<p>These are the top schools that I have been admitted to this year, and I was wondering if anyone had any opinions. Obviously, they are quite different places, and I am in-state for UMich. Looking to major in economics, and would try to enter Ross School if I go to U of M. Thoughts, help, suggestions?</p>
<p>Yes, the schools are very different! Both are fine schools, with motivated student bodies. Your school experience would be totally different at each of these schools. What is most important to you? Think about the pros & cons of each school. Decide which school looks best FOR YOU based on your list.</p>
<p>If you are asking the question to find out if people think one is "better" overall, that's not a good question. The reason there are so many schools is because no one school is best for everyone. You need to consider campus, student body, location, cost, course selection, class size, student-prof interaction, opportunities on campus that interest you, research opportunities, study abroad, etc., etc.</p>
<p>bumping and in need of some words of wisdom</p>
<p>The University of Michigan will provide you with opportunities and connections that Carleton simply cannot. Think about it this way, places like Detroit are metropolitan and centers for all kinds of interactions and diverse opportunities. How often do world leaders head to Grand Rapids? Go with Michigan way more opportunity and CHEAPER at that. It's really a no brainer.</p>
<p>What does Grand Rapids have to do with Carleton? UCLA, I can see that your Ph.D. isn't in geography.;) And Minneapolis/St. Paul are great cities.</p>
<p>Kelsmom gives good advice, because these are very different schools. What do you want to do with your econ degree? There's a thread on economics at Carleton here:</p>
<p>In the interest of full disclosure, my son was admitted to both UMich Honors and Carleton. He chose Carleton. He loves it there--the personal contact with professors, the challenging courses, and the intellectual camaraderie of the students. Here's something I posted earlier on the Carleton thread when someone asked what Carleton is "really like."</p>
<p>"I can post as the mom of a Carl freshman, with only as much insight as that gives me. </p>
<p>One thing I've noticed while visiting and from my son's experience is that there isn't a specific Carleton "type." I saw all sorts of kids there, from athletes to gamers to girls who don't leave the dorm without make-up to girls who wouldn't know what to do with a mascara wand if they owned one. There are theatre enthusiasts and computer geeks and everything in between.</p>
<p>I think one reason for this range in interests and lifestyles is that Carls have a genuine respect for each others' choices, whether they have to do with academics or drinking.</p>
<p>Another common thread I see is a sense of humor. Carls are seriously curious people, but they don't take themselves too seriously. This is the only school where I saw a "sense of humor" mentioned in their recruiting materials, so you know it's a campus-wide condition.</p>
<p>I've been impressed with how the Carleton faculty and administration balance being caring and (very) available to students with not coddling them. The professors are involved and caring but can also be tough and academically demanding.</p>
<p>Carls are good and curious students but they also seem to be able to balance the academic demands with fun. My son participated in some sort of Assassins game first term. He had great stories about being ambushed in the cafeteria and just what weapons ( a nerf gun, a ruler knife) were allowed. </p>
<p>These are some of the things Ive noticed and heard from my son. Hope this helps!"</p>
<p>Good luck, Phoenix17, with your decision!</p>
<p>Did Carleton give you financial aid or a scholarship? Full tuition at Carleton will cost you $50,000/year (including room and board, books etc...). Michigan would cost you $25,000/year. If you got no aid or scholarship, this is a no-brainer, unless you folks are very well off, in which case, I recommend you go with fit. Academically, both schools, albeit completely different, are excellent.</p>
<p>It would appear UCLA is confusing Carleton College with Calvin College (in Grand Rapids).</p>