You’ve submitted your Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA) applications. After weeks of writing essays, checking requirements, and making final revisions, taking a break is understandable, and well deserved.

When students receive their SAT or ACT results, their attention usually goes straight to the overall score. Did it go up? Did it go down? Was it high enough for the colleges on their list?

Does a college essay need an extraordinary story? Can a brilliant personal statement overcome a weak academic record? Should a parent polish every sentence? Students and parents hear plenty of advice about college essays, and some of it makes writing harder than it needs to be. At College Choice Counseling, we encourage students to approach their essays with a clear purpose: help admissions readers understand the person behind the application.

With close to 10,000 undergraduates and about 80% of students living on campus, you will constantly see familiar faces, run into people on the Quad, and quickly find your own niche through classes, clubs, athletics, and campus traditions.

For many high school students, the PSAT is primarily a practice test—a chance to become familiar with the SAT before taking the test that may ultimately be submitted to colleges. For high-achieving juniors, however, the PSAT can mean considerably more.

When students apply to the University of Michigan, the GPA displayed on their high school transcript isn’t necessarily the GPA Michigan uses when evaluating their application. That’s because the University of Michigan recalculates the GPAs of first-year applicants using its own methodology.

College Choice Counseling® Featured in The Harvard Crimson. Every year, thousands of exceptional students apply to Harvard. Many have near-perfect grades, outstanding SAT or ACT scores, rigorous coursework, and impressive extracurricular accomplishments.

New York offers an incredible variety of college experiences, and some of the best options extend well beyond the New York City area. Across the state, you’ll find excellent colleges and universities that combine strong academics and student outcomes with vibrant campus life, excellent study-abroad opportunities, generous financial aid, including merit scholarships at many schools, and strong career advising and internship support.

For many students, the dream begins early. Perhaps it started with a fascination for science, a desire to help others, or a physician who inspired them after personal experience. By the time they reach high school or college, many confidently proclaim, “I’m going to medical school.”

For years, the University of Michigan's (UMich) flagship campus in Ann Arbor has been one of our students' most popular college choices. From its world-class academics to its vibrant campus community, UMich offers countless opportunities for students to pursue their interests while simultaneously challenging themselves. As a result, admission to this top-tier university has become increasingly competitive, making every aspect of the application very important.

For rising seniors (and their parents), August 1 is the unofficial kickoff to the college application season. This is when the 2026–2027 Common Application officially opens, giving students access to the application used by more than 1,100 colleges and universities worldwide.

As students begin the college search process, they often spend countless hours researching schools online, comparing rankings, reviewing academic programs, and watching virtual tours. While these resources are valuable, they cannot fully answer one of the most important questions in the college search process:

For decades, the University of Michigan, located in Ann Arbor, has been recognized as one of the nation's most respected public universities, combining world-class academics, groundbreaking research opportunities, and a vibrant campus culture.

2026 SAT registration is now open. Explore test dates, deadlines, prep timelines, and smart planning tips to secure the best SAT schedule.

The University of Michigan received 115,125 applications for Fall 2026. Learn what record-breaking UMich admissions numbers mean for Early Decision, Early Action, Ross, Engineering, and waitlisted applicants.

Learn the latest Early Decision and Early Action updates at the University of Michigan. Understand admit rates, timelines, postponements, and what applicants should expect.

Learn the best time for students to begin SAT or ACT prep. Explore timelines, readiness factors, and personalized testing plans to build a smart, low-stress strategy.

University of Michigan launches a new dual-degree program combining Engineering and Ross Business—an elite, four-year pathway for future leaders.

Discover what students need to know about the 2026 Common Application opening on August 1. Prepare for the 2026 Common Application now!

The University of Michigan now offers Early Decision. Learn more about this new application option and find out how College Choice Counseling can help you.