Chance a slightly below-average OOS Applicant ?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Michigan
1

Hi! I’m looking into the Cognitive Science (Language track) program at Michigan-- not only for the program but for the many other resources available at Michigan! However, I’m no superchild, and because of circumstances, I’m not sitting too pretty.
I would consider myself nothing extraordinary in terms of stats or possibly the rest of my pool

I am OOS from the Pacific Northwest!

SAT: 1480 (slightly stronger math scores)
SAT Subject Tests: French, Lit, BioM (Just taken, 650~750 expected)
GPA: UW 3.83
Class rank: top 10%
Fresh: 4.0
Soph: 3.87
Junior: 3.61 (I had problems 2nd sem.)
Income: I have an EFC hovering around 57k…which is actually too high for me to sustain over 4 years, but it might look good for now, as a first-time applicant…?

APs:
World (3), Bio (4), Eng Lang (5), US (5), French/Lit/Phys1/Stats/Geo (4~5 expected)

ECs:
Soccer (8+ years): Not in school team so I could do debate, but advanced from Rec --> Premier, revived a dead team
Musical Theatre (10~12): We won state my junior year, I have talent but never got bigger roles (not a teacher-kisser-upper)
Translation Team (11~12): Small group I made and lead to make culturally accurate translations. My translations are used to by other language teams.
Debate (9~11: Several regional awards, State once. I was mostly a speech coach/judge, not a participant in 10/11 grade)
Church’s Head Altar Server (8~12): Basically, I have a bunch of experience and it’s an honor in my community!

Volunteer Work:
Hospital volunteering starting 12th summer (100+ hrs): I am also a trainer, and volunteer for more than one department since I am pretty reliable.
Weekly Elementary English Tutor (summer before 11th grade): help underperforming kids get the hang of English and most importantly LOVE READING!
Debate Judge (30+)
Misc (several hr+)

Essays:
Obviously hard work! I did my best since Michigan is in my top 3, my favorite for quite some time.
I made sure to connect my seemingly random ECs to how I value language and communication, and threw in my two cents about Michigan.

Main Concerns: GPA for sure (downward trend). I do have fantastic grades right now in my first semester, but I’m not sure if they see that…if anyone could tell me if they do, I’d be super glad.
Generic-ness(?): For the most part, I am consistent and prove my worth with hard work. Now, looking back, I’m wondering if it reads off as not ambitious enough?

Thanks so much for taking a look, fellow College folks!

2

“I have an EFC hovering around 57k…which is actually too high for me to sustain over 4 years”

I find this worrisome. You have very good affordable options in the Pacific Northwest (both in-state, and just on the other side of the International border). DO NOT start at any university unless you have a realistic and safe plan to pay for four years.

My other concern is the downward trend in your grades. U.Michigan is going to be more difficult than high school, if you get in.

3

Thank you so much for the input! I don’t have much college-know-how in my immediate circle so any outside input is greatly appreciated :slight_smile:
I don’t plan on attending no matter my interest if the price is not right, but I wanted to apply in case I do get more aid than expected. The downward trend was a result of circumstances that don’t exist anymore and my current grades reflect it!

4

As you are not likely to receive any merit aid at UMich, you should eliminate it and other schools in that caliber if you find it not affordable. It seems UMich is a reach and a financial reach school for you.

5

Just being honest, your odds are not good.