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Those who follow the news know that Michigan has been in the headlines
due to a lawsuit filed by students who felt that they were discriminated
against in the admissions process because they were white. Michigan has
long been regarded as a liberal haven, which means that affirmative
action has long been regarded as a critical to the diversity and thereby
academic atmosphere of the university. Michigan does not deny that it
favors underrepresented minorities (African-American or Hispanic/Latino)
in the admissions process, nor does it hide the fact that it favors in-
state students over out-of-state students.
I was an out-of-state applicant to this "public ivy," so I knew to apply
very early in the admissions process. Due to its excellent academic
reputation and consistenly high rankings in U.S. News, The Gourman
Report, and a host of other university survey reports, Michigan always
receives a plethora of qualified out-of-state applicants, who typically
comprise 30% of the freshman class. Michigan uses a formula that takes
criteria such as SAT or ACT scores, high school GPA, extracurricular
activities, the application essay (not sure if this is required or
optional these days), and other factors such as race and alumni status
into account.
Luckily, I knew to apply early and was admitted. A high school friend,
whose class rank (in the top 3% at a competitive high school) and
courseload (AP/Honors) was similar to mine was wait-listed, then
eventually admitted. That just goes to show how critical it is to apply
early if you are from out-of-state.
Out-of-state students compete with many students who have applied to the
Ivy League and other elite private universities as their first or second
choice, with Michigan as their backup plan. Therefore, they not only
compete for fewer spots, they also compete against a more qualified
applicant pool. This is not to say that in-state students admitted to
Michigan are not qualified -- they certainly are -- but there are many
more seats in the freshman class reserved for them, which makes gaining
admission less difficult.
I also want to point out that Michigan carries a hefty price tag for out-
of-state students -- comparable to that of the elite private
universities -- but seldom meets 100% (or anything close to that) of the
demonstrated financial need for even the most needy of these students,
since most of the grant money is reserved for Michiganders. That made
Michigan a very expensive option for me, but I wanted to attend, so I
accepted every loan as well as the federal work-study that was offered
in my financial aid package. Also, it is nearly impossible to change
residency status from "out of state" to "in state," unless you are able
to document that, beyond a shadow of a doubt, you will not be
voluntarily leaving the state for years and years following graduation.
Advice on getting in: I would say that high SAT or ACT scores, class
rank, and rigorous courses (AP/Honors) are most heavily weighted in the
admissions decision. Michigan uses its own formula to re-calculate your
high school GPA to put everyone is on a level playing field. In my
opinion, the essay and extracurricular activities only factor in when a
candidate is borderline. During the lawsuit, it was discovered that
Michigan also adds points for being a member of an underrepresented
minority, but this is nothing that you would have control over, so focus
on the items that you do have control over.
Interview: Not required.
Essays: Not sure if this is optional or required these days. Even if it
is optional, you should submit one.
Selectivity: I would estimate that the probability of getting in from
in-state is roughly 1 in 2, and roughly 1 in 3 for out-of-state.
Michigan is known as a top-notch school, so keep in mind that most
students who apply have solid credentials (most are in the top 10% of
high school classs). You should look at a college guide to see where
your SAT or ACT score is in comparison with last year's freshman class.
U.S. News ranks Michigan among the 25 most "competitive" universities in
the country, which says a lot. If you are below the mean, you might want
to take it again, since Michigan only counts your highest score.
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