[UPDATED 2025] University of Michigan (UMich) Acceptance Rate & Admission Guide
See UMich's current and historical acceptance rates, early vs regular admissions data, acceptance by major, and expert tips to boost your chances.
Acceptance Rate Trend
University of Michigan Acceptance Rate (Latest)
For the Class of 2028 (Fall 2024 entry), UMich received a record number of applications and admitted a highly accomplished cohort.
17%
Overall Acceptance Rate (~)
98,310
Total Applicants
44%
Yield Rate (# of enrolled students / # of admitted students × 100)
7,200
Number of Students Enrolled (~)
Academic Profile of Admitted Students
3.8 – 4.0
GPA Range (Middle 50% - unweighted)
1400 – 1540
SAT Range (Middle 50%)
31 – 34
ACT Range (Middle 50%)
80%+
Top 10% of High School Class
ℹ️ UMich is test-optional through 2026, but submitting strong test scores can enhance your application.
Successful Applicant Profiles (Examples)
2024 • LSA (Literature, Science, and the Arts)
GPA: 3.95 | SAT: 1510 | ACT: 34
Top 10% • Out-of-State • Asian American, Female
AP Courses: 10
Extracurriculars:
- Science Olympiad (team captain)
- Student Government (vice president)
- Varsity Tennis
- Community Service (100+ hours at local hospital)
Essay Theme: Curiosity-driven research and community impact
2024 • Ross School of Business (BBA)
GPA: 3.93 | SAT: 1500 | ACT: -
Top 5% • In-State • White, Male
AP Courses: 8
Extracurriculars:
- DECA (state finalist)
- School Newspaper (editor-in-chief)
- Internship at local startup
- Volunteered with Junior Achievement
Essay Theme: Entrepreneurship and leadership in business
2024 • College of Engineering
GPA: 4 | SAT: 1540 | ACT: 35
Top 2% • Out-of-State • Hispanic, Female
AP Courses: 12
Extracurriculars:
- FIRST Robotics (lead programmer)
- Math Club (president)
- Research internship at university lab
- Peer tutoring in calculus and physics
Essay Theme: Passion for robotics and collaborative problem-solving
2024 • LSA (Economics)
GPA: 3.85 | SAT: 1460 | ACT: -
Top 15% • In-State • Black, Male
AP Courses: 7
Extracurriculars:
- Model UN
- Economics Club
- Local government internship
- Part-time job at retail store
Essay Theme: Interest in public policy and economic equity
Admissions Criteria
| Very Important | Important | Considered | Not Considered |
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Early Action vs Regular Decision
UMich offers a non-binding Early Action (EA) program, allowing applicants to receive an earlier admissions decision. While official acceptance rates for EA vs. Regular Decision are not published, anecdotal evidence suggests a modest advantage for Early Action applicants. However, the university maintains that there is no formal preference, and both rounds are highly competitive.
| Application Type | Acceptance Rate | Avg GPA | Avg SAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Action | Not published (estimated ~20%) | 3.9 | 1500 |
| Regular Decision | Not published (estimated ~15%) | 3.8 | 1450 |
Tip: UMich does not offer Early Decision, only non-binding Early Action.
Acceptance Rate by School or Major
Admission selectivity varies by school and major. The Ross School of Business and College of Engineering are notably more competitive, with Ross BBA in particular having a significantly lower acceptance rate than the university average.
| College/Major | Acceptance Rate | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ross School of Business | 12% | Requires separate application and portfolio |
| College of Engineering | 20% | Strong math and science coursework expected |
| College of LSA | 25% | Largest and most academically flexible college |
Acceptance Rate by Residency Status
UMich gives preference to Michigan residents, but a significant proportion of the class is comprised of out-of-state and international students. Out-of-state applicants face greater competition for fewer spots.
| Residency | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| In-State | 39% |
| Out-of-State (U.S.) | 18% |
| International | 13% (estimate) |
Tip: Out-of-state students face more competition and pay higher tuition.
How Does UMich Compare?
UMich's selectivity and academic profile are comparable to other elite public and private universities. Its acceptance rate is similar to other top flagship public institutions and more selective than most.
| School | Acceptance Rate | Avg SAT | Avg GPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| UC Berkeley | 11% | 1415 | 3.9 |
| UVA | 16% | 1430 | 4.3 |
| UNC Chapel Hill | 17% | 1410 | 4.4 |
| Cornell | 7% | 1535 | 4.1 |
How to Boost Your Chances of Getting In
- Show how you solved real problems through leadership. For example, reducing lunch waste at school by collecting and analyzing data, or launching an online club system during the pandemic. Leadership should result in measurable change, not just a title.
- Ask teachers who can write about how you think beyond the classroom. For example, if you once connected Dante's Divine Comedy to AI ethics during class, that shows true intellectual curiosity—make sure your recommender knows and includes it.
- Even though UMich says it doesn’t consider demonstrated interest, showing deep knowledge of their programs in your essay (like Engineering Honors or MDP) makes you stand out. Mention specific classes, professors, or labs that excite you.
- For Ross applicants, focus your resume on leadership outcomes: what did you lead, what changed, and how? In essays, go beyond your business passion: show how you’ve developed others, overcome conflict, or made strategic decisions.
- Rather than listing lots of extracurriculars, focus on 1–2 with real impact. Did you build a mentoring system in your debate club? Lead a fundraiser that grew 3× year-over-year? Highlight measurable results, not just participation.
- Avoid generic ‘Why UMich’ essays. Instead of saying ‘amazing campus’ or ‘top-ranked,’ connect your values, past experiences, and goals with what Michigan uniquely offers, like research culture, interdisciplinary freedom, or social impact projects.
UMich Admissions FAQs
Q. Is UMich harder to get into for out-of-state students?
A. Yes. The acceptance rate for out-of-state applicants is significantly lower than for Michigan residents. For the Class of 2028, the in-state acceptance rate was approximately 39% compared to 18% for out-of-state applicants.
Q. What GPA do I need to get into UMich?
A. A competitive unweighted GPA is between 3.8 and 4.0. Most admitted students are in the top 10% of their high school class.
Q. Does UMich accept superscore SAT/ACT?
A. Yes, UMich considers your highest section scores across all SAT and ACT test dates (superscoring).
Q. Is it worth applying without test scores?
A. Yes. UMich is test-optional through 2026. Applicants without test scores are given full consideration, but submitting strong scores can be an advantage if available.
Q. Can I get into UMich with a 3.7 GPA?
A. While a 3.7 GPA is below the median for admitted students, admission is possible with exceptional extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations.
Q. What does it mean to be waitlisted or postponed at UMich?
A. Applicants who are waitlisted have not been offered admission but may be considered if spots open after the May 1 deadline. Postponed means your application moves to the Regular Decision pool for further review. Additional materials can be submitted for reconsideration.
Q. What is the difference between Early Action and Regular Decision at UMich?
A. Early Action is non-binding with an earlier deadline and decision date. Both Early Action and Regular Decision are equally competitive and reviewed by the same standards.
Q. How does the holistic review process work? What factors are considered?
A. UMich evaluates the whole application including GPA, course rigor, test scores, essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and character. No single factor determines admission.
Q. Can I double major or switch colleges after enrolling?
A. Yes, UMich allows double majors, switching colleges, and cross-campus transfers after enrollment, with some programs requiring separate applications.
Q. What are the new application changes for 2025?
A. Starting 2025, some programs like Ross Business and College of Pharmacy allow direct freshman admission, previously only upperclassmen could apply.
Q. How does UMich support first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students?
A. UMich has increased support through scholarships, mentoring, and community programs for first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students.
Q. How and when will I receive my admissions decision?
A. Early Action applicants receive decisions by late January, Regular Decision by early April. Admitted students must respond by May 1.
Q. Does UMich offer interviews as part of the admissions process?
A. UMich does not conduct interviews. Essays are the primary way to convey your voice and personality.