This November marks a significant change for prospective students at the University of Michigan as the institution introduces early decision applications. This new option requires applicants to commit to attending the university if accepted, foregoing any offers from other schools.
“The introduction of Early Decision will allow highly qualified students who know that the University of Michigan is their top choice to affirm their commitment to the university earlier in the annual application cycle,” stated Kay Jarvis, UM’s Director of Public Affairs.
The move comes amidst a consistent rise in first-year applications over the past five years, highlighted by an 11% surge in applicants from outside Michigan.
Ashliegh Taylor, a former admissions officer at the university and now an independent educational consultant, suggests that the increase in out-of-state applications could be a driving factor for the early decision offering. She stated, “This early decision option, I think, it is going to be very helpful as the institution continues to review this growing out-of-state pool, in ensuring that they are giving that kind of priority to those students who are truly committed to attending Michigan if accepted.”
For in-state applicants, this initiative could potentially prioritize their admission, as those accepted under early decision are guaranteed to enroll.
Moreover, Taylor notes that applying early decision could enhance a student’s chances of acceptance. “Early decision allows students who are really interested in that school to indicate that interest earlier in the process,” she said. “As a result of that, when a student is applying early decision, it is enhancing their acceptance chance because it’s taking a lot of that guesswork out.”
However, she advises that early decision should only be considered by students certain of their desire to attend UM and whose families are financially prepared for the commitment. “Before a student decides that they want to apply early decision, they also need to really be looking at affordability,” Taylor emphasized.
For those dependent on financial support, the University of Michigan offers the Go Blue Guarantee. This initiative ensures that Michigan residents with family incomes of $125,000 or less qualify for free tuition.
Taylor advises, “Those who are looking for financial aid are a lot less likely to choose a binding agreement because finances are going to play a major role in where they decide to attend college. So I do really want those in-state families to look more deeply at the Go Blue Guarantee, and recognize that Michigan does have that commitment to its students.”
