Hey everyone, I'm super interested in applying to UM (University of Michigan) and was wondering if any of you could shed some light on the process. Specifically, I want to know about early action - what does it entail? Are there benefits to applying via early action? Thanks in advance for your insight!
Early Action is generally a non-binding, expedited admissions process (the one exception is if it's specifically called Single-Choice Early Action, or SCEA, or Restrictive Early Action, or REA). For University of Michigan, the process is like the regular application process, but you submit the application earlier, around November 1st.
By applying early action at UMich, you get to find out your decision typically in mid-December instead of April. This can give you a good idea of where you stand for other similar colleges and allow you to more effectively strategize the Regular Decision round in January.
Speaking of benefits, there's some data to suggest that applying early may slightly improve students' acceptance rates even after controlling for profile strength, but it's important to note that this isn’t a guarantee and it can vary greatly between institutions.
One thing you should be aware of: applying early means you'll need to complete your application components (essays, recommendation letters, filling out your courses and grades, test scores, etc.) by the earlier deadline. This can be a significant amount of work, especially if you're also applying to other schools around the same time.
Ultimately, if you’re confident in your first-quarter or first-semester grades, and have solid standardized test results (if you choose to submit them, since UMich is test-optional for the 2024-2025 application cycle), applying early might be a good decision. Make sure you research about the programs you're interested in, so you can tailor your application to show you're a good fit for UMich.
Good luck with your application! It's a major step in your college journey, and putting in the effort now can pay off in the end.
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