“`html

The University of Michigan is implementing various improvements for the fall 2026 application cycle, including the introduction of an option that enables students to secure their position at U-M sooner than ever, along with new undergraduate and first-year admission initiatives for engineering, business, and education scholars.

Early Decision is a novel, binding initiative that will permit eligible first-year candidates for the 2026-27 academic year to obtain an admission verdict from UM-Ann Arbor in December.

Early Decision is being introduced alongside Early Action, which mandates prospective first-year applicants to submit their applications by Nov. 1 for a judgment by late January. Students applying via Early Action have until May 1 to confirm their enrollment.

With the new Early Decision program, first-year candidates can apply from Aug. 1, when the Common Application opens, until Nov. 1. Early Decision necessitates a signed written agreement from the applicant, a parent or guardian, and their high school counselor, stating that if accepted, the applicant will withdraw their applications to all other colleges and universities. Prospective applicants who utilize Early Decision will receive a verdict by the end of December along with their financial aid package soon thereafter.

Exceptionally qualified students who understand that U-M is their primary choice institution are highly encouraged to consider this option.

“As we approach the beginning of an academic year that is likely to see a record number of undergraduate students, we are thrilled to present this innovative approach to the undergraduate application process at the university,” stated Laurie McCauley, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “The launch of Early Decision at U-M allows high-achieving undergraduate candidates to solidify their commitment to the university earlier in the application timeline and enjoy peace of mind during the remainder of their senior year in high school.”

Students who are still weighing their options with other colleges or universities can continue to utilize the EA and Regular Decision pathways. Regular Decision permits prospective students to apply by Feb. 1, 2026, and, if accepted, to commit to the university by May 1 for the 2026-27 academic year.

Applicants engaging in any of the aforementioned application pathways will qualify for available financial aid, including programs such as the Go Blue Guarantee, which offers a tuition-free education to incoming and returning full-time, in-state students whose households have annual earnings up to $125,000 and assets valued at up to $125,000.

Irrespective of the application option students choose, the same comprehensive application review and selection process is applied, with the university considering all dimensions of an applicant’s history and experiences, not confined to grade point averages, test results, or any single metric. This year, the university also revised one of the two specific university essays required from applicants.

Furthermore, the university will introduce two new first-year undergraduate admission programs. The College of Engineering and the Stephen M. Ross School of Business will collaborate on an integrated business and engineering dual-degree program, which merges a Bachelor of Business Administration with a Bachelor of Science in any engineering specialization.

This program is tailored for motivated students with career goals at the interface of business and engineering, integrating technical expertise with business insight in a curriculum that emphasizes innovation, action-oriented learning, and strategic thought.
The program stands out as an integrated, cohorted initiative throughout the four years, which includes various impactful professional development activities to prepare graduates for leadership roles in a range of technology-driven fields and enterprises.

In addition to its first-year admitting LEAPS program option, the Marsal Family School of Education will offer an Educator Preparation Program for first-year students eager to pursue teacher education. In the past, students with aspirations of teaching needed to gain admission to LSA and then apply as sophomores for the highly esteemed teacher education program.

This new first-year direct admit major will enable students to apply directly to the Marsal School for the Educator Preparation Program and, if accepted, to commence their educator preparation education earlier in their U-M journey. Both programs will be accessible as ED, EA, and RD options.

“`