Applying to: Michigan CoE (OOS, Legacy, White Male)
SAT: 1430 (Math-770 CRW-660)
ACT-n/a
UW GPA- 4.0
W GPA: 4.64
Rank- 4/433
Classes: Full IB Candidate (IB HL-A Math)
Extracurriculars: NHS, Beta, Key Club, DECA (International Competitor), Math Team, Book Club, 2 year JV basketball, 2 year Varsity Lacrosse, YoungLife, SODA (Student Organization for Developing Attitude), TACA (Mentorship program), SAME Engineering Camp
Volunteering: 500+ Hours (YoungLife Capernaum, Challenger Basketball, Night to Shine, Camp Hope Richmond)
Your GPA and rank are great. But, I believe what will let you down is your SAT because as an OOS and engineering applicant, you need to be at or exceeding the 75% of SAT score. Other than that, your ECs average/slightly above average. Overall, you have a decent shot, and the legacy will probably boost your chances a little. However, if you can get that SAT to 1500+, I think your chances will increase significantly.
GPA looks good, but SAT/ACT should be 1500/34+ if you’re looking at Engineering. Your ECs are decent, but they don’t really line up much with your interest in engineering outside of the engineering camp, atleast the ones that I recognize. Sports won’t really play a role into acceptance unless you’re getting recruited for them, so I wouldn’t list them high under Activities on your Common App. To summarize, academically outside of standardized tests, you would be a competitive applicant; however, I fear your ECs and lack of “leadership” might let you down. If you’re really into Michigan, I would apply EA; you definitely have a shot, but I wouldn’t be overly confident or reliant on getting in.
I agree with @DJCURRYBEATS19 on your ECs. They seem a bit scattered so you need to find something your ECs share and emphasize that in your application/essays.
I get what your saying, but why wouldn’t I just add the sports to the activities list? It wouldn’t hurt at all and if anything, wouldn’t it just show that I am a more well-rounded applicant and have more to offer?
I would have them lower down on the list; unless you are being recruited or placing on a state level, colleges won’t really care that much about sports, outside of showing them you have diverse interests. For that reason alone, I’d keep them on the list, just way down; a lot of students play sports at the varsity level. You playing sports doesn’t really offer the college much since they won’t have you as a member of the school team. Being well-rounded is good, but demonstrating an interest relating to your prospective major, along with showing leadership qualities and excelling in the competitions you participate in, is more important. Remember, college application wise, depth is better than breadth.
Your 1430 is just above the median. 33 act is also the median. I would retake your Sat and or take the Act. Shoot for 1490 and above which translates to a 33/34 ACT. This makes an out of state student more competitive and marks you closer to your potential looking at your grades and abilities. Apply early and make your essay unique and personal.
There was an article that I tried to link here but was flagged but went over that legacy for some colleges does help. It mentions Michigan and some ivies.
Reality is most of the applicants have good grades and stats. So the essays are what sets them apart. Having a great essay and making it personal and unique makes you an interesting candidate. How many kids do you know that have great grades, stats and are on some national honor society… Like everyone right… This gets boring quick. Setting yourself apart will get some attention.
Do you have any regional or state awards/titles relating to engineering? Is there anything you can do this summer to earn experience in your intended area of study to demonstrate passion?
I agree get your SAT to 1500 or higher and ACT to 34 or higher for engineering, especially for OOS students. Emphasize your engineering camp and do something else similar this summer or fall. And if you apply EA and get deferred, don’t lose hope because the majority of applicants got deferred because of the high number of applicants.
Legacy won’t help you unless you show interest. If you can fit into your schedule, try to visit the school. Schedule a session with your prospective department and take notes on what you like about the activities/classes or even professors during your visit. Incorporate everything into your essay to show interest.
I agree with cafedeb. Even if you email a professor or department you can use it in your essay. I also disagree about your ecc and sports. You have mentorship with math team (you did help some younger members didn’t you?) Same with Soda and Taca and being on Varsity. Sports makes you well rounded and not just a smart dude studying all the time. My son loves football and basketball. Would never make the Michigan football team but didn’t stop him from intermural flag football at Michigan. He also umps and refs games in softball and football. So he is an active participant in the Michigan community (also started a tech club at Michigan).
His essay had nothing to do with engineering but he was able to link it to engineering and business (his minor).
I saw the word well rounded and knew you were an IB kid before I finished your description haha. I don’t think the legacy will have any significant sway, and I would love to know what your ACT score is now because that SAT score is a little shaky.
White, Catholic female, OOS,m no legacy
SAT: 1390 (Math-700 CRW-690)
UW GPA- 3.8
W GPA: none
Rank- none
Classes: BC Calc, 3 years of AP social studies, French 5, 4 years of honors english, dual enrollment science and business class
Extracurriculars: NHS, Dance (15 years), community service 300 + hours, Varsity & JV softball, Club president, club treasurer
Work: Camp counselor, dress store internship, dance teacher