It is common for parents and students to have a lot of questions on the college admissions process. The Alumni Association has compiled frequently asked questions and their answers from Web FAQs and U-M alumni inquiries at Demystifying College Admission (DCA) workshops.
Information provided on the University of Michigan is from the U-M Offices of Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Aid. Information provided about the range of responses regarding other universities are taken from Web sites and published information from those universities, and US News & World Report 2006.
How many apply and how many are accepted?
What GPA do I need?
What standardized tests do I need to take and what scores do I need?
How are honors and AP courses accounted for in the admissions process?
How much does class rank count?
How much does the essay count?
How much does parents’ alumni status count?
How much do recommendations count?
How much does the admissions office know about my high school?
How much do extracurricular activities count? Should I be a little involved in lots of activities or very involved in a few activities?
Are some extracurricular activities rated higher than others?
Is it better to apply early in the admissions process? Does it hurt my chances if I apply to lots of schools?
Are there other factors that are considered in the admissions process?
What if there’s one bad semester (or year) on my transcript? Will that put me out of the running?
What if I get a case of “senioritis” once I get accepted?
What is the cost of public out-of-state tuition and fees?
What are the public in-state tuition and fees?
What are the private university tuition and fees?
What is the cost of room and board?
What percentage of students receive merit-based financial aid?
How do I find out about merit-based scholarships?
What can I do to prepare applications for a merit-based scholarship? What should I convey?
What percentage of students receive need-based financial aid?
How do I find out about need-based aid?
How soon should I be concerned with financial aid and scholarships?
How many apply and how many are accepted?
The Michigan Response: The University of Michigan accepts about 48 percent of all applicants. Nearly 24,000 students applied for undergraduate admission for fall of 2005.
Top 50 US Colleges, Range of Responses: The acceptance rate of universities is based on the number of applications received and the number of applicants that are admitted. The percentage of applicants a university reports accepted is relevant to the number of applications per number of open spaces. Hence, a university with an acceptance rate of 40 percent may not be any more difficult to get into than one with an acceptance rate of 60 percent. The range is broad and extends from 14 percent (MIT) to 32.3 percent (Northwestern) to 85 percent (Michigan State). On a scale of 1 to 100 (with 1 being most selective) and as determined by US News, Princeton, Harvard, Yale, California Institute of Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford are the most selective. Wake Forest University, Boston College and the University of Michigan scored 32, 33 and 34 respectively.
Other Resources to Check:
University of Michigan
Columbia University – Admissions
Northwestern University – Undergraduate Admissions
University of California – Introducing the University – Freshman Profile
Massachusetts Institute of Technology – Admissions
US News
What GPA do I need?
The Michigan Response: The middle 50th percentile range for the freshmen class of 2002 has a GPA of 3.6-3.9 with 26-30 ACT and 1210-1380 SAT I test scores.
Top 50 US Colleges, Range of Responses: Most universities publish a profile of their freshman class that includes the range of GPAs. Some offer an average, some publish the average of the middle 50 percent of the class. Of the top 50 US colleges as ranked by US News that included information on the average GPA of incoming freshmen, the highest GPAs are found at the University of California – Los Angeles and the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. The lowest GPAs are found at Vanderbilt University, Brandeis University and Yeshiva University. Most universities use the GPA as part of a larger equation. For instance, UCLA provides a list of the combined GPA and SAT/ACT scores (see below).
Other Resources to Check:
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
University of California – Freshman Profile
Columbia University – Admissions
Northwestern University – Undergraduate Admission
What standardized tests do I need to take and what scores do I need?
The Michigan Response: Applicants must submit SAT I and/or ACT test scores. Students can take either test, SAT I or ACT, multiple times. The U-M will use the best total score from one test date. Non-native speakers of English and international applicants must submit additional materials (TOEFL or MELAB).
Top 50 US Colleges, Range of Responses: Each university has its own unique way of applying standardized test scores to the admissions process. Applicants should make themselves aware of how the universities they intend to apply to use the scores.
For illustration purposes, the following is a tale of two Universities, as told by their Web sites:
Princeton does not add the SAT I math and verbal scores but rather treats each score separately. If an applicant takes the tests more than once, Princeton records the highest verbal score achieved and the highest math score achieved. For any tests taken more than once, including SAT II subject tests, Princeton records the highest score achieved in each test. Of those applicants offered admission to the freshman class that just entered, 25 percent scored below 680 on the SAT I verbal, 50 percent scored between 680 and 770, and 25 percent scored 770 or higher. On the math SAT I, 25 percent scored below 700, 50 percent between 700 and 790, and 25 percent scored 790 or higher.
Cornell does not use any single formula for its admission decisions. First and foremost, Cornell looks at the applicant’s high school record, the rigor of the coursework, grades and rank-in-class (applicants need not worry if their school doesn’t rank — Cornell knows that it is quite common). The personal application (essays, extracurriculars, etc.) is also a very important piece of Cornell’s selection process. Standardized testing plays a role but probably not as much as many applicants think. From there, Cornell relies on a lot of tools that can’t be quantified: recommendations, for example, and interviews (required only for hotel school and architecture applicants). All of these pieces help inform Cornell’s decisions, so they can’t point to any master chart of GPA and test scores and automatically decide what the decision will be. According to Cornell, “Frankly, we like it that way, because it forces us to learn as much as we can about each of our applicants.”
Other Resources to Check:
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor – Admissions – FAQs
Princeton University – FAQs About Applying for Admission to Princeton
Cornell University – Admissions – FAQs
How are honors and AP courses accounted for in the admissions process?
The Michigan Response: Honors and AP courses get added weight in the admission selection process. The AP program and the International Baccalaureate, because of their nationally recognized standards, are worth distinct weight in admissions.
However, the admissions office also looks for overall course strength and the number of academics over the four-year high school career. If you have only 16 academics (four per year), it’s not as impressive as someone with 19 or 20 over his or her high school career.
Top 50 US Colleges, Range of Responses: Successfully completing honors and AP courses is always an advantage. More selective colleges expect some AP coursework when it is available. Be sure to ask the admissions counselors at the institutions in which you are most interested.
Other Resources to Check:
The College Board – Advanced Placement Program
How much does class rank count?
The Michigan Response: Many high schools no longer use class rank for their students. The lack of a class rank does not impede or hinder your chances. The admissions office does try to determine from your record if you’re in the top two or three percent of your school’s class.
Top 50 US Colleges, Range of Responses: The Michigan response is increasingly common among major colleges. However, the number of students with a high class rank is still a statistic reported by many colleges.
Other Resources to Check:
You can often find on a college’s Web site the class rank statistics of the college’s incoming freshman class.
How much does the essay count?
The Michigan Response: The U-M’s essay is open-ended, giving you the option to write about many different things. The admissions office is looking for essays with context, logic, and proper spelling and grammar. A truly stellar essay will get extra points in the admissions process.
Top 50 US Colleges, Range of Responses: Interesting ideas, clarity of expression, good organization, proper spelling and grammar are always critical to the way an essay will be judged. Admissions professionals realize that many students will get help writing their essays–whether it’s from a teacher, friend, older brother or sister, or parents. Essays that seem too polished or “canned” might cause concern. Generally, private schools emphasize the essays, asking students to write about very specific topics.
Other Resources to Check:
On Writing the College Application Essay: The Key to Acceptance at the College of Your Choice, by Harry Bauld and How to Write a Winning College Application Essay, Revised 4th Edition, by Michael James Mason
How much does parents’ alumni status count?
The Michigan Response: You get a modest boost if your parents are alumni. Parents get the most weight, but grandparents and siblings also count.
Top 50 US Colleges, Range of Responses: The policy of “it helps a little, but can’t overcome a mediocre academic record” is standard at most top U.S. colleges.
Other Resources to Check:
Do not hesitate to ask the admissions counselor the degree to which alumni status affects acceptance.
How much do recommendations count?
The Michigan Response: The University of Michigan requires one high school counselor recommendation and one teacher recommendation for all freshman applicants. You may submit more letters if there are additional people who know your academic skills very well, but there is no guarantee that these extra letters of recommendation will be considered in the evaluation for admission.
Top 50 US Colleges, Range of Responses: There is a vast variation among colleges in regard to this issue. Be sure to check with the college admissions counselor.
Other Resources to Check:
Admission counselors at your intended colleges are the best source.
How much does the admissions office know about my high school?
The Michigan Response: The U-M admissions office has a large staff that divides the country into territories that staff members are responsible for. The admissions professionals get to know their schools well, particularly those schools that regularly send a large volume of applications to U-M. They know the counselors, the academic programs and the quality of the students.
To further their understanding of a high school, U-M admissions professionals will rely on high school profiles and high school counselor input. If there are questions about the high school, U-M will contact the high school counselors.
Top 50 US Colleges, Range of Responses: The connection between a particular high school and a particular college is a function of geography, reputation, admissions staff resources and even tradition. Don’t assume that your high school is known unless the college you want to attend regularly recruits there. However, don’t be surprised if the college is more familiar with your high school than you expect.
Other Resources to Check:
Admission counselors at your intended colleges are the best source.
How much do extracurricular activities count? Should I be a little involved in lots of activities or very active in a few activities?
The Michigan Response: Extracurricular activities are very important and reveal a lot to admissions professionals. They are looking for activities that you’ve been involved with on more than just a superficial level. Focus and duration are the key words when it comes to extracurriculars.
Being involved in a few clubs continually and taking leadership roles or reaching certain levels of accomplishment are much more impressive than being a member in 10 clubs or groups.
Activities that cluster around a specific interest also are a plus. For example, a student in the drama club, who works with a community group that does outreach theater programs for kids and is involved every year with the class play demonstrates a definite interest and dedication.
Students who can’t take part in extracurricular activities because of family financial situations aren’t out of the running. Some students are working close to full-time schedules as high school students, and those situations are taken into consideration. Work experience is valued.
Top 50 US Colleges, Range of Responses: The following are illustrations of how extracurricular activities are evaluated at other elite schools.
Princeton University’s Web site states that it looks to see what sort of out-of-class activities an applicant has committed a significant amount of time to (on an individual or group basis, including part-time jobs). Princeton is more interested in substance rather than titles or the number of activities. While they do keep an eye out for special skills or talents, they are mostly looking for students with a high energy level, those with both the capacity and inclination to handle the academic workload at Princeton and at the same time to contribute to life of the campus community, often in areas or activities that are completely new to them.
Stanford University’s Web site says, “The primary criterion for admission to Stanford is academic excellence. The second most important criterion is involvement outside the classroom, where Stanford seeks evidence of sustained commitment and leadership in school and community activities or an indication of exceptional talent and achievement in the arts or athletics.”
Northwestern seeks information beyond transcripts and test scores to help make difficult admission decisions. They take into account your involvement outside of class, as profiled in an activity chart, and read your essays to get a better sense of your interests, thought processes, and writing ability. Recommendations from secondary school teachers and counselors add perspective to your achievements.
Brown University’s Web site states, “Extracurricular accomplishments are taken into account to some extent in the evaluation process. They are one facet that can complement and strengthen an already impressive academic portfolio, as can artistic, musical or athletic ability. The bottom line is one must be an excellent student with a strong transcript. Other abilities are important, but secondary.”
The Caltech Admissions Committee looks at a student’s academic record, recommendations, SAT test results, essays and extracurricular activities (especially in science and math). The committee also considers the degree to which the student challenges himself/herself, and does the student have a passion for science and math?
Other Resources to Check:
Princeton University – FAQs about Applying for Admission to Princeton
Stanford University – Facts – The Stanford Undergraduate Program
Northwestern – Applying as a freshman: frequently asked questions
Brown University Office of Undergraduate Admission – FAQ
Caltech – Admissions FAQ
Are some extracurricular activities rated higher than others?
The Michigan Response: Specific activities don’t count more than others. In other words, the marching band doesn’t get more weight than the soccer team. However, activities that lead to recognition and awards might get special consideration, particularly those that lead to recognition on the state and national level. Being a state champ in debate or becoming an Eagle Scout, for example, represent a special level of achievement and are considerable accomplishments.
Top 50 US Colleges, Range of Responses: The Michigan response is a good general standard. If you suspect your intended college prefers specialization, be sure to inquire.
Other Resources to Check:
Admission counselors at your intended colleges are the best source.
Is it better to apply early in the admissions process? Does it hurt my chances if I’m applying to lots of schools?
The Michigan Response: The U-M operates a modified rolling admissions process. Applications are accepted from early September through February 1, and decisions are made throughout the period. The criteria for acceptance does not change so you’re not less likely to get accepted in January than you are in October.
That said, however, applying early does have its advantages. If your application is missing a component or the admissions office has a question about something, applying early gives them the chance to contact you.
Regardless of when you’re admitted to U-M, you have until the equal consideration deadline of May 1, to accept your offer. That gives you time to consider your other options and your financial aid package, if applicable.
Top 50 US Colleges, Range of Responses: In general, public schools, including U-M, do not ask applicants what other or how many schools you’re applying to. Many of the private schools do ask how many other schools you’re applying to and in some cases if a school thinks you’re not seriously interested in attending, it can hurt your chances. Many private schools require a deposit within 30 days of acceptance.
Other Resources to Check:
Application deadlines are usually available on college Web sites.
Are there other factors that are considered in the admissions process?
The Michigan Response: Certain schools and colleges within U-M have specific criteria. For example, the School of Music requires an audition, the School of Art and Design requires a portfolio and the College of Engineering requires higher-level math classes. Also, diversity is valued at U-M. Under-represented groups–in terms of race, ethnicity and geography–are considered.
Top 50 US Colleges, Range of Responses: Varies according to the priorities of the college.
Other Resources to Check:
Admissions counselors at your intended colleges are the best source.
What if there’s one bad semester (or year) on my transcript? Will that put me out of the running?
The Michigan Response: The admissions office likes to see steady improvement in academics or maintenance of good grades. However, if there is a blip during the four years, there can be a logical explanation (the death of a family member, severe illness, etc.). If the explanation is not sound, then the decline will have a negative impact on the review.
Top 50 US Colleges, Range of Responses: The extent to which this situation is problematic at your selected colleges is based on their perspective. Be sure to contact admissions counselors as soon as possible if such a situation arises.
Other Resources to Check:
Admissions counselors at your intended colleges are the best source.
What if I get a case of “senioritis” once I get accepted?
The Michigan Response: A case of senioritis can have serious repercussions. The admissions office receives seniors’ transcripts although they don’t come in until June or July. If there is a serious, decisive and obvious slump, the office can and will revoke its offer of admission. About 15-20 offers of admission are revoked each year, which is not uncommon with selective schools.
In addition, students who experience less severe slumps receive letters that indicate the admissions office is disappointed in their senior year performance. Those letters–about 100 go out each year–are forwarded to the students’ academic advisors at U-M. So steer clear of senioritis!
Top 50 US Colleges, Range of Responses: Expect that your academic performance will continue to matter to your college beyond the offer of acceptance.
What is the cost of public out-of-state tuition and fees?
The Michigan Response: The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor campus has varying tuition costs depending on to which college you apply, but as an example, the approximate 2003-04 tuition and fees for out-of-state students is $24,590.
Top 50 US Colleges, Range of Responses: The public out-of-state tuition and fees for other top US colleges range from $17,409 for the University of Virginia to $10,025 for the University of Washington.
Other Resources to Check:
US News
What are the public in-state tuition and fees?
The Michigan Response: The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor campus has varying tuition costs depending on to which college you apply, but as an example, the approximate 2003-04 tuition and fees for in-state students is $7,788.
Top 50 US Colleges, Range of Responses: The public in-state tuition and fees for other top US colleges range from $7,068 for Pennsylvania State University-University Park to $2,768 for the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
Other Resources to Check:
US News
What are the private university tuition and fees?
The Michigan Response: Does not apply to the University of Michigan.
Top 50 US Colleges, Range of Responses: The private tuition and fees for top US colleges range from $29,846 for Brown University to $19,670 for Rice University.
Other Resources to Check:
US News
What is the cost of room and board?
The Michigan Response: University of Michigan-Ann Arbor $6,704
Top 50 US Colleges, Range of Responses: The cost of room and board for the top 50 US colleges ranges from $9,378 for Boston College to $4,767 for the University of Virginia.
Other Resources to Check:
US News
What percentage of students receive merit-based financial aid?
The Michigan Response: The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor gave 21 percent of merit-based grant applicants funding.
Top 50 US Colleges, Range of Responses: Universities vary widely in degree of merit-based financial aid. In the latest report by US News, Wake Forest University was on the high end of honoring merit-based financial aid applications, awarding 32 percent of the applicants with some aid package. At the low end, Princeton does not offer any honorary, merit or athletic scholarships. All of Princeton’s financial aid is based on demonstrated financial need. Cornell offers no athletic scholarships. All Cornell scholarships that reward grades, leadership ability or other special academic talents are need based.
Other Resources to Check:
US News
Cornell University
How do I find out about merit-based scholarships?
The Michigan Response: Your high school guidance counselor should be your first stop. He or she can tell you about local scholarships. Many community groups, such as local Kiwanis clubs, churches and booster clubs, offer scholarships to area students. You should also consider organizations and associations that you or your family members belong to. Many companies offer scholarships to children of their employees. You also should research scholarship databases. Beware of databases that charge you a fee to tell you what scholarships you’re eligible for. This information is available for free with a little legwork, so search the Web and get to the library.
Also, many individual schools and colleges at U-M and other schools have money to award. Engineering, for example, might have scholarships to give, but the information isn’t posted widely. The key to obtaining this kind of money is to do a little hunting once you get to campus. Spending a little time figuring out the system at your school can make a big difference in the long run.
Top 50 US Colleges, Range of Responses: See information under “The Michigan Response.”
Other Resources to Check:
University of Michigan Office of Financial Aid “FinAid: The Smart Student Guide to Financial Aid”:http://www.finaid.org
What can I do to prepare applications for a merit-based scholarship? What should I convey?
The Michigan Response: This varies somewhat by school. The first thing is to get good grades throughout high school, have good test scores and a strong grade point average. At some less competitive schools, that alone will qualify you for a merit-based scholarship.
At selective public schools, you probably won’t get a lot of merit-based aid, although it varies by school. That’s because all the students attending those schools are excellent students. The people awarding merit-based scholarships do like to see “interesting” students–those that take challenging classes and not the easiest route. It shows that you have an inquisitive mind. Extracurricular activities that illustrate leadership or community service can lead to merit-based scholarships because they prove that you’re more than just a bookworm, that you’re a well-rounded individual.
Top 50 US Colleges, Range of Responses: See information under “The Michigan Response.”
What percentage of students receive need-based financial aid?
The Michigan Response: The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor gave 25 percent of need-based grant applicants funding and gave 36 percent of need-based self-help grant applicants funding. Self-help grants include work-study awards.
Top 50 US Colleges, Range of Responses: Need-based grants: It is important to check each university’s financial aid policy, as each is unique. According to the US News report on the top 50 US colleges, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute gave the highest percentage (72 percent) of need-based grant applicants funding, followed by the University of Rochester (64 percent), and Case Western Reserve University (59 percent). On the low-end, the University of Virginia gave 19 percent of need-based grant applicants funding; the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and the University of Washington each gave 24 percent of need-based grant applicants funding.
Need-based self-help (such as work-study funds) aid: According to the US News report on the top 50 US colleges, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute gave the highest percentage (61 percent) of need-based self-help aid applicants funding, followed by the University of Rochester (55 percent), and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (53 percent). On the low-end, the University of Virginia gave 18 percent of need-based self-help aid applicants funding, and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill gave 16 percent of need-based self-help aid applicants funding.
Other Resources to Check:
US News
Yale University – Financial Aid
University of Pennsylvania – Financial Aid
Columbia University – Financial Aid
Cornell University – Financial Aid
How do I find out about need-based aid?
The Michigan Response: In order to qualify for any federal programs, you must fill out a FAFSA (free application for federal student aid) form. It’s available from your school or on the Department of Education’s Web site at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The Web site also explains in detail how the federal programs work.
The University of Michigan attaches a high priority to need-based financial aid to fulfill its commitment to meeting the demonstrated financial need of Michigan resident undergraduates. Need-based grants are the cornerstone of the U-M aid programs to ensure that an economically diverse student population from the state of Michigan can enroll at the University. More than $28 million in the form of need-based grants were awarded during the 1997-98 academic year.
There are many different financial aid programs available to students at the U-M. Applicants for admission and financial aid will be considered for all existing programs. An overview of the programs may be viewed at Major Financial Aid Programs Chart.
Top 50 US Colleges, Range of Responses: See information under “The Michigan Response.”
Other Resources to Check:
University of Michigan Office of Financial Aid
FinAid: The Smart Student Guide to Financial Aid
How soon should I be concerned with financial aid and scholarships?
The Michigan Response: It’s never too early to determine how you’re going to pay for college. In terms of federal aid, be sure to start early and give yourself enough time to meet the deadlines. That also goes for private scholarships. Many have deadlines in early fall. If you’re a senior and don’t start researching scholarships until October, you’ll already have missed the boat.
Larger financial planning should start as early as possible. Set aside $200 per month for 18 years and you’ll be prepared for tuition. If you don’t start thinking about paying for college until junior year rolls around, your options will be much more limited.
Top 50 US Colleges, Range of Responses: See information under “The Michigan Response.”
Other Resources to Check:
Paying for College: Without Going Broke 2000 (Paying for College, 2000) by Kalman A. Chany, Geoff Martz, Princeton Review, A. Chany
