Please note: Any changes for the 2026-2027 application cycle will be updated on this page before the application opens on Aug. 1.


New for 2025-2026 Application Cycle

You will have the new option to apply Early Decision (binding decision). A binding decision means that you are obligated to enroll if admitted. This joins our existing options to apply Early Action (nonbinding decision) or Regular Decision (nonbinding decision). Learn more about our application options.

For the next application cycle, U-M will require these essay questions:

  1. At the University of Michigan, we are focused on developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future. In your essay, share with us how you are prepared to contribute to these goals. This could include the people, places, experiences, or aspirations that have shaped your journey and future plans (100 word minimum; 300 word maximum).
  2. Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate college or school (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests (100 word minimum; 550 word maximum)?

Additionally, incoming students will have the opportunity to apply to new academic programs:

Testing

Continuing for the 2026 application cycle, U-M will be test-optional. Prospective students will continue to have the choice to submit standardized test scores (ACT/SAT), if they desire, as part of their application.

Advancement Placement (AP) scores, International Baccalaureate (IB) grades, and predicted results or other international credentials will be considered in context with the academic record, regardless of whether or not test-optional is chosen.

The university will review the policy on an ongoing basis.

FAQs

If I apply as a test-optional candidate and ask to be read without an ACT or SAT score can I still send other scores for consideration?

  • Yes, students who do not wish to have SAT or ACT scores considered as part of their application review can still submit other optional forms of testing (such as AP exam scores or IB exam scores), and these scores may be self-reported on the application or through the Enrollment Connect Portal. Again, responding “No” to the question indicates that you do not wish to have an ACT or SAT score considered as part of your application, but we still welcome you to share other testing information, such as AP or IB exam scores as part of your academic record, if available.

Should I respond "No" if I do not want an ACT or SAT score to be considered as part of my application, but I do want to share other scores as a part of my application?

  • The application question "Do you want us to consider SAT or ACT scores in our review of your application?" refers only to SAT and/or ACT scores. Students who wish to apply without SAT or ACT scores but do plan to self-report other forms of testing to be considered should respond "No" to this question.

If I sat for an ACT or SAT exam, am I required to report the score to U-M as a part of my application?

  • Even if a student is able to take an SAT or ACT, they may prefer that we don’t consider it as part of our evaluation of their application. Our process will respect that decision; there is no need for applicants to report scores. However, if you have test scores you would like to include, we welcome them.

If I released my ACT/SAT score to the University of Michigan as a prospective student, can I still respond "No" and ask the university to consider my application without the ACT/SAT score?

  • Yes, if we have an ACT/SAT score on file for an applicant who has responded "No" to the testing question on their application, their application will be reviewed as a test-optional candidate, and the ACT/SAT score reported to us prior to application will not be taken into consideration as a part of our evaluation.

If I apply Early Decision or Early Action and answer "No" to the question, can I change my mind and choose to later report an ACT/SAT score to U-M later for consideration?

  • No, Early Decision or Early Action candidates who respond "No" to this question on the application will be evaluated without an ACT or SAT score during our Early Decision or Early Action period, and if an ACT/SAT score is reported through Enrollment Connect after the submission of the application, it will not be considered as a part of our Early Decision or Early Action decision. However, Early Decision or Early Action applicants who have been postponed or Regular Decision applicants may self-report ACT/SAT scores prior to the Feb. 1, 2026 Regular Decision deadline if they would like the test scores to be added to their file for consideration.

If I am testing in the fall of my senior year, can I still reply "Yes" to this question and have my ACT/SAT score considered as part of my Early Decision or Early Action application?

  • Early Decision or Early Action candidates who respond "Yes" to this question on the application must self-report test scores on their application or through Enrollment Connect by Nov. 1. Those students who do not submit a test score by this date will be moved into the test-optional pool of candidates and reviewed without an ACT/SAT score during Early Decision or Early Action, if all other required materials have been received to complete their application for Early Decision or Early Action consideration.

If I was reviewed as a test-optional candidate during Early Action and I was postponed into the Regular Decision (RD) pool, can I change my mind and report an ACT/SAT score for consideration?

  • Any postponed Early Action applicant whose application is now being evaluated for a final decision for RD may self-report a new ACT and/or SAT score for consideration as long as the score is reported prior to the Feb. 1 application deadline. This includes applicants who initially asked to be evaluated without the consideration of an ACT/SAT score. We would also encourage these applicants to submit first-term senior-year grades for consideration.

Will I be disadvantaged if I do not send an ACT/SAT score for consideration?

  • No, an applicant will not be disadvantaged if they do not submit an ACT/SAT score for consideration. If an applicant chooses to report scores, we will continue to consider the information in context with all of their other application materials as part of our holistic review. With or without test scores, we will continue to evaluate applicants’ academic and personal fit for U-M through a holistic assessment of grades, course rigor, recommendations, extracurricular involvement and work experiences, personal essays, and other information specific to their own experiences and high school setting.

Can I self report my test scores?

  • We will continue to accept self-reported scores from all applicants. These scores can be reported on the application or through Enrollment Connectif scores become available after an application has already been submitted. In order to enroll, admitted students who self-reported SAT or ACT scores will need to send official scores that corroborate their highest self-reported scores.

Does U-M superscore?

  • We will use your highest superscore, which means that we will consider the best sub-scores reported across multiple test dates. You may submit your scores as a superscore, but if you wish to have us calculate the superscore for you instead, you may submit all of your test scores.

AP Coursework and Testing

  • The inability to provide AP test scores will not impact the review of an application.
  • Many students who have access to AP coursework choose to present coursework and scores during the application process. When provided, this information is only used in context with additional information in a student's application and where such courses are available. Where AP is available, excessive AP participation is neither required nor encouraged.