Choose the Application Plan That’s Right for You

There’s more than one way to apply to the University of Michigan. No matter which plan you choose, your application will receive the same rigorous, holistic review. First-year applicants can choose from three application plans:

  • Early Decision is for students who are certain U-M is their first choice and are ready to make a binding commitment. The application deadline is Nov. 1. Students seeking financial aid should also be prepared to submit the CSS Profile and FAFSA by Nov. 15.
  • Early Action is for students who are ready to apply early and want an earlier admissions decision while providing more time to consider admission and financial aid offers before making a decision.
  • Regular Decision gives students more time to complete their application and consider admission and financial aid offers before making a decision. The application deadline is Feb. 1. 

To be considered under the chosen plan, you must submit all required application materials by the applicable deadline. If you select Early Decision or Early Action but don’t meet the requirements or deadlines, your application will move to the Regular Decision applicant pool. Applicants are not required to apply for financial aid, and financial aid is not factored into admissions decisions.

Most U-M schools and colleges participate in all three plans. Programs in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD) are available only through Regular Decision and have a unique Dec. 1 application deadline.

Early Decision

Early Decision (ED) is a binding plan that 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.

Students who participate in the Early Decision plan will apply by Nov. 1 and can expect a decision notification by the end of December. Financial aid packages for students who submit 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. If the student is admitted to ​U​-M through Early Decision, they must immediately withdraw applications to all other colleges and universities.

Early Decision Dates and Deadlines

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

Possible Early Decision Outcomes

Students may be:

  • Admitted
  • Denied admission
  • Postponed to Early Action or Regular Decision

Students whose applications are postponed are no longer bound to attend U-M if they are later admitted.

All admission decisions will be posted in Enrollment Connect.

FAQs

What percentage of applicants were admitted during Early Decision for fall 2025?

13 percent of Early Decision applicants for fall 2025 were admitted during the initial Early Decision binding decision release in December 2025. 

What is the advantage of applying Early Decision? 

Early Decision provides highly qualified students, who know that the University of Michigan is their top choice institution, an admissions decision by Dec. 24. This allows admitted applicants 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. 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? 

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? 

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 ED? 

Students interested in traditional dual-degree or preferred admissions programs must apply during Early Action or Regular Decision. The Integrated Business and Engineering dual-degree is available during Early Decision. 

Early Action

Early Action (EA) is best for students who are prepared to apply by Nov. 1 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 Early Action have until May 1 to commit to U-M.

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.

Early Action Dates and Deadlines

  • Application Deadline: Nov. 1
  • Financial Aid Suggested Filing Date: Dec. 15
  • Decision Date: By Jan. 29
  • Financial Aid Deadline: March 1
  • Commitment Date: By May 1

Possible Early Action Outcomes

Students may be:

  • Admitted
  • Denied admission
  • Postponed to Regular Decision

All admission decisions will be posted in Enrollment Connect.

Regular Decision

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.

Regular Decision Dates and Deadlines

  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1
  • Financial Aid Suggested Filing Date: Dec. 15
  • Financial Aid Deadline: March 1
  • Decision Date: By April 2
  • Commitment Date: By May 1 

Possible Regular Decision Outcomes

Students may be:

  • Admitted
  • Denied admission
  • Offered a place on the waitlist

All admission decisions will be posted in Enrollment Connect.