Michigan Academic Preparation

Prepare for Michigan college admission with strategic course planning, test preparation, and academic skill development in the Great Lakes State.

Michigan High School Graduation Requirements

English
4 units

Literature, composition, speech, and language arts skills

Preparation Tips:

Strong writing skills
Literature analysis
Critical reading
Communication skills
Mathematics
4 units

Algebra I & II, Geometry, and additional advanced mathematics

Preparation Tips:

Pre-calculus recommended
Statistics helpful
Strong algebra foundation
STEM preparation
Science
3 units

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and laboratory experiences

Preparation Tips:

Lab science courses
STEM focus
Research projects
Scientific method
Social Studies
3 units

History, government, geography, and social sciences

Preparation Tips:

Michigan history
Critical thinking
Research skills
Current events awareness
World Languages
2 units

Two years of the same world language

Preparation Tips:

Consecutive years preferred
Cultural understanding
Communication skills
Global perspective
Visual/Performing Arts
1 unit

Art, music, dance, drama, or other creative arts

Preparation Tips:

Creative expression
Portfolio development
Performance experience
Arts appreciation

Testing Requirements for Michigan Colleges

SAT

College Board's standardized test

Score Range: 400-1600

Test Sections:

• Reading
• Writing & Language
• Math
• Optional Essay

Michigan-Specific Tips:

Practice tests available
Khan Academy prep
Test multiple times
University of Michigan competitive
ACT

Alternative standardized college admission test

Score Range: 1-36

Test Sections:

• English
• Math
• Reading
• Science
• Optional Writing

Michigan-Specific Tips:

Popular in Michigan
Science reasoning section
Faster paced
Many Michigan students prefer ACT
Michigan Merit Exam

State-required test including SAT and additional components

Score Range: State scores

Test Sections:

• SAT components
• Michigan-specific elements
• College readiness indicators

Michigan-Specific Tips:

Required for graduation
College planning tool
Scholarship consideration
Free test opportunity

Academic Success Strategies

STEM Excellence

Strong preparation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics

Action Steps:

Take advanced STEM courses
Participate in STEM competitions
Seek research opportunities
Consider dual enrollment
Test Preparation

Strategic approach to standardized testing success

Action Steps:

Start prep early
Take practice tests
Consider prep courses
Utilize school resources
Academic Rigor

Challenge yourself with demanding coursework throughout high school

Action Steps:

Take AP/IB courses
Enroll in honors classes
Maintain strong GPA
Show academic growth
Skill Development

Build essential skills for college and career success

Action Steps:

Develop research skills
Improve time management
Practice problem-solving
Build technical skills

Ready to Excel Academically in Michigan?

Use CollegeCompass to track your academic progress and optimize your preparation for Michigan colleges.