gasparov11

I'm currently a freshman at Eastern Michigan, but I hope to transfer to UM for my junior year. I'm a little worried, however, because I'm currently taking chem and bio which I hate. I've had personal problems for the past few weeks which have really affected my attendance, and on top of my disinterest I don't think I'll be able to pull off more than C's in those classes. The two account for 9 credit hours, so they're really going to affect my GPA even when I have up to 70 credits when it's time to transfer.

Scenarios:
-Flip the switch and finish with the best possible grades I can at this point then start taking classes that will go toward my anticipated major (computer engineering) and hope UMich sees this as something good (I could even write about it in an essay).
-In the event I get C-'s or better: retake the classes in the summer, have both grades on my transcript but only the lower grade calculated into my GPA.
-In the event I get D+'s or lower: retake the classes in the summer, have both grades on my transcript and have both grades calculated into my GPA.

Basically...
-I want to know what I should do to give me the best possible chance. Do they consider community service as well, or is that only for incoming freshmen?
-I know UM won't transfer all of my credits, but do they calculate my GPA based on ALL of my credits or just the ones they take?

I hope this was an easy read, thank you!

gasparov11

Thank you for the motivation. I'll never quit, I just need some positive words to keep me going.

Matisyahu

I just got accepted to Umich as a transfer today.

You need some positive words? Alright, well the story goes a little like this...there was this young man right? He wanted to make a lot of money, so he went to this guru right? He said to guru "I want to be on the same level you're on." And the guru said "if you want to be on same level on I'm on, I'll meet you tomorrow at the beach."

Click here to watch the rest of the story:
How Bad Do You Want It? (Success) HD - YouTube

gasparov11

I actually just watched that today, it's a great speech.

Can anyone offer any insight specific to my situation? To me, there's no better motivation than knowing where I stand and what I need to do to achieve my goal.

Matisyahu

If you go to the Umich's page there is a transfer thread for the Winter term of 2013. The first post by albo23 shows all the stats for those who were accepted.

If you have more than 60+ credits and have a 3.75+ GPA you're most likely in. It is mostly about how many credits you have. Two C's won't hurt you if you do well for the next one and half years. U-M will calculate your GPA based on ALL your credits.

If you can bring your grades up its good but even if you can't. Your journey has just begun. You have 45+ more credits to get A's in. It is time to redefine the grind. I had to work 2 years at my school to get into U-M. Just focus on what you want man.

gasparov11

Sorry to bump, but I have a few more questions...

February 1st marks the last day to submit applications for the following fall term. I'll be doing this while halfway through my winter semester of my sophomore year. Will they be making their decision based off all the grades I've earned at that point in time, or will they take into account the grades that will be on my transcript at the end of that winter semester? How about the following summer semester? Basically I'm trying to take as many credits as possible to offset the bad semester I'm dealing with right now.

Also, do they care about ECs AND community service like they do for incoming freshman applicants?

Thanks!

joesilvahhh

I'm a prospective transfer to UMich from Western Michigan University and I plan to transfer the same time you do.
I was able to speak with a UM admissions counselor in Ann Arbor last week and I asked her almost all of these questions.
If you're applying for Fall 2013 and sending in your application before February, UMich will only see your grades up to the end of Fall 2012 semester unless they specifically ask you otherwise.
UMich will largely consider you based on your already-earned GPA and course rigor. Unfortunately, Spring and Summer 2013 grades won't affect your chances much.
She also said that admissions appreciates ECs and community service but it's not necessary. Students have gotten in without it. So long as you can prove that "you're handling college well", Michigan will consider you. According to this admissions counselor (who's contact information I can PM you), one who "handles college well" has a cumulative GPA between 3.3 and 3.6.

I should also state that this most closely applies to LSA. You should contact the department of your intended major/school and ask them questions. They're happy to answer.

Something else that's good to know: she said that [LSA] doesn't really put a cap on accepting transfers. So long as you can meet the general criteria (i.e, GPA, solid essays) and show that you're a competitive applicant, you're in.


Other than that, keep it up and do the best you can. It isn't too late.