Should I Apply Early?

Applying to College
1

<p>I've been thinking of applying early to the University of Michigan. U of M is basically my dream school. I am in-state, so that helps a bit. On college day, they said told me acknowledge that my school is more rigorous than others (it's still a public school). So from that, I kind of assumed I would apply early, but now I am questioning that. Here is my situation:</p>

<p>I took the practice ACT and scored a 27. The average for U of M is 28, but I would like a 29 or a 30. My Junior year was pretty good, I averaged a 3.9 unweighted. I didn't have a rigorous schedule though; I had 1 AP and 1 Honors. From Freshmen year-Junior year my dad was in the hospital with cancer so I didn't get a ton of ECs because I had no way of getting to and from school (it was an hour drive each way so my mom couldn't really drive me to and from ECs. I hope that doesn't sound like an excuse, it's just the way it was for a bit.). </p>

<p>Here is what I have planned for my senior year if I don't apply early:
3 APs
I could do more ECs. Right now I am in NHS and I will be in this program where you help the freshmen transition into HS (It looks good on a resume). I don't have a lot of volunteer hours so I could improve that.
I would be able to have another month to practice for the ACT.
I was thinking of doing SAT subject tests (at least in math and spanish). </p>

<p>What do you think I should do? I think I can push my ACT score up a point or two in the 2 weeks I have left to practice, but I am a little worried about my extracurriculars. I still have until November 1st to volunteer and try to pick up another EC like Debate.</p>

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<p>I was recently accepted to UofM for the Class of 2018, school of engineering. Unfortunately, due to financial reasons, I was not able to accept the offer but to defer admission for one year.</p>

<p>My advice to you is this: If you have a solid status and overall well-rounded, do apply as soon as possible. I applied for RD few weeks before the actual deadline of February and got in, whereas my friend who has better stats than I do applied the night before the deadline and got rejected. </p>

<p>Personally, I think UofM accepts as many and as fast as possible (given that they’re beyond their standard) and consequently, people who apply later will be at disadvantage.</p>

<p>Good luck, and let me know if you need help with ECs, essays, or application in general.</p>

3

<p>Thanks, I appreciate it a lot. I think what I am worried about the most is my ACT. I don’t know how much I will be able to get it up in a couple of weeks. </p>

4

<p>Sorry I forgot to add this: I don’t know a lot about the application process for colleges, so I thought it that the deadline to apply (Not EA) was in December. I just realized it was in February, so this changes my opinion a little bit. What would happen if I missed the EA deadline, but applied early in the admission process (like in December)? Would my chances be improved? </p>