UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, ANN ARBOR, MI
The University of Michigan, located in Ann Arbor, is what you might expect a college to be. Its campus is divided into four neighborhoods, including its Big Ten athletics campus. Each is linked by a college bus system that makes it easy to move between campuses. Both Gothic and modern architecture are found on a campus full of expansive libraries, arts venues, and world-renowned research facilities. Michigan offers both breadth and depth across multiple disciplines from the performing arts to engineering. Known for its balance between rigorous academics and spirited campus culture, “Go Blue!” pride runs deep here.
QUICK STATS
• Public
• Undergraduate enrollment – ~32,000
• Admit rate – ~13%
• Financial Aid forms required – FAFSA and CSS Profile
• Retention rate – 97%
• Average class size – 30
• Student to faculty ratio – 15:1
CURRICULUM
• Strongest/Popular majors
Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Psychology, Political Science, Economics, Biology
• Unique and/or specialty majors
Public Policy, Performing Arts Technology, Sport Management, Movement Science, Organizational Studies
• Direct-admit or limited enrollment majors?
Yes: Ross School of Business, College of Engineering, School of Music, Theatre & Dance, School of Information, and School of Kinesiology offer direct or competitive admission processes
• Curriculum
Flexible with strong liberal arts foundation
• Classroom Experience
Some introduction classes can be large – upwards of 400, with discussion groups around 20-30
Math classes capped at 25
STUDENT BODY
• Type of students that thrive here
High-achieving, driven, independent, collaborative, socially engaged
• Criteria looking for
Academic rigor, intellectual curiosity, leadership, service, and initiative
• Weekend life?
Spectator sports draw BIG crowds (football, basketball, and more), arts performances, campus events, downtown Ann Arbor outings
• Types of students looking for
Spirited campus life with serious academics; those interested in both theory and real-world impact
• Percentage draw outside of area?
~50% out-of-state, ~15% international
• Geographic diversity
All 50 states and over 100 countries represented
• Greek Life
Yes – 20%+ of undergraduates participate
• Housing
Guaranteed for first-years only
ADMISSIONS PROCESS
• How do you read the applications?
Holistic review; considers academic rigor, GPA, essays, extracurriculars, and context
Recalculate 9th – 11th grades to 4.0 scale
If applying to engineering calculus preferred
• Is fit to major considered in application review?
Yes, especially for competitive colleges like Engineering and Business
• Mandated % in-state?
Yes – roughly two-thirds of undergraduates are from Michigan; out-of-state acceptance is more competitive
• Interview
Rare; typically for special programs or scholarships
• Apply to school in general or to a specific major?
Apply directly to a specific college within the university
• Consider Demonstrated Interest?
No
FINANCIALS
• Requires FAFSA & CSS Profile
• Focus on need-based; rarely offer merit
photo courtesy University of Michigan
