Hi everybody! This is my first post. I am about to start the college admissions process this fall, and I was wondering whether I have a chance of being admitted to U of Michigan. I am a soon to be senior in high school. (I am also out-of-state)
My ‘portfolio’ is pretty good for most colleges, but I don’t think it’s outstanding to a school like Michigan:
27 ACT (Michigan’s middle 50% is 30-34)
3.95 unweighted GPA
Ecs: Cross country varsity for three years
Track for two years (finally got varsity this year!)
2 different vocal ensembles for 3 straight years (of which i am treasurer of both)
Music camp during the summer two years in a row
Working during the summer at Mcdonalds
And this is kind of awkward, but I have had many bad experiences with my family life. My mother is in prison, my father died, and I was raped when I was 12 years old. I have had to live with a guardian from the summer before high school until now. Basically I have been told that I should relay my “sob story” to the admissions counselors in my essays because it might give me leg up in the admissions process. Would it though? I am also concerned about the ethics of doing that, because I do not feel it affected me that much when it came to my academics. I guess maybe freshman year when I was getting adjusted to my living situation. Everything in my life is fine now though… I am lucky now to be in a a safe home with a guardian that cares for me.
Would Michigan even look at my application? It’s my dream school! I went there on a campus visit last year and I fell in love with the campus and everything they had to offer. If I don’t get in, I would be very disappointed. There are other colleges I guess, but none that had the atmosphere Michigan had.
ACT 27 from an OOS student is not likely to get in, not even in state students. Have you tried SAT? More important, have you checked their NPC to see if you can afford it from OOS?
I have actually not tried the SAT. In my area, no one I know that I know of takes it. My high school only gives information about the ACT. (this is an average public high school in the Midwest- nothing special.) If I told people I wanted to take the SAT I would get weird looks. I have checked their NPC, and if it is accurate it looks like I will be able to afford it. Thanks for your reply!
Everything else about your app looks fairly competitive but your ACT is def an issue. SATs or retaking the ACTs is probably necessary.
Good luck!
I’d definitely try the SAT if you haven’t as you might find it easier. I’d also recommend you try Prepscholar - an SAT/ACT online study programme which guarantees a 4 point increase or your money back. I’d definitely include that story as colleges always like to see the harsh lives some people have had yet still managed to be academically successful. I’d also try taking SAT subject tests and developing some depth in your ECs. Good luck!
SAT subject tests are not required, not even recommended by UMich, although the score will be considered for the good of the applicant. For OP, he/she should focus on ACT/SAT1. He/she has a long way to go there.
Try to improve your ACT to at least a 32 since you are out-of-state. Also, it’s a good idea to write about your life story in your essay or in additional information section but make sure you emphasize how you grew from that experience and the positive results instead of spending most of the time complaining about your family situation.
As I read your post I thought there was no way you could get in, then I got to your life story. Wow. Other posts are correct that you should do everything you can to improve your ACT score, but your essay is what will give you a chance. Don’t go with the “poor me” theme, but emphasize how you have overcome the obstacles in your life to get where you are. You sound incredibly well adjusted for the upbringing you have had. An EC at a shelter, or helping abused children or rape victims would really look good on you application. Then, if you said you wanted to attend UM to be a Social Worker to help others that have experienced what you’ve gone through wraps it all together. Good luck!