As fall approaches, rising seniors will begin to explore the college admissions process. This complex process can be incredibly daunting as teens may not know how to create a game plan to approach the college application process.
We spoke with Jayden Zayas, senior admissions advisor at Eastern Michigan University, who sheds light on EMU’s admission criteria, support available for first-year undergraduate students at EMU and application tips for high school seniors navigating the process:
As summer vacation comes to a close, many rising seniors are thinking about college applications. Can you share more about what EMU looks for when evaluating college applications? At EMU, we’re always excited to welcome talented, motivated students who are ready to take the next step in their academic journey. We look for students who are not only strong academically, but who also demonstrate curiosity, leadership potential and a passion for making a positive impact. EMU is home to a diverse community of future educators, innovators and changemakers. Students who are committed to using their education to shape their communities and society as a whole.
What stands out to you on a college application? When reviewing applications, we primarily focus on a student’s cumulative GPA as a strong indicator of academic performance over time. While standardized test scores can be helpful, they are optional for students with a GPA of 2.50 or higher. We understand that every student’s journey is different, so we take a holistic approach – looking for consistency, growth and potential for success at EMU.
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What is EMU’s current acceptance rate? What about the acceptance rate for transfer students who transfer during the second year? EMU has an overall freshman acceptance rate of approximately 81%. For transfer students, the acceptance rate last fall was around 67%. We’re proud to offer accessible pathways to higher education for both first-time and transfer students.
How many applications did you receive last academic year for the freshman class? We received approximately 21,000 freshman applications for the 2024 academic year.
What do you recommend high school seniors do to prepare for their first year? Start with the college search process. One of the most important decisions is choosing the right institution for you. As you navigate this process, keep a close eye on application and scholarship deadlines. Most college applications open on August 1 through both the university’s website and the Common Application, so don’t wait to get started. In addition to applying early, take time to search and apply for external scholarships — many community organizations and scholarship websites offer great opportunities. Make it a point to visit multiple campuses to get a feel for each school’s environment and see where you feel most comfortable. Also, take advantage of Michigan’s Free Application Month in October, which allows you to apply to participating schools at no cost.
Once you’ve selected a college, spend some time exploring the support services and opportunities they offer. The transition to college can be exciting but also overwhelming, and many students miss out on valuable help simply because they didn’t know it was there. Look into resources like academic advising, tutoring, mental health services, career centers and student organizations. Getting familiar with these ahead of time can give you a head start when you arrive on campus. Additionally, don’t underestimate the value of connecting with your professors. Not only are they experts in their fields, but they’re also valuable mentors who can introduce you to internships, research experiences and career opportunities. Establishing those relationships early on can help you build a strong academic and professional foundation during your college years.
What support do you offer to help first year undergraduate students transition to college life? At EMU, we offer a variety of programs and resources to ensure first-year students feel supported and prepared to succeed:
- Rise Scholars Program – The Rise Scholars program takes a holistic, student-centered approach to help first-year students transition into college. From day one, students are connected to a strong network of resources, including mentoring, academic support and personal development opportunities. This program empowers students to confidently navigate college, build meaningful connections and achieve their personal, academic and career goals.
- College Supports Program – For students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the College Supports Program provides individualized, fee-for-service assistance to promote admission, retention and full matriculation. Beyond academics, the program focuses on developing social-emotional and communication skills, executive functioning, and daily living skills — equipping students for both college success and independent adulthood.
- Holman Success Center (HSC) – The Holman Success Center is a comprehensive academic resource for all students, offering four key areas of support:
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- Tutoring Services: Free tutoring for many of the most challenging general education and gateway courses.
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- Supplemental Instruction (SI): Peer-led academic support integrated with course content for high-demand classes.
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- Peer Academic Coaching: Personalized guidance on time management, study strategies, scholarship searches and more.
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- Success Coaching: One-on-one support to help students navigate university systems, stay on track with academic and personal goals and access additional campus resources.
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Together, these programs provide a strong foundation for students to thrive academically, socially and personally during their first year and beyond.
What percentage of your first year students live on campus and what percentage commute to the campus? Approximately 65% of first-year students live on campus for the 2024–2025 academic year, while the remaining 35% commute. Living on campus provides many students with opportunities to build community, access resources more easily, and immerse themselves in the full college experience, while commuter students still enjoy strong campus engagement through events, support services and student organizations.
For more information on EMU’s admissions, prospective students can contact EMU’s Office of Admissions at 734-487-6453 or email undergraduate_admissions@emich.edu. They can also submit a request for information here.
