<p>IB student, GPA: 3.8 (unweighted), president of Spanish club, I went on a service trip to build a school and teach underprivileged Dominican children in Spanish (my third language), NHS member, Spanish NHS member, I think I have excellent recommendations, and my English teacher said I had a wonderful essay. I will apply EA. I am currently taking Spanish and French, and I speak 4 languages in total.
However, my ACT score is low...26. My SAT is worse, and I wouldn't dream of sending it in. I took the test twice, and this is my second highest score. I wanted to take it a third time, but we are a very low income family (59% beneath the poverty line), and the fee waiver can only be applied twice. Would the rest of my resume "make up" for my low ACT? Do I have a decent chance at UofM? I know that the average is a 3.7 GPA, and a 31 ACT, but I really hope they can accept me because it has been my dream school for the last 10 years.
Also, FAFSA is covering most of the costs, and the rest I will work for, take out loans, and apply for further financial aid.
I am in-state. I have 70 hours of community service under my belt, which sucks, but I really have little time to do everything the IB demands AND sleep AND eat. I go to school from 8:00-3:00, and I have clubs everyday which last from 3:15-5:45. I get home at 6:00ish, and go to bed at 11. In those 5 hours, I have at least 3 hours of homework and projects, plus studying because I have at least 3 tests a week every week. I shower, then eat. I know these are excuses, but this is my situation. Thanks</p>
<p>FYI. The admission average GPA is 3.85 (not 3.7) and mid 50 ACT is 30-33 this year. Your ACT score is weak. For in state students, UMich would meet the need so you don’t really need to worry about the financial aid. You probably want to try squeezing out some money for ACT retake, but definitely do more practice test to see if you can bring up the score first. You do need at least a few points improvement in ACT.</p>
<p>While its true your ACT score is low for Michigan, your profile and IB will help you. Also, given a low socioeconomic status in this case will mitigate the fact that you don’t have a test tutor or multiple sittings at the ACT.</p>
<p>Because they truly try to do a holistic evaluation, and because they also consider “what a student has done with what was available to them” you still have a shot, so don’t be too discouraged by stats.</p>
<p>But do try to do the free practice tests and work/save up for another sitting if possible to see if you can improve your scores. </p>
<p>And also consider that there are a couple a routes to Michigan, especially instate, so you have option even if you didnt get in this cycle. A friend of my son’s dropped out of a gifted program to self-educate as a teenager. His ACT score was 25 - not a big test taker, but a really inquisitive, independent learner but hadn’t had a lot of resources as a kid.</p>
<p>He went to a local 2-yr college where he did very well and got great references from profs. Then he transferred to Michigan and graduated same year as my son…with far less debt ;)</p>
<p>So, best wishes on your journey. </p>