Planning to apply to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor? You’re aiming high—UMich is one of the most prestigious public universities in the U.S., and admissions are extremely competitive. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the latest admissions statistics, campus demographics, academic profiles, and selection strategies. Whether you’re a prospective in‑state student or dreaming big from afar, this is your ultimate resource.
📈 Acceptance Rate & Applicant Trends
For Fall 2024, UMich received a record-breaking 98,310 freshman applications, admitted just 15,373 students, and enrolled 7,278. That equates to an overall admission rate of 15.6% — a major drop from previous years, and a historic low for the university :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Here’s a breakdown of the admit rate over the past five years:
- 2020 – 26.1%
- 2021 – 20.2%
- 2022 – 17.7%
- 2023 – 17.9%
- 2024 – 15.6% :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
According to a recent analysis, UMich’s acceptance rate has plunged to an “all‑time low of 17%” in 2024 — which aligns closely with the university’s own internal reporting for 15.6% including early action :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
In‑State vs. Out‑of‑State Admissions
The university prioritizes Michigan residents, who make up about half the freshman class. The in‑state acceptance rate is estimated at around 39% in 2024, while the out‑of‑state acceptance rate falls near 18% :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
🎓 Academic Profile of Admitted Students
High School GPA
UMich freshmen typically have exceptional GPAs. The middle 50% earns between 3.9–4.0 on a 4.0 scale — meaning nearly straight A’s in rigorous, college-level courses :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
SAT & ACT Scores
- SAT Evidence‑based Reading & Writing (ERW): 680–750 (25th–75th percentile, Class of 2024)
- SAT Math: 680–780 (25th–75th percentile, Class of 2024)
- Middle 50% Composite SAT (2024 sample): 1360–1530 :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
- ACT Composite (25–75): 31–34 for recent classes :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
The overall average SAT score reported by third‑party sources hovers around 1470, and the median GPA is approximately 3.9 :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
UMich operates under a test-optional policy, and approximately 51% of admitted freshmen submitted SATs in 2024, while just 18% submitted ACT scores :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
🔁 Retention & Graduation Rates
Retention and graduation metrics at UMich are very strong:
- First‑year retention rate: 97–98% (well above the national average of ~81%) :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
- 4‑Year graduation rate: ~82% (fall 2017 cohort) :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
- 6‑Year graduation rate: Between 92–93% for recent cohorts :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
👥 Enrollment & Demographics
As of Fall 2023, UMich had a total enrollment of approximately 52,065 students, made up of:
- Undergraduates: 33,730
- Graduate students: 18,335 :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
The student body is diverse and geographically broad:
- State representation: ~52% in-state, 43% out-of-state, and 5% international undergraduates :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
- Racial/ethnic breakdown: 53% White, 17% Asian, 7% Hispanic, 4% Black, 5% multiracial, 5% unknown/unreported, 8% international :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
- Student–faculty ratio: Approximately 15:1 :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
📚 Academic Offerings & Reputation
UMich spans:
- 19 Schools and Colleges
- Over 280 undergraduate programs
- 110 graduate programs in the U.S. News top 10 for 2022 :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
Popular majors include business, engineering, computer science, economics, psychology, biology, social sciences, and environmental sciences :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
🗓 Admission Timeline & Key Dates
- Early Action deadline: November 1
- Regular Decision deadline: February 1 :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
- Decision notifications: February (EA); March (RD)
- Enrollment yield: ~47% yield rate in 2024 (7,278 enrolled from 15,373 admits) :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
🛠 Admission Strategy & Holistic Review
UMich stresses a holistic admissions approach—beyond stats, they evaluate:
- rigor of coursework (AP/IB/dual enrollment)
- GPA trends over time
- socioeconomic context & life challenges
- leadership & involvement in extracurriculars
- personal essays and recommendations
- demonstrated interest and alignment with Michigan’s mission :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.
Given they can’t consider race explicitly due to Michigan’s Proposal 2 (2024), the university emphasizes other aspects of diversity and adversity :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
✅ What This Means for You
- Need outstanding GPA: Around 3.9+
- Top test scores: SAT 1360–1530 / ACT 31–34 (if submitted)
- In‑state vs. out‑state: Michigan residents have nearly double the acceptance odds
- Holistic presentation: Showcase leadership, personal growth, and adversity
- Submit strong essays: Especially helpful for out-of-state or borderline applicants
💡 Essay Support from IvyPlug
When competition is fierce, your essay sets you apart. For personalized help crafting standout essays, we strongly recommend IvyPlug.com. Their expert writing coaches specialize in:
- College admissions essays
- Personal statements
- Scholarship statements
- Competitive program statements
Whether you’re crafting your Michigan Common App essay or drafting supplemental prompts, IvyPlug helps amplify your voice and impact.
🧠 Final Takeaways
- UMich’s acceptance rate has dropped to ~15.6%—comparable to the Ivy League :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.
- Average admitted student: 3.9 GPA, SAT 1360–1530 / ACT 31–34 :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.
- Diverse, high-achieving incoming classes with national and global representation
- Holistic review is essential—academic stats get you in the door, but essays, grit, and context determine admission
- Out-of-state applicants must excel across the board to balance the in-state advantage
If you’re ready to take your application to the next level—especially your essay—visit IvyPlug.com today. They’ll guide you, refine your narrative, and help you turn a competitive profile into a captivating acceptance.