First-year admissions

What does the University of Michigan look for?

Engineering application requirements

University of Michigan Engineering’s admissions criteria are based on the strength of your academic preparation to pursue an engineering degree. The requirements also help ensure that each accepted student has the interest and motivation to be successful.

The application review focuses on:

• The strength of your college preparatory background, including the degree of difficulty of courses selected (with special emphasis on precalculus, chemistry and physics)
• Your record of academic achievement
• Special or unique accomplishments
• ACT or SAT scores, if available
• TOEFL, MET or IELTS results (for international students)

Each application receives a holistic, individualized review. No special class rank, grade point average, test score, or other qualification by itself will assure admission. We look beyond grades and test scores to recruit the most dynamic group of students possible. First-year applications are reviewed by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Read more about the selection process on the university’s undergraduate admissions site.

How to apply as a first-year student

Applying to U-M as an undergraduate requires the following items:

• Start by completing the Common Application, including the U-M-specific essay questions.
• High school transcript
• School Report
• Letter of Recommendation
• SAT or ACT score, if available, and you wish them to be considered
• Additional requirements may be needed for international or home-schooled students
• Applicants to the Integrated Business and Engineering dual degree must also complete the Ross Admissions Portfolio.

Placement exams

Prior to orientation, you will complete the online math and chemistry placement exams (chemistry exam will be waived for those with AP/IB/transfer credit for general chemistry). You will also have the option of taking a foreign language placement exam. In some cases, doing well on a U-M Placement Exam will exempt you from a course or a requirement. The Engineering Advising Center website has more information.

Advanced Placement (AP) guidelines

Make sure to discuss your AP exams with your advisor during orientation. View Admissions: Advanced Placement Guidelines.

Dual Enrollment

Incoming first-year students who took one or more courses at a college or university while in high school may potentially receive transfer credit. If you’re seeking to transfer credits, please submit an official transcript from your accredited college/university. An official transcript should be mailed to:

Office of Student Affairs
Chrysler Center 143B, 2121 Bonisteel Boulevard
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2092

If the institution can send it officially electronically, it can be sent to [email protected]. Please allow 4-6 weeks for your transfer credit to be processed once U-M has received your transcript. For more information regarding engineering transfer credit policies, please see our Transfer Credit Approval Form (TCAF) Guidelines.