The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

“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

“I really tried hard to keep my GPA's highsSep 29 2006PreMed and Medical
I really tried hard to keep my GPA's highs. I think that's one of the most important things. High GPA is a must. Also, SAT's scores are really important, but not as important as the GPAs. Finally, getting involved in different leadership positions in school would really make you an excellent candidate.
SAT: 1290 Female

“It's not that hard to get into the UApr 19 2006Electrical Engineering
It's not that hard to get into the U of M especially if you apply early. A lot of Ivy-rejects or people who got a lot of money(scholarship)....a lot of engineering or actuarial math international students or dumb football players come here.
SAT: 1400 Female

“Work hard in high school but have some fun tooApr 01 2006Business - Management and Administration
Work hard in high school but have some fun too. A 4.00 with tons and tons of extracurriculars probably does not look as appealing to the school as an applicant with a 3.8 GPA who was very active in a couple EC programs.
SAT: 1290 Male

“Keep grades up in high school, score well on theDec 08 2005Mechanical Engineering
Keep grades up in high school, score well on the SAT's.
ACT: 28 SAT: 1510 Male