<p>I'm a junior at a very competitive high school in northern New Jersey which sends a lot of grads to top colleges (i.e. this year about seven kids went to Ivies and a dozen others went to top twenty colleges). My grades are probably my biggest worry in getting into a selective college like Michigan. My transcript is mostly A-'s and B+'s, with some A's and B's scattered in. My GPA will probably be about a 3.6 or 3.7 by the time I send my app in (this is out of 4.3) and I fall right outside the top 10%, probably about top 15% in a class of around 300 kids. My SAT's are my strongest point, I got a 800 CR 770 M 710 W, but I haven't taken any SAT II's yet. In the fall I'll be taking about 3 or 4 SAT II's since test-taking is probably my strongest point, and I predict I will mostly get above 750's. My rec's will be very strong, as they're from two teachers I have fantastic relationships with and spend a lot of time talking to. As far as EC's go, I have played hockey all four years of HS, two years as JV captain and one year on varsity as a senior (obviously not a very good player). I also have three years of mock trial which is probably the activity I dedicate the most time to, spending about 15 hours a week from November to February, receiving two consecutive county championships and placing at the state level. I also have two years of student council, and was elected secretary for my senior year. Three years of newspaper with one as editor and one as EIC. Then of course I have the cliched random clubs that are little to no effort, including NHS membership. I've done some political campaign work before, will probably do some over the summer, and will do volunteer work over the summer with my school's chapter of Heifer International. For the past two years I've held down a steady job as well. I plan on majoring in Middle Eastern Studies which isn't big deal but I guess I might get a slight advantage cause it seems like a pretty unique major. That's pretty long but if you actually read it any feedback is greatly appreciated. Any questions about my app I'd be happy to answer. Thanks.</p>
<p>You're a match, bordering on a slight reach, due to your main worry: GPA.</p>
<p>Take note, however, that +'s and -'s do not matter. UMich calculates GPA by the following criteria:</p>
<p>A=4.0
B=3.0
C=2.0
D=1.0
E/F=0.0</p>
<p>Not sure if your GPA is calculated to that scale of your school's personal weighted score.</p>
<p>Anyways, as long as you're a 3.6+ with a few difficult courses intertwined among others, then you should be fine.</p>
<p>Your test scores are stellar,and you're extracurriculars are very good.</p>
<p>Work on your essays this summer; do not be content with your first draft. Show who you are; explain the low GPA if you are able to, but do not make it a focus.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>I didn't mention course rigor so I'll add that I have taken all honors classes as a frosh and sophomore and all AP/IB classes my junior and senior year.</p>
<p>Again, match to slight reach. Your GPA and test scores are lowered a bit due to your out of state status.</p>
<p>However, you have a really good chance in gaining admission. Apply for Early Action.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>Ok, first off, no such thing as Early Action; Michigan offers "Early Response". It's similar to early action but different in many ways.</p>
<p>Your chances are pretty good, but like jxu mentioned, GPA hurting you a bit. Make sure you present yourself well (essays, app, etc.) </p>
<p>Match, kinda near a slight reach, but not quite</p>
<p>I wouldn't go as far as saying you are a slight reach. You have a 1570 SAT, top 15% of your class, good activities.</p>
<p>Apply by the early deadline and I think you'll get in.</p>
<p>match match match</p>
<p>oh essays for 2008 apps are out you might want to get one that.... but i think you're fine</p>
<p>I'd say the OP is a solid match. Michigan considers curriculum as much as GPA and since you took a lot of honors and AP classes, your GPA will be respected. Your SAT is good, which also helps.</p>