<p>msneicirenee: This past year, a strange thing has happened at TOP 10 universities -- they have become almost free to families earning $60,000 - $120,000. Cheaper than at UM. If you gain acceptance to one of these schools with super-endowments, your contribution is expected to be 10% of your family's income.</p>
<p>So, for regular families, the new cost index is:</p>
<p>Cheapest: Top 10
Medium: State Schools
Expensive: Under-endowed Privates</p>
<p>Go for the cheapest -- who knows, you just might get in!</p>
<p>OP, we are instate & D did not apply to UM. She was the only one in her group who didn't. She really did not want to go to school in MI. She is now going to Vanderbilt & it's costing us less than we'd be paying at UM. </p>
<p>If you need any assistance, pm me. I'd be happy to try to help. I think you have a really good chance at having your dreams come true. There are no guarantees, of course, but it's definitely not out of the question.</p>
<p>rjkofnovi: Yeah, when I started this thread, I was kinda thinking the same thing. I wanted to change title, but couldn't. I didn't want to come off as the conceited brat who just believes she could get into a top college, but year after year, I see friends who get in and I know I'm very comparable as an in-state student.</p>
<p>everyone:
Thank all of you guys for the replies and the feedback. Over the last two days, I really changed my opinion. U-M went from "the state flagship" to "U-M, a public ivy, a great school" in my mind. I nearly did a complete 180 and think I would be totally happy at Michigan. This thread made me think hard about what I wanted, and even though a big city was a part of that, there are many ways to get what I want and still attend U-M. But, I'm still going to reach for my dream of a more urban college in the Northeast, too. Additionally, you guys solved another huge dilemma I had: taking the SAT Subject Tests. I have decided to take the MathII and Physics tests even though I took Physics 10th and 11th grade. I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR THIS THREAD AND ALL OF YOUR COMMENTS! I don't know where I would be with my college list if it wasn't for everyone and their replies. Seriously, you guys don't even know what you have lifted off of my shoulders. I'm actually excited to apply to colleges now. Thanks again.</p>
<p>Sorry I sounded so harsh msneicirenee. I see many negative posts about Michigan on CC and I guess I'm getting a bit too defensive. I'm sure you'll get in and if you go I hope you have a wonderful experience. Best of luck to you.</p>