College Preparation

What kind of academic preparation should you engage in to be admitted to U-M? Beyond specific academic requirements, focusing on what you can do in your curriculum to be successful is an excellent starting point.
Ideally, you will have completed five units (full-year courses) during each of the four years. Also, you should elect Advanced Placement, international baccalaureate, honors, enriched, and accelerated high school courses when appropriate and possible.
School or College | English1 | Foreign Language | Mathematics | Science2 | Social Studies | Other |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Literature, Science, and the Arts4 | 4 | 25 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5 |
Engineering6 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 |
Nursing7 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 |
Music, Theatre & Dance | 4 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5 |
Kinesiology | 4 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5 |
Art & Design | 4 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5 |
Architecture and Urban Planning | 4 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5 |
Marsal Family School of Education (LEAPS program only) | 4 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
1 Students are urged to complete at least two rigorous writing courses.
2 Students are encouraged to complete at least two laboratory science classes.
3 Students are advised to elect “other” courses from the five subject groups listed.
4 First-year applicants to the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts are highly recommended to have completed the following: four years English, three years mathematics, two years biological and physical sciences, three years history and/or social sciences, two years of the same foreign language.
5 First-year applicants to the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts are strongly encouraged to take four years of language study, but only two years of the same language are required for admission (American Sign Language is included).
6 Students entering the College of Engineering are highly recommended to have completed four units of mathematics, two units of social science, four units of English, and four units of science–with at least one unit each of chemistry and physics.
7 Students entering the School of Nursing are highly recommended to have completed four units of English; four units of mathematics; four units of science including a requirement of one unit of biology and one unit of chemistry.
The ACT website offers useful tools and resources on planning for college.
Check out our year-by-year planning guide on how you can best prepare yourself for college.
During the summer, the University of Michigan offers a number of learning opportunities for youth. From residential camps to day-long programs, from art to science to business, summer programs offer a variety of exciting, academic and enriching options for youth. Programs allow participants to experience the University of Michigan while enjoying an outstanding education in areas of interest. The Center for Educational Outreach provides a comprehensive listing of all programs and camps available to elementary, middle, and high-school students at the University of Michigan.