Application Changes

Testing

Effective for the 2025 application cycle, U-M will be test-optional. Prospective students will continue to have the choice to submit standardized test scores (ACT/SAT), if they desire, as part of their application.

Advancement Placement (AP) scores, International Baccalaureate (IB) grades, and predicted results or other international credentials will be considered in context with the academic record, regardless of whether or not test-optional is chosen.

The university will review the policy on an ongoing basis.

FAQs

If I apply as a test-optional candidate and ask to be read without an ACT or SAT score can I still send other scores for consideration?

• Yes, students who do not wish to have SAT or ACT scores considered as part of their application review can still submit other optional forms of testing (such as AP exam scores or IB exam scores), and these scores may be self-reported on the application or through the Enrollment Connect Portal. Again, responding “No” to the question indicates that you do not wish to have an ACT or SAT score considered as part of your application, but we still welcome you to share other testing information, such as AP or IB exam scores as part of your academic record, if available.

Should I respond "No" if I do not want an ACT or SAT score to be considered as part of my application, but I do want to share other scores as a part of my application?

• The application question "Do you want us to consider SAT or ACT scores in our review of your application?" refers only to SAT and/or ACT scores. Students who wish to apply without SAT or ACT scores but do plan to self-report other forms of testing to be considered should respond "No" to this question.

If I sat for an ACT or SAT exam, am I required to report the score to U-M as a part of my application?

• Even if a student is able to take an SAT or ACT, they may prefer that we don’t consider it as part of our evaluation of their application. Our process will respect that decision; there is no need for applicants to report scores. However, if you have test scores you would like to include, we welcome them.

If I released my ACT/SAT score to the University of Michigan as a prospective student, can I still respond "No" and ask the university to consider my application without the ACT/SAT score?

• Yes, if we have an ACT/SAT score on file for an applicant who has responded "No" to the testing question on their application, their application will be reviewed as a test-optional candidate, and the ACT/SAT score reported to us prior to application will not be taken into consideration as a part of our evaluation.

If I apply Early Action and answer "No" to the question, can I change my mind and choose to later report an ACT/SAT score to U-M later for Early Action consideration?

• No, Early Action candidates who respond "No" to this question on the application will be evaluated without an ACT or SAT score during our Early Action period, and if an ACT/SAT score is reported through Enrollment Connect after the submission of the application, it will not be considered as a part of our Early Action decision. However, Early Action applicants who have been postponed or Regular Decision applicants may self-report ACT/SAT scores prior to the Feb. 1, 2025 Regular Decision deadline if they would like the test scores to be added to their file for consideration.

If I am testing in the fall of my senior year, can I still reply "Yes" to this question and have my ACT/SAT score considered as part of my Early Action application?

• Early Action candidates who respond "Yes" to this question on the application must self-report test scores on their application or through Enrollment Connect by Nov. 15. Those students who do not submit a test score by this date will be moved into the test-optional pool of candidates and reviewed without an ACT/SAT score during Early Action, if all other required materials have been received to complete their application for Early Action consideration.

If I was reviewed as a test-optional candidate during Early Action and I was postponed into the Regular Decision (RD) pool, can I change my mind and report an ACT/SAT score for consideration?

• Any postponed Early Action applicant whose application is now being evaluated for a final decision for RD may self-report a new ACT and/or SAT score for consideration as long as the score is reported prior to the Feb. 1 application deadline. This includes applicants who initially asked to be evaluated without the consideration of an ACT/SAT score. We would also encourage these applicants to submit first-term senior-year grades for consideration.

Will I be disadvantaged if I do not send an ACT/SAT score for consideration?

• No, an applicant will not be disadvantaged if they do not submit an ACT/SAT score for consideration. If an applicant chooses to report scores, we will continue to consider the information in context with all of their other application materials as part of our holistic review. With or without test scores, we will continue to evaluate applicants’ academic and personal fit for U-M through a holistic assessment of grades, course rigor, recommendations, extracurricular involvement and work experiences, personal essays, and other information specific to their own experiences and high school setting.

Can I self report my test scores?

• We will continue to accept self-reported scores from all applicants. These scores can be reported on the application or through Enrollment Connect if scores become available after an application has already been submitted. In order to enroll, admitted students who self-reported SAT or ACT scores will need to send official scores that corroborate their highest self-reported scores.

Does U-M superscore?

• We will use your highest superscore, which means that we will consider the best sub-scores reported across multiple test dates. You may submit your scores as a superscore, but if you wish to have us calculate the superscore for you instead, you may submit all of your test scores.

AP Coursework and Testing

• The inability to provide AP test scores will not impact the review of an application.
• Many students who have access to AP coursework choose to present coursework and scores during the application process. When provided, this information is only used in context with additional information in a student's application and where such courses are available. Where AP is available, excessive AP participation is neither required nor encouraged.

COVID-19 Circumstances

We accept the Common Application, which includes opportunities for students to share unique challenges they have faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We encourage students to share their specific circumstances and will bring empathy and compassion to our holistic review process.

• The optional Common Application question (response limited to 250 words) is: "Community disruptions such as COVID-19 and natural disasters can have deep and long-lasting impacts. If you need it, this space is yours to describe those impacts. Colleges care about the effects on your health and well-being, safety, family circumstances, future plans, and education, including access to reliable technology and quiet study spaces."
• We recognize that transcripts and extracurricular activities may look different in light of the pandemic. Our holistic review process has always been contextual, so we are well prepared to assess applications fairly in light of the many challenges and disruptions students have faced. We encourage you to share whatever information you believe would be valuable in helping us learn more about the impact the pandemic had on your high school experience through your short answer and essay responses.
• We are aware that transcripts will include variable teaching modalities in the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 academic years. Students will not be disadvantaged if they received pass/fail or credit/no credit or other COVID-related grades during the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 academic years. Each academic record will be reviewed for curriculum selected, academic rigor, and academic performance within the context of all courses where grades are available and coursework pursued.