<p>I've heard my fair share of horror stories. One of my teachers, whom is alum, told me that I "will get C's, and be happy to get em'". Nope. I'm not satisfied with C's. I'm not satisfied with 3.0's or 3.3's. I'm willing to work hard for good grades. But is it as hard as people say it is get good grades (3.5+) at UMich?</p>
<p>Tons of people get better than 3.5 man. It's good motivation, however, to be told that one will fail miserably.</p>
<p>I'm going to have to say, if you work hard, and truly are working hard at what you're doing, you can get it. Some classes, will be hard to get A's in, others are easier. I don't know from experience, but basically, my friends that normally got 4.0's (naturally smart or just study a lot) still do. The people that I know that got in by pure laziness (easy classes, high GPA in HS), aren't doing as hot because they don't really try.</p>
<p>So, is it hard? Yes. Is it impossible to get an A? Hell no. You sound like you have a great work ethic, so you shouldn't do bad.</p>
<p>Michigan used to be very tough on grades. Things have eased up a lot over the last 15-20 years. Back in my day, a 3.2 GPA at Michigan was considered above average. Today, it would probably be slightly below average. A 3.5 GPA requires hard work, but it is certainly manageable.</p>
<p>Despite the limits of anecdotal advice, I'll say that I transferred in thinking I'd have some kind of problem like this. For me, I pulled a 3.9 with a normal credit load and real 300 level classes and still did not study a single Friday or Saturday and experienced no interruption in partying. So the short answer is to not worry :)</p>
<p>the LSA average is something like a 3.4. Thats the minimum GPA to stay in honors cus they say that if you are in honors you should be able to at LEAST get the LSA average.</p>
<p>As long as it's possible I'm not worried. I just happen to know that I'm no genius-hard work is all I have.</p>
<p>It's a relief to know that UMich isn't conducive to low GPAs.</p>
<p>Anyone apart of the RC? I'd like to message someone about it.</p>
<p>A 3.5 is very doable. Getting the 3.8+ will require exponentially more effort than the 3.5.</p>
<p>I got a 3.83 last semester (premed, undecided major), but only because I spent pretty much every waking moment studying. I agree that a 3.5 is very doable, but if you want to hit 3.8, expect to be in the library pretty much all the time. It certainly is possible to maintain a healthy balance between work and play here, but most people place work above partying. This semester I promised myself that I wouldn't work as hard and would forgive myself for lower grades, but so far I haven't really gone through with this plan haha.</p>
<p>I think it really depends primarily on your area of study/major. Obviously, an engineer student will have to work much harder than an english major to obtain a strong GPA.</p>
<p>"I think it really depends primarily on your area of study/major."</p>
<p>100% true</p>
<p>Keep in mind, if you're going into engineering, 2.85 is the average freshmen GPA. That's why you only need a 3.200 for honors, whereas for LS&A its ~3.621. For highest distinguishment (summa cum laude), its 3.750 for engineering and ~3.917 for LS&A.</p>
<p>I forgot to mention that I attend abad public school. No APs, honors classes...or even decent regular classes. I'm almost positive that I'm behind(especially in math). Will that have a tremendous effect on my grades? If UMich just assumes that I'm at the same level as its other freshmen students I might have a bit of a problem...</p>
<p>There are programs right?</p>
<p>I'm beginning to wonder if this is the school for me.</p>
<p>Well, if you get into the U of M, that means the admissions officers saw potential in you. Plus, you'll be taking placement tests.</p>
<p>Placement tests? Okay. </p>
<p>I've decided that I'll take my math and english classes at a community college during the summer(maybe simuetaneously). UMich Calculus can't kick my ass if I take it at the WCCC!</p>
<p>I hve a question about placement exams.</p>
<p>Can state exams be substituted for them?</p>
<p>I am from texas and we take the TAKS test (state test) and basically it waives any placement exams if you are planning to attend any texas school---if you score well. Can this be used at Michigan?</p>
<p>To add to that, what about SAT II tests? I got a 730 on my Lit SAT; will that do anything for me at UMich?</p>
<p>SAT II's are not considered in any way at UMich, so no it won't do anything</p>
<p>My roommate did 3.3 last semester LSA Honors with almost no effort. 3.6 this semester with maybe a tiny bit more attention to studying.</p>
<p>Isn't a 3.3 considered too low for LS&A Honors? I thought you're kicked out of the program if you fall below a 3.5.</p>
<p>Below 3.4 will get you kicked out after two semesters. I have faith he'll hit that mark after this semester though.</p>