Understanding Michigan University ACT Scores: A Comprehensive Guide

The University of Michigan, a prestigious public research university, is known for its rigorous academic environment and competitive admissions process. For prospective students, understanding the university's expectations regarding standardized test scores, particularly the ACT, is crucial. This article provides a detailed overview of the ACT scores required and considered for admission to the University of Michigan, along with other factors that influence the admissions process.

University of Michigan ACT Score Averages and Ranges

The University of Michigan is an extremely competitive school where most enrolled students have achieved strong standardized test scores. The average ACT score plays a significant role in evaluating a candidate's application. The University of Michigan's average composite ACT score is approximately 33. This surpasses the national average.

Among students admitted to the University of Michigan, the 25th percentile score was 31, while the 75th percentile score was 34. A good ACT score for University of Michigan typically means scoring somewhere within the range of 31 to 34, with 33 being the target that aligns you with the middle of admitted students.

Composite Score: Average of 33
Middle 50% Range: 31-34
25th Percentile: 31
75th Percentile: 34

This data indicates that the vast majority of admitted students have highly competitive scores. Aiming for a score within a point or two of the average, which hovers around 33, can position an applicant for success.

ACT Section Score Breakdown

The ACT composite score comprises four sections: English, mathematics, reading, and science. Here’s a breakdown of the average ACT scores for each section among students admitted to the University of Michigan:

Read also: History of the Block 'M'

English: The average ACT English score ranges between 32 and 35. The average English score sits at 35, indicating that 50% of admitted students have scores at or above 35, and 50% have scores at or below 35.
Math: The average ACT Math score falls within the 25th and 75th percentiles of 29 and 34, respectively. This means that the lowest quarter of students accepted into the University of Michigan submitted scores at or below 29, while the highest quarter submitted scores of 34 and above.

Test-Optional Policy and Score Submission

Starting with students matriculating into the academic term of winter 2025, the University of Michigan has implemented a test-optional policy for undergraduate admissions. This means that applicants are not required to submit standardized test scores. Moreover, opting not to submit scores will not disadvantage applicants. However, students are encouraged to submit any materials and scores they believe will strengthen their application.

For the 2025-26 admissions cycle (for fall 2026 entry), University of Michigan will require SAT or ACT scores again (with hardship exceptions). In other words, applicants next year must submit test results.

Applicants can self-report their ACT scores in their applications. Consistent with their test-optional policy, the University of Michigan does not require the Writing section of the ACT.

Among students enrolled at the University of Michigan, 18% submitted ACT scores, while 52% submitted SAT scores. Meanwhile, around 30% of admitted students submitted neither exam. From these statistics, it’s clear that a significant percentage of students are admitted into the University of Michigan despite not submitting standardized test scores.

While the SAT remains the most popular choice among accepted applicants, there’s no preference for one standardized test over the other, or for omitting test scores entirely. The decision of whether to submit scores is entirely personal. However, it’s important to note that strong scores can bolster an application. Therefore, if circumstances allow, we recommend that every applicant take either the ACT or SAT at least once.

How the University of Michigan Evaluates ACT Scores

Understanding how Michigan evaluates your ACT score requires recognizing that standardized testing is only one component of a comprehensive and individualized review of your application. The admissions office reviews your test scores alongside your high school grades, the rigor of your coursework, your extracurricular activities, your teacher and counselor recommendations, and your personal essays. An applicant with a 34 ACT score can be rejected if their other qualities do not align with what Michigan seeks, while another student with a 31 ACT can be accepted if the full picture of their application is compelling.

Your test score helps demonstrate that you have the academic foundation to succeed in Michigan's rigorous environment, but the admissions committee is really interested in understanding who you are as a person and what you will contribute to campus life.

At a school as selective as Michigan, having a strong ACT score narrows down the applicant pool but does not distinguish you from other high-scoring applicants in any meaningful way. Instead, admissions officers focus intently on what makes you different as a student and individual, what you are passionate about, what challenges you have overcome, and how you will participate in the Michigan community. Your ACT score signals that you can handle Michigan's challenging academics, but the rest of your application demonstrates whether you deserve one of the roughly 7,500 spots the university offers to domestic and international freshmen each year.

Superscoring Policy

The University of Michigan does employ a superscoring method for the ACT, which works significantly in your favor if you plan to take the test multiple times. When you submit multiple ACT scores, Michigan considers your highest individual section scores from across all test dates to calculate your best possible composite score. This means that if you score a 33 in Math on one test date and a 34 in Reading on another date, the school will piece together your strongest composite from those individual results.

The University of Michigan allows applicants to use the ACT equivalent of the College Board Score Choice option.

Factors Beyond ACT Scores

While a strong ACT score is beneficial, it is essential to recognize that the University of Michigan conducts a holistic review of each application. This means that admissions decisions are based on a comprehensive evaluation of each applicant’s strengths and achievements.

Other factors considered include:

GPA: The average GPA at University of Michigan is 3.9, requires you to be at the top of your class. You'll need nearly straight A's in all your classes to compete with other applicants.
Coursework Rigor: The difficulty and level of your high school courses.
Extracurricular Activities: Your involvement in clubs, sports, volunteer work, and other activities.
Essays: Your personal essays, which provide insight into your personality, experiences, and goals.
Letters of Recommendation: Recommendations from teachers and counselors who can attest to your abilities and character.
Demonstrated Interest: Showing genuine interest in the University of Michigan through campus visits, attending information sessions, and engaging with the university community.

Implications of a Low ACT Score

Getting into the University of Michigan with a low ACT score is not impossible, especially since the University is now test-optional. That said, even an ACT score at the lower end of the range will still be quite high, as the lowest quartile of University of Michigan scorers achieved up to a 31. Scoring below 31 would put you below the 25th percentile of admitted students, and any score in the low 20s would make acceptance extremely unlikely unless you bring truly exceptional talents or achievements to your application.

However, if your test score falls short but you have demonstrated remarkable achievements in music, art, athletics, community leadership, or other areas, your application will not be automatically rejected based on test scores alone.

When to Take the ACT

The junior spring of high school, preceding college application deadlines, is considered an ideal time to take standardized tests for college admissions. The University of Michigan specifically asks that students applying via Early Action submit SAT or ACT scores by November 15.

Applying to Eastern Michigan University (EMU)

While the focus of this article is on the University of Michigan, it's worth noting the ACT score considerations for other universities in the state. For example, Eastern Michigan University (EMU) has a test-optional admission policy for incoming first-year applicants.

A student with a cumulative high school GPA of 2.75 or higher will not be required to submit a standardized test score.
A student with a cumulative high school GPA of 2.5-2.74 will be considered test-optional, and standardized test scores may be requested upon review of the application and academic history.
A student with a cumulative high school of 2.49 and below will be required to submit a test score.

The average student coming to EMU directly from high school has a GPA of 3.28 and an ACT score of 22 and SAT score of 1100. These are not minimum requirements for admission.

Strategies for Improving Your Application

Aim High: While Michigan does not publicize a strict minimum ACT score requirement, you should realistically aim for at least a 31 to have a competitive chance at admission.
Focus on Your Strengths: If your ACT scores are not as high as you would like, focus on strengthening other areas of your application, such as your GPA, essays, and extracurricular activities.
Retake the ACT: Take advantage of the superscoring policy by retaking the ACT to improve your individual section scores.
Craft a Cohesive Narrative: Approach your application as a single, cohesive story, not a checklist of impressive achievements. Focus on presenting yourself as a clear, memorable individual with defined values, motivations, and strengths.
Demonstrate Interest: Show genuine interest in the University of Michigan by visiting the campus, attending information sessions, and engaging with the university community.

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