We work with a wide range of legacy students every year and we always get questions from parents about how their children’s legacy status will affect the admissions process. Because of this, we decided to do a series on our blog breaking down legacy admissions at top schools across the US. We thought it was important to include the University of Michigan, not only because it’s a great school that our students love, but because it has one of the most confusing legacy policies out there. So we wanted to break down some of the ins and outs of legacy status at U Mich.
Does U Mich do legacy admissions?
The University of Michigan is often cited as part of a very small list of top schools that don’t use legacy as a preference. They say on their admissions website, “Legacy status is not a preference in the admissions process.” They also say, however, say it “does serve as context - outside of the admissions review - in understanding a student's interest. Most importantly, it helps us calculate the likelihood of enrollment.” This wording can be confusing. It seems like they are saying they both do and don’t consider legacy status.
It’s important to note, that other schools that state that they don’t use legacy status as a preference, such as UC Berkeley, often don’t track legacy status. Michigan, however, does. Students can self-report their parents' and grandparents' affiliation with the school. They do this because they say that “Information about a student’s status as a legacy can also be used to acknowledge their relationship to U-M in communications with families during both the application process and when it renders their admissions decisions.”
Okay, what does this all mean?
Pretty much, legacy is not a big enough factor to consider legacy in the admissions decision. This isn’t radically different from schools that do have legacy admissions. The vast number of schools count it as a slight advantage. Michigan is saying that it is even less than that.
The easiest thing to say is to take Michigan at face value and agree that it doesn’t consider legacy in the admissions process. However, given that they are tracking it and using it as a factor at all, gives us pause. The more correct takeaway is that you shouldn’t come into this process thinking that legacy status will be enough of a factor to change the outcome of the admissions process.
Honestly, if we had to venture a guess, we think the university might use legacy status only for big-time donors or very long lineages (who also donate.) They can’t come right out and say that as a public university and that is why we get some of this wishy-washy language on their website.
The takeaway from all this, is technically, they don’t use legacy preference and your child is going to need to be qualified to get in on their own merits.
What does Michigan’s admissions process look like?
Michigan uses a holistic review process. This means, “Application evaluators look at each student as a whole package – a combination of talents, interests, passions, and skills. In this way, evaluators can look beyond grades and test scores to recruit the most dynamic group of students possible. The admissions process considers all aspects of a student’s record and experience in the context of their high school, including grades in rigorous courses, ACT/SAT scores, participation in extracurricular activities, professional arts training, and evidence of leadership, awards, and service.” They use a series of 3 reviewers to look at each applicant.
Michigan looks at a wide range of factors. This means students have to craft a great application that showcases them as people not just as students.
What makes a great application at U Mich?
The first thing every student needs is great test scores and grades. This is pretty non-negociable. Without these factors, students don’t have a good shot of getting even if the rest of their application is perfect. After grades and scores, students need to stand out with great resumes, writing, and clear interests. This is where we usually come in. Our counselors know all the tips, tricks, and trends that make great applications. We work with our students to build a resume that shows admissions officers a fully realized applicant and shows off them as a person.
Michigan is looking for dynamic applications which can be a tall order. They are looking for a certain, “oomph” from qualified students. Having creative and engaging essays for example can be the difference between getting in and not getting in. There are so many little factors that are extremely important to nail with this type of holistic review model.
We work closely with insiders and follow data every year when it comes to getting ready for application season and U Mich’s legacy policy can be one of the hardest to wrap your head around, but as long as your legacy student is turning in the strongest application possible, they are probably going to be in good shape. And that isn’t radically different advice than we would give to 99% of students. Crafting a great application is tricky, but thankfully it’s what we do. So if you are having problems starting or have more questions, we are always happy to help!
Reach out here!