How to Get Into the University of Miami: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Strategies

July 12, 2022

The University of Miami received over 49,000 applications for a spot in their 2022-23 freshman class, an all-time record and nearly double the amount received just a decade ago. With high-quality academics, a thriving sports and Greek scene, and an enticing location near South Beach and Florida Keys, it’s not hard to see why students from around the globe are lining up for a chance to become a Hurricane. It’s no wonder the University Miami acceptance rate has fallen below 30%.

As with many schools of its ilk, UMiami has experienced a significant increase in selectivity in recent years. The acceptance rate of 28% for the Class of 2025 was approximately half of the figure seen at the dawn of the 21st century. Those admitted sported A/A- averages in a rigorous selection of courses as well as average standardized test scores in the 95th percentile.

With selectivity at an all-time high, today’s applicants need to bring a lot more to the table than those who were accepted into UMiami a generation ago. The intent of this article is to give those considering applying to the University of Miami a complete understanding of the following topics:

  • UMiami’s Class of 2025 acceptance rate
  • UMiami’s Class of 2025 ED acceptance rate
  • SAT, ACT, GPA, and class rank of accepted University of Miami applicants
  • Admissions trends from the Class of 2025
  • The demographics of current University of Miami undergraduates
  • The University of Miami’s yield rate
  • How UMiami’s admissions officers evaluate candidates
  • Tips for applying to the University of Miami
  • Essay Tips for UMiami
  • How to assess whether applying to The University of Miami is even worth the $70 application fee (for you)

Let’s begin with an examination of the most recent admissions data.

The University of Miami’s: Overall Acceptance Rate – Class of 2025

In aiming to create a freshman class of around 2,300 students, UMiami admitted 28% of the 42,241 who applied in the 2021-22 admissions cycle. This was a sharp decline from the 33% clip for the Class of 2024.

The University of Miami Early Decision Acceptance Rate – Class of 2025

Those who are serious about attending UMiami should definitely consider applying via binding early decision. This school offers two rounds of early decision—ED I in November and ED II in January. While official Class of 2025 ED statistics have yet to be released, the Class of 2024 ED acceptance rate was 52% compared to just 22% for those who applied in the regular cycle.

The University of Miami Admissions – SAT, ACT, GPA, and Class Rank

Those admitted into the Class of 2025 sported an average unweighted GPA of 3.8, middle-50% standardized test scores of 1350-1480 on the SAT, and 31-34 on the ACT. Those who went on to enroll in the university for the start of the 2020-21 school year held SAT scores with a middle-50% range of 1260-1400; the ACT range was 28-32. The average unweighted GPA was 3.6 and 51% were in the top 10% of their high school class; 78% were in the top quartile.

Admissions Trends & Notes 

  • Due to COVID-19, UMiami will remain test-optional again for Fall 2023 hopefuls.
  • Even though Miami is a private university, the in-state acceptance rate is higher than the out-of-state acceptance rate (44% v. 31% for the Class of 2024).
  • 55% of first-year students speak two or more languages.
  • Those who apply early action also receive a significant boost to their admissions prospects but not as high as ED.
  • The number of applications rose from 40,131 two years ago to 49,000+ this year.

Who Gets Into the University Of Miami?

Let’s look at the demographics of The University of Miami undergraduates:

41% of the incoming freshman class hailed from the state of Florida. The next five most common states of residence were:

  • New York
  • California
  • New Jersey
  • Massachusetts
  • Pennsylvania

UMiami is a very popular school for international students to pursue their undergraduate education—10% of the Class of 2025 were international students. The following four countries had the highest representation in the most recent incoming class:

  • China
  • Brazil
  • Colombia
  • Kuwait

As at any highly-selective university, competition is toughest among those hailing from states with endless streams of qualified applicants (the entire Northeast & the West Coast). If you hail from a less populated state like Hawaii, the Dakotas, or Montana, your location is more likely to provide a boost to your admissions chances.

Looking at ethnic identity, the breakdown of the Class of 2025 was as follows:

  • Asian American: 11%
  • Latinx: 28%
  • African American: 10%
  • White: 47%
  • Two or more races: 4%

The breakdown of the Class of 2025 is notably split in favor of women:

  • Male: 47%
  • Female: 53%

Yield Rate

UMiami’s yield rate—the percentage of accepted students who elect to enroll, divided by the total number of students who are admitted was an extremely low 17% last year. This is due, in part, to the fact that UMiami is often used as a back-up plan for those applying to even more selective universities. For comparison, many other comparable universities have superior yield rates such as Boston University (24%), Villanova (26%), and the University of Richmond (24%).

How the University of Miami Rates Applicants

There are seven factors that the University of Miami ranks as being “very important” to their admissions process: rigor of secondary school record, class rank, GPA, standardized test scores, the essays, recommendations, and extracurricular activities. The factors rated as “important” are: talent/ability, character/personal qualities, volunteer work, and work experience.

The admissions process at the University Miami is a holistic one. In the admissions office’s own words:

“We consider the circumstances and/or educational opportunities that were available to you. Did your grades dip the year after you had to move across the country? We get it because we read your application in a holistic way. Are concerned the two AP classes you took won’t be enough to be competitive for admission? Well, we know that your school only offers three, so taking two out of three is an extremely demanding curriculum! Are your SAT scores not meeting our published average? Doesn’t matter, because we know that first-generation college students may have limited resources… Were you the captain of your volleyball team in your sophomore year, then moved to a high school with a premier, state championship winning volleyball team where you didn’t see as much playing time? Hey, as long as you’re a good teammate!”

On the subject of teammates, it definitely also helps if you are recruited as an athlete to join one of the Hurricanes’ 15 Division I sports teams; there are just under 400 varsity athletes at the university.

Tips for Applying to the University of Miami

If you plan on joining the 49,000+ UMiami hopefuls for the next admissions cycle, you should know the following:

  • The University of Miami does not consider interviews in the admissions so it is imperative that your personality stands out on your Common App and supplemental essay as well as through your teacher/counselor recommendations.
  • The University of Miami weighs “demonstrated interest” as “considered” in the admissions process. Therefore, you will be judged on whether or not you made a campus visit, contacted an admissions officer, etc.
  • Make sure to dedicate sufficient time and effort to the supplemental essay(s) required by UMiami. In the 2021-22 cycle, there is one prompt that every applicant must answer:

Prompt 1 (250 Words): The University of Miami’s official mascot is the ibis. Folklore maintains that the native marsh bird is the last to take shelter before a hurricane hits and the first to emerge once the storm passes, making it an apt symbol of courage and resilience. Considering your ability to control your own motivation and behavior, how have past experiences helped build your courage and resilience to persist in the face of academic and life challenges so that, once these storms pass, you can emerge in continued pursuit of your goals?

For detailed advice on how to write the University of Miami essay, visit our blog: University of Miami Supplemental Essay Prompts and Tips.

Should I Apply to UMiami?

UMiami, with acceptance rates of under 30%, is mainly hunting for students that possess 90th percentile and above standardized test scores and have earned mostly A’s in a highly rigorous high school curriculum. If the University of Miami is your aim, make sure to also have a rock-solid backup plan. All students need to make sure that they formulate an appropriate college list, containing a complement of “target” and “safety” schools. You’ll definitely want to do this in conjunction with your high school counselor or other admissions professional.