<p>Michigan doesn’t fit some of the criteria you gave, but the city of Ann Arbor is ranked as one of the top 10 college towns. It is similar to NYC, but smaller. On the other hand I have heard that size isn’t too big of a factor once you arrive on campus, but others have disagreed. Michigan’s acceptance rate last year was 42.1%. It’s acceptance rate this year was 49.8%. Even though its hard to get in(People with stellar scores and grades get deferred/ rejected), it is less selective than Harvard, Yale, Tufts, etc. It is harder to get in for out of state students though. Acceptance rate for out of state students is roughly 25-30%, which isn’t too bad. Sports is very big here, so if your daughter is interested in that then I would say give Michigan a shot. Most people that I’ve talked to like the school, hence thats where I’m going this fall. I liked it when I went for orientation. There is a unique atmosphere here. People are friendly. The city also has many things to offer. If your daughter is interested in wildlife, she could even visit the Arboretum, which is 17,000 acres of forest and wildlife. When people think of Michigan they lose interest because they probably are wondering, “What’s so interesting about the state of Michigan?” Trust me I got positive vibes all around. Although my parents complained that the University was too big. I would say Harvard, Georgetown, Yale and Tufts are probably your best matches although I don’t see what’s so great about the atmosphere at Tufts. Everyone has different interests. I’d say let your daughter visit a lot of the colleges she plans to apply to. Only then will she find out what fits her best. Michigan also has a good music department. You could also try to apply for a dual degree in the School of Music/Theatre and in LSA. Many colleges and universities accepted more students this year because of the economic recession. JHU accepted over 100 more students. Michigan accepted many more students this year. Penn did also. Not sure about other universities.</p>
<p>I would recommend: Harvard, Tufts, Georgetown, Yale, Northwestern, U Chicago, Boston College, Brown University and Michigan.</p>