FSU vs. UM vs. OSU vs. USC vs. LSU

College Search & Selection
1

Hi! I am currently deciding between the University of Michigan, University of South Carolina, Louisiana State University, Florida State University, and Ohio State University. I am planning on majoring in something business related. I’ll first give a rundown about me and what I look for in a school. I am mainly just interested in getting opinions from others about these schools and what you all think about them.

I am a senior from Michigan and I have applied to 14 schools and narrowed it down to these 5 based on cost and overall feel. I love the idea of a larger school with pride, fun athletics, and overall good academics. I do like the idea of being near a city or fun college town. I have spent the last two years of high school looking at almost every school in the country (not a joke) and now it seems crazy that I am to the stage of selecting a school.

Now I’ll break down how I am feeling about each school.

University of Michigan
COST: $27,000
I have grown up as a Michigan Wolverine, living about 20 minutes away from campus. Both of my parents attended UM Ann Arbor, one sister is getting her undergraduate degree there now, and my oldest sister will be attending for grad school next year. I love the city of Ann Arbor and like how the city in intertwined with the campus. All of that being said, I really want to do my own thing and would love to go out of state. I recognize that UM is the highest ranked institution on my final list, but I really do want to go more than 20 minutes away from home. As of now, I am in LSA and am waiting for Ross decisions.

University of South Carolina
COST: $20,000-22,000
Over the last year and a half, South Carolina has been right at the top of my list. Their international business program is specifically what peaked my interest. IB is something I am very interested in studying. I visited the campus last year and absolutely loved it. I also really liked the city of Columbia. Another huge appeal was the scholarships for out of state students. As of now, I have been guaranteed instate tuition with potential for a little more money. I love the possibility of doing my own thing and getting away from home. Overall their business program is solid. Right now I am waiting to hear from the honors college and capstone scholars program.

Ohio State University:
COST: $28,000-30,000
Ohio State, much to my family’s opposition (not really haha) has been on my list for a while. I toured OSU and liked the campus overall. I got into their business school and scholars program. OSU is definitely a highly ranked school, it has a ton of school spirit, and is right near Columbus which is super cool. Being out of state and different is a huge plus. The scholarships I have received have made it financially possible.

Louisiana State University:
COST: $14,000
Honestly, I applied to LSU on a whim. I did not know too much about the school when I applied. After being accepted and given a scholarship, I have done more research into the school. Financially, this would likely be my cheapest option. I am not exactly sure how their business programs rank, but I know the school is generally respectable. I love the school spirit and the fact that it is located near a city. I have not visited campus, but it looks amazing and I could see myself there. I am also in the honors college.

Florida State University:
COST: $18,000
Florida State has been on my list for a while because of the cost and programs. I saw that the school was ranked fairly well and that the price was amazing, especially with an out of state tuition waver. I looked into their business programs and liked what I saw. I love the school spirit and love that it is in the capital city, although I do not know much about Tallahassee. I have never visited FSU, but from the photos I have seen I really like the campus a lot.

If anyone actually read through all of this, or even if you didn’t, I would really appreciate any feedback or opinions about these schools. Thanks!

2

I can relate the fact that you are interested in going OOS. My D18 feels the same away considering the fact that she was accepted to our own excellent instate option but wants to go to go a different part of the country. From your list she was accepted to both OSU and FSU as well as others… Based on your past postings, you really seem to like USC. I honestly think that you have a lot guilt by giving up Michigan. It probably would have been best to have been rejected making your decision a lot easier. Lots of people of these boards would love to be in your shoes. However, it does not necessarily mean that for your that would be your best decision.

USC IB program is among the best and so is their honors program. Having said that, this would the reason to attend USC. However, if for some reason or another, you choose to change majors, this could end a reason for regret.

Not sure why FSU and LSU are on this list we the other choices you have. If UF was an option, then you have a very compelling case especially for Business. Neither FSU or LSU have Direct admissions to the program

This brings me to OSU. which is probably the most balanced of your choices (.with the exception of course to Michigan). Top notch academics and a highly ranked direct admit Business School… Incredible sports, and school spirit/pride. Urban setting with lots to do including opportunities for internships and fun activities. For all these reasons, OSU has become my D18 top choice.

I would assume many would think that passing on Michigan is a mistake. However, you have to do what is right for you. USC is a great choice if your intention is to pursue an IB degree. Otherwise, OSU is the most well rounded from your list. Once you get past your guilt, you will be able to make the right decision… Keep in mind that by the end of the day is what you make out of it.

3

I agree with @1917souci. If you are almost certain about doing IB then it looks like your choices are between USC and UM, and if you aren’t then tOSU and UM. Obviously I would hold off making a decision until you hear about Ross. Please keep us posted :slight_smile:

4

FSU would be the closest to what you want, especially if you want to be far away. I assume you got into the Honors college, too?
Otherwise, tOsu would be out of state but not so far that you can’t come home for breaks, while USC would have the best honors college and best weather of the bunch (also the best international business program but that’s an added selection, which is competitive).

5

" I recognize that UM is the highest ranked institution on my final list, but I really do want to go more than 20 minutes away from home. As of now, I am in LSA and am waiting for Ross decisions."

If (and it’s a big if) you get into Ross, then Michigan is easily your smartest decision for a business degree. Many instate students who attend Michigan live within 30-60 minutes of campus, since the Detroit area holds almost half the population of the state. Living on campus is not the same as visiting. That Ross degree will travel better than any of the other schools you have listed.

“I would assume many would think that passing on Michigan is a mistake. However, you have to do what is right for you. USC is a great choice if your intention is to pursue an IB degree. Otherwise, OSU is the most well rounded from your list.”

OSU is more well rounded than Michigan? Seriously? OSU is a nice school, but few students would choose it over Michigan unless it was considerably less expensive to attend.

It’s not like the old days in Ann Arbor anymore when it comes to business education. Michigan Ross will now fill the vast majority of its class as pre-admits. Wait until the Ross decisions come out before you stress yourself too much. If you are not admitted, then your other choices become much easier to make.

By the way, I am glad that the Michigan business school is going to this approach. It’s much more fair for students such as yourself not to commit to a college without the assurance that you’ll be able to study your area of interest. Also keep that in mind for USC. From my understanding, getting admitted to the school is relatively easy, but getting admitted to the IB program is not. Do you really want an undergraduate degree from South Carolina if you aren’t getting that IB degree?

6

@rjkofnovi Obviously you did not read my post

“This brings me to OSU. which is probably the most balanced of your choices (.with the exception of course to Michigan).”

7

I read this part from the last paragraph:

“Otherwise, OSU is the most well rounded from your list.”

(perhaps you edited your original posting?)

I just don’t understand where you get the idea that tOSU has the “top notch academics and a highly ranked business school” that is comparable to Michigan’s. Business education is definitely prestige driven and where you attend school definitely matters when it comes time for that all important first job out of college. With that in mind, the choice between Michigan Ross and OSU Fisher etal is pretty easy if one gets accepted into both schools.

Btw as an interesting side note; Max Fisher was Stephen Ross’ uncle. It’s pretty cool that both have business schools named after them.

8

Update: I was admitted to Ross today.

9

Congratulations!!! Impressive :slight_smile:
So… How are you revisiting your choices?

10

@MYOS1634 Haha I have no idea what to do now!

11

My D is close by, but we rarely see her. OTOH, when she gets a cold and wants homemade soup delivered, it’s finals and she needs laundry picked up and done, the group poster can’t be printed because the campus print shop is booked because everyone waited till the last minute - she’s got mom. Study abroad can give you plenty of far from home adventure. Whatever you decide, planning a study abroad is well worth it.

12

“@MYOS1634 Haha I have no idea what to do now”

That’s too bad. Ross admittance should have made your decision a no brainer.

13

@pbmcdoug IMO Getting into Ross is like getting into Harvard in terms of prestige and opportunity, particularly for IB and consulting. You are very fortunate to have an instate flagship such as Michigan, one of the premier schools in the world. At such a great low in-state cost. I understand you wanting to do your own thing, get your own identity, by going out-of-state. The grass is always greener elsewhere —lots of kids don’t want to go to their state flagship —but in your case the grass is really greenest right in your own A2 backyard. Don’t let this awesome opportunity past. The school is large enough and the opportunities offered will allow you to create your own identity. Sometimes in life you have to seize the opportunity given. You don’t want to look back with regret at turning down the best choice academically and career-wise given your business interest. You can always go out-of-state for a summer internship and for grad school. Or get a job out-of-state. Ross will help you do that as Ross students and graduates have great opportunites outside the state (just work hard and excel at Ross). Best of luck!

14

@rjkofnovi @trackmbe3 Luckily I will be able to visit each school again before I have to make any decisions.

15

Imagine if you go to USC and don’t get into their IB program? Do you really want a degree from USC in some other area as compared to one from Michigan? This is a life long decision. The choice is obvious to those of us who are a bit older and more knowledgeable in these matters.

16

Haha ok, I may be a little more knowledgeable than you give me credit for. I live 20 minutes from Michigan and understand that Michigan and Ross are much more well-rounded than USC, but you have to understand that I have been extremely invested in USC for the last two years. South Carolina would be thousands of dollars cheaper, and I am not making any decisions until I know about the honors college (which if I am accepted I will definitely be in the IB program). My parents are both Michigan alumni, and they understand why I am having a predicament between the two schools. While some of the college selection process deals with rankings, a lot of it comes down to where I would end up feeling most comfortable. @rjkofnovi

17

@pbmcdoug Stop fighting it The choice is obvious. University of South Carolina all the way. That is where your heart is and that is where you should go… From all us outside your head, the choice is pretty obvious. But you and only you can answer this question. I totally get the fact that you do not want to stay close to home. My daughter wants to go out of state even though she was accepted to our excellent in state flagship, She is leaning to attend The Ohio State University. Once she was able to secure an incredible scholarship, the choice became much obvious. IB and Honors at USC is tops… Go where you want to be.

18

"My daughter wants to go out of state even though she was accepted to our excellent in state flagship.

Which “excellent” school was that?

19

The University of Georgia!

20

With all due respect, Georgia is not Michigan. That’s why the OP is having such a difficult time. He knows that these schools are not equal academically.