PoliSci at UMich-- Chances?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Michigan
1

Hi! I am applying to the University of Michigan EA and would love to hear what you all think about my chances.

My GPA is a 4.7 weighted cumulative (predicted 5.2-5.4 first semester senior year), 32 ACT (36E, 34R, 27M, 30S) in February (wasn’t able to secure a seat for any test through December). My transcript is complicated by 2 Cs in math and two Bs (chemistry and foreign language). That was all Freshman and Sophomore year. I got straight As junior year. I have taken 5 APs so far and will take another 5 this year. I am taking another AP test as well even though I’m not taking the class.

I am doing an independent study this year about comparative politics (AP Comparative isn’t taught at my school) that is the second in the department’s history and will culminate in a capstone paper. EC’s include internship with a state rep, internship with a political action committee, presidencies of several clubs and internship with US congressperson junior year. I am an organizer for that congressperson’s campaign currently.

I am getting a letter of rec from that congressperson who knows me personally. I was able to read that LOR and it is very good and includes personal details.

I honestly have no idea what to think about my chances. The one thing that I am extremely worried about is those Freshman and Sophomore grades, even though they aren’t related to my major.

What do you all think? Thank you for your help.

Sorry for all of the grammar mistakes!

2

I think you have a very good chance, given your involvement in politics and your leadership. Those should make up for your grades. Don’t stress!
I, on the other hand, have stellar grades, but really no involvement/leadership in politics due to other commitments.

3

Can you give your UW GPA? Hard to make much of your GPA given it looks like you can get above a 5.0.

Anyway, 32 is on a lower side these days, but in-state you should have decent chance if your unweighted is above 3.8

4

A couple things. You’re not applying for a major, but to a college (LSA). You will declare a major by the end of your sophomore year, if you are accepted and matriculate.

And as mentioned above, UMich uses your uwGPA on a 4.0 scale, so without knowing that info it’ll be tough to judge chances. Chancing is tough anyway. Grades and course rigor are most important, so the C’s will hurt your chances, but grade improvement in your Junior year helps. As will your 1st semester senior year grades, if you’re deferred and UMich requests them.

Please keep in mind that roughly 40,000 HS students apply EA and only roughly 7,500 +/- are accepted during EA. And there are few rejections in EA. So, be prepared for the probability of a deferral and waiting for the 2/1, 3/1 and 4/1 RD “waves.”

Best of luck to you.