<p>Hey guys,</p>
<p>For those of you who are familiar with the UMich admissions process, what is an excellent SAT score - something that is "safe"?</p>
<p>Michigan is more concerned with your academic record. A student with demonstrated and consistent success within a rigorous high school curriculum can get away with an “average” SAT score (which by Michigan standards means 650-700 in each section of the SAT). However the opposite does not hold. Acing the SAT (2250+) will not make up for less than stellar academic performance, relative to one’s high school academic system (US, IB, A Level, French Bac etc…) and grading philosophy. </p>
<p>So, assuming you are a top student in your school, an SAT score in the 2000+ range should be enough for you application to be taken seriously. Even then, the odds are not good though. For a solid chance of admission, near perfect grades with a 2200+ on the SAT are in order.</p>
<p>“Michigan is more concerned with your academic record. A student with demonstrated and consistent success within a rigorous high school curriculum can get away with an “average” SAT score (which by Michigan standards means 650-700 in each section of the SAT). However the opposite does not hold.”</p>
<p>I have to disagree^. My sibling (completely unhooked, very typical ECs, and OOS) was admitted with a 3.6 UW and 32 ACT. Although perhaps uncommon, it is possible.</p>
<p>In response to the OP, I’d say with a good GPA 30+/2050+ should be safe/in the range. With a lacking a GPA, however, I’d say 32+/2150+ should do the trick. “Excellent” would be 2200+</p>
<p>Creeping through your other stats, I’d say you’re golden. Not too sure how much harder it is for a Canadian student, but I’d say you’re easily in even regular decision.</p>
<p>“I have to disagree^. My sibling (completely unhooked, very typical ECs, and OOS) was admitted with a 3.6 UW and 32 ACT. Although perhaps uncommon, it is possible.”</p>
<p>It is obviously possible, but for every candidate like your sibling, there are many who are rejected. In other words, your sibling was lucky to have been admitted…unless your sibling attended a school that has serious grade deflation and a 3.6 GPA is considered very good. That is not unusual. I attended such a school, where 3.5 students have a realistic shot at very selective schools.</p>
<p>“Creeping through your other stats, I’d say you’re golden. Not too sure how much harder it is for a Canadian student, but I’d say you’re easily in even regular decision.”</p>
<p>While I agree that the OP’s credentials are stellar, it is hard to predict how many students will be applying next year, and how many of those will be admitted. I do know that Michigan’s acceptance rate for international applicants is under 10%, which makes it a reach, regardless of one’s credentials. However, a large reason for this is the number of applicants from Asia. The OP is applying from Canada, and the odds of getting in for Canadians are better. Still, I would not recommend apply RD. EA is the way to go. RD, I would say Michigan is a reach for any international applicant. EA, in the case of the OP, I would say Michigan is a safe match.</p>
<p>There was definitely no grade deflation at his school. If anything, grade inflation, as his school doesn’t offer any APs/Honors/IBs etc. Although his essays weren’t outstanding either, I think he got his point across and convinced the adcom that he was truly passionate about UM. So that along with an upward trend, and above average ACT scores, did the trick (so I believe).</p>
<p>And yeah UM is definitely no guarantee for anyone, but I would be surprised if the OP wasn’t admitted.</p>
<p>Thank you @bhchamp and @Alexandre! I appreciate the input. Just for the record, I am applying EA to UMichigan. I was also wondering how much importance is placed on letters of recommendation. As you know, I am a Canadian, so I wasn’t completely familiarized with American admissions until recently. Hence, I don’t think I thoroughly fortified a relationship with my teachers. Could I get a rec from someone else such as a principal?</p>