Being from Atlanta, I am very familiar with LSU, USC, FSU, and what seems to be the top choice for my daughter OSU.
If you are able to gain admission to Ross, then that would be the obvious choice otherwise, I would not go to Michigan with the hopes of attaining a Business degree. Very few get in. In addition, the competition will be very high among high achieving students.
As far as the other schools, USC has a fantastic IB Department one that is ranked among the best. As you mentioned, it is the most difficult to get in at the Darla School of Business. Someone mentioned that their kid got in by applying after a year. Aside from that, the general school of business is just ok. FSU is a little different. you will be accepted to their business school, but in order to get into your major, you have to have a 2.9 in order to take those upper level classes. This is more of a traditional program where you have a direct admit to the school, but you have to meet a bunch of requirements to truly be in, but it is more about gpa and prerequisites . I do not see a reason to go to LSU over these two.
Based on your post, you stated that OSU is $28K. Is this your total cost of attendance or you were able to receive the Morrill scholarship which basically waves the cost of tuition? If this is the case, this whole Michigan vs Ohio State conversation basically gets set aside. OSU with free tuition is a very compelling reason to attend Ohio State over Michigan. OSU has a highly rated Business School as well as all the spirit you would be looking for… The weather is another matter
My daughter,is more interested in going out of state. I can relate with not wanting to go to Michigan. We have two excellent choices in G. Tech and UGA… I get it.
You seem to want to go to USC. Once you narrow it down a little more and assuming you are able to afford it, you should probably visit your top three schools. Would you could probably start to narrow you list by the end of the month.
I would say my top 3 would definitely be:
- USC
- OSU
- Michigan
@mrminsky
@pbmcdoug Well then…that makes it even tougher 
They’re all solid options. I say, if you have the opportunity to go out of state to be more independent, you might as well. Really, at this point it’s going to come down to preference.
@pbmcdoug It seems that in the majority of your postings you are constantly on the fence about staying in Michigan and being 30 minutes away from home. It is obvious that you do not want to stay home.No one here can answer that particular question other than you.
You seem to have some excellent academic and financial options. Stop comparing Michigan to other schools. Out of all the schools on your list, Michigan is the most prestigious. No matter who you ask, Michigan will be the generally the best school since it is the most selective. However, this does not mean that it is the best fit for you.
There are a lot of variables. Location, program, weather, etc…I am not even sure and you have visited any of these schools. If so, go back to your top choices. Sometimes, the second visit will feel much different than the first.
@collegeisago I have visited my top three: USC, Michigan, and Ohio State. I have been to Michigan countless times, and I have visited USC twice with one more visit for admitted students day in April. I have visited OSU once.
Did you get a scholarship at OSU? You might still have a chance to apply to UGA which is not on your list and the school of business is fantastic Probably on par with OSU and rated better than USC. Beautiful campus. Southern hospitality. Excellent weather. and soon to be national football champ (wishful thinking!) Just what you needed. More confusion.
I did get a scholarship to OSU. I am pretty set with the list I have!
Not to throw more confusion your way but . . . if you decide to pass on Michigan and OSU, it may be worthwhile to give FSU a closer look prior to making your final decision. On your list of schools, it probably comes in third on overall strength of business program which has some high ranking specialties as well. Yes USC ranks high (#1) for international business but that is pretty niche - albeit great if that is what you are looking for. Also FSU will likely be the lowest cost with the OOS waiver and Freshman Scholarship.
Anyways, you are in a great position with some very good choices available to you. Good luck and keep us posted.
Wait for the Ross decision. You should hear from them next month. There is no rush to make the decision particularly when the real financial aid package is not out yet. Note that going out of state would have additional cost than just the CoA. We keep reminding my D2 that we will have to buy a lot of things instead of bringing from home. Also, the travel cost would depend on how many trips back home you make per year. Lastly, UMich would have more merit scholarship opportunities. You should be eligible to the Michigan Competitive Scholarship which is up to $1000 per year (you can actually check how much you can get from site). Many in-state students also receive the Regents Scholarship (non-renewable).