Early Action or Regular Decision

Hello, so I have a 3.84 weighted GPA (I don’t know my unweighted but it should be in the 3.5-3.6 range) and an 1160 SAT score.

The problem is I want to apply for early action but I am worried that they will deny me for my low test score.

Also, I am in 6 APs senior year with both Calc AB and physics C (which physics is my intended major) and I don’t think they see that if I apply early action. So, my questions are

Is it risky to apply early action with an 1160 SAT score (I’m gonna retake it but only after the early action deadline)

Should I wait until regular decision to get my score up, increase my GPA, and have them to see my classes (6 APs) for senior year?

Thank you

https://admissions.umich.edu/apply/freshmen-applicants/student-profile

I could be wrong but look at last year’s stats. It just doesn’t appear that your strong enough for Michigan. If it’s a reach (which it is) and you want to go for it but I would have other solid choices within your academic range

Yeah, I know it’s a reach but I’m just trying to understand what the wiser decision is (EA or RD) to maximize my chances.

To have any shot, you have to wait to get your SAT up into at least the 1400, preferably 1500. Apply regular decision

Alright, thank you. What about colleges that I can get into easily? Should I apply later to possibly receive a higher scholarship?

If I am reading your question correctly if you have safeties with scholarships with your stats, apply early to get the acceptance and money

Even Early Decisio, where usually there is a definitive advantage for admissions in exchange for a commitment to attend, for schools as selective as Michigan, you need to be at least very much a candidate for admissions. By being close to that upper 25% in test scores and grades. .

Early Action gives even less of s boost. Look where you are with Michigan. It is very much a reach for you.

If you can raise your grades with a stellar performance first semester senior year AND raise those test scores, it could increase your chances. I don’t think the very small, if any boost in EA is going to raise your chances more than the upward lift of your academic stats
Did you look up what the EA vs RD accept rates are for in state and out, whichever you are? My experiences lately with UMich OOS has been that they are deferring MANY stellar applicants EA. Unless you are in state and your GC feels this will give you a boost, given your high school’s history with UMich, I’d wait and work on improving my prospects.

Alright, thanks appreciate the help. I am in state by the way. As for acceptance rates, UMich does not show EA and RD acceptance rates seperately, just both of them combined.

It is roughly like 50% of kids accepted EA or something similar

Talk to your GC. Most GCs are as good as it gets when it comes to in state admissions chances, coming from an in state high school to flagship school. Your school should have a lot of data on who is getting accepted at UMich. Navi’s Che info maybe?

Also when are you retaking the SAT and when do those results get reported? If there is time for you to see them and submit to UMich even after the EA deadline, you might have those considered. They should say somewhere on web site what the last SAT test date scores they can consider for EA. Unfortunately, these scores don’t necessarily go up at a retest. Do understand that.

Also, ask your GC if a quarter grade can be sent with additional commentary about your upward trend, difficulty of course load if you do excel this term. Again, you HAVE to do well to get that bump.

Yeah, I understand thank you for your help. I am going to talk to my guidance counselor soon. Honestly, I think the smarter choice is to apply regular decision as i will have time to increase my score by over 200 points, but I will talk to my counselor and see what she says.

I think I’m just going to apply regular decision

Found this at their website:

The Office of Admissions promises no special privileges to Early Action candidates, such as giving your application materials a higher priority or a more lenient review. Choosing to apply through Early Action does not make it easier or harder to gain admission to U-M—it is merely a way to get your decision faster.

I think it’s a good idea.

I personally think U Mich likes EA applicants who demonstrate great interest in the school. They want to have a good yield meaning they want their acceptances to actually enroll. I think it can only help IMO. Write really good essays. Never hurts to try.

You ask “What about colleges that I can get into easily? Should I apply later to possibly receive a higher scholarship?” Please note that some colleges require you to apply by their early action deadline to be considered for merit scholarships. So please be sure to check the applications deadline to be considered for merit scholarships for each college your considering applying to. Good luck!