The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

“I didn't need to do much to get itJun 12 2008Mechanical Engineering
I didn't need to do much to get it because I'm relatively overqualified for the school. Wrote some pretty average essays, had good test scores, took 10 APs and got straight 5s, and voila.

If you got a 1400 or higher, you should get in no problem.

Oh, and because football seats are based on credits, the more APs you have the better, regardless of whether you can use them or not.
ACT: 34 SAT: 1540 Male

“Its michigan, everyone here was top in their class,Dec 14 2006Undecided
its michigan, everyone here was top in their class, involved in extracurricular activities and community service. Use your admissions essay as a way to set yourself apart.
ACT: 27 Female

“I was not a very good student in highNov 28 2006Psychology
I was not a very good student in high school, at least not my first year. I got a 2.7 my freshman year, but then I really started working hard and from then on got 3.7's and 3.8's. By the end of my senior year however, my gpa was only 3.6 or so. I didn't do many extra curriculars either, unless you count being in Choir.

What got me in was my recommendations and my essay. I wrote an essay talking about my experiences in high school and why I had such poor grades my first year and what I did to pull them back up. I really made it original and personal as well. Because of this I think they really over looked the 2.7. Also the grades showed that I was able to really work hard and get myelf out of bad place.

The point is, even if you aren't a stellar student work hard on the essays to be sure you show them *who* you are. Numbers don't mean much to admissions people. I know this because I live in ann arbor, it's my hometown and I had opportunties to meet with U of M admissions counselors at the various college fairs.

They like to see people who are willing to face challenges and who have great potential, not *just* over achievers with high scores.
ACT: 26 SAT: 1350 Female

“Hmm...for theSep 22 2005English
Hmm...for the essay, write something original. That means, don't write about how your mom read to you when you were a kid (LSA hopefuls) or about how you played with legos (for all you aspiring engineers.)
ACT: 32 Female

“Don't spend too much time on the entranceJul 25 2005Computer Science
Don't spend too much time on the entrance essay - it's only worth about 2% of getting into Michigan. GPA is the most important criterion - do well in your classes especially sophomore and junior year.
ACT: 30 Male