College Preparation
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3.9
Average GPA
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.
High School Course Expectations for U-M First-year Admitting Colleges and Schools
Ideally, students you will have completed five units (full-year courses) during each of the four years and elected Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, honors, enriched, and accelerated high school courses when appropriate and available. You are required to complete four years of English, with at least two rigorous writing courses, at least two laboratory science courses, and electives from the subject groups listed below.
| School or College | English | World Language | Mathematics | Science | Social Studies | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture and Urban Planning | 4 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5 |
| Art & Design | 4 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5 |
| Business | 4 | 2 | 41 | 3 | 3 | 5 |
| Education (LEAPS program only) | 4 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5 |
| Engineering2 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Kinesiology3 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5 |
| Literature, Science, and the Arts | 4 | 24 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5 |
| Music, Theatre & Dance | 4 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5 |
| Nursing5 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Pharmacy6 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 |
1 Students entering the Ross School of Business are required to complete four units of mathematics of their choice. Calculus is not a requirement, and a student's math record is viewed holistically.
2 Students entering the College of Engineering are required to have four units of mathematics, with trigonometry or pre-calculus required and calculus highly recommended and four units of science, with chemistry and physics required.
3 Students entering the School of Kinesiology are required to have three units of science with biology, physics, chemistry and anatomy/physiology high recommended. Three units of mathematics are also required with statistics recommended.
4 Students entering the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts are strongly encouraged to take four years of language study, with two years of the same world language required for admission (American Sign Language is included).
5 Students entering the School of Nursing are required to have completed three units of mathematics, and four units of science, with one unit each of biology and chemistry. Four units of mathematics are recommended.
6 Students entering the College of Pharmacy are required to have completed three units of mathematics, and three units of science, with one unit each of biology and chemistry. Four units of both mathematics and science are recommended.
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 daylong 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.