<p>Does Michigan consider that I have taken very hard classes in high school and the grading scale at my school in harder than most other high schools? Therefore making my GPA lower. Thanks.</p>
<p>U of M does consider the rigor of your program and academic environment. </p>
<p>Jilap, in the old days when they used a points system, the rigor of your school, especially if Umich is well-familiar with it, used to make a substantial difference. At the same time, IME, they will still look at class rank in that context. What I mean by that is that if you’re in the top ten percent of your school in terms of GPA, it will be in your favor. </p>
<p>So, by way of example, even though my Son’s former gifted/talented magnet program was a top school in his state, that admitted only top students from other programs, every student from that school could not expect admission. During his year, I noticed that most of the acceptances were students in the top 10-15% of his class. </p>
<p>So on one hand, a lower GPA at a rigorous school will not hurt you the same way as it would at a regular school, but said lower GPA should still be In the top percentages in the context of your school.</p>
<p>The rationale behind that is the question adcoms are asked to ask themselves when reviewing and ap: “what has this student done with the educational opportunities available to them?” </p>
<p>This question explains how some highly motivated students from a very weak school get in, while some less motivated students from tippy top programs don’t. They are in essence looking for a student who challenges his or herself in whatever environment they have.</p>
<p>There are a few schools nationwide that are considered so outstanding that you may see a higher proportion of admits (eg Hotchkiss, Thomas Jefferson, etc., and locally, an IB program that is best-in-class) but in general, if your not among the top performers statistically in your school, be sure to emphasize other talents that make Umich a fit in your essays to help your chances, especially any that involve your overcoming obstacles to achieve what you have.</p>
<p>Best wishes! Sorry if that was clear as mud, but holistic admissions policies tend to be that way ;)</p>