First-Year Student Admission

Admission Procedures

UM-Dearborn welcomes applications from prospective first-year (freshman) students. The admission of all students is on a selective basis; admissions officials consider various factors in reaching individual decisions for admission. Applicants are evaluated based on the secondary school record (GPA, rigor of curriculum, trend of grades, and conduct).

Students can opt-in to submit a standardized test score to be considered as part of their application to the university, but it is not required. UM-Dearborn accepts scores from either of the following standardized test: the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT). If the student wants to provide a test score, student should make certain that the test results are forwarded to the UM-Dearborn Office of Undergraduate Admissions (SAT code #1861; ACT code #2074).

Incoming first-year students are expected to present a final official high school transcript as proof of graduating from an accredited high school or preparatory school. Failure to submit this document may impact your receipt of federal and state financial assistance.

Information provided on the Undergraduate Admission Application must be accurate and complete. Falsification or omission of information or credentials may result in the revocation of admission.

Application Deadline

It is recommended that students apply for admission online and are eligible to do so after they complete their junior year in high school. There are application deadlines specific to each entry semester, please consult the how-to apply website for the most current deadlines. UM-Dearborn continues to accept first-year student applications as long as space is available, however, students should apply by the dates on the website to ensure highest consideration for admission.

It is free and easy to apply online (umdearborn.edu/apply), and students may check the application status online. 

Official high school transcripts are needed at the time of application for freshman admission. Students seeking admission to UM-Dearborn that took coursework from other institutions of higher learning must also submit official transcripts from all previous institutions. Official corrections made to transcripts by previous schools, whether high schools, colleges, or universities, must be submitted to the University no later than six months after the first day of classes. Students whose final official transcripts are not received will have a hold placed on their student account which prevents course registration for future semesters.

Admission Requirements

Students interested in enrolling at UM-Dearborn should have completed the Michigan Merit Curriculum as established by the State of Michigan (or equivalent coursework if outside of Michigan).  Students graduating from a high school outside of Michigan should pay close attention to the requirements listed below.

A strong high school background in basic academic subjects is important in a student's preparation for college study. The following college preparatory curriculum should be followed:

  • English Language Arts - 4 credits
  • Mathematics - 4 credits
  • An Online Learning Experience
  • Physical Education & Health - 1 credit
  • Science - 3 credits
  • Social Studies - 3 credits
  • Visual, Performing, and Applied Arts - 1 credit
  • World Language - 2 credits

Special Recommendations

Students who intend to pursue their college work in business administration, computer science, engineering, or physical and natural sciences are encouraged to include the following subjects in their high school preparation:

  • Mathematics: Coursework should include two years of algebra, one year of geometry and at least one semester of trigonometry.
  • Biological and Physical Sciences: Coursework should include one year of chemistry and at least one year of physics or biological science.

Applicants intending to pursue a college program in science or engineering who have not completed the recommended mathematics and chemistry units may still be admitted if they satisfy the general admission requirements. However, they will be expected to establish proficiency in these areas during their freshman year.

Test Requirements (Optional)

Students can opt-in to submit a standardized test score to be considered as part of their application to the university, but it is not required. UM-Dearborn accepts scores from either of the following standardized test: the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT). If the student wants to provide a test score, student should make certain that the test results are forwarded to the UM-Dearborn Office of Undergraduate Admissions (SAT code #1861; ACT code #2074).

The results of standardized achievement tests in specific subject areas are not required as part of the application process. Many new freshmen enrolling at UM-Dearborn, must take the Mathematics Placement Examination for placement purposes. Placement exams are administered prior a student’s orientation and class registration.

Enrollment Deposit

Upon admission, you are required to submit a $50 Enrollment Deposit. This non-refundable deposit signals your intent to enroll, reserves your space for the semester, and will be credited to your student account and applied toward your tuition.

Online payment of the deposit can be submitted at umdearborn.edu/deposit.