Mythbusters
Michigan is too expensive? They don’t accept transfer students? You have to have a perfect GPA to get admitted? “Mythbusters” helps you sort out fact from fiction. Read on the find out the real deal on transferring to Michigan!
MYTH: The University of Michigan is too expensive.
FACT: The University of Michigan is committed to making education as affordable as possible. Tuition increases have been held to a minimum, and financial-aid money has been made even more available. We are committed to meeting the demonstrated financial needs of ALL resident undergraduate students and we'll work with you to ensure that. Your financial aid offer will include a combination of grants, loans, and/or Work-Study that will fill the gap between your expected family contribution and the cost of attendance at the university.
MYTH: Even though I am getting straight As at my community college, my high school grades were bad, which will prevent me from getting into Michigan.
FACT: Not so! We look at the whole person when reviewing applications for admission, not just high-school grades. The fact that your college grades are so much improved will actually work in your favor, because it tells us that you are moving in the right direction. Talking about your struggles in high school and how you overcame them can also be an important part of your essay.
MYTH: Single parents can’t attend the University of Michigan because there is no child care available.
FACT: There are many U-M students who are parents, and the university offers a range of child care services and resources to assist them. The Students with Children website is a good source of information about everything from child care options to community support. The university also provides a child care subsidy to assist eligible students in meeting the cost of licensed child care. For more information about the U-M Child Care Subsidy, including how to apply, visit the Office of Financial Aid website.
MYTH: Transfer students can’t get financial aid/loans/scholarships.
FACT: All students, including those who transfer to the U-M from other schools, may apply for and receive federal, state, and institutional financial aid. Like all new students, transfer students must apply for aid by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE application. More information about how to apply for financial aid »
MYTH: The University of Michigan does not accept transfer students from community colleges.
FACT: In 2009, we received 634 transfer applications from community college students. Of those, 301, or about half, were admitted. That's about the same percentage of admissions as other student groups.
MYTH: The courses I'm taking at my community college won't transfer for credit to the U-M.
FACT: If you are following the MACRAO agreement, your course work should satisfy most of the distribution requirements of the college. Course work completed at an accredited college for a grade of C or better is generally transferable. Check out the equivalency guides to find out exactly how your courses will transfer.
MYTH: The U-M requires transfer students to have 60 credit hours completed before they can transfer.
FACT: Since transfer students will be required to complete an additional 60 credits on campus to complete their U-M degree, preference is given to students with junior standing. However, sophomore transfers with strong secondary and community college course work are also considered for transfer on a space-available basis.
MYTH: I can't afford to live in Ann Arbor.
FACT: Ann Arbor is one of those towns where you can live well on very little money. On-campus student housing helps keep costs low, and the wide range of off-campus housing means there's something for every price range. And entertainment is cheap and plentiful; there are generally several choices of free or low-cost events to attend almost every night of the week.
