UMich GPA scale and grading policy
Quick answer: University of Michigan uses the standard 4.0 scale with +/−. Michigan uses unweighted GPA but factors course rigor heavily into admissions decisions.
| Metric | UMich Standard |
|---|---|
| Typical admit GPA | 3.9 - 4.0 unweighted |
| Good standing minimum | 2.0 |
| Dean's List threshold | 3.5+ for Dean's List (varies by school) |
| Scale type | Standard 4.0 scale with +/−. |
How Michigan recalculates GPA for admission
Michigan uses unweighted GPA but factors course rigor heavily into admissions decisions. The number you submit on your transcript and the number UMich uses in its admission decision may differ. Use the calculator above to model both — switch the preset to match Michigan's policy.
Maintaining a good UMich GPA
- Track cumulative GPA, not just semester GPA. University of Michigan reports both. Most academic warnings trigger on the cumulative number.
- Use the credit-weighted scoring above.A 4-credit course's grade affects your GPA 33% more than a 3-credit course's grade.
- Plan for honors. 3.5+ for Dean's List (varies by school). Use the GPA Goal Calculator to see what grade average you need next semester to qualify.
- Check the grade replacement policy. Michigan, like most universities, has a grade-replacement policy for retaken courses. Removing a low grade from the cumulative is the single biggest GPA lift.