Hello, I'm interested in attending the University of Michigan. Can anyone tell me what GPA they usually look for in applicants? Is it higher for specific programs like Engineering or Business?
When evaluating applicants, the University of Michigan looks for those who have consistently maintained high academic performance throughout their high school career. While the average unweighted GPA for enrolled students is typically between 3.8 and 4.0, this does not mean that a GPA slightly lower than this range will automatically result in a rejection. Individual circumstances, the rigor of your coursework, and improvement in grades over time can definitely play into the way the admissions committee interprets GPA.
As for specific programs, admissions to the College of Engineering and the Ross School of Business are known to be highly competitive. While the university doesn't publish exact GPA cutoffs for these colleges, applicants to these programs typically show stronger academic records.
Remember, the University of Michigan has a holistic admissions process, so your GPA isn't going to be the sole factor determining your admission. Other important considerations include your standardized test scores (as the institution is not test-optional), the rigor of your high school curriculum, your essay, recommendation letters, and the extracurricular activities (especially those related to your intended field of study). Overall, a high GPA will only strengthen your application, but the other elements of your application will be important for providing a well-rounded view of you as a prospective student.
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