A Question about Acceptance

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Michigan
1

Background Info:

Hi, I’m a rising Highs School senior in Georgia. Currently, I’m looking at UMich for my ideal college for a number of reasons, but the first being that UMich is on of the only colleges I’ve found with a good opportunity to study Music and Engineering. Specifically, I’m planning on getting degrees in Computer Science and Jazz Studies. However, I realize my stats are definitely below average for the school.

Against a new sat average of 1440-1570 for Ann Arbor I only have a 1360. My GPA unweighted is a 3.3 which is low compared to the Average of 3.87 for you guys. For some reason my family thinks that my SAT is really impressive and will outweigh my GPA but I don’t think they’ve looked at recent college averages.

My course rigor is average, at least I think. Freshman year I took 3 honors, 1 AP, and 1 on level, which is the same for sophomore year. In junior year I took AP Comp Sci A, AP Lang, and AP Chemistry and 1 on level class and 1 honors. Going into senior year, I’ll be taking 2 AP Econ classes, AP Physics 1, AP Calc BC, and AP Music theory, with 1 on level. Along with those I was an orchestra class all 4 years.

I’ve participated in a good handful of extracurriculars where I’ve held leadership positions: Robotics(3years); Marching Band(1year); Allstate orchestra for double bass(5years); Jazz Band(2years); Founded my schools Rocketry club(1year); Programming Club(1year); German Club(2years); Buckhead Youth Orchestra(1concert). I have also held an internship for 2 summers at a local healthcare IT branch of a large company as a Data Analyst.

Right now, I’m working on scheduling meetings with an SAT tutor, and am expecting my next score to be in the 1400’s range.

My question is:

With the academic scores I have, will my extracurriculars have a large influence on my admission? If so, is there anyway I can better convey the message that I’ll be able to offer diversity and positive culture to the school in order to increase my chances of getting in?

Edit: It might be important to note that I do not live in the state of Michigan.

2

Hello! it sounds like you plan to apply in both music and computer science. Note that the decision process is separate, so you may be accepted into engineering, music, both or neither.

For music, the audition is typically a much bigger decision factor than grades. The average SATs and GPAs of incoming SMTD (school of music, theater and dance) students are lower than the overall university averages, and SMTD provides guidance on academic requirements for applicants here: http://www.music.umich.edu/prospective_students/admissions/ug/app_proc/acad_prep.htm. It appears your GPA and SAT score both significantly exceed the minimum requirements, so that is good from a perspective of the music major.

For computer science, you will apply to either CoE or LSA, and your academic stats will be a primary factor. Strong essays and extracurriculars help, but stats are important.

FYI, my D is entering her third year pursuing dual degrees in music performance and BME. She is super busy, but she loves both majors and is really happy at UM. Good luck to you with your application process!