Effective Fall 2026 Admissions Cycle 

The University of Michigan offers three application plans for first-year applicants: Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision. We encourage students to pick the plan that is the best fit, considering when they will be ready to apply and if they are prepared to make a binding commitment to U-M. Regardless of the decision plan, the same rigorous holistic application review and selection process will be followed.

In order to qualify for the application plans listed below, students must submit all of the required materials by the posted deadlines. Students who apply via Early Decision or Early Action but don’t meet the requirements or deadlines will be rolled into the Regular Decision applicant pool.

Most first-year admitting schools and colleges at U-M will participate in the three decision plans, with School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD) programs only available through Regular Decision with a unique Dec. 1 deadline.

Early Decision

  • Application Deadline: Nov. 1
  • Financial Aid Deadline: Nov. 15
  • Decision Date: By Dec. 24
  • Commitment Date: Jan. 6

New for fall 2026 first-year applicants, Early Decision (ED) is a binding plan. Students who participate in the Early Decision plan will apply by Nov. 1 and can expect a decision notification by the end of December. The introduction of this new plan allows highly qualified students, who know that the University of Michigan is their top choice institution, to affirm their commitment to the university earlier in the annual application cycle.

Financial aid packages for students who submitted their CSS Profile and FAFSA by Nov. 15 will follow closely after decision release.

Early Decision ​​is appropriate for students who are committed to attending ​U​-M if they are admitted. The applicant, a parent or guardian, and the high school counselor must sign the Early Decision Agreement, indicating the student’s commitment to attend ​U​-M if offered admission. If the student is admitted to ​U​-M through Early Decision, they must immediately withdraw applications to all other colleges and universities.

Students who participate in Early Decision could receive these possible outcomes: admit, deny, or postpone. Students postponed will no longer have a binding commitment if admitted.

All admissions decisions will be posted on Enrollment Connect.

FAQs

Why has U-M made the decision to offer an ED plan? 

The introduction of ED will allow highly qualified students who know that the University of Michigan is their top choice institution to affirm their commitment to the university earlier in the annual application cycle. 

What is the ED agreement that must be signed by the student, parent/guardian, and counselor? 

The ED Agreement is included in the Common App and indicates the student’s commitment to attend ​U​-M if offered admission. You can find more information on how to complete the agreement on the Common App website 

How will financial aid packages be determined for students applying for ED?

The FAFSA will be available on Oct.1, 2025. Students must complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile by the Nov. 15 deadline to receive a financial aid package if admitted in ED. 

The U-M Net Price Calculator is available to help students and families explore the cost of a U-M education and make informed decisions as you plan for college.

Will financial need be considered as part of the application review process in ED? 

No, we will continue to be need-blind in our evaluation process. 

When is the enrollment deposit deadline for ED? 

Students who are admitted through ED have a binding commitment and are expected to affirm that by paying the EDR by Jan. 6.. 

Will students admitted through ED be given priority for housing/orientation and course registration? 

No, students admitted during ED will not receive priority for housing or orientation and course registration. ED students will receive information about housing and orientation at the same cadence as other enrolling students. All housing applications received by early May are assigned in random order based on applicant preferences. After early May, assignments are made in the order applications are received.

What is the latest testing date for consideration in ED? 

Students should choose testing dates that ensure their scores will be available prior to the Nov. 1 deadline.

If I am interested in applying for dual-degree or preferred admissions can I participate in Early Decision? 

No, students interested in traditional dual-degree or preferred admissions programs must apply during Early Action or Regular Decision. The integrated Business and Engineering at Michigan dual-degree is available during Early Decision. 

Early Action

  • Application Deadline: Nov. 1
  • Financial Aid Suggested Filing Date: Dec. 15
  • Decision Date: By Jan. 30
  • Financial Aid Deadline: March 1
  • Commitment Date: By May 1

The Early Action (EA) deadline is best for students who are prepared to apply early and are interested in receiving an admissions decision early, but are still considering their college options. Early Action is nonbinding, meaning admitted students can consider all of their options, including decisions from other colleges/universities and financial aid packages, before making a decision. Students admitted through EA have until May 1 to commit to U-M.

Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning programs do not participate in Early Action. Students must apply during the Early Decision or Regular Decision application plans. 

Financial aid packages for students who submitted their CSS Profile and FAFSA by the Dec. 15 suggested filing date will follow closely after decision release.

Students who participate in Early Action could receive these possible outcomes: admit, deny, or postpone to Regular Decision.

All admissions decisions will be posted on Enrollment Connect.

Regular Decision

  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1
  • Financial Aid Suggested Filing Date: Dec. 15
  • Financial Aid Deadline: March 1
  • Decision Date: By April 3
  • Commitment Date: By May 1 

The Regular Decision (RD) deadline is the standard nonbinding application plan. Applying as a Regular Decision applicant provides students more time to complete their application and collect the required materials. It also provides time for students to consider their college options and financial aid packages before committing.

Financial aid packages for students who submitted their CSS Profile and FAFSA by the Dec. 15 suggested filing date or the March 1 financial aid deadline will follow closely after decision release.

Students who participate in Regular Decision could receive these possible outcomes: admit, deny, or waitlist.

All admissions decisions will be posted on Enrollment Connect.