averagedesi

I'm highschool senior Illinois resident and eventually want to go to U of Michigan, but I am not even close to having the right GPA (I have a 2.79 out of 4 weighted and a 31 ACT).

For now, I'll most likely be going to Illinois State University or UIC (both are mediocre state schools), and expect to get a near perfect GPA, and then transfer sophomore year. Is this possible? I know University of Illinois makes you wait 2 years before transferring there, so is there anything like that at UofM?

At what point in the year would I have to apply, and what factors would they look at most closely? Will my highschool GPA work against me? Will they see any test scores, or is it solely off college GPA? Also, will the bad reputation of Illinois State University work against me?

skoogO.com

Your high school GPA is not strong at all, to be honest. But your ACT is strong. It is a couple points above the average.

If you do get a near-perfect GPA, and show how and why you changed that GPA, then a transfer to sophomore year would be good for you. Most people agree that transferring your junior year will have higher chances, because Michigan will see both your 2 years in college and how the GPA differs much from your high school

Apply as soon as possible (but you have to have proof of your solid college GPA).

31 ACT and a 2.79 GPA out of 4 weighted is inconcistent...Michigan expects a reason why those two differ so much. It would be nice if you could explain to them, and it would be great if you can change the 2.79 in college

averagedesi

Yeah, its pretty inconsistent. So, they'll definitely look at my highschool GPA when transferring, huh. Do they see your entire first year of college GPA, or do you fill out your apps for transferring around the end of your first semester (like you do senior year of highschool)?

How much weight does the HS GPA have vs my freshman college GPA? How much weight would my ACT score hold?

skoogO.com

Do they see your entire semester? It depends.

Literature, Science, and the Arts
Fall Term February 1
Winter Term October 1
Spring February 1
Summer February 1

If you're applying for Fall term, then no they won't see your entire year. only your 1st semester. I'm not sure if you have to submit a mid-semester report (unofficial, but instructors sign for what grades u currently have).

Your HS GPA will be less important as time goes on in college (duh, right?)

In terms of ACT, Michigan actually really likes the ACT, according to admission officers. But again, each person has their own story. You have your own personal reason why you have such a high ACT score but low HS GPA, it all depends, but good luck,!