University of Michigan - Low SAT Scores & Statistics Major

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Michigan
1

I’m a senior applying to University of Michigan as Early Action. I visited twice already so I know quite a bit about the school, its atmosphere, programs etc.
It’s a really high reach school for me, because my SAT score is way below the average SAT score that they want and my GPA makes their requirement border-line.
I have quite a few extracurriculars that show my interest in the Statistics area, but my biggest concern is that my numbers are so weak compared to other candidates.

I just want to know whether Michigan is really strict about standardized test scores; would my application be even considered to be read if my scores are not good?

Also, I emphasized the Statistics department, specifically the Informatics major in my supplement; is this a difficult major?
Would they look at my application more harshly if I pick a hard major like Statistics at UMich?

Thank you

2

What is ‘low’? In or OOS? Michigan considers test scores at a lower priority than GPA. You can always put in undecided and pick stats later.

3

@TooOld4School I am OOS; New Jersey
I’m a 100-200 points below their SAT test score average but GPA of 3.9 (barely makes the average cut)

I thought stating a major in my application would some what enhance my chances? I didn’t want to seem like I don’t know what I want to do …

Thanks

4

Most people are undecided, especially in LS&A. Engineers are typically undecided and they can take a class to help them select which engineering specialty they would like to major in. More specialized schools like Nursing or Kineseology are more limited in their selections so those students typically know what they want. Michigan also weights their grades - all A=4, all B=3 etc so most students typically have a higher GPA if they have a lot of A- grades. You still have time to retake the SAT for RD ; Michigan defers a lot of students in EA.

5

Is stats actually a difficult major at Michigan? Can anyone w/ experience clarify?

6

It is among the more difficult LS&A majors. You can quickly escalate into grad classes and other statistical areas. Some, such as Geostatistics are taught through SNRE or the engineering school. Stats is an area where taking an extra year for a combined Bachelors/Masters degree makes sense. A good CS background is also helpful.

7

also depends whether you are apply as out-of-state or in-state, as the gpa and ACT/SAT scores are significantly different in terms of expectations.

  • 3rd year out-of-state student, University of Michigan