What are my chances of getting in the University of Michigan Ann Arbor?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Hey everyone, I’m a sophmore student at Oakland University (Rochester Hills Michigan), and I want to transfer to the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor Campus.

I wish to do so because #1, it’s my dream college, and #2, I am finding the Physics and Mathematics departments here rather cough subpar? Let’s just say if your interested in learning mathematics and physics, it’s best you search for another university.

Anyhow, before I transferred to OU, I was a student at Oakland Community College, and my GPA there was a 3.9. Since then, I transfered to Oakland University, and now my GPA* has dropped to a 3.2: which I may be able to shift back to 3.4 after this Semester is over. (Please note: this GPA does not include my Oakland Community College GPA factored into it)

The main reason for this grade point drop, is due to a physics class I can’t seem to get a passing grade in. I attribute this to the fact that the physics professors which I have studied under do the bulk of their grading with 3, 10-question, multiple-choice exams: no partial credit. But I digress.

Also, since the beginning of my college career, I have dropped a total of 8 classes over a three year period. About 3 of these withdrawls were OCC Summer classes I decided to attend for fun, but due to other reasons, I decided to drop them. The other classes I dropped were “Pawn Sacrifices,” so to speak, so I could get higher grades in other courses during the semester.

With this information in mind, if I applied to the University of Michigan, what would my chances be of getting accepted? If my chances are low, what would I need to accomplish to change the odds?

Finally, if my chances are too slim to get accepted in a timely manner, are there any other universities which I may be able to transfer to? I am starting to lose faith the Oakland Universities abilities to teach: I’ve been asking students and graduates technical degrees related to mine, and the consensus seems to be that OU’s math and physics department are, as I mentioned earlier, problematic.

Additional Information to Consider:

–My Great Grandfather attended the University of Michigan.
–I know professors at Oakland Community College, my Op-Ed Job, and U of M alumni, who would be willing to send letters of recommendation.
–My first year of college was during my last year of high school, I was duel enrolled. This is why I have been at college for 3 years instead of 2.

Thanks for reading my post.

–cpiott

PS: I am new to this form, so if I am posting in the wrong place, please let me know! :slight_smile:

2

I am familiar with both universities. First check to see how many of your credits transfer. OU and UM do not necessarily accept each others course credit. Ck how that would affect your gpa.
It is best to Connect with UM first. See what they direct you to do and if you have a chance. Forums like this are for broad info only. I would contact them. They will give you a realistic answer. And, get to know people at the admissions office. Go there and talk with them. They have open appointments daily. Dont be afraid that you are bothering them. If you want it - advocate for it.

Plus, check with OU’s department heads. The profs can be problematic. I know MANY students repeating classes. It is often thought of as an unofficial money making ploy. Again, state your case. Have no fear. No one will care to help you as much as you can help yourself by taking the initiative.

3

Thank you for the reply, it was very helpful for me.

If you don’t mind me asking, though, how should I go about checking with Oakland University’s Physics department. I’m not normally one to complain about how an institution/class is run: I normally take the “Mine is not to reason why, mine is but to do or die” approach to these kinds of things.

Additionally, I don’t want to come off as someone who’s just angry because they didn’t receive the grade they were hoping for.

Furthermore, if it’s okay of me asking, what do you mean by “familiar with both universities”?

Once again, thanks for the insight.

–cpiott

4

Hi there Sorry for the delay.

I have ties to, attended both and have worked with students of both universities
More recently, have advised in a situation similar to yours. This forum is idea based advise. Stick with the experts at your school or the school that you hope to attend.
Begin with your professor. Discuss your dilemma. I get that you may feel that leaving is your best option, but you will encounter these situations everywhere and possibly worse at a bigger university. Next, meet with an OU counselor, very important. Make sure that you feel that this person is open minded. If you don’t feel comfortable make an appt with a different counselor.
Remember that you do subsidize these people and you should use their expertise. Finally, contact the dept. head. In doing so explain your situation as honestly as possible - no need to complain. State your concerns and be equipped with facts, evidence, etc.

I get it, OU does have issues with some profs and their willingness to assist, that’s why the counselor and dept head is important. They do want success in their dept, school - because anything less reflects badly. Good Luck!