U-M Office of Undergraduate Admissions

Timeline

Freshman and Sophomore Years in High School

  • A great planning guide for selective college admissions is available on our web site.
  • Encourage students to take the most challenging academic courses appropriate to their abilities and the resources of the school and community.
  • Also encourage involvement in meaningful extracurricular activities and community service. Depth in a few areas is more valuable than a long list of superficial memberships.
  • Together, assess and discuss family finances and values that might affect college choice.
  • Visit college campuses as a part of family vacations and trips. To schedule a visit to the University of Michigan, register online.
  • Encourage use of the web and college guides to expand a list of college possibilities.
  • For schools of interest, the student should register as a prospective student through web sites and receive further printed and electronic information. Indicate interest in Michigan through our website.
  • Emphasize time management, organization skills, and good study habits.
  • Taking the PSAT or PLAN sophomore year is great for self-assessment.

Junior Year

  • Narrow the list of possible colleges and universities, taking into account family finances, the school's profile, and the student's abilities, interests, and preferences. Check out Michigan's Freshman Profile and our admissions requirements on our Fast Facts page.
  • Begin more "serious" campus visits. To schedule a visit to the University of Michigan, register online.
  • Integrate deadlines, testing dates, and visits into a family or the student's calendar/planner.
  • Check deadlines for registration for the various tests important to junior year — PSAT, SAT, ACT, SAT Subject Tests, and AP exams. Michigan requires either the ACT or the SAT. Students should take one or both of these tests by the spring of the junior year and make sure scores are sent to University of Michigan from the testing agency.
  • Indicate interest in Michigan through our website.
  • Attend college fairs. Be sure to stop by the Michigan table!
  • Encourage your student to meet with college representatives visiting the high school during the junior and senior years.
  • Suggest a filing system for all college publications and CDs.
  • Students should identify teachers and counselors for letters of reference, if required by the colleges that are of interest.
  • Explore scholarship possibilities on the web and in school guidance offices. DO NOT PAY for any scholarship service search.
  • Students in the arts should prepare for portfolio and/or audition requirements.
  • College-bound students should select a rigorous preparatory curriculum for senior year.

Senior Year

  • Check to see if your student has narrowed college possibilities down to a manageable number.
  • Help manage deadline dates and advice on timing of application - many schools have later deadlines, but encourage early application for the best chances for admission. Michigan's deadline is February 1, but we definitely want students to apply early in the fall of their senior year not only for admission, but also for scholarship consideration.
  • Ensure that your student has coordinated with the school guidance and records office so that all appropriate transcripts and recommendations arrive at the admissions office in a timely manner.
  • Students may wish to re-take the SAT or ACT in the fall.
  • Senior grades do matter, even after college acceptances are received. Share your expectations for a strong finish!
  • In January, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for consideration for need-based financial aid.
  • Final winter and spring visits for admitted students will help a student decide between desirable alternatives.
  • Once the big decision is made, be very aware of deadlines for enrollment deposits, housing applications, and orientation registration.
  • Enjoy the senior festivities - celebrate your student's accomplishments and look forward to this next stage in your family's life!