Adele C. Brumfield is the Vice Provost for Enrollment Management at the University of Michigan. She tells us more about the prestigious institution and why it is an excellent choice for international students.
About the University of Michigan
‘The University of Michigan (U-M) is a worldwide leader in higher education and a top ranked university in the US (QS World University Rankings). For more than 200 years, we have encouraged students to explore all possibilities, ask questions, and challenge the present to create a better future.’
‘We seek students from all backgrounds and experiences, with differences in thought and interest, which we know creates a richer educational experience. While our students come from more than 100 countries and all 50 US states, they find community at Michigan through 1,600+ student organisations, 20 living-learning communities, and an alumni network of over 668,000.’
‘Our faculty include nationally and internationally recognised scholars and innovative thinkers dedicated to student learning. With opportunities to participate in undergraduate research, study abroad and hands-on learning, U-M students graduate ready to take on the world.’
Undergraduate courses
‘We offer more than 280 undergraduate degree programmes.’
International students
‘For the academic year starting in 2022, we welcomed nearly 800 new first-year and transfer international undergraduate students from 69 countries, 236 high schools and 140 colleges and universities. Top countries include: China, South Korea, Canada, India and Hong Kong. U-M is interested in qualified candidates from across the globe.’
Entry requirements
‘We publish entry requirements by country on the U-M website. The following information is taken from the section called ‘British-patterned education’ and is applicable to Cambridge qualifications:’
‘Consideration for first-year admission requires at least five ordinary level passes from one sitting at “credit” standard on the General Certificate of Secondary Education, or a comparable maturity certificate (GCSE, CXC, SPM, HKDSE, IGCSE, WASC, EASC, etc.). The certificate must include a “credit” or “distinction” standard in English. Externally issued, ordinary level exam results/certificates must be received by the deadline for consideration. If A Levels are being taken, predicted A Level results should be submitted by the school at time of application.’
‘Students who are pursuing or who have completed A Level exams will generally be awarded advanced standing, ranging between 6 and 10 credit hours for certain advanced level exams completed with a grade of D or better. A grade of C or better is required for Engineering students. Three to five credits may be awarded for certain AS Level exams.’
‘Cambridge Pre-U may be considered for possible advanced standing credit. Certificates with subject grades of D1 to M3 and P1 (Distinction 1, 2, 3, Merit 1, 2, 3 and Pass 1) in appropriate Principal Subjects would be required for advanced standing credit consideration. Engineering applicants would be required to present grades of D1 to M3 in appropriate Principal Subjects for possible advanced standing consideration. These standards are tentative and are subject to change. Note: No advanced standing credit is granted for Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives & Research (GPR). Principal Subject exams are optional and not required for entrance.’
‘The Cambridge International Project Qualification (IPQ) is seen in the context of our holistic evaluation and is considered as one of many factors in the application process.’
‘Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives & Research (GPR) does not replace the requirement for three to four academic A Level subjects. Cambridge GPR would be taken in addition.’
English proficiency
‘We are seeking a high level of proficiency in English due to the nature of the environment into which students will be entering – although the campus community represents a wide range of cultural and geographic backgrounds, American English is the dominant language in the classroom. As a result, we do not offer intensive English make-up coursework for conditional admission.’
‘If English is your second language, you must take the TOEFL, IELTS, ECPE, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency, PTE Academic, MET, or Duolingo exam and earn a passing score in one of the following acceptable ranges:
General English proficiency score ranges
- ‘TOEFL (iBT, including the Home Edition and Paper Edition): 100 range with section scores 23+ in listening & reading and 21+ in speaking and writing
- TOEFL Essentials: 10 range with section scores 10+
- IELTS/IELTS Indicator: 7.0 range with section scores 6.5+
- ECPE: Certificate with all sections at least a C
- C1 Advanced: 185 with no less than 180+ in all sections (CEFR C1)
- C2 Proficiency: Pass with B (CEFR C1)
- PTE Academic: 68 with all sections equally strong
- MET: 64 with section scores of 59+ (4-skill MET Digital)
- Duolingo (DET): 130 range with section scores 120+’
‘Please note: Some students are exempt from taking these exams. Visit the U-M website for more details about exceptions and the most up-to-date information on English proficiency exams and visas.’
Scholarships and financial incentives
‘There is no federal financial aid and limited scholarship funding available to international students attending U-M. International students with F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2, and G-series visas are required to show proof of enough resources to meet their expenses while attending U-M, and federal regulations limit financial assistance.’
Cambridge International students
‘U-M has a long-standing recognition of Cambridge International exams and a long-standing history of applicants who present Cambridge credentials.’
‘Students who pursue Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International AS & A Level exams, who have also earned strong grades reflecting content mastery, generally are evaluated as having the rigorous preparation needed for consideration at universities such as U-M. Rigour of curriculum is one of many important factors in our holistic evaluation.’
‘Students who pursue the British-patterned curriculum, including I/GCSE, A Level (or Cambridge AICE Diploma), generally have solid university preparatory skills as they have typically met external content mastery measures in various academic subjects and skill areas when grades are also strong.’
Why should Cambridge International students choose the University of Michigan?
‘International students thrive at U-M. At both the undergraduate and graduate level, they come from more than 100 countries, representing a highly diverse global community. More than one-third of our international students are undergraduates.’
‘At U-M, you will find an unmatched combination of excellence and opportunities in more than 280 undergraduate degree programmes, faculty with national and international reputations for excellence in teaching and research, impressive facilities for every academic endeavour, and a safe place to live and learn in one of the best college towns in America. It all adds up to one of the most recognised degrees in the world.’
