Admissions FAQ

In addition to our Early Action (EA) and Regular Decision (RD) application pathways, Early Decision (ED) is a new option available to first year students applying for Fall 2026. Below, we've highlighted some information to support you in learning more about which path might be right for you!

**We encourage all applicants to review the OFA website, including important tools like the U-M Net Price Calculator, to understand the options and resources available to you!

Early Decision (ED)

• Binding plan: This means that if you are admitted, you are required to withdraw applications from any other colleges and commit to attending Stamps at the University of Michigan (U-M). Before submitting, applicants, a parent or guardian, and high school counselor must sign the Early Decision Agreement (found in the Common App once selected) which confirms that understanding and commitment.
• Is Early Decision right for you? Here are some considerations:
  • Early Decision is a good option for students who know Stamps is their top choice and are committed to attending Stamps and U-M if they are admitted
  • You will receive your decision earlier (December) and be able to commit sooner
  • You are not interested in applying as a dual degree first year applicant
  • You would be prepared to accept your admission offer after reviewing financial aid resources, including the U-M Net Price Calculator which provides University and Federal aid estimates

Early Action (EA)

• Non-binding plan: This means admitted students can have time to consider all of their options, including decisions from other colleges/universities and financial aid packages, before making a decision
• Is Early Action right for you? Here are some considerations:
  • Early Action is a good option for students who are prepared to apply early and would like to receive their decision early (January)
  • You know Stamps is a top choice and would like time to consider all offers, including financial aid, from other programs
  • You would like or need more time to review and pursue scholarship and financial aid opportunities prior to committing before or by the May 1 deadline

Regular Decision (RD)

• Non-binding plan: The Regular Decision (RD) deadline is the standard nonbinding application plan which allows admitted students to consider all options prior to making their decision.
• Is Regular Decision right for you? Here are some considerations:
  • Regular Decision is a good option for students who need more time to complete their application and collect the required materials
  • You would like time to consider all options and offers, including financial aid, from other programs
  • You would like or need more time to review and pursue scholarship and financial aid opportunities prior to committing before or by the May 1 deadline

Have more questions? Want to discuss your options with a member of our admissions team? Don’t hesitate to reach out! [email protected]

Our prospective and admitted students have an ongoing responsibility to inform the University of Michigan of any changes to their disciplinary and/or criminal history until they begin their first term of enrollment at U-M. In accordance with our policy, students should disclose any criminal conduct or disciplinary action taken by their high school. However, the context and rationale for these actions is always taken into consideration. The University of Michigan is a public university in a democratic society with a commitment to free speech. We value the right of students to exercise their voices and engage in lawful protest on issues that are important to them. Our university community is currently engaging in deep exploration of issues related to free speech as a cornerstone of American democracy.

If you have an update to provide or a question about the policy, please contact the Stamps Admissions team.

Visit the University of Michigan's Financial Aid site for detailed timelines and deadline information.

FAFSA School Code for the University of Michigan is 002325; CSS Profile School Code is 1839.

Yes! Learn more about the transfer process here.

Yes, we have multiple Pre-College programs for high school students.

Yes! Visit our Events page for more.

Yes! Your portfolio counts for 50% of our admissions decision.

Your portfolio is an expression of who you are as a creative thinker and maker. Choose pieces that best reflect that. Keep in mind that your application will be considered complete only after you have submitted your portfolio.

National Portfolio Day is a college fair for art and design schools, with the added benefit that students can have their portfolios reviewed by school representatives. It is an opportunity to have access to dozens of schools from around the country in one place. There are many National Portfolio Day events throughout the country, from September to May. Visit our Admissions Events page to learn more about the NPDA events Stamps will attend.

It’s easy! Follow these simple steps to successfully apply to the Stamps School at the University of Michigan.

Students admitted to Stamps have an average GPA of 3.7. Don’t forget, these are averages, not minimums - and academics are only part of our admissions evaluation. Your portfolio is going to count for about 50% of our admissions decision.

Your high school experience has been impacted by COVID-19 in unprecedented ways. The University of Michigan has adjusted application requirements to address these impacts. Highlights include:

• Students will not be disadvantaged if they received pass/fail, credit/no credit, or other COVID-related grades during the winter/spring/summer 2019-20 and fall 2020 semesters.
• We will consider any impacted student who would like to apply, regardless of ability to sit for the SAT1 or ACT tests.
• The inability to provide AP test scores will not impact the review of an application.
• Letters of recommendation can come from someone other than a teacher (assuming that they are not your relative, with exceptions for relatives who provide homeschool instruction to the applicant). This might include a community based organization educator or academic support program professional.

Yes, all first-year students need to have a Mac laptop that meets specific software and hardware requirements.

We are a close-knit community of about 600 students.

At Stamps, a BFA in Art & Design is a studio-intensive degree in which the majority of courses are studio courses. A BA in Art & Design is a liberal arts degree with more credits devoted to academic work and a broad introduction to studio work.

Non-studio credits for both degrees are mostly taken in the College of Literature, Science and the Arts.

Learn more about our programs and curriculum here.

Absolutely! Stamps students can pursue any minor open to all U-M students. Learn more about Minors for Stamps students here.

Yes! Learn more about the Stamps minor here.

Yes, we do! Learn more about our Dual Degree programs.

We have one of the most interdisciplinary programs in the country. While there are ample opportunities to study specific disciplines including graphic design, illustration, animation, product design, ceramics, painting, printmaking, jewelry, printmaking, textiles, and more, our educational goal is to provide a broad base of technical and conceptual skills that you can apply to a wide range of creative careers. That’s why Stamps offers only one major — art and design. Learn more about our undergraduate programs.

Stamps students have access to the Art & Architecture building 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Building doors are locked from 10 pm to 7 am, but students have key card access after hours.

All our studios are capped at 18 students, and the average class size is 15.

Academic classes outside of Stamps vary in size, but 84% of all U-M undergraduate classes have fewer than 50 students, and only 5% of undergraduate classes have more than 100 students.

All studio courses are taught by faculty members.

U-M has a great bus system, and buses that travel between the North and Central campuses stop right outside the Art & Architecture building every few minutes. U-M students can also ride free on Ann Arbor Transportation Authority buses, which travel extensively throughout Washtenaw county, including stops at many retail and grocery stores.

Students are strongly encouraged to leave their vehicles at home. The U-M parking lot located behind the Art & Architecture building has a limited number of metered parking spaces, and they fill up fast.

Not necessarily: students have an opportunity to make requests about where they want to live, but can't be guaranteed a specific campus location, hall or room type. However, approximately 45% of all U-M first year students live on North Campus.

Learn about the first year housing application process here.

At Stamps, students learn how to job search, write resumes, write cover letters, create a portfolio, network, etc. and then get themselves a great job.

On average, about 84% of Stamps graduates end up working in creative positions within 6 months of graduation, about 7% go to immediately on to graduate school, and the rest pursue other various interests.

Yes, many students have part-time jobs and internships while they study at Stamps.

Yes! Visit the Stamps Career Development Canvas site for information on internships.