<p>How is Umich's econ department in the LSA? Is it considered a top program? I need a major in case I don't make it to the business school. I know Alexandre majored in econ. I'm not too sure I'm going to attend Umich, but I want to plan things out.</p>
<p>Redhare, Michigan has a top Economics program. It is not quite as good as Chicago or Stanford, but it is up there with Columbia, Penn and company. In the Midwest, I would say Michigan is #3 (behind Chicago and Northwestern). Nationally, I would say it is top 10.</p>
<p>What about Michigan Econs vs. Cornell Econs? Both schools are my top choices and I'm considering between them. Alexandre, I'm aware that you attended both institutions. Perhaps you could give me your opinions on this?</p>
<p>Wamdue, the two have excellent Econ programs. Michigan is generally ranked slightly better, but it is not noteworthy. They do have many things in common. For example, they are both very strong accross several disciplines. They are both very large schools. Both have excellent reputations in academic and professional circles. </p>
<p>At this point, I would tell you to decide based on preference. They are sufficiently different to make the decision easy. One is rural, the other is urban. One is a private Ivy League, the other is a ra-ra state university. One of them is Midwestern, the other is Eastern. Of course, there are always financial considerations. Does either school give you financial aid? Are you in-state or out-of-state?</p>
<p>The three main difference are those:</p>
<p>1) Ann Arbor and Ithaca. One is a lively city with a growing population nearing 200,000. The other is a small college town with less than 50,000 people.</p>
<p>2) Sports. Michigan football is HUGE and sports really play an active part of life at Michigan.</p>
<p>3) Overall location. At Cornell, you have to drive 3 hours to get to any major city or international airport. At Michigan, Detroit is about 45 minutes away...and ithe international airport is only 20 minutes away from downtown Ann Arbor. To an international person like me, it made a huge difference! </p>
<p>I recommend you visit both schools. You cannot go wrong either way.</p>
<p>Alexandre thanks for your insights on both schools it was informative! I know it's very shallow of me but I'm pegging Cornell so high up bcoz of its ivy brand. Prestige, especially coming from an ivy, is hard to give up...</p>
<p>There is nothing shallow about that. If you value the Ivy League brandname, go for Cornell. Like I said, you cannot lose.</p>
<p>I'm applying for colleges for Fall intake next year, hesistating to apply ED to Cornell coz I love both schools so much...</p>
<p>IF you are uncertain, do not apply ED. Only apply ED if you know Cornell is your first choice. Visit the two schools over summer, get to know them well and then, if Cornell is your clear first choice, apply to it ED. Also, if you intend to apply ED, be sure that finances will not be a problem.</p>
<p>I'll be visiting in Fall nearing Winter to see whether I can accustom to the cold weather (I'm an intl fr sunny Singapore!)... Hopefully by then I'll have a clearer choice. Alexandre, thanks again for your advice!</p>