So I’m planning on applying to the University of Michigan early action, but my SAT score is below their standards (1280/ 27 ACT) while my GPA is above being a 3.93. I also have strong ECs and AP classes/scores. Will my being a black female pursuing a political science major be enough of a “hook” to overcome my test scores? I am also in-state.
No. That is not a hook. A hook is a reason why a college would want YOU above any others with a similar profile. Examples might be if you were a recruited athlete, if you are Maila Obama, if your parents are huge donors to the school etc. Either you have a hook or your don’t. Very few people do have hooks. Being a URM can be a factor in your favor, but it is not a hook.
Certainly apply to UM (especially in-state), but also apply to other schools where your ACT meets the school profile (perhaps MI State?)
edegops, as an underrepresented minority, your academic credentials are strong (assuming your GPA is unweighted). I like your chances if you are in-state. If you are OOS, it is a shot in the dark, regardless of grades and scores.
Try to bring up your score a little bit even for URM.
You can take the SAT multiple times. Get a target score for the SAT and then study, prep, take practice tests, and be focused on that score! If you prep your score will improve.
She said she is in-state, so her odds are good. If you can bring up your ACT just 3 marks (a lot harder than expected - about 12 more questions correct), I’d say you have a solid chance. Being a URM is a very small hook, but will give you a slightly better chance if being compared to a student that is not a URM of similar standing. I wouldn’t worry about a hook honestly, I’d worry about bringing your score up and writing very strong and compelling essays. Realistically, even going up to a 29 is good IF you have strong ECs and essays and recommendations.
The state of Michigan legally prohibits the use of race in public college admissions.
That being said, your high school may help or hurt you depending on if UM favors it. Is there a section on your ACT or SAT that is substantially worse than others?
My high school’s class of 2016 had a ton of students accepted by UMich in comparison to previous years, so I’m hoping that works in my favor. As for my SAT score, I got a 690 in critical reading and 590 in math with a 18/24 essay and my second time testing I got a 660 in critical reading and a 590 in math and a 21/24 on the essay. I tend to do better on the SAT so I don’t plan to take the ACT again. 
Take a study course for your preferred test SAT/ACT…and test again.
The value of being URM is slimmer than people think. Michigan will have more than enough URMs that meet and / or exceed its requirement.
It’s already been pointed out that the admissions bump is ZERO at UMich, because it’s illegal for public schools in Michigan.
UofM introduced a new diversity initiative, actually; it should help
Umich’s diversity initiative focuses on recruiting LOW INCOME students. It’s illegal for them to explicitly recruit by race.
https://www.michigandaily.com/section/news/schlissel-updates-students-status-campus-diversity-initiative
It could give the OP a boost if she’s low income, not because she’s black.
If you don’t have a hook, 1280 is very low. Just take it again and improve by 100 points. Make sure you apply EA too.