reply to #74) #13
Michigan Shirt
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Joined: 02/05/2010
MGoPoints: 1683
I meant in H.S. as college is

I meant in H.S. as college is not the only sport with Varsity athletics, it shows you bring more to the table than just academics, but thanks for thinking that I would seriously think it would be that easy to just develop Div-1 athletics in one year.

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October 8th, 2010 at 2:22 PM
(Reply to #87) #14
STW P. Brabbs
Joined: 08/27/2008
MGoPoints: 3372
Oh.

I was thrown off by 'varsity' - does it matter if you were varsity instead of J.V. in high school to the admissions people?  Anyway, my bad.

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October 12th, 2010 at 11:34 AM
(Reply to #88) #15
Michigan Shirt
Michigan Shirt's picture
Joined: 02/05/2010
MGoPoints: 1683
Probably not, but for most

Probably not, but for most schools/sports you can only be on a Varsity team when you are a Junior/Senior so it would look favorable that you can stick with a sport for 4 years and go through rigorous athletics during your final two years in H.S.

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:08 PM
#16
rcm
rcm's picture
Joined: 09/16/2009
MGoPoints: 482
Being well rounded

 

That was a key for me.  Being involved in athletics, bands, clubs, NHS, etc etc.  Good scores and grades definitely helped.  I knew of a couple kids from my HS that got turned away because of a lack of diverse participation, even though they were top 5% in my class.

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:09 PM
#17
Hard Gay
Hard Gay's picture
Joined: 10/01/2008
MGoPoints: 1421
Hmm

Apply as early as you can. Get a good gpa, do well on you ACT/SAT and have extra curriculars. I would say anything less than a 3.8 in high school is not good.

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:14 PM
(Reply to #6) #18
mgokev
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Joined: 06/17/2009
MGoPoints: 12201
I would disagree on the 3.8

I would disagree on the 3.8 statement.  I know a lot of people that had <3.8GPA

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:21 PM
(Reply to #11) #19
Musthavehart
Joined: 11/01/2009
MGoPoints: 457
Yeah agreed

Yeah I was surprised by how many people got in with gpas between 3.3 and 3.7

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:28 PM
(Reply to #18) #20
go16blue
go16blue's picture
Joined: 04/28/2010
MGoPoints: 6746
i hear a lot of it has to do

i hear a lot of it has to do with what high school you went to and what classes you took.  A student like me (hopefully) who takes AP classes and goes to pioneer (a large, high ranking high school) should be able to get in with below a 3.8. still gunnin for that 4.0, though

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:31 PM
(Reply to #33) #21
mgokev
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Joined: 06/17/2009
MGoPoints: 12201
That's true. My high school

That's true. My high school had 10% of it's class go to Michigan, which is a lot all things considered.  AP classes are great, do well in those.  I can't stress enough the importance of being "well-rounded".  There are a ton of people with the stats, but can you achieve that while giving back to your community or being a leader for your classmates?  That's what separates a probable admit from a lock admit.

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:37 PM
(Reply to #33) #22
plaidflannel
Joined: 07/21/2009
MGoPoints: 1142
If you go to Pioneer, you

If you go to Pioneer, you will be fine.  Top 20 public high schools in Michigan have great track records getting students in (Troy, Novi, Northville, Rochester Adams, Ann Arbor Huron/Pioneer, Forest Hills Central, East Grand Rapids, Okemos, Midland Dow, Saline, Bloomfield Hills schools, West Bloomfield, etc [sorry if I left off your top public high school in Michigan]).

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October 7th, 2010 at 5:01 PM
(Reply to #33) #23
Seth9
Joined: 04/01/2009
MGoPoints: 2381
Pioneer is not necessarily a big asset here

Michigan admissions actually was rather upset at how many Ann Arbor-based students they've enrolled recently, as there's been a very large increase in the number of Ann Arbor students who've enrolled here over the past couple years. They want to have more geographic diversity in-state and are therefore aim to admit fewer kids who are borderline from Ann Arbor. Of course, if you're near a 4.0, you're fine.

For the record, this comes from a friend who knows a Michigan Admissions Councillor. So take it for what it's worth.

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:12 PM
#24
KevbosLastingLessons
KevbosLastingLessons's picture
Joined: 08/23/2010
MGoPoints: 2604
apply the very first day you

apply the very first day you can. and get a good ACT score. that should do it. sports are a plus, and show competence in your essays. 

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:12 PM
#25
uniqenam
uniqenam's picture
Joined: 07/20/2009
MGoPoints: 4424
Apply RIGHT NOW!  I know a

Apply RIGHT NOW!  I know a kid who waited until January, and had basically the exact same application (GPA, ACT, and extra curriculurs) who didn't even get a sniff of interest.  Do it now, while you can, even though they say "it doesn't matter when you apply".  No reason to risk it.

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:16 PM
(Reply to #8) #26
the_white_tiger
the_white_tiger's picture
Joined: 02/07/2009
MGoPoints: 5224
A Michigan rep came to my

A Michigan rep came to my high school today and could not stress enough how important it was to apply early.

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:15 PM
#27
mgokev
mgokev's picture
Joined: 06/17/2009
MGoPoints: 12201
I don't know how much this

I don't know how much this will help, but to give you an idea of myself as a candidate, I got in with a 3.7GPA and a 30 ACT score in 2005.  I think what really helped, though, was the fact that I spent a lot of my time volunteering, I had a job during high school, played sports, and was involved in class leadership (treasurer and then president).  I think that many schools, Michigan included, are looking for well rounded individuals that can provide different experiences and backgrounds to the university.  With how competitive the process is, grades are ultimately just one of the factors (albeit a large one).  Get involved, volunteer in the community, and meet some great people that can write you recommendations as a testament to your personality and work ethic.  Best of luck to you.

EDIT: Write your essay on something you're truly passionate about, not what you think they want to hear.  It will be evident in your writing.  Also, as mentioned above, apply ASAP.

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:13 PM
#28
the_white_tiger
the_white_tiger's picture
Joined: 02/07/2009
MGoPoints: 5224
I'm sending in my

I'm sending in my application next weekend. Hopefully my awesome test score can make up for my mediocre (by U of M standards) GPA. No, I cannot kick field goals.

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October 7th, 2010 at 4:33 PM
(Reply to #10) #29
el segundo
Joined: 04/17/2009
MGoPoints: 575
The index

During the UM affirmative action lawsuit, some details about the undergrad admission process were made public.  Although UM had to change part of its admissions process for undergrads as a result of the suit, some of the information revealed in that suit is still relevant and might still be useful to you.

With respect to test scores and GPA, the University has used -- and I believe it still uses -- a formula to create an index score for GPAs and test scores.  Of course, I don't know the formula, but the thing to know is that grades and test scores are weighted according to various criteria and a single number is generated to use as a basis for analyzing test scores and grades together.

Because of this, your good test score should play a direct role in compensating for your "mediocre (by U of M standards) GPA."  The admissions office will still look at test scores and GPA separately, but the admissions process does "automatically" correct for disparties between grades and test scores by using this index.

From what I understand about standard admissions office practice, the index score is the instrument by which the first cut of applications is made.  If your index score is below a certain level, it's unlikely that your application will get much close attention.  If it's above a certain level, things like your essay and your high school activities will get more scrutiny.

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October 7th, 2010 at 5:39 PM
(Reply to #10) #30
hail2mich
Joined: 10/12/2009
MGoPoints: 1947
I'm also applying in about a

I'm also applying in about a week. I did take quite a few AP classes in HS and did well, so I think my GPA is good enough, and I'm in the top five percent of my class. My ACT is a 30 so I am kind of in the middle for Michigan. One thing I can give advice on is VOLUNTEER. I have worked at the local Hospice for the past three years and whenever I talk to people from admissions, they really like that. The only thing is I'm out of state, so even if I do get accepted, I might not be able to attend...

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October 8th, 2010 at 8:58 AM
(Reply to #78) #31
MGoBender
Joined: 03/26/2010
MGoPoints: 14933
My ACT is a 30 so I am kind

My ACT is a 30 so I am kind of in the middle for Michigan

Has the ACT changed in the last 5 years?  I got a 25 and am now working on my Masters from UM after getting a Bachelor's here.  Granted I went to UM-F for a year and transfered, which may mean my ACT wasn't even looked at, but a 25 got me into State about 2 weeks after I sent in my App.  Didn't apply to UM for what I thought at the time were financial reasons (completely not worth it!  Go where you want and let money sort itself out later!).

But my main point is if you wanna go here, you can.  You may not get in immediately, but you can always transfer.  Hell, you can transfer after 1 semester!  You just have to be willing to work hard - it has very little to do with "how smart" you are.

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October 8th, 2010 at 3:02 PM
(Reply to #84) #32
jmblue
Joined: 11/07/2008
MGoPoints: 56282
It hasn't changed to my

It hasn't changed to my knowledge.  When I applied in 1998 the range for U-M students was about 27-32. 

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:14 PM
#33
THE_LOSER
Joined: 09/18/2010
MGoPoints: 7
I got into engineering with a

I got into engineering with a 3.7 in highschool and not even top quarter in my high school class so I dont have a clue how they judge people. I do know for ACT/SAT for engineering they don't look at writing scores.

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:14 PM
#34
MGoGarbs
Joined: 05/26/2009
MGoPoints: 303
AP classes pull a lot of

AP classes pull a lot of weight in the application process. Don't be afraid to list things that seem irrelevant to you on your extra-curricular section. Avoid talking about relationships in your essays. I got in with relatively little volunteer/extracurricular experience, mostly because I smoked my APs and wrote a good essay, and played some one-time volunteer sessions up a little on the application. Most of the time your application gets a cursory look before the first cut-down, this is when it's much more valuable to have 5 3-hour activities than 1 15-hour activity.

Good luck and Go Blue!

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:15 PM
#35
Trebor
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Joined: 06/30/2008
MGoPoints: 3694
Be smart.

Be smart.

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October 8th, 2010 at 9:00 AM
(Reply to #14) #36
MGoBender
Joined: 03/26/2010
MGoPoints: 14933
"Being smart" has very little

"Being smart" has very little to do with it.  Or anything in life really.

/i know it was sarcasm, but i hate the smartness perpetuation so was compelled to comment.

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:19 PM
#37
CapedBlueSader
CapedBlueSader's picture
Joined: 06/24/2010
MGoPoints: 360
Multiple Factors

The university will look at multiple things. Obviously your GPA & ACT/SAT scores. If you take AP classes those will help you as well, because they re-weight those into your GPA if your high school did not. My high school didn't count that in our GPAs and it increased mine by .4 Also, being involved with athletics or any other extra curricular activities. Volunteering in your community will help as well. Find your high school advisor(s) and they will really help you also with what you are going to need. Write yourself a letter of recommendation of what you think will be your strong points, have your advisor look it over. This will also give you a template for you to give your teachers that you ask for letters. If you have any other questions just ask!

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:25 PM
(Reply to #15) #38
ajscipione
Joined: 08/31/2009
MGoPoints: 251
That is an excellent outline of

what one needs to do to get into M. My only other comments would be to apply for the "early decision" and when preparing for the ACT to take multiple "practice" tests to get used to the speed of the test and the material.   

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:40 PM
(Reply to #29) #39
CapedBlueSader
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Joined: 06/24/2010
MGoPoints: 360
I knew I forgot something

Good point about the early decision!!!

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:19 PM
#40
BlueVoix
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Joined: 06/25/2009
MGoPoints: 5574
As everyone else has said,

As everyone else has said, highish GPA, strong ACT score (if not in one area, show some clear balance), and reach out to some extracurriculars.  Join up with something today so you can put it on your application tomorrow.

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:19 PM
#41
jb5O4
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Joined: 08/14/2008
MGoPoints: 751
I think I got in...

I think I got into UofM because I took advanced math classes in high school (Differential Equations, Calculus III). My gpa was a shade under 3.5 and my SAT was a 1200 something. Well below average for the College of Engineering but few kids take Differential Equations in high school.

I don't mean to brag I was blessed with great teachers and the opportunity to take those classes. It was nice though because retaking them at Michigan made my first year easier.

Definately take the hardest classes your school has to offer.

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:20 PM
#42
mgoblue52
Joined: 03/04/2009
MGoPoints: 1270
Two bits of advice

I used to work for undergrad admissions until I graduated recently (not as a counselor, though). Without knowing your situation, here are two bits of advice (not exhaustive):

1) APPLY EARLY.  UM has rolling admissions, so the earlier you can get your application, the better your chances.  In fact, I would talk to potential teachers who could write rec letters for you at the end of this year, so they can start thinking.  You want to be that first student into the counselor's office to have your application ready to go ASAP.

2)  Challenge yourself.  UM will see how well you challenge yourself in the context of the opportunities offered at your high school.  A common question that comes up is, "Should I take the honors/AP class and get the B, or a regular class and get the A?"  Go for the challenge.

Also, if you have specific questions about the application process that cannot be answered by the general call center, write them out.  If you are able to come to Ann Arbor and visit the admissions office, you can ask the person at hte front desk for some help.  If your questions are really specific and cannot be answered by an assistant, the office has walk-in advising with an admissions counselor most of the time during the week.  You can call in ahead of time to check.

 

Hope this helps!

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:38 PM
(Reply to #21) #43
go16blue
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Joined: 04/28/2010
MGoPoints: 6746
Thanks. could you help me a

Thanks. could you help me a little bit more? I maintained a 3.9 through sophmore year, am taking 2 AP and 1 AC class, am president of Latin club, am taking a hebrew class outside of school for credit, and do a little bit of voulenteering. Having worked in admissions, do you think you could give me a GPA that would probably get me in? (of course i'm always aiming for a 4.0) Just a guess would be greatly appreciated.

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October 7th, 2010 at 4:08 PM
(Reply to #40) #44
mgoblue52
Joined: 03/04/2009
MGoPoints: 1270
There's no magic number

There is no GPA that guarantees to get you in.  For example, I personally know people with 4.0's that have gotten in, and I know people with 3.5's that have gotten in.  The GPA is just part of the holistic interpretation of the applicant.  That being said, the average GPA of the freshman class is 3.8, and the middle 50th percentile of ACT composite scores is 28-32.

 

Even if you've visisted before, I strongly encourage taking an official visit.  There's a one-hour long information session by a counselor followed by a 1.5 hour official tour with a current student. admissions.umich.edu/visiting

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October 7th, 2010 at 5:28 PM
(Reply to #40) #45
bryemye
Joined: 09/14/2009
MGoPoints: 2689
Score over 30 on your ACT,

Score over 30 on your ACT, take your time on your essays, and apply early and you're probably in. Frankly you're probably in anyway but if you do that and don't get in I'll personally write them an email linking them to a "you got rick roll'd" clip.

Just saw you're in-state. Yeah. Keep doing well in school and try on your ACT and you're in.

 

*EDIT* I was thinking about it and actually I'd really like to stress that if you can get 32+ on the ACT and are applying to LS&A, you should have a great shot at Honors. If you can get into that, do it. The built-in community of people you have through that, living in South Quad (one of the best dorms in terms of room size, location, etc. etc.) and the nice treatment from the univeristy (better advisors who can get you into the classes you need, etc) make it a very, very good decision. The cutoff as far as I can tell is pretty much a good GPA and 32 on the ACT.

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:26 PM
#46
KinesiologyNerd
KinesiologyNerd's picture
Joined: 02/10/2009
MGoPoints: 7699
I got into Michigan twice (HS

I got into Michigan twice (HS and transfer), but I didn't have any extracurriculars in high school. My essay was "KinesiologyNerd breaks leg, KinesiologyNerd learns lesson about setbacks/adversity" so nothing exceptional there. So, for me I'm guessing it was my HS GPA and ACT score. Good luck.

 

Oh yeah I'm also out of state.

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:22 PM
#47
trickydick81
Joined: 11/23/2008
MGoPoints: 171
GPA is not that important...

I mean, you have to do well. But if you're at or above a 3.5 (unweighted) and took a ton of AP classes then you won't get booted for your GPA (I didn't).

 

But with that GPA you have to kill the SAT (or ACT) -- have a well rounded resume (clubs, sports, science fairs, etc) -- great references -- great essay -- and  apply early.

 

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:22 PM
#48
plaidflannel
Joined: 07/21/2009
MGoPoints: 1142
Most important advice: apply

Most important advice: apply as early as possible.  

If you're in-state, GPA and ACT are basically all that matters if you apply early (by early, I mean breaking down the door to your counselor's office September 6th, 2011).  Obviously, don't write a terrible essays, but mediocre essays can get you in if you apply early.  Your essays and your extra-curriculars become increasingly important the later you apply.

If you're out-of-state, everything matters. Make sure you are concise, yet powerful with your essays. Try not to go over the word limit by too much. And have at least one strong leadership post in high school if possible (pres/vp of a club or a team captain).

Also, UofM moved to the Common App this year. I don't know how that will influence the admissions department, so I would keep up with any people that you know who are applying this year to gauge the change due the Common App.

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:23 PM
#49
GVBlue86
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Joined: 10/01/2009
MGoPoints: 3396
Good luck man. I wish I would

Good luck man. I wish I would have been more driven in high school to get into Michigan as people like yourself are. Do everything you can and wether you get in or not, you will not have any regrets because you did your best.

 

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October 7th, 2010 at 4:01 PM
(Reply to #25) #50
Plegerize
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Joined: 03/26/2009
MGoPoints: 1807
Seconded. It's not that I

Seconded.

It's not that I didn't try in high school or didn't have good grades, I had a 3.7 GPA, I just didn't work to bolster my resume with the little things like AP classes and volunteering. My ACT was a bit low as well, I scored a 23, so I was leery on applying. I ended up at CMU and while I like CMU, it's not the same.

I don't have many regrets in my life, but not going to UofM is definitely one of them. I am already well too far into my college career to transfer, but it's ok there's always grad school for me.

All this to say, you are in prime position. Work hard and do what these fine people say and if you get in, awesome. If you don't, then at least you tried. Better than what I can say I've done.

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:25 PM
#51
dinkmctip
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Joined: 11/05/2008
MGoPoints: 434
Surprised at all this GPA

Surprised at all this GPA talk, I got in with a 3.4 on a weighted scale in 2004 (two week response late in selection and no alumni in family).

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:25 PM
#52
samber2009
Joined: 08/10/2009
MGoPoints: 2212
I had a great GPA, but my SAT

I had a great GPA, but my SAT score wasn't as strong. I just graduated from UM in 09. Definitely get involved in as many things as possible, volunteer,  sports, student government, jobs.  Numbers are important, but they look at the whole package.  The essay can really set you apart, as well.  I had fun with my essay.  I dont know if it's still the same prompts, but I wrote about a difficult time I overcame. I wrote it in the style of the excitement of a football game: 1st quarter, 2nd quarter etc.  I was hoping they hadn't seen that from many girls applying. 

Good Luck and Go Blue!!!

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:25 PM
#53
hockeyguy9125
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Joined: 03/30/2009
MGoPoints: 2948
Apply Early

I had a 28 ACT score and a 3.7 high school gpa (Admitted for Fall 2007). I took AP classes that were unweighted in my hs GPA so that probably helped out. The essays are key for the application. Show everything you have done outside of school. Volunteer work is good in general, but it also looks good to the U. Overall, just show you bring more than a good GPA. Everyone who applies (mostly) is intelligent. Its the things outside the classroom which put people over the top (unless you are so smart its ridiculous).

Also, get the app in early. You will have a much better chance if you get it in early. There are so many apps, you need to take any advantage you can to have your app stand out.

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:27 PM
#54
stankoniaks
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Joined: 02/04/2009
MGoPoints: 1737
Are you in-state?

A lot of times people cite specific reasons why they got in with what they perceive to be lower than what they would expect numbers.  I think residency has a lot to do with this, as I am under the belief that admission to U of M is a bit easier if you have residency in state.

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:46 PM
(Reply to #31) #55
plaidflannel
Joined: 07/21/2009
MGoPoints: 1142
This is true.  The University

This is true.  The University feels it is their civil responsibility to have a student body of roughly 2/3 in-state students and 1/3 out-of-state students (this comes from someone high in the president's office, not just my own reasoning).

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October 7th, 2010 at 4:15 PM
(Reply to #48) #56
bryemye
Joined: 09/14/2009
MGoPoints: 2689
And for getting state funding

And for getting state funding as a public school. I think it's capped at 60%.

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October 7th, 2010 at 5:31 PM
(Reply to #31) #57
heffman
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Joined: 09/01/2010
MGoPoints: 403
Truth

my numbers weren't amazing 3.9GPA and a 29 on the ACT I had a few extracurricular's and I was able to get in to the CoE and honestly I don't believe I would have gotten in if I wasn't from Michigan

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October 7th, 2010 at 7:14 PM
(Reply to #31) #58
Yinka Double Dare
Joined: 06/30/2008
MGoPoints: 6247
I'm pretty sure the filings

I'm pretty sure the filings in the Gratz case showed that in the formula for admission you got points for being in-state.  Bonus points from being from an underrepresented part of the state (read: bumfark U.P. or something like that).  They eliminated that points system but they still take all those same things into account.

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:28 PM
#59
jmblue
Joined: 11/07/2008
MGoPoints: 56282
Tips

-Definitely apply early.  As mentioned, we have rolling admissions.

-Make sure to take challenging courses in high school.  Getting a B in an AP course may be better than getting an A in a blowoff class.  Take foreign language classes - those are big.

-Study hard for the ACT and take it multiple times if needed (colleges are not informed about how many times you've taken it, whereas they are in the case of the SAT).

-Mention in your essay that you're a legacy (it may sound lame, but this helps)

-Try to do extracurricular stuff where you can.  This can include things like volunteer work.  Think about what might separate you from another applicant.

-Do not slack off academically as a senior.  Your grades as a senior can be used to evaluate you - and it's even possible for an admitted student to have his/her spot revoked if the second-semester grades fall off a cliff.  I can assure you that college is 100 times more fun than high school, so it's worth it.

Good luck!

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:29 PM
#60
JeepinBen
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Joined: 01/22/2010
MGoPoints: 25473
Apply Early

Echoing sentiments... A quick rundown of my "stats" I applied in October, got in in January (2005 grad)

4.67 weighted GPA (3.2 unweighted, but all honors/APs) and I got a 34 on the ACT. I did decently on my SAT IIs, but did not take the standard SAT. Involved in a few clubs and played sports all 4 years, was a captain a few times. Didn't write particularly well but got a LOT of help from English teachers/others on my essays. 

Good Luck!

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:30 PM
#61
1329 S. University
1329 S. University's picture
Joined: 01/01/2010
MGoPoints: 2343
Pick something creative for your essay - while I had the grades

and test scores, NHS, sports, Boy Scouts etc., I think I really nailed my essay and my advisor would always talk to me about that. I honestly can't remember (this was 1996) if you could choose any topic at all or if they give you a broad list of them to choose from but do your best to not pick the road most traveled.

 

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October 7th, 2010 at 5:25 PM
(Reply to #35) #62
STW P. Brabbs
Joined: 08/27/2008
MGoPoints: 3372
Fucking NHS

I still don't understand the purpose of that organization.

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:30 PM
#63
chunkums
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Joined: 06/30/2008
MGoPoints: 13663
Essays essays essays.  The

Essays essays essays.  The University is huge on its diversity, and will have essays on the topic when you apply.  Make sure you spend a lot of time on these and have several people revise them for you before submitting the app.

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:37 PM
(Reply to #36) #64
the_white_tiger
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Joined: 02/07/2009
MGoPoints: 5224
One of the essays this year

One of the essays this year is on diversity.

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:40 PM
(Reply to #38) #65
JeepinBen
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Joined: 01/22/2010
MGoPoints: 25473
Ask MGoShoe about Naval exploits

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:48 PM
(Reply to #38) #66
plaidflannel
Joined: 07/21/2009
MGoPoints: 1142
It's always there.  This is

It's always there.  This is the University's middle fingered response to the voters of Michigan for taking away affirmative action.

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October 7th, 2010 at 4:02 PM
(Reply to #49) #67
Zone Left
Zone Left's picture
Joined: 07/03/2008
MGoPoints: 16278
Yeah, but you can emphasize

Yeah, but you can emphasize diversity in a lot of ways.  I wrote my MBA diversity essays about how I've led and worked with people from many, many different backgrounds and education levels, adding in my desire to start an unoffered club.  I'm as white bread as it gets, but it made me seem very different from other applicants.

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:42 PM
#68
Gopherine
Gopherine's picture
Joined: 08/07/2008
MGoPoints: 1506
It's interesting getting all

It's interesting getting all these profiles on MGoUsers. I would never have been able to get into Michigan for undergrad. Hell, I was barely let into the regional branch of my state's school.

Thank god for grad school.

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:42 PM
#69
bouje
bouje's picture
Joined: 09/30/2008
MGoPoints: 4703
As someone who worked in admissions while attending Michigan

There are a variety of factors that go into your acceptance:



1. Your gpa. Now a 3.5 at Monroe high school is not the same as a 3.5 at Ann Arbor pioneer. If you go to a very good school and your gpa is okay that's better than going to a bad school and having an okay school.



2. Act/sat score. This matters not as much as the gpa. It's like in recruiting the main thing is looking at film and camps just help you get exposure but it's just one day to show off your aptitude compared to everyone else.



3. Your essays are important but the things that you need to keep in mind for those are that admissions counselors are reading thousands of these so



A. Make sure that spelling and grammar are perfect

B. Make it interesting. Make it different. Everyone writes about the same experiences. Write out things that aren't in your transcript.



4. It depends on what you're applying into but of you're applying to the school of nursing or are looking at going into service fields volunteer Work

Is highly encouraged.



5. Take hard classes you senior year. Take AP classes. Dual enroll at college. A lot of people blow off their senior year but it's important not to because in a year you're going to be at Michigan so you'd better try to get as well prepared as possible and not slack off.



6. The last thing I can think of right now is one of the most important. Get your application in early. 2 identical people will apply one early and one later. The earlier one gets in the later doesn't (like in recruiting the class fills up and you wanna hold out for those 5* academic prospects getting rejected by harvard)



When I applied way back in 2003 I went to a shitty high school. Took 3-4 college classes at community, took pretty much every AP class at my high school (around 5-6). I had a 4.0 gpa unweighted and was #1 in my class along with 28 other students (so dumb everyone above a 4.0 is number one). I also applied to engineering with an overall act of 29 with better math and science scores.



Supposedly admissions has gotten harder so competitively you should be at least 3.5 with at least a 25 on the act (wait did they change it so the top score changed hell I forget).



Good luck.

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October 7th, 2010 at 4:01 PM
(Reply to #46) #70
Buttmunch
Joined: 08/31/2010
MGoPoints: 35
Admissions criteria for LSA pre-2003

Expanding on bouje's answer (which was really good), I would add that it also depends on the particular college at the University you're applying to.  For example, I graduated in the late 90's and was a member of LSA's student government when the lawsuit was filed challenging the admission policies to the law school and LSA s alleging U-M unfairly considered race as part of the equation.  I attended a presentation that discussed exactly how applicants are admitted to LSA.  This formula was later reprinted in the Supreme Court's decision, 539 US 244, 277-78 (2003):

"When the University  receives an application for admission to its incoming class, an admissions counselor turns to a Selection Index Worksheet to calculate the applicant's selection index score out of 150 maximum possible points—a procedure the University  began using in 1998. Applicants with a score of over 100 are automatically admitted; applicants with scores of 95 to 99 are categorized as "admit or postpone"; applicants with 90-94 points are postponed or admitted; applicants with 75-89 points are delayed or postponed; and applicants with 74 points or fewer are delayed or rejected. The Office of Undergraduate  Admissions extends offers of admission on a rolling basis and acts upon the applications it has received through periodic "[m]ass [a]ction[s].

In calculating an applicant's selection index score, counselors assign numerical values to a broad range of academic factors, as well as to other variables the University considers important to assembling a diverse student body, including race. Up to 110 points can be assigned for academic performance, and up to 40 points can be assigned for the other, nonacademic factors. Michigan residents, for example, receive 10 points, and children of alumni receive 4. Counselors may assign an outstanding essay up to 3 points and may award up to 5 points for an applicant's personal achievement, leadership, or public service. Most importantly for this case, an applicant automatically receives a 20 point bonus if he or she possesses any one of the following "miscellaneous" factors: membership in an underrepresented minority group; attendance at a predominantly minority or disadvantaged high school; or recruitment for athletics."

Now, although the SCOTUS undergraduate admissions policy found the above formula to be unconstitutional, it did so on the basis that "diversity" factor was given too much weight.  I would bet that the formula admissions uses today is similar so that you could *roughly* determine your chances of getting into LSA.  Like I said, the college of engineering has its own criteria but this should give you an idea of your chances.

Good Luck.

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:52 PM
#71
blueheron
blueheron's picture
Joined: 03/26/2009
MGoPoints: 2579
importance of (HS) geography

In addition to what other posters have listed, I'd suggest taking a close look at people from your high school who applied successfully in recent years.  That will give you the best clue of what will "make the grade."

UMich had (and maybe still has) some sort of "degree of difficulty" factor that they use to do some rough GPA leveling.  In plain terms, a B+ at a top-end school might be worth more than an A- at a semi-rural high school where the competition isn't as good.

Echoing what others have said, definitely smoke the SAT/ACT/both.  Big ROI in that area ... if you get 1600 on the SAT no one will care whether you volunteered at the hospital (although that may be useful when applying to med school).

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:52 PM
#72
bronxblue
Joined: 11/22/2008
MGoPoints: 59086
Applied and admitted back in

Applied and admitted back in 1999, so I'm sure the standards have changed.  The most important suggestion is to have a clear idea of your major (even if it changes) when you apply.  I wanted to be an ME when I applied, so my application, my schooling, my work experience, etc. were all tailored with that goal in mind.  The fact that I changed to EECS once I arrived is irrelevant - make it clear you have a goal, and you are able sell yourself more effectively.

Make it clear in your essays why you are applying to UM and why you are a great fit - don't try to reuse applications for other schools or stick to generalities.  College admissions officers have to read thousands of applications, so something that sounds generic will be treated as a throw-away application.

Raw numbers mean something, but from what I've gathered they are not the be-all end-all.  I forget my GPA (decently high, top-10 of my admittedly small HS class of 160 or so), and I think my ACT scores were pretty solid (29) before I retook them (32) - I do believe that I was admitted with the 29 before the 32 scores were received by UM, but I'm not sure.  Taking a challenging workload as a junior and senior definitely helped, because honors, AP, and IB classes are definitely viewed favorably because they simulate (to an extent) the college workload.  Beyond that, be a member of clubs, volunteer, play sports if you can (I was a captain for the Track and CC teams, and that definitely helped), and in general by a civic-minded, well-rounded individual.  Of course, if you are excellent in some field that will definitely help, but for most applicants just show that you are a good candidate and by yourself.

Finally, don't freak out during the waiting process, and don't internalize whether you are admitted or not.  If you are admitted, it just means you overcame the first hurdle in the millions college will throw at you.  If you are not admitted, it doesn't mean you are not a smart, successful person, just not the right fit for UM at that time.  Keep your head up, keep working hard wherever you ultimately attend, and keep rooting for the Wolverines on Saturday.  Good luck!

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:55 PM
#73
Enginerd
Joined: 09/03/2009
MGoPoints: 56
Don't get discouraged.

I applied to the College of Engineering late summer / early fall of '99.

I had a 34 on my ACT, and a 3.8 - 3.9 GPA.  I had been involved in extra curriculars (drum major of high school mmb), and won a citizenship award from my city.

I ended up waitlisted, while most of my friends (most with worse grades / scores) got accepted.

It was probably a combination of the college, luck, and my essay.

But I finally got accepted in late spring.  The one friend who didn't went to a different school, applied as a transfer student, and got in the following fall.

If it's what you want don't let the first no, or wait list discourage you.  Consider it a challenge and keep working.

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:54 PM
#74
Zone Left
Zone Left's picture
Joined: 07/03/2008
MGoPoints: 16278
How's your pad level?  That

How's your pad level?  That matters...

Good luck, I'm applying to business schools, and it's cutthroat.  I've been out too long to give you specific pointers about undergrad, but the below certainly holds true for graduate admissions and will likely benefit an undergrad as well (I've tried to edit this for undergrads, forgive me if I'm too out of touch).

Spend the time and effort prepping for the SAT and continue to get strong grades in school.  Get a prep book and spend the time at a minimum.  Your competitors are spending the time.  You can't change what you have or have not done to this point, but you can work hard to mitigate any weaknesses and make yourself stand out.  If you've got some grade issues, think about taking classes this summer at community college.  If you decide to do that, get As.  Ensure you've got solid activities and community service in there as well. 

I think Michigan switches to the Common Application this year.  Go to https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/DownloadForms.aspx and study the application.  The application itself is pretty basic, but you need to have answers to potential majors, academic interests, something called "Decision Plan," your academic record, test scores, and extracurriculars.  There's about ten spaces in extracurriculars, so have something to fill up a large portion of them.

The essays are a great area to make yourself stand out.  Remember, a school like Michigan gets thousands of undergrad applications each year.  Assuming an applicant meets their minimum GPA/test score criteria, someone has to read each essay and grade them.  These are HR people at heart.  They like good stories and would prefer to be engaged by an essay.  Imagine reading 1000 essays about global warming that don't have a personal slant, for example.

With that in mind, the short essay asks you to elaborate on an activity.  What have you done that demonstrates leadership potential or is really interesting?  If you are an average high school football player, writing about liking football isn't too interesting--a lot of people will say that.  If you're a captain of the team and can talk about how much you've grown as a result of that experience, it becomes a much better read.

There are six general essays on this year's common application.  They aren't going to change too much, because there are only so many good essay topics.  Again, think about how you are interesting and look at it from the perspective of an admissions officer when deciding which to pick.  Stay away from politics--far, far away.   You never know what the reader's perspective will be.  If you're very conservative and they're very liberal, they may not look favorably on you, regardless of the quality of your essay.  This is a big deal for me because I'm in the military.  Walking the line discussing my experiences overseas is difficult. 

The first topic this year seems like a great way to stand out.  It basically asks you to describe a particular experience that had a profound impact on your life and why.  This allows you to talk about why you're special and why you should be admitted.  You have an experience in the last year or so that really matters to you that will make you sound awesome--everyone does.  Find that experience and write about it.  Focus only on the positive.  Don't talk about how stupid your teacher, coach, friend, etc is--focus on you and positive teamwork.  Negatives don't work.  You're joining a community, and admissions people want to know you'll fit in and contribute.  Again, don't spend the whole essay talking about the experience, talk about the experience relatively quickly and then get into its effect and why you are special.  The essay has a 250 word minimum, but no maximum.  Don't take that as an invitation to write 25000 words.  Don't write about hobbies that make you seem anti-social.  Playing Warcraft all night, every night is fine, but don't talk about it--again, community.

Finally, have someone smart proofread the essays and your application.  Typos make you seem lazy and/or not intelligent.

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:55 PM
#75
Midtown Wolverine
Midtown Wolverine's picture
Joined: 09/01/2009
MGoPoints: 5689
4.0 the next two years, idk

4.0 the next two years, idk what your GPA is now but it's probably the biggest factor they take into consideration, unless you have exemplary test scores (Talking 32+ composite on ACT).

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October 7th, 2010 at 3:58 PM
#76
iangold
Joined: 08/18/2009
MGoPoints: 62
I honestly think it's the essay...

I was shocked when I got in (got in 2004). I literally had just put the stamp on my application to little brother's house after going 2 months without hearing anything from U of M (my dream school as well). My GPA was median at the time (3.75) and my ACT was median as well (27). Being white and middle class and a devout Christian (which all of my charity work was under such an influence) kind of made me expect the worst.

And looking back at it, there was nothing to make me stand out except I busted my butt on the essay. Revised unnecessary sentences. Made it exciting. Part of it was acknowledging my lack of exposure to diversity ( I am assuming we have similar essay requests) so I think that kind of self-deprecation helped. But Primarily my goal in my essay was not to be boring and use humor. I didn't care if it they ended up laughing at my essay and rejecting it. I knew that making my essay uniform and ordinary would get me rejected as it was. So i had to go on a limb and be risky with my essay and allow my personality to come out. Maybe I am overestimating my essay's value in getting me in, but from what I can tell there were many others i came across who got higher GPA's and slightly higher ACT scores and didn't get in. The only thing i can think is my essay won out.

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October 7th, 2010 at 4:10 PM
#77
nicknick
Joined: 07/10/2008
MGoPoints: 271
1. Apply as early as

1. Apply as early as possible

2. Have a good GPA

3. Have ok to great test scores

4. Don't mess up anything else in the application: essays, recommendations, etc.

It's pretty formulaic and straightforward. Your best plan of action is to work as hard as possible on your grades before it's time to apply.

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October 7th, 2010 at 4:38 PM
#78
andre10
Joined: 10/03/2009
MGoPoints: 600
well..

I got in this past year with a 3.6 unweighted (4.2 w) and a 31 on my act. Extra factors that helped me out was attending a fairly prestigous private school (40 kids accepted to U of M out of a class of 160), taking the hardest possible courseload I could (including the IB diploma program) and possibly my position as track captain.

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October 7th, 2010 at 4:47 PM
#79
bronxblue
Joined: 11/22/2008
MGoPoints: 59086
In addition to everything

In addition to everything said here, it also wouldn't hurt if you could play DB.

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October 7th, 2010 at 4:51 PM
#80
tdcarl
tdcarl's picture
Joined: 04/11/2009
MGoPoints: 2922
Well

I'm a freshman in CoE at the moment. I applied around September last year, and got accepted the week before the PSU game, so getting in your application early most certainly does help. My metrics (at the time of application, senioritis got me on the gpa my senior year) 4.0 GPA, 32 ACT, NHS Treasurer, 4 years in marching band, failed attempts at athletics, 2 AP's junior year and 3 senior year.

But yeah, strive for the most rigourous coursework you can handle while still maintaining a high gpa, rock the ACT, and apply as early as possible would be my suggestions.

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October 7th, 2010 at 5:06 PM
#81
KMJ
Joined: 07/22/2010
MGoPoints: 201
getting into UM

I got into UM with a 4.0 GPA (unweighted) and a 33 ACT.  If I had to do it again I would have taken an ACT prep course, because taking those exams (ACT and SAT) with no preparation was foolish in hindsight.  The high school extracurriculars were fun, but I doubt they made much of a difference.

Going to Michigan was the best decision I ever made because it rounded me out as a person and was the starting point for several relationships that have shaped my life in a positive manner.

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October 7th, 2010 at 5:20 PM
#82
jrt336
Joined: 01/16/2009
MGoPoints: 4498
If you have a 3.8+ and a 30+

If you have a 3.8+ and a 30+ ACT, you'll be fine.

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October 7th, 2010 at 5:27 PM
#83
STW P. Brabbs
Joined: 08/27/2008
MGoPoints: 3372
This thread

Is an excellent excuse for alumni and current students to post their academic bona fides while pretending they're not bragging.  You have done a great service for the egos of the MGoCommunity, OP.  This can only be good karma for the admissions process.

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October 7th, 2010 at 6:12 PM
#84
Seth
Seth's picture
Joined: 10/14/2008
MGoPoints: 94342
Good luck

I think I applied right around this time as well. Over Winter Break (in Feb) I called the acceptance hotline thingy and got:

Woman's voice: "You have applied for ...[pause]...LSA"

....[pause, I take deepest breath of my life]....

Woman's voice: "You have been accepted to ...[pause]...LSA"

I then proceeded to run into my parents' room and do the whole push-button thing all over again with the thing on speakerphone...

Woman's voice: "You have applied for ...[pause]...LSA"

Dad: "Is that it?"

Mom: "Shhhhh - I ca...."

Woman's voice: "You have been accepted to ...[pause]...L..."

At this point my dad and brother (now a Sparty who hates when I remind him he spent 2/3rds of his life a huge Michigan fan) are jumping on the bed and singing "HAIL TO THE VICTORS" while my mother waves her hand at us going "Quiet, I can't hear what it's saying!"

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October 7th, 2010 at 7:34 PM
#85
MGoSuck
MGoSuck's picture
Joined: 07/04/2010
MGoPoints: 308
I hope you see this. In my

I hope you see this. In my case, my grades weren't great (~3.6 GPA, shitty grades early on, better later), and I basically had no extracurriculars (some sports), but I did a couple things that I think really helped.

First, I took a class at a nearby community college - it wasn't hard at all, but it showed the U I was serious about my education. I also took two APs, I think, and did well in them, so I'm sure that helped.

Second, I had killer ACT scores. I'm not going to say what to be pretentious, but as far as tests go, they don't mean everything, but it seems like they're the edge-case factor. Meh everything else but killer test scores and you've got a good shot; vice-versa, probably a good shot. I'd say anything from a 26-30 is nothing the U would blink at, but once you get above that, the test scores start getting impressive.

I got deferred but got accepted like 3 weeks (just after the new year) after getting my deferral notice. I'm pretty sure this is because they received my new test scores after choosing to defer me, seeing as no one else that got deferred really got in until the spring.

My best advice is to take the ACT a ton of times (or take a ton of practice tests). I took like 10 practice tests (and not just did them, I took them in a test setting, with all the constraints of the real test), and by the 10th time, you kind of just figure the test out. There's the same type of problems in each sections, so there's a strong pattern to the test.

Hope this was helpful. Good luck.

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October 8th, 2010 at 2:56 AM
#86
wordtoyourmother
wordtoyourmother's picture
Joined: 08/02/2010
MGoPoints: 675
Advice for Transferring?

I didn't get into to Uofm out of high school, and I'm looking at transferring. I'm a freshmen at central, with 18 credits my first semester (five classes plus 3 ap from high school). Any advice on applying to uofm? maybe if they prefer you taking certain classes? I checked the uofm website and all but one of my classes transfer. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

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October 8th, 2010 at 9:24 AM
(Reply to #82) #87
MGoBender
Joined: 03/26/2010
MGoPoints: 14933
DO IT!  DO IT!  DO IT! I

DO IT!  DO IT!  DO IT!

I did and it was the best decision of my life.  You still miss out on that crucial freshmen year where you make a ton of friends, but you still live in the dorms your first year after transferring so you have that opportunity to make great friends.  And you're a year closer to buying beer than everyone else, so that's a win.

I transferred with probably a 3.7 at UM-Flint after taking a year of classes.  Take basic classes - your lower level math, physics/chem, english classes.  I cannot stress how awesome it was to come to Ann Arbor and have my English requirements done!  If you're in/applying to LSA take your foreign language at CMU.  Credit may or may not transfer (I didn't do this, so don't konw), but you get tested on your foreign language at Transfer Orientation.  If you know your shit, you could pass out of your language completely.  (I passed out of one class, then struggled with the advanced stuff... hated foreign language).

If you get above a 3.5 at CMU and do something to show your well-roundedness, I think you get in.  I had a job that I worked 20-30 hrs/week while at UMF as well as coaching high school soccer.  I think I wrote a great essay.  Applied in February or March (so, late I think) and was able to get in.  If I were you I would apply as soon as your first semester grades are posted.

Seriously, do it.  Unless you're completely in love with Mount Pleasant, there's no reason not to.  If you have any more specific questions, let me know.  Like I said, it was the best decision in my life so I like to help people out who may be facing a similar decision.

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October 10th, 2010 at 3:22 PM
(Reply to #86) #88
wordtoyourmother
wordtoyourmother's picture
Joined: 08/02/2010
MGoPoints: 675
Thanks for the info.  I dont

Thanks for the info.  I dont think I have any specific questions right now, but Ill find this thread again if I do.  Thanks a lot!

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October 10th, 2010 at 4:27 PM
#89
Happyshooter
Joined: 04/11/2009
MGoPoints: 346
I am going to be the person

I am going to be the person giving you the other set of advice. Try getting in. You may not make it. Then take classes somewhere that you know transfer to U of M, a lot of community colleges have agreements with Michigan on courses that are accepted.

I assume you are male. Apply to the school of nursing as a transfer student. They run like 6% male so they accept about any male transfer applicant who has As in community college algebra and chemistry.

Do a semester in the school of nursing taking more basic courses, then internal transfer to LS&A or engineering.

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