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How to Get Into University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI · Public · 2025-2026 cycle · Verified data

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Admissions Statistics

15.6%
Acceptance Rate
680-750
SAT Reading (mid 50%)
680-780
SAT Math (mid 50%)
31-34
ACT (mid 50%)
34,177
Undergrads
93%
Graduation Rate

How to Actually Get Into University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Understand what 15.6% really means

At University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's admit rate, your position against the published ranges genuinely matters. Land above the middle 50% and this behaves like a target; inside it, a true toss-up worth real effort on essays and fit signals; below it, treat it as a reach. Place it on your list accordingly instead of trusting the headline rate.

Position your scores against the real bands

The middle 50% of enrolled students sits around 1360-1530 combined SAT or 31-34 ACT. Above the 75th percentile, scores work for you and this can behave like a target. Below the 25th percentile, the rest of your application has to carry the file, treat it as a reach. Test policy here is "Test-flexible", check the fine print for your specific program.

Use the Early Decision round deliberately

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor offers Early Decision, which is binding. The early bump is real but overstated (hooked applicants cluster early and inflate it). Spend ED once, on the school where it actually moves you a tier, and only if the money works without comparing aid offers. If that school is University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, the deadline table below is your calendar.

The supplements are where files separate

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor asks 4 supplemental questions (the exact prompts are below). At any selective school, essays are where you stop being a data point, generic answers read as generic everywhere, so specificity about University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is the whole game. Answer why THIS school, with details that could not be pasted into another application.

The bigger picture: no single school decides your outcome, the shape of your whole list does. Read how top counselors build a college list before you finalize where University of Michigan-Ann Arbor fits.

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Application Deadlines (2025-2026)

Round Deadline
Early Action (EA) November 1, 2025
Early Decision (ED) November 1, 2025
Regular Decision (RD) February 1, 2026

Deadlines verified from official sources for the 2025-2026 cycle. Rounds change year to year, always confirm on the school's site before submitting.

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Supplemental Essay Prompts

  1. 1. What Majors are you interested in studying?

    20 words

  2. 2. At the University of Michigan, we are focused on developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future. In your essay, share with us how you are prepared to contribute to these goals. This could include the people, places, experiences or aspirations that have shaped your journey and future plans.

    300 words

  3. 3. Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests?

    550 words

  4. 4. Who will you ask for recommendation letters? Teachers: 1 required, up to 3 additional optional. Other recommenders: up to 2 additional optional. List only.

    50 words

Application Requirements & Costs

Application platform Common App
Application fee $75
Test scores Test-flexible
Writing supplement Not required
Counselor recommendation Not required
Teacher evaluations 1

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Cost & Financial Aid

Total cost of attendance (sticker, per year) $34,654
Tuition & fees (in-state / out-of-state) $17,736 / $60,946
Room & board (on campus) $15,328
Average net price (aid-receiving families) $13,138

What You'd Actually Pay, by Family Income

Average net price per year (after grants and scholarships) for aid-receiving families, from federal College Scorecard data:

Family income Average net price / year
$0-30k $1,043
$30-48k $1,878
$48-75k $4,895
$75-110k $10,869
$110k+ $26,517
18.1%
Students receiving Pell Grants
24%
Students taking federal loans
97%
Freshman retention rate
11:1
Student-faculty ratio

These are averages, not your number. Get your family's actual price in about 10 minutes:

Use University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's Official Net Price Calculator →

More University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Data, Coming Soon

We're building the deepest per-school database in admissions. Rolling out for University of Michigan-Ann Arbor:

Programs & Majors Soon Every degree program at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, with outcomes
Transfer Pathways Soon How to transfer into University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and where transfers come from
Institutional Aid Soon University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's own grants and how they're awarded
Private Scholarships Soon Outside scholarships University of Michigan-Ann Arbor students actually win

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