<p>GPA (out of 100): 97
SAT: 2370 (800 R, 780 M, 790 W) - pretty much the most solid part of my application
SAT subject tests (I've heard they don't count much, but): 800 Chem, 800 Bio, almost certainly 800 Math II, 730 lit
School doesn't rank, but would be either 1 or 2
Schools offers 1 AP (Calc AB), which I take next semester
Courseload: most challenging that my school offers</p>
<p>ECs: baseball (4 years), hockey (4 years), various school clubs no one cares about, part-time job etc. (nothing special here)
3-month student exchange to France in Sophomore year</p>
<p>Very good recommendations
Mediocre essays
My sister currently goes to UMich (if that helps?)</p>
<p>Applying EA.
My biggest concern are my poor essays and poor ECs, and the fact that I'm OOS.</p>
<p>Thanks for your insight, everyone.</p>
<p>Why do you have “poor essays”? Are you not putting a serious effort into them? Your credentials are excellent. If you apply EA, you should be admitted, but make sure your essays are at least reasonable.</p>
<p>EC’s are fine. There is no reason for poor essays. Ask someone for help. Pay someone for help. The essays are an opportunity for U-M to get a better sense of who you are and what makes you different from other applicants. It gives you to chance to show your voice. Spend some time on them. I agree with Alexandre on your chances.</p>
<p>The issue here is the OP’s obvious command of the English language (800s in CR and W on the SAT). There is no excuse for a “mediocre” essay. If the OP were an international applicant with understandably average English skills, the University may overlook poorly written essays, but not in this case.</p>
<p>What makes your essays poor?</p>