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Overall, there were 31,599 applications for academic year 2010–2011, as compared to 29,939 in the previous year. As of June 1, 15,979 of these applicants were offered admission to the University’s Ann Arbor campus.
The projected size of the entering class is approximately 6,350, an
increase of about 300 over last year. If this projection proves
accurate, 2010 will see the largest incoming class in the history of
the University. Plans are well underway to support this larger than
average class in academic resources, housing, transportation, and
related services.
Class size varies each year and is the result of normal fluctuations
in the applicant population and other variables such as the economy.
These are preliminary numbers; final enrollment figures will be
available in October.
“The steady growth in applications demonstrates the tangible value of
a University of Michigan education,” said Lester P. Monts, senior vice
provost of academic affairs. “Excellence in our undergraduate
programs is by far the top priority among students and their families.
The University’s invigorating campus environment materially
contributes to our students’ academic life by providing countless
opportunities to enrich their experiences through the arts, hands-on
research experiences, and global inter-cultural studies. Prospective
students and their families fully appreciate the importance of
American and global diversity and the doorways U-M opens to experience
the world and to learn from its many complexities.”
Applications from underrepresented minority students increased by 836
to a total of 3,715. Of those who applied, 1,636 were offered
admission, a rise of 224 over the previous year. The number of
underrepresented minority students who have paid the enrollment
deposit grew to 724, an increase of 143 as compared to last year. At
U-M, the term “underrepresented minority” is interpreted to include
African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans.
“Diversity is an inherent element of the University of Michigan
community,” said Monts. “And we have found that the University’s
commitment to diversity motivates many of the most highly qualified
students to choose Michigan.”
Overall, of the 15,979 freshman applicants offered admission, 6,900
have paid enrollment deposits. This 43.2 percent yield rate (number
of students who pay deposits as a percentage of those who are offered
admission) is the same as the previous year. Because some students
ultimately choose not to attend, enrollment deposits do not directly
correspond to the number of students who enroll in the fall.
“By every measure, the qualifications of our applicant pool are on a
steady upward trajectory,” said Ted Spencer, associate vice provost
and executive director of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
“The substantial increase in applications affords every opportunity to
assemble an incoming class that will be remarkable both for their
academic excellence and achievement, as well as their contributions to
the University community during their years on campus.”
Common Application to Start Aug. 1
The recruitment cycle for 2010–2011 began in early June, and
prospective students can submit applications as of Aug. 1.
U-M recently joined the national Common Application network. This
means there is no longer a University of Michigan-specific
application. As of Aug. 1, applicants are encouraged to apply online
at commonapp.org. A very limited number of hard-copy applications
will be available for those who require that option.
“U-M decided to join the Common Application because we are always
looking for ways to do better. Especially in these challenging
economic times, we are looking for ways to do better with less,” said
Spencer. “We believe the Common App will streamline the application
process for students, teachers, and counselors. And, our peer schools
who belong to the Common Application community—such as Stanford, the
University of Virginia, and Northwestern—report several benefits from
its use, including increased numbers and quality overall, and
specifically in diversity and geographic and socioeconomic reach.”
Admissions decisions at the University of Michigan are based on the
individualized and comprehensive holistic review of all information
received about each applicant. As part of its individualized, holistic
review, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions also uses the College
Board’s geodemographic tool, called Descriptor PLUS, to identify high
school clusters and neighborhoods that are not well represented among
the U-M student community. The office has increased recruitment staff
in both its Ann Arbor and Detroit offices. President Mary Sue Coleman
and the University’s executive officers, along with staff, students
and faculty, participate each year in encouraging admitted students to
enroll.
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