Chances at U/M?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Michigan
1

<p>Sorry to post this here, I understand that there's a forum for asking about the likelihood of admission, but I was afraid that should I post there, it would get lost in the scramble. I figured I could reach a wider base of Michigan students on the school's board.</p>

<p>My high school performance has been pretty weak, to be honest. My current GPA is a 3.00 exactly, with a stronger performance in my junior year (~3.2, still not by any means strong). Academically, I've only taken two AP courses, with a slightly larger base of honors courses. My scores on the AP Government and Computer Science tests were both 4. I received a Student of the Year award for Newswriting, and I've done some work on the school's award-winning website. My school is not overly prestigious.</p>

<p>My SAT1 first try scores were 760v/730m/700w, for a 1490 old total or a 2190 new. I have not yet taken any SAT2 tests, nor have I taken the ACT. If anyone has recommendations for me on how to approach those tests, feel free to chime in.</p>

<p>As far as extracurriculars go, I'm a founding member and three-year president of an after-school club for musicians at my school, called J.A.M. I think it should be fairly easy to hype up on an application, and from what I understand, being a founding member of an extracurricular is a big plus. I'm also a founding member of a video production club at my school.</p>

<p>Besides that, I began playing the drums at age 13. I've been asked to perform at percussion demonstrations at several locations across the Cleveland area, and the band that I play in ("The Fighting Cuttlefish") has played publicly.</p>

<p>I've done community service at the local library, and plan to do more this summer at a charity organization that collects old computers and refurbishes them to provide cheap systems for low-income entrepreneurs.</p>

<p>I've held a job at the same place for over a year at this time.</p>

<p>I have two teachers to write excellent recommendations for me. One is very well known throughout the state of Ohio, was an English major himself, and is very articulate. The other is a Ph.D (the only one at my school) and is also very well known.</p>

<p>I'm not a minority of any kind, and my father attended college. I don't live in Michigan.</p>

<p>My girlfriend knows an admissions officer at your school. Hey... :)</p>

<p>If Michigan has an interview process (again, I don't know), we can assume that I'm likeable and that I don't come off as an idiot in person.</p>

<p>Anyways, that's about all I have. If anyone can help me out with some suggestions, criticisms, or even a "look elsewhere," it's appreciated. Thanks very much.</p>

2

<p>your ECs and SAT are very good but your GPA is definitely going to hurt you. is there a reason your GPA is weak? I'd say Mich is a reach, only b/c of your GPA.</p>

3

<p>Hey emagdnim2100,</p>

<p>I'm going to be a freshman at the University of Michigan this fall so I'm kind of used to how the whole application process at this school works (since I went though it this year).</p>

<p>First, let me start off by saying that no one on this board can give you a legitimate guess on how your application will fare at Michigan since none of us are a part of the admissions committee there. We're all just students and/or supporters of the school. :)</p>

<p>Secondly, you have some awesome stats and ec's to put on your application. However, the fact that your GPA is low for this school and the fact that you're out of state will hurt you a lot (In that area, Michigan isn't even nice to its in-staters... I know several people that were either deferred and/or waitlisted). Try to bring your GPA up as high as you can. Also, apply as early as possible to Michigan because they have a rolling admissions policy, and no, they do not have an interview process so put some effort into your essays. </p>

<p>BTW, the fact that your girlfriend knows an admissions officer at U of M isn't going to help you. Nice try. ;)</p>

4

<p>My instinct is that you should address your GPA directly (however possible) in your recs and/or your essay(s). Obviously the readers are going to notice, and you can't hope that they will simply ignore it in favor of your other great qualities. I feel that being upfront about it is your best chance. You have to tell them why you're still a great candidate even though your grades aren't those of a typical applicant. </p>

<p>I'm not sure what you should say about it but the GPA (except I do know that lame excuses won't work--but you already knew that. Responsibility and accountability are important). The GPA will be the elephant in the room when they're reading your app, and you have to say something about it IMHO.</p>

5

<p>I agree with hoedown you can't just ignore your GPA you're gonna have to address it. Right now UMICH seems like a reach for you, b/c GPA is one of the biggest things they look at and yours is kinda low. But don't give up hope like reeces said apply early try to show them your best qualities and address the issue of your GPA. Good Luck.</p>