There are so many reasons someone might want to transfer to the University of Michigan.
UMich was ranked as the best public university in the nation by The Times, and sits within the top 5 in the nation for psychology, dentistry, education, and more. The University of Michigan combines Ivy League academics with the one-of-a-kind feel of a big, public university.
And UMich does so from within one of the best college towns in the country. In fact, it isn’t rare to find Ann Arbor ranked as the best town for college students anywhere in the US.
It’s no surprise, with a wonderful city, athletics program, and academics, that the students at UMich are happy to be there. Niche ranked UMich as the 5th best school in the country for student life.
And, the University of Michigan has a roughly 50/50 ratio of in-state to out-of-state students on their Ann Arbor campus, demonstrating that UMich might be an ideal fit for a transfer student applying from anywhere in the world.
In fact, it may be a better time to apply to UMich as a transfer student than ever before, as in the last year, the transfer student population has grown by 8%.
But before a student submits a transfer application, there is important information that transfers need to know to be prepared to be accepted at UMich and make the most of their time there.
As such, this article breaks down the vital information transfer students need to know to best prepare for that acceptance letter in the mail.
We’ll be breaking down deadlines, requirements, transfer student statistics, and more to best equip readers with the tools they’ll need to begin the process of becoming a University of Michigan Wolverine.
University of Michigan Transfer Acceptance Rate
The transfer student acceptance rate at the University of Michigan is 41.5%.
Out of the 4,942 transfer students who applied to the University of Michigan, 2,051 were admitted, and 1,407 enrolled.
In comparison, the overall acceptance rate for the University of Michigan sits at around 26%.
As such, percentage-wise, transfer students may be at an advantage for admission compared to students who apply out of high school.
There is little discrepancy between the acceptance rate of students applying from a community college versus a 4-year university, with both sitting around 41%.
The same is the case for financial aid, where the University of Michigan claims that there is no significant difference between the rate of financial aid assistance being given to transfer vs. non-transfer students.
Application Requirements & GPA for University of Michigan Transfers
The minimum GPA for transfer students is a 2.0, but in order for students to be competitive, they will likely achieve a 3.0 or better.
Depending on the college to which one is applying, a higher GPA may be required, such as the College of Engineering which requires a 3.0.
The University of Michigan has specific transfer requirements on a college-by-college basis. However, the largest pool of students will submit their application to the admissions office, which reviews the applications of all students applying to the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) and the College of Engineering.
While the College of Engineering has a specific set of coursework it requires of transfer students, LSA does not.
LSA does not require any coursework but states that competitive candidates will usually have two semesters of relevant classes under their belt.
Besides the standard documentation required for college admission (transcripts, Common Application, etc.), UMich also gives students the option of submitting a letter of recommendation to distinguish themselves from the competition.
Finally, it is highly advised one look at the specific requirements for the particular college they are applying.
UMich has 14+ colleges students may apply to, and each has its own admissions requirements and standards for what a competitive applicant looks like.
University of Michigan University Transfer Deadline
The application deadline for UMich transfers is February 1st for the fall term. There is no early-decision deadline for transfer applicants.
Because UMich offers a spring and summer half-term of 7 weeks each, February 1st is also the deadline to enroll during the spring and summer half terms.
Transfer students’ first semester cannot be a full spring term, but they can opt to begin attending UMich during a 7-week spring or summer half-term if they so choose.
The application deadline for the winter term is October 1st.
The School of Music, Theatre & Dance has a separate application deadline of December 1st.
For fall transfers, it is recommended they complete their financial aid application prior to December 15th, though the final deadline is March 31st.
What is the Decision Date for UMich Transfers?
The date by which students expecting to enroll in the fall must decide whether they will accept their offer of admission from UMich is May 1st.
Although the time of the year during which decisions will be sent to applicants varies, generally transfer students who applied prior to February will learn if they were admitted before the end of April.
Those applying for the winter term will hear back regarding their admissions decision prior to the end of November.
Deciding Whether You Should Transfer to University of Michigan
But even after the application has been completed, and one has done all the necessary work needed to enroll in the specific college they are interested in, an important question remains: is UMich the right school for me?
Although the answer to this question will vary from person to person, essential affordances only available to transfer students make UMich an excellent choice for those considering it.
For one thing, if one is applying from a community college, there are both professional development and financial opportunities available at UMich that no other students will have access to.
One such program is the Community College Summer Fellowship Program. Community college students interested in transferring to UMich will have the opportunity to conduct research alongside University of Michigan faculty while receiving a stipend of up to $5,000.
A similar paid research program only available to transfer students is Changing Gears, available to both community college and transfers from 4-year universities.
Furthermore, a variety of scholarships are available exclusively for community college transfer students. One such scholarship, the Community College Scholar Award, pays $5,000 per year.
Finally, there are two separate networking programs only available to transfer students. The first is for transfer students from community colleges, called M-Connect, and the second is Transfer Connections, which is open to transfer students more broadly.
M-Connect can help students prior to being enrolled at UMich by providing application assistance and guidance regarding which courses would be transferable at Michigan.
After enrollment, M-Connect students will have access to counseling, research opportunities, exclusive classes, and more.
Transfer Connections is focused on building relationships between transfer students via social events and skill-building activities.
Through Transfer Connections, students will be introduced to a variety of UMich resources, and fellow transfer students, in a guided way.
All of this is to say that UMich cares about transfer students, and has many wonderful affordances for transfer students that one may not find elsewhere.
Besides considering the wonderful academic and student-life affordances at UMich, another important factor in deciding is what a school offers to transfer students.
As the above section demonstrates, UMich offers a lot.
RECAP: How to Apply As a Transfer Student to University of Michigan
To recap, the first thing a potential transfer student needs to do to begin their journey to Ann Arbor is to look at the specific requirements of the college they expect to apply.
With over 14 different colleges, each with its own admissions criteria, researching one’s specific college is strongly advised.
To aid in this process, community college students can reach out to M-Connect, a service on campus that aids potential transfer students from Michigan community colleges in the application process.
Regardless of which college to which students expect to apply, they will have to try to attain a GPA of at least a 3.0 in order to be competitive, even though, technically, the minimum required GPA is a 2.0.
Those hoping to transfer to UMich in the winter semester will need to fill out their application by October 1st. They will then hear back regarding their admissions decision by the end of November.
Students applying for the fall or the spring/summer half terms will have to submit their applications prior to February 1st. Decisions for these students will be released by the end of April.
For financial aid, students should turn in their application before December 15th, but the technical deadline is March 31st.
And the final step is to submit one’s final decision and $300 enrollment deposit by May 1st.
And once this is complete, students will be all set to attend what might be the best public university in the United States.
It is a school with wonderful campus life, Ivy League academics, one of the nation’s best sports teams, and rich campus traditions that can make any transfer student proud to call themselves a Wolverine.
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FAQs
What GPA do I need to transfer to UMich? ›
Application Requirements & GPA for University of Michigan Transfers. The minimum GPA for transfer students is a 2.0, but in order for students to be competitive, they will likely achieve a 3.0 or better.
What grades do I need to transfer to UMich? ›Transfer Student Requirements
To qualify for admission, transfer students must meet the following requirements: 2.0 minimum college GPA (with 24 or more college credits) High school GPA (with fewer than 24 college credits)
There are no formal University of Michigan GPA requirements. However, your GPA will play a major role in the review process. The median high school GPA for first-year students admitted to UM in 2021 was 3.90. Your University of Michigan SAT scores are also important.
How many transfer students Does Michigan take? ›...
Overview.
| Full-Time Undergraduate | 31,266 |
|---|---|
| Transfer Students | 1,278 |
| Programs | 342 |
| Courses | 2,179 |
| Equivalencies | 2,735 outgoing |
Competitive applicants for transfer admission will have completed prerequisite courses at their current school. You must have at least a 3.0 GPA to be considered for admission.
What GPA does UMich look at? ›Average GPA: 3.88
With a GPA of 3.88, University of Michigan requires you to be near the top of your class, and well above average. Your transcript should show mostly A's. Ideally, you will also have taken several AP or IB classes to show that you can handle academics at a college level.
The first thing you should know is that college transfer acceptance rates are lower than freshman acceptance rates. According to NACAC's 2019 State of College Admission report, the average admit rate for transfer students was 61% compared to 66% for freshmen.
Can I get into UMich with a low GPA? ›While UM does not have a published minimum GPA requirement applicants should meet, the average GPA of accepted first-year students is 3.88. Before you try to cross UMich off your college list, continue reading.
Does UMich transfer look at high school grades? ›We consider the college grade point average, the quality and quantity of transferable college credit, TOEFL/MET scores (if applicable), and the quality of high school credentials (including grades, strength of curriculum, and standardized test scores if provided) during the transfer review process.
Does Umich care about GPA? ›Key criteria we take into consideration, include: Your cumulative GPA. The quality of your curriculum (its solid college preparation, strength of courses, what courses you've taken based on what is available in your high school, such as AP, IB, or honors, etc.) Your class rank, if available.
Which school at Michigan is easiest to get into? ›
The easiest colleges to get into in Michigan include Adrian College, Calvin University, and Central Michigan University. Most students who apply for admission are able to enroll in one of their undergraduate programs right after high school graduation.
Can I get into University of Michigan with a 2.7 GPA? ›Students who meet our standard admission requirements generally have the following minimum GPA to start at UM-Flint: 2.7 high school GPA. High school diploma or minimum (GED score of 170)
Is acceptance rate higher for transfer students? ›Transferring from one school to another is a wise or even necessary choice for many students, but it's not without obstacles. College transfer acceptance rates are actually lower than freshman acceptance rates, meaning competition is higher.
Which college accepts the most transfer students? ›| School | Location | Enrolled |
|---|---|---|
| National University | La Jolla, CA | 3,300 |
| California State Polytechnic University--Pomona | Pomona, CA | 3,274 |
| Texas State University | San Marcos, TX | 3,112 |
| Eastern Illinois University | Charleston, IL | 2,871 |
Depending on the school, transfer students can account for anywhere from 15-40% of all newly enrolled undergraduates.
What is the bare minimum for a 3.0 GPA? ›B GPA. A B letter grade is equivalent to a 3.0 GPA, or Grade Point Average, on a 4.0 GPA scale, and a percentage grade of 83–86.
What is the minimum for a 3.0 GPA? ›A 3.0 GPA, or Grade Point Average, is equivalent to a B letter grade on a 4.0 GPA scale, and a percentage grade of 83–86.
What can a 3.0 GPA get you? ›Is a 3.0 GPA Good? A 3.0 GPA is the national average for all graduating high school students. Because of this, a 3.0 GPA means that you are eligible to apply at most (if not all) colleges, and your application will be competitive for admission at a sizable number of institutions.
Why is UMich so highly ranked? ›The University of Michigan is known for its massive campus size and diverse student body. Due to its top academics, it's one of the many schools dubbed as Public Ivies. Newsweek considers it a Hidden Ivy, too. UMich is also known for being an institution with great value, Greek life and athletics.
Is UCLA or UMich harder to get into? ›If you're looking at acceptance rate alone, then UCLA is more difficult to get into. However, each college is looking to fill its incoming class with a variety of students with different strengths, backgrounds, etc.
Is it easy to transfer to University of Michigan? ›
Additionally, of the 1760 accepted transfer students, 1246 students enrolled - that means the yield was 70.8%. UMich accepts 40 out of every 100 transfer applicants.
What makes a strong transfer applicant? ›Good grades are one of the most important things admissions offices look for in transfer applications. If struggling in school is one of the reasons you want to transfer, be prepared to explain what steps you're taking to improve them in your college essay.
What GPA do colleges look at when transferring? ›Most schools don't post the average GPA of their transfer students, but in most cases it hovers just below the average GPA of successful regular admissions applicants. UC Berkeley, for example, says that the middle 50 percent of its transfer GPAs range from 3.71 to 4.0.
How do you stand out in a transfer application? ›- Finish general education requirements. ...
- Earn high grades. ...
- Befriend your professors. ...
- Take advantage of your school. ...
- Enjoy the extracurricular activities and opportunities that are offered. ...
- Find a job.
For most of the Ivy League schools, they expect as close to a 4.0 unweighted GPA as possible. However, the actual unweighted GPAs of students admitted could vary, with many around the 3.5-4.0 range.
How can you get admitted with a low GPA? ›- Take Responsibility and Offer an Explanation for the Low GPA.
- Get Recommendation Letters From Teachers and Counselors.
- Get Good Standardized Test Scores.
- Wait to Apply and Improve Your GPA.
- Consider Alternative Admissions Programs.
- Start at a Community College.
Note, in our holistic review, we also consider an applicant's school-supplied GPA for all courses on their academic record. Additional weighting for advanced coursework (honors, AP, IB etc.) is not included on core GPA, but is always considered as part of the academic rigor.
Does transfer reset GPA? ›Once you do finally get accepted to a school, your GPA will essentially get wiped clean, and your new GPA will be determined by your level of success in your new classes at the new institution. Don't worry, your academic history is recorded on your official transcript at the school.
What is the lowest grade that will transfer? ›Generally, college-level courses completed at regionally-accredited institutions will transfer, provided that a grade of at least "C" (2.0) is earned and the course is similar in content and scope to work offered at your targeted college or university who will assess your academic history.
Does GPA carry over when you transfer? ›Your GPA will not transfer to your new college.
Unless you are transferring within a public college system, the GPA you graduate with will be calculated based on your grades at your new college.
What grade is failing at Umich? ›
C- and D Grades
A grade of “D+” and lower is not acceptable in any program for Engineering 100, Engineering 101. A grade of “C-” is not a satisfactory level of performance in some programs for any required course.
With a GPA of 3.6, University of Michigan - Dearborn requires you to be above average in your high school class. You'll need at least a mix of A's and B's, with more A's than B's. You can compensate for a lower GPA with harder classes, like AP or IB classes.
Can I get into Umich with a 3.4 GPA? ›Unless you are recruited athlete or music major, it is near impossible below 3.6 as they consider GPA as very important. Over 20% of enrolled freshmen had GPA 4.0 at high school. If you're having problems with some of the predictions already given, you should simply spk w/your guid counselor.
What is the number 1 hardest school to get into? ›Harvard ranked as the toughest school in the country to get into. It has a 5% acceptance rate, according to Niche. Stanford came in second on the list— with an acceptance rate of 5% as well. However, it accepts students with slightly lower test scores, Niche says.
What is the #1 school in Michigan? ›Based on an index of admissions rates and SAT scores, the University of Michigan ranks as the hardest school in Michigan to get into. In the 2020-2021 school year, a reported 26.1% of all 65,021 applicants were admitted.
What University can I get into with a 2.0 GPA? ›What colleges can I get into with a 2.0 GPA? With a 2.0 GPA, you can get into Voorhees College, Metropolitan College of New York, and Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico-Miami. You may also want to consider attending a 2-year institution to raise your GPA before applying to a 4-year institutions.
Can you get into a University with a 2.2 GPA? ›With a 2.2 GPA, college options are very limited. A 2.0 GPA is the unofficial lowest GPA for acceptance so it's conceivable to get into a few schools, but a 2.2 won't improve the odds too much. Increasing your GPA by even a few tenths will lead to more options.
Can you bring up a 2.2 GPA? ›Let's break it down. A 2.2 GPA, or Grade Point Average, is equivalent to a C letter grade on a 4.0 GPA scale. This means is equivalent to a 73-76%. The national average GPA is 3.0 which means a 2.2 is below average and leaves room for improvement.
Can I get into UMich with a 3.4 GPA? ›Unless you are recruited athlete or music major, it is near impossible below 3.6 as they consider GPA as very important. Over 20% of enrolled freshmen had GPA 4.0 at high school. If you're having problems with some of the predictions already given, you should simply spk w/your guid counselor.
Can I get into University of Michigan with a 2.5 GPA? ›
More than half of applicants the school admits have high school GPAs of 4.0. Like many institutions, UM does not have a minimum GPA requirement applicants should meet for their applications to be considered.
What is a good GPA to transfer to Ivy? ›As a reference, most admitted transfer students have a GPA of 3.7 or higher. This gives you an idea of how important your grades will be for the admissions committee. The average SAT score of a Dartmouth matriculant is 1520. The average ACT score of Dartmouth matriculants is 33.
Can you get denied as a transfer student? ›Yes, but for many schools transfer admissions can be more selective than applying from high school. Follow the advice below.
Is it easier to get accepted as a transfer student? ›The first thing you should know is that college transfer acceptance rates are lower than freshman acceptance rates. According to NACAC's 2019 State of College Admission report, the average admit rate for transfer students was 61% compared to 66% for freshmen.
Is a 3.4 GPA enough? ›Is a 3.4 GPA Good? To put it simply, yes. A 3.4 is on the verge of an A- and demonstrates consistently good test-taking, studying, and research skills. A 3.4 is comfortably above the national average GPA for high school graduates and is considered competitive at a majority of colleges and universities.
What is a good GPA for transfer students? ›The average GPA of admitted transfer students is above 3.5 and admitted students have completed most or all major preparatory courses. We give highest priority to applicants from California community colleges and other UC campuses.
Is a 2.5 GPA enough? ›Is a 2.5 GPA good? The answer is No. The national average for a GPA is around 3.0 and a 2.5 GPA puts you below that average. A 2.5 GPA means that you've gotten only C-s and D+s in your high school classes so far.
Can I transfer with a 2.5 GPA? ›Common application colleges tend to have higher transfer requirements, with some requiring a 2.5 to 3.0 GPA to transfer, with some program-specific requirements being even higher.
What is the hardest Ivy League school to get into 2022? ›1. Harvard University — 3.19% With a record-low admission rate of just 3.19% for the class of 2026, Harvard currently ranks as the most difficult school to get into. This rate reflects admission into Harvard College, the Ivy League university's undergraduate school.
Which Ivy takes the most transfers? ›Since 2019, a steady number of 200+ community college students have been able to transfer to Ivy League. Cornell University is said to accept the largest number of community college transfers. The University of Pennsylvania comes in second, and Brown University third.
What is the lowest GPA an Ivy League has accepted? ›
The admission rates of these schools have an average of merely 7.6%, with only Cornell University's acceptance rate being greater than 10% (and it's only up by 1%). None of the Ivy League schools have a minimum GPA requirement for applications, which means anyone can apply regardless of their GPA.