University of Michigan Admissions 2024-2025
The University of Michigan recently released their Common Data Set for 2024-2025, offering valuable insights into what it takes to be admitted to this highly selective public institution. Let's examine the data to understand who gets into Michigan and what factors matter most in their admissions process.
Michigan's Remarkable Selectivity
Michigan's admissions statistics reveal an increasingly competitive landscape:
Total applicants: 98,310
Admitted students: 15,373
Enrolled students: 7,278
Acceptance rate: Approximately 15.6%
With fewer than 1 in 6 applicants receiving an offer, Michigan has become one of the most selective public universities in the country. The sheer volume of applications—nearly 100,000—demonstrates the university's tremendous appeal to students nationwide and internationally.
Academic Profile of Admitted Students
The academic credentials of Michigan's Class of 2029 are impressive:
Test Scores
SAT Composite (middle 50%): 1360-1530
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 680-750
SAT Math: 680-780
ACT Composite: 31-34
It's worth noting that 51% of enrolled students submitted SAT scores and 18% submitted ACT scores, indicating that Michigan's test-optional policy has been embraced by a significant portion of applicants.
GPA Distribution
The data shows an academically accomplished class:
38.8% had a perfect 4.0 GPA
54.0% had GPAs between 3.75 and 3.99
5.7% had GPAs between 3.50 and 3.74
Only 1.3% had GPAs below 3.50
These statistics demonstrate that virtually all Michigan admits have excellent high school academic performance.
Interesting Demographic Information
Michigan's first-year class shows considerable diversity:
International students: 305 (4%)
Hispanic/Latino: 1,074 (15%)
Black or African American: 459 (6%)
White: 3,262 (45%)
Asian: 1,322 (18%)
Two or more races: 488 (7%)
Race/ethnicity unknown: 344 (5%)
Additionally, 45% of first-year students come from out of state, highlighting Michigan's strong national appeal despite higher tuition costs for non-Michigan residents.
What Matters Most in Michigan Admissions
Michigan's Common Data Set provides valuable information about what factors weigh most heavily in their admissions decisions:
"Very Important" Factors
Rigor of secondary school record
Academic GPA
"Important" Factors
Application essay
Recommendations
Standardized test scores
Character/personal qualities
First generation status
"Considered" Factors
Extracurricular activities
Talent/ability
Geographical residence
State residency
Volunteer work
Work experience
Level of applicant's interest
"Not Considered" Factors
Class rank
Interview
Alumni/ae relation
Religious affiliation/commitment
What These Ratings Mean for Applicants
Michigan's ratings reveal their holistic but academically-focused approach to admissions:
Academics are paramount: The rigor of your curriculum and GPA are the only factors rated as "very important" - you need to challenge yourself with the most demanding courses available to you and perform excellently.
Essays and recommendations matter significantly: Both are rated as "important," suggesting that Michigan values the qualitative aspects of your application alongside your numbers.
Character and personal qualities are significant: Listed as "important," this underscores Michigan's interest in who you are beyond your academic achievements.
Test scores remain important: Despite the test-optional policy, for those who submit scores, standardized tests are considered an "important" factor in admissions decisions.
First-generation status is important: This indicates Michigan's commitment to increasing access for students who would be the first in their families to attend college.
Extracurricular distinction is considered: "Talent/ability" and "extracurricular activities" being rated as "considered" suggests that Michigan values significant achievement or contribution in your activities, though not as highly as academic factors.
Notable Observations
Several other details from the Common Data Set stand out:
Exceptional retention rate: 97% of first-year students return for their sophomore year, indicating extremely high student satisfaction.
Impressive graduation rates: 93% six-year graduation rate for the 2018 cohort, demonstrating strong student success.
Student-to-faculty ratio: 15:1, offering students good access to faculty.
Housing: 96% of first-year students live in college-owned housing, creating a strong community environment for new students.
Early Action program: Michigan offers a non-binding Early Action program with a November 1 deadline and January 31 notification date.
Financial aid commitment: The university states it is "committed to meeting the full demonstrated need of resident students, and provides some aid to out-of-state students."
What This Means for Future Applicants
For students aspiring to Michigan, these numbers highlight the importance of:
Academic excellence: Taking the most challenging courses available and excelling in them is absolutely critical.
Strong writing: Crafting essays that reveal your authentic voice and perspective is important for standing out among nearly 100,000 applicants.
Meaningful engagement: Developing genuine interests and making contributions in areas that matter to you, as extracurricular quality is considered.
Strong recommendations: Building relationships with teachers who can speak to your intellectual curiosity and classroom contributions.
Test scores (if submitting): While optional, strong test scores remain an important factor for those who choose to submit them.
Remember that while these statistics provide insight into Michigan's admissions process, they don't tell the full story of what makes a successful applicant. Michigan seeks students who will contribute to their community in diverse and meaningful ways, not just those with perfect numbers.
Need help applying to the University of Michigan for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle? If so, contact an admissions expert at Cosmic College Consulting today!
