Chris Schmitt just graduated from the University in August with a bachelor's degree in political science and economics and already he's trying to pass another test.
The 24-year-old Republican Ann Arbor resident is running for state House against incumbent state Rep. Liz Brater (D-Ann Arbor).
Schmitt said he's in a lot deeper than he initially intended when he decided to get politically involved a few months ago.
"I thought I'd be licking an envelope and the next thing you know I've been given a forum to get my ideas out to the public and a chance at representing a large group," he said.
Schmitt said his experience at the University has made him a very open-minded individual. He said that open-mindedness will allow him to work with Democrats, as well as with others in his party
Schmitt said he thinks his ability to cooperate is his strong suit.
"I just want to find the best solution," he said. "I don't care which side of the aisle it comes from.
"I think we need to set goals and bring all the involved groups together to formulate a plan," he said. "I believe that when you have a problem, you bring people together, even those whom you may disagree with."
Education is the most important issue to him, Schmitt said.
"(Education is) really the key," he said. "All the things we want to reduce and all the things we want to increase can be done through education."
Schmitt is a very moderate Republican. He is pro-choice, pro-affirmative action and pro-environment.
He said he would like to see a change in the way environmental issues are dealt with, moving more to prevention instead of disbursing punishment after the fact.
Schmitt said he has a number of ideas for the economy as well. He said he believes government spending must be done more sensibly.
"In general I believe people can spend their money better than the government," he said. "First, we must strive for greater efficiency in government, then we can offer tax cuts."
He said to offer a tax cut without first detailing how it could be affordable would "endanger fiscal responsibility."
Schmitt said he is running because he wants to help people. He said his parents, an engineer and a physician, taught him to reach out to others.
"I was raised to help people and public service is a way to help a mass of people," he said.
"I don't know everything, but I have real drive and a lot of energy," he said.