<p>I doubt that University of Mississippi offers as good an education as UMichigan. Of course it's not a bad education (is any education ever bad?) but you can't say that it's as good</p>
<p>I cannot BELIEVE I am defending Ole Miss, but seeing as how both UM and Ole Miss are large, comprehensive universities with a lot of programs, I am certain that there are some Ole Miss programs that are, indeed, better than their Michigan counterparts. </p>
<p>Oh man, if any of my old roommates read this and figure out who I am they'll drum me out of the alumni club. </p>
<p>LSU, Class of '83</p>
<p>The thing about state schools for me is that they are too big... I am the kind of kid that really likes small schools with programs that don't have many people in your program. I know schools like this exist (TCNJ, William and Mary) however I also wanted the labs that bigger schools have and "sadly" it was only available in private schools...
Don't get me wrong because I would have loved to go to TCNJ (I could have gone there for only $1K a year, but I just needed bigger resources for the sciences.</p>
<p>I think the main idea is that there is no one school, or type of school, that is perfect for every student. Some like small schools; some like large ones. Some prefer the advanced academics of very selective colleges, while others might find them overwhelming. (Which is why I know my son is happier at IU than he would be at an Ivy; he does NOT like to read. Ivies tend to have literature-intensive classes among the required courses.) And yes, I think a student can be happy at many places--which is why it is not always the greatest idea to have one "dream" school and then be devastated if rejected. </p>
<p>The point is not that one school, or type of school, is "better" than another, but that there are lots of good schools, and lots of places to happily and successfully learn and grow.</p>
<p>The Op while a bit -energized- ws making a point... and during the thread it comes back that many believe a top tier school is all that matters and frankly much of CC is focused on this idea.</p>
<p>I think there are certainly advantages to Ivies and other such for many kids ... but I would suggest somewhat randomly 1. In terms of earning power it is probably much more important what you major in rather than where you major. 2. Education regardless of school is a personal business by that I mean that the prestige or lack there of only matters if a student touches these things 3. the kids at top tier schools do well because of who they are not necesarrily where they go to school 4. maybe i will think of more</p>
<p>Becky,</p>
<p>I think you are lecturing the in the wrong forum. This might be a message better suited to parts of CC with a higher percentage of students. I think most of the parents here already know the value and excellence of many public schools. As I recall, we were the ones trying to convince YOU of that fact some months ago.</p>
<p>Prestige isn't important, frecklybeckly? Why didn't you apply to UConn? You probably would have gotten a full ride, which is a hell of a lot cheaper than UMich out-of-state.</p>
<p>
My son goes to a state U. He's in a private, air-conditioned dorm room that he could stay in for all four years if he wanted (I think two are mandatory - not sure). All of his classes are small, all taught by faculty (no TAs), and one class per quarter in his major which is taught tutorial-style (one-on-one with full professors). He is fully advised, gets lots of faculty attention, and has a personalized course through his major, including a faculty-advised hands-on capstone type project. He is surrounded by and works with very talented, driven students who are very clear on what they want and who ALL were in the top 10% of their HS class - many much higher. And it <em>is</em> a larger school (16K undergrads), but that opens up so many more resources and opportunities for students than one would have at a school smaller than my son's high school.</p>
<p>But you forgot another stereotype of large state U's: the lack of merit scholarships. BTW, Did I forget to mention my son has $50K in merit scholarships over the 4 years (which at a state U, covers a much higher percentage of the costs than at a small private school).</p>
<p>A lot of schools may fit your stereotype, especially for kids who who may not have the opportunity to be accepted at an elite school to begin with. But for a top, highly motivated student, the opportunities at a state U can be almost unlimited.</p>
<p>Oh, and a lot less stressful on the bank account. :)</p>
<p>digmedia,</p>
<p>What college is this?</p>
<p>Honors Tutorial College at Ohio University: <a href="http://ouhtc.org%5B/url%5D">http://ouhtc.org</a></p>
<p>From what I understand, the University of Washington honors program is similar. The full SAT range, not mid 50th percentile, is 1300 to 1600, ACT 29-36, with the average unweighted GPA 3.93/4.0. Sounds like they draw some top students as well.</p>
<p>I, too, remember Becky's angst of last year, and I take her message to heart. I think she is proof positive that if a student doesn't get too fixated on there being a "perfect" school, they'll be able to find a "perfectly" acceptable school where they can pursue their dreams.</p>
<p>My daughter gave me a wonderful Christmas present this year. She is well aware that this has been a financially disastrous year for us; between periods of unemployment/underemployment and exploding medical expenses, our income has been more than halved, our expenses have expanded dramatically, and instead of saving, we've had to dip heavily into our savings. When she saw me holding the FAFSA worksheets (with tears running down my cheeks), she proceeded to tell me that she would make any college on her list work. I asked her if that even included her in-state financial safety, and boy, did she take me to task. Her closing comment was, "I'm young, I'm resilient, and I'm determined...I'll do well no matter where I end up."</p>
<p>Out of the mouths of babes...</p>
<p>Becky- this is just the kind of wonderful post I would expect from you! Your winning attitude (along with a lot of talent!) has brought you this far in life and will bring you lots of success and happiness in the future. Thanks for keeping in touch. I don't think this message can be made too often.</p>
<p>And mezzomom, hugs to your d. You're blessed.</p>
<p>mezzomom~</p>
<p>Your daughter is beautiful, just beautiful. You have raised a fabulous child. Kudos to you!</p>
<p>Our son, too, realized that we had serious financial constraints, and he never wavered on the idea that he would have to put financial considerations at the top of his list. Fortunately for him (and us), he was able to attend his "dream school" for less than the price of our flagship U. I so hope everything works out for your daughter in the same way, but regardless, she will do beautifully.</p>
<p>My heart goes out to you and your family for this past year of severe financial hardship. I am soooooo sorry that you have had all of this to deal with even as you are struggling through the college app. process. Your obvious grace and dignity have rubbed off on your daughter. I wish you all the best for a MUCH brighter future and for health, happiness, and prosperity in the coming years. </p>
<p>love and {{{{{hugs}}}}}, ~berurah</p>
<p>digmedia,</p>
<p>Thanks for the link -- I'll definitely look into it. :)</p>
<p>frecklybeckly: I've always enjoyed your posts, and this one is no exception. Thanks so much! I actually do think your comments here are very much needed on CC. If some readers think they are unnecessary, or that you are 'preaching to the choir,' then they just haven't been reading too closely.<br>
I'm also happy, though not surprised, that you are doing so well at and enjoy UMichigan and all it has to offer. My daughter is at UNC-CH and also loves the energy of a big campus and all the truly amazing opportunities and resources available there. The classes are stimulating; the faculty and staff are terrific and accessible. She also has knowledgeable, supportive advisor(s). UNC also has 16,000 undergraduates, and all of her classes this semester--with the exception of one--had less than 20 students. And make no mistake--both in-state and out-of-state students are smart, engaged, and actively involved on campus and in the community. I very much agree with digmedia's comment, too, that the opportunities at a larger public university, most especially for engaged and motivated students, can be limitless.</p>
<p>For many families the questions of big or small, in-state or out-of-state, private or public pale before the contents of financial packages that arrive by mid-April or so......</p>
<p>Thanks, Frecklybeckly, for showing the way. You can have the time of your life anywhere. You make it!</p>
<p>You can go to U of M and get a decent education, but that does not discount the fact that they get spanked by Ohio State nearly every year in football now. So to sum up: U of M=Good education, horrible football team.</p>
<p>horrible is a bit of an overstatement</p>
<p>I think not beating your archrival is horrible in the eyes of many alums/boosters. John Cooper was 1-9-1 against Michigan while he coached at OSU, despite having some of the best talent, if not THE best talent in the nation. He is considered a horrible coach by many people for not doing well against Michigan. Lloyd Carr has no excuse for this horrible season. Ok it might not be horrible by say, Kent State football standards, but it is horrible by U of M standards. But hey, if they want to keep him on as coach, I can tolerate beating Michigan every year. :)</p>