University of Michigan 2025 Admission Statistics

University of Michigan Admission Guide — Class of 2030 (Applying 2025‑26)

“Leaders and Best isn’t a slogan here; it’s a challenge we extend to every Wolverine the moment they step on the Diag.” — U‑M admissions counselor, May 2025

Why read this?

You’re a high‑school junior plotting UCAS‑level rigor and Common App clicks for the 2025‑26 cycle.
Michigan’s freshly posted 2024‑25 Common Data Set spills real numbers on admit rates, scores, cost, and aid. Instead of sifting spreadsheets, use this cheat‑sheet—no tables, no fluff—to benchmark your profile, plan every deadline, and craft an application that shouts Hail!.

The Admission Landscape — Numbers in Plain English

• 98,310 applications rolled in last cycle; 15,373 offers went out → overall admit rate ≈ 16 %.
• Early Action edge. Apply by Nov 1 to get a decision by Jan  31; admit rates historically land several points higher than the regular pool.
• 7,278 freshmen enrolled, pushing yield near 47 %—U‑M measures interest via portal metrics and scholarship surveys.
• Wait‑list reality. 24,804 students offered a WL spot; 973 admits materialized—opt in, but don’t bank on it.
• Public flag‑ship, college town vibe. Ann Arbor ranks top‑10 for both innovation hub and food‑truck density—choose your fuel.

Academic Profile of the 2024‑25 Admitted Class

• Testing required (again).
  • SAT middle 50 %: 1360–1530.
  • ACT middle 50 %: 31–34.
  • Submit only if you clear 1400/32 territory for most majors—higher for Engineering or Ross.
• GPA gravity. Average unweighted GPA 3.9; over half of enrollees earned ≥ 3.75.
• Course rigor reigns. Admits average 8‑12 AP/IB/dual‑enrollment classes, with AP Calc BC (or beyond), calculus‑based physics, and advanced language/humanities senior year.
• Holistic extras. Academic rigor, GPA, essays, and recommendations are “very important.” Test scores, character, first‑gen status, and talent sit in the “important” bucket.

What Michigan Values (and How to Show It)

• Impact‑with‑evidence. “Scaled robotics outreach to 500 Detroit middle‑schoolers” beats generic leadership titles.
• Intellectual vitality. Essays that explore a research question—water equity, quantum finance, or wearable biotech—match U‑M’s R1 engine.
• Community stewardship. Service hours plus reflection; the Ginsberg Center loves applicants already living its mission.
• Global mindset. Language fluency, Model UN awards, or startup work across time zones resonate with Michigan’s 17 study‑abroad hubs.
• Fit signals. Name‑drop M‑PACT scholarships, the Wilson Center, or Midnight Denard Runs—skip vague Big Ten hype.

The Money Question

• Projected sticker 2025‑26 (annual).
  • Michigan resident tuition & fees: ~$18.5 K
  • Non‑resident tuition & fees: ~$62.7 K
  • Housing & dining: ~$15.3 K
  • Total cost of attendance: ≈ $40 K in‑state · ≈ $80 K out‑of‑state
• Go Blue Guarantee. In‑state families ≤ $75 K AGI pay $0 tuition.
• Need‑based aid meets ~91 % of calculated need. Average first‑year package $34.9 K.
• Merit awards exist but shrink for OOS. Ship your app by Nov  1 EA to be considered.
• Aid paperwork: FAFSA + CSS Profile by Dec  15 2025 for priority; final deadline Mar  31 2026.

Anticipated Timeline for Class of 2030

Spring  2025

• Secure senior schedule: AP Calc BC, AP Physics C, AP Chem/Bio, and an advanced humanities elective.
• Register for June or August SAT/ACT aiming ≥ 1400 / 32 (Engineering/Ross target 1450/33+).

Summer  2025

• Draft the Common App main essay plus U‑M’s two 550‑word supplements (community + “Why Michigan?”).
• Deepen your flagship project—publish code, submit research, stage a public‑policy hackathon.

Early Fall  2025

• Aug  1 — Common App opens; load transcript & activities.
• Nov  1 — Early Action deadline + merit priority.
• Tour Ann Arbor (virtual or IRL) and log portal engagement.

Winter  2026

• Jan  31 2026 — EA decisions post; scholarship rounds begin.
• Feb  1 2026 — Regular Decision deadline; last SAT/ACT scores due.

Spring  2026

• RD decisions roll mid‑March through early April.
• May  1 2026 — Enrollment deposit ($300) + housing app due.

Life in the Maize & Blue

• Student‑faculty ratio 15 : 1; upper‑division seminars < 20 seats.
• Residential vibe. 96 % of freshmen live on campus—South Quad brunch is legendary.
• Traditions. Painting the Rock, fountain runs after finals, waving a flag in the Big House with 110,000 friends.
• Research horsepower. UROP, Tauber Institute, and over $1.9 B in annual R&D funding open lab doors early.
• Ann Arbor advantage. Tech startups, Zingerman’s fuel, and Detroit industry an hour away.

Quick‑Hit Checklist

• [ ] Maintain 3.9 + GPA with max rigor.
• [ ] Submit SAT ≥ 1400 or ACT ≥ 32 (target 1450/33 for competitive colleges).
• [ ] Finish one measurable impact project by September.
• [ ] Reference a Michigan hallmark (UROP, the Diag, HAIL portal) in your supplement.
• [ ] Apply Early Action Nov  1 2025 for best odds and merit.
• [ ] File FAFSA + CSS by Dec  15 2025.
• [ ] Celebrate with a Zingerman’s Reuben after you click “Submit.”

Final Word

Michigan fuses public‑mission access with research‑one muscle and a college‑town heartbeat that chants “Go Blue” from dawn to dusk. Admission is numbers‑savvy yet holistic: rigorous academics, a quantifiable impact narrative, and essays that reveal intellectual curiosity and Wolverine spirit. Nail those, respect the timeline, and you could soon be singing “The Victors” while the band marches up State Street.

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