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Ann Arbor, MIPublic

University of Michigan Admissions: Acceptance Rate, GPA, SAT

Big Ten flagship with a top business school (Ross) and strong everything else.

Acceptance Rate
17.7%
SAT Range
1340–1530
Avg GPA
3.90
Undergrad
32,600
Test-OptionalEarly Action
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What it takes to get into Michigan

Michigan accepts roughly 17.7% of applicants — competitive but more accessible than the most selective Ivies.The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1340 and 1530 on the SAT, and the average unweighted GPA is around 3.90.

Numbers alone don't get you in. Michigan reads holistically — they want to see academic rigor in your high school transcript (AP/IB/Honors course load), genuine intellectual curiosity, leadership in extracurriculars, a clear “spike” or area of demonstrated excellence, strong essays, and recommendation letters that vouch for your character.

Test-optional policies vary year to year. Even where tests are optional, applicants who submit scores in the 75th-percentile range typically have an edge. Check Michigan's admissions page for the current cycle's policy.

What Michigan Weighs in Admissions

Visual breakdown from Common Data Set Section C7

Very Important
Course rigor & GPA
Important
Leadership
Awards & honors
Activity depth
Application essays
Recommendations
Considered
Spike / distinctive talent

Michigan Acceptance Rate

17.7% acceptance rate with SAT, GPA benchmarks and selectivity analysis.

How to Get Into Michigan

Data-driven admissions strategy based on CDS weights and what actually matters.

How to Write the “Why Michigan?” Essay

Research tips, common mistakes, and what admissions is actually looking for.

See Where You Stand

GPA vs SAT scattergram — compare your stats to admitted and rejected students.

Practice Michigan Interview Questions

AI-scored mock interview with real alumni questions. 5-dimension feedback.

Michigan Supplemental Essays

Every prompt for the 2026-27 cycle with word limits, intent, and pitfalls to avoid.

Michigan Admissions FAQ

What is Michigan's acceptance rate?

Michigan admits approximately 17.7% of applicants based on the most recent reported Common Data Set figures. This rate has trended downward over the past decade as application volumes have grown.

What SAT score do you need for Michigan?

Admitted students at Michigan typically score between 1340 (25th percentile) and 1530 (75th percentile) on the SAT. Hitting or exceeding the 75th percentile gives you a meaningful edge.

What GPA do you need for Michigan?

The average admitted student at Michigan has an unweighted GPA of approximately 3.90 on a 4.0 scale — though weighted GPAs and course rigor matter just as much as the raw number.

Is Michigan test-optional?

Michigan's testing policy varies by cycle. Some years they are test-optional, some years test-required. Always confirm on the official admissions page before submitting.

Compare Michigan with similar schools

Stats are approximate, drawn from publicly-reported Common Data Set figures. Confirm current numbers on Michigan's official admissions site.