Through email files released by the U.S. Department of Justice under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, University of Michigan became aware of two instances in which acquaintances of Jeffrey Epstein sought assistance in helping their children gain admission to the university. Neither student was admitted or attended the University of Michigan at any time.

University of Michigan does not allow any intermediary, or person of influence—inside or outside the University—to secure admission on behalf of an applicant. The University uses a rigorous, holistic undergraduate admissions process to evaluate every applicant on their individual merits. Each application in its entirety is reviewed at least two, and sometimes three times, by application reviewers and admissions decisions are made independently, based on the qualifications and credentials of the applicant.

Assertions or perceptions of external influence do not reflect how admissions decisions are made at University of Michigan.

Annually, the Office of Enrollment Management develops and shares Engagement Guidelines with campus stakeholders which provide guidance and assistance on how best to manage interactions with external constituencies during the application cycle to avoid actual, or the appearance of, conflicts of interest or inappropriate influence.

The University remains firmly committed to fairness, transparency, and the integrity of its admissions process.

Updated: Feb. 23, 2026