University of Michigan (UMich) : 2026 Admissions Cycle Updates

Effective Fall 2026 Admissions Cycle – University of Michigan

The University of Michigan offers three application plans for first-year applicants:

• Early Decision (binding)

• Early Action (non-binding)

• Regular Decision for School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD)

• Regular Decision

  
  

All applicants undergo the same holistic review process. Students must meet deadlines and requirements to qualify for their chosen plan; otherwise, they will be moved to the Regular Decision pool. Most U-M schools and colleges participate in all three plans, except the School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD), which only accepts Regular Decision applications with a special Dec. 1 deadline.

🔹 Early Decision (ED) – New for Fall 2026

• Application Deadline: November 1

• Financial Aid Deadline: November 15

• Decision Date: By end of December

• Commitment Deadline: Mid-January

• Binding? Yes

Key Details:

• Intended for students who are 100% committed to attending U-M if admitted.

• Requires Early Decision Agreement signed by student, parent/guardian, and high school counselor.

• If admitted, students must withdraw all other college applications.

• Financial aid packages follow shortly after decision (if FAFSA & CSS Profile submitted by Nov. 15

  
  

🔹 Early Action (EA)

• Application Deadline: November 1

• Financial Aid Suggested Filing Date: December 15

• Decision Notification: By end of January

• Financial Aid Deadline: March 1

• Commitment Deadline: May 1

• Binding? No (nonbinding)

Key Details:

• Ideal for students who want an early decision but wish to keep their options open.

• Students can wait to compare other offers and financial aid before committing.

• Financial aid packages follow shortly after decision (if FAFSA & CSS Profile submitted by Dec. 15).

🔹 Regular Decision (RD)

• Application Deadline: February 1

• Financial Aid Suggested Filing Date: December 15

• Financial Aid Deadline: March 1

• Decision Date: By early April

• Commitment Deadline: May 1

• Binding? No

Key Details:

• Standard plan for students who need more time to complete their application.

• Allows students to consider all admission and financial aid offers before committing.

• Financial aid packages follow shortly after decision (if FAFSA & CSS Profile submitted by Dec. 15 or March 1).

cr : https://admissions.umich.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/first-year-application-plans