<p>My son was originally planning on attending MI Tech but is thinking a school with more liberal arts options may be a better choice.</p>
<p>He's considering MSU - but really seems more like a smaller school kind of kid. However, since he is considering MSU, we are now looking also at Univ. of Alabama because of the merit scholarships that are offered.</p>
<p>Have any of you taken a close look at both schools to the point where you can compare and contrast a bit? Are all 'big' state schools basically the same?</p>
<p>First off, MI Tech actually does have an extensive Liberal Arts curriculum and selection of classes. If that’s really all that’s holding you back, I encourage you to reconsider. My best friend goes to tech and he loves it. He was originally in engineering but is now in psychology (realized engineering was not his thing- psych, he loves!) and doing very well. It’s not as much of a “tech” school as many people think it is. </p>
<p>Secondly, I too wanted a smaller experience which is why I’m in the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities. You cannot beat the residential college system here for a small school experience with huge university resources. They are definitely something to look into. </p>
<p>Third- I’ve heard nothing but great things about Bama, especially their honors college. I personally don’t know too much about it to compare.</p>
<p>As I said though, if those are the factors keeping you out of Tech and MSU, then I urge you to reconsider them :)</p>
<p>I have a son currently at MSU and one applying to MSU. I would have loved if either would have entertained University of Alabama Tuscaloosa. MSU gives NO money to students unless they are what the school considered “in need” while Alabama recognizes students for their achievement and tries to make tuition affordable for OOS students.</p>
<p>Alabama is a great school, beautiful campus, quick flight into Birmingham and supported heavily by the community. </p>
<p>Coming from someone who knows more Bama graduates than MSU graduates… I might be a little biased.</p>
<p>I have spent a lot of time at both locations. Even as of late. Alabama is something special and the school spirit isn’t just present during Saturday games.</p>
<p>One other point - If you son is looking for a job after graduation, possibly going south would be a better choice than Michigan State. That region is prime with opportunities in all industries.</p>
<p>That is blatantly false. MSU DOES give out merit scholarships, albeit they are not as generous as Bama, simply because they can’t afford to be. They have double the students of Bama and have to make their money stretch farther. Additionally, Bama is trying to attract top students whereas MSU doesn’t need to offer such incentives. </p>
<p>While Bama gives scholarships to OOS students for lower stats, once you start getting into the territory of the MSU honors college scholarships, the values of the scholarships are quite similar. </p>
<p>Again, I’ve never heard a bad word about Bama, but there’s no need to lie about MSU to attract someone to Bama.</p>
<p>I appreciate the input. I think with a 32 ACT, my son just misses the cutoff for honors scholarships at MSU. He does qualify, though, for the OOS full tuition scholarship at Bama. </p>
<p>We are definitely keeping all three schools on the list and we certainly need to take a trip to Tuscaloosa before making a final decision. Surprisingly, though, my son seems excited to have Alabama on the list now. (I would be a little concerned having him so far from home, but I suppose that is something I need to work through on a personal level.)</p>
<p>^ With a 32 on the ACT, I’m assuming he didn’t qualify because of his class rank. 30 is the ACT cutoff for honors college, but top 5% is the other qualification that he probably missed.</p>
<p>If you go over to the FA forum, there are quite a few people there who know quite a lot about Bama :).</p>
<p>Like romani said, definitely look into residential college options at MSU - there is the Residential College of the Arts & Humanities, while I am in James Madison College for international relations, public policy, law-types. I am not familiar with Alabama at all, but it is a fine school with a comparable reputation in academics to MSU.</p>
<p>This is what is on the MSU website for honors scholarships for instate (looks like you need to have a 33 ACT):</p>
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<p>Professorial Assistantships
Professorial Assistantships are offered to Honors College invitees with an ACT composite score of at least 33, an SAT total score of at least 1500 (critical reading + math sections only), or semifinalist standing in a National Merit program. Professorial Assistants begin work immediately with a faculty member on research or other scholarly activities. PAs work eight to ten hours per week, are paid a stipend of about $2300 for the first year, and may be reappointed at a slightly higher rate for a second year.</p>
<p>STATE Scholarships
Michigan resident students eligible for a Professorial Assistantship who accept membership in the Honors College receive an annual $2,000 STATE Scholarship. The Scholarship may be renewed for up to four consecutive (undergraduate) years, provided the student remains a member of the Honors College. </p>
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<p>If I am missing an honors scholarship that my son qualifies for, please let me know…as it will factor into our decision process. Thanks!</p>
<p>^ Whoops, that was totally my mistake. I was referring to OOS scholarships just for having a 30 ACT in the HC. I forgot that you were instate for MSU. Sorry about that!</p>
<p>Although, if your son has a 32 on the ACT, try taking it again to get that 33. It’s quite a chunk of change.</p>
<p>I don’t know if you or anyone here knows the answer (I may have to contact the admissions dept.) but since he has already applied and sent his ACT scores…could he still re-take the test and submit the scores AFTER being admitted? I see that the next ACT test isn’t until December.</p>