After getting deferred from both MIT and Caltech I’m now sweating a bit more for my UMich early application. Would love to hear some opinions on my chances since it seems we may still be a ways out.
School: College of Engineering
Background: White Male, California
Numbers:
-ACT (English, Math, Reading, Science): 35 (35, 34, 34, 35)
-ACT SuperScore: 35 (36, 36, 34, 35)
-ACT Writing: 34
-SAT II: 800 on Math 2 and Physics
-GPA: 4.0 UW / 4.39 W / 4.41 Academic W / 4.64 10-12 W
-Class Rank: N/A
-APs: World History, Chemistry, Calculus AB, US History, English Language, Biology, Physics I (5s on all)
Senior Year Courses:
- Advanced Topics (project-based math class, already finished a high school multivariable course)
- AP Physics C
- AP English Literature
- AP Computer Science
- AP Government / AP Macroeconomics
- Jazz Band
College Courses:
- Calculus II/III
- Linear Algebra in second semester of this year.
Extracurriculars:
- Policy Debate
- Jazz Band
- Model United Nations
- Summer Camp Counselor in Training
- CSF & NHS (11, 12)
Work Experiences:
- Spring 2016-Present: intern/trainee at a software training/development company.
- Summer 2016-Present - Junior Staff at aforementioned summer camp.
Awards:
- AP Scholar with Distinction
- National Merit Semifinalist
- Some other activity-specific stuff I listed along with those.
Teacher Recommendations (FERPA waived):
- Rec 1: 11th & 12th grade math teacher, had a class with her last year and one with her this year, and I’m her TA for the semester. She’s very organized and on top of everything so I can only assume she wrote a really good letter, and I think I’m one of her favorite students.
- Rec 2: 11th grade English teacher, she was one of those teachers where you never know how they feel about you, but I did well in the class and put in good work, so I don’t doubt that it will be good.
Interview:
My HAIL interview was really good. Me and the interviewer were laughing together and I actually felt pretty relaxed during the whole thing. I had quite a few questions for her which I feel really shows my interest in the school.
Essays:
Feel pretty good about them. Mostly peer edited by friends but I got a few adult eyes on them. For the community essay I talked about debate and how it’s a very collaborative and supportive activity, and for Why Michigan I talked about the school’s aerospace program (planning on majoring in aerospace engineering). Common App is a really heartfelt essay about the camp that I attended/volunteered at/worked at that I think works well to bring out my personal voice.
I’ve had plenty of friends tell me I shouldn’t be worrying but I don’t know if I can bear another deferral letter. Would be nice to gather some opinions.