Please help!
Should I apply to UMichigan? I would be applying to Computer Science (the BSE version). Quick stats: 36ACT, 3.95ish gpa, 3 leadership positions in robotics. (See my chances request if you’re really invested). I don’t actually know much about them but they have stronger programs than Ohio State (which I’ve already been accepted to.) so I would pick them before OSU assuming I don’t dislike the area. But I am also struggling with the supplements and I’m getting very busy and tired of the application process. And there are 3 schools that I would choose above UMich, but they all have acceptance rates of about 20%, so I could be rejected by all.
Should I take my chances with those three schools, or should I put in the extra effort and apply to michigan just in case? (again I’m getting pretty burned out with this. I’m reluctant to do more work but I understand that I might have to.)
Would Michigan (and your other choices for that matter) be affordable?
Have you run the online net price calculators and asked your parents if they are able & willing to cover the costs? If the net price is affordable, then yes, Michigan might be an excellent back-up for schools that are even more selective … especially if you have not already applied to enough targets/safeties you like.
If you’re not a Michigan resident and you have doubts about being able to afford the net price, then there may be better options (schools with lower net costs that are no more selective, but about as attractive.) But it sounds like you might already have enough applications completed (or in the works).
Even if it is affordable, it may not worth the extra cost if the difference is big. But for admission, you do have a chance much higher than the 20% rate for average OOS applicants.
If you apply to Michigan, your chance of admission as an OOS student in engineering is in the low teens. That’s probably in the ballpark as the other selective schools you are applying too. It is much higher in LS&A (20% ish) and the engineering and LS&A CS programs are almost identical, except for the core requirements of each school. You can transfer from LS&A to engineering with a minimum of hassle with a minimum GPA.