HELP!!!!! University of Arizona (UA) vs. Michigan State (MSU)

<p>I have just been accepted to University of Arizona and Michigan State University. </p>

<p>I am a business marketing major and i am looking for a fun college town with a great campus setting</p>

<p>I haven't been to either campus but i hear MSU's campus is great because it is an agricultural college. But UA is based in tucson, AZ, and i have seen pics of the campus and it looks great.</p>

<p>I know that the party scenes are also great at UA and MSU. </p>

<p>I want to go to a university where the students are smart and a university that has a reputation for having great students.</p>

<p>I have done my research, and UA and MSU ranks almost the same under "US News 2006 undergraduate business program".</p>

<p>In Business Week's Rankings Michigan State ranks 29 out of 50 of the best undergraduate business programs, and UA isn't even on the list. </p>

<p>Academic wise, UA and MSU holds about the same also. Does anyone know if majority of students at UA or MSU are smart (i mean will influence ur future) or are they just a bunch of average Joes??????????</p>

<p>And when i graduate from UA or MSU, which one would look better when i'm applying for a job or internship??????</p>

<p>Does anyone know how the diversity is also????? </p>

<p>I got a scholarship to UA for three consecutive years but never got one from MSU.</p>

<p>PLEASE HELP ME MAKE A DECISION!!!!! I"M BEGGING SOMEONE, SHARE SOME WISEDOM!!!!!!!!</p>

<p>I'm a graduate of MSU and I also grew up near there. I loved going to college there and I think I received a fine education. There are plenty of smart kids and professors at MSU. The campus is beautiful but huge. The football games are fun, also other Big Ten sports. The business school is well-known. The student body is diverse. I think "a fun college town with a great campus setting" is quite accurate. However it is COLD there. The winter is long and icy and the winds sweep across the campus. Spring rolls in about late April. The months from Nov. through March are just not pleasant. If you like sunshine and fine weather, you might be happier at UA, especially with a scholarship there.</p>

<p>I haven't been to Lansing, but I doubt it compares favorably to Tucson -- Tucson is a beautiful place, especially if you enjoy the outdoors.</p>

<p>You did not say whether or not you were accepted to the Honor's College at these schools, but I have some exposure to the MSU Honors College and it is terrific. Lots of flexible class options with VERY bright students (including excellent students in the business school), Honors residence halls/floors, etc. Frankly, both schools are large state schools with all of those activities that large state schools have in common, including being able to find a "niche" amongst all of the groups if you are willing to look for it. The main differences are geographic and climate. If you like winter sports, snow, and a more rural environment, then MSU is for you. If you like hot, hot, hot and sunny, the U of A. The campus at MSU is flat and expansive. Great exercise opportunities.</p>

<p>There is one big difference between Arizona and MSU. As the flagship state U, Arizona gets its share of the top students. In Michigan, U. Mich is the flagship state U, and siphons off a disproportionate share of the very top in state students. In addition, the state funding formula shortchanges MSU compared to Mich. BTW, I am a MSU alum, and my own D considered the school two years ago, so my information is up to date.</p>

<p>What does this mean? It means that it would be relatively easier to be a stand out academic student at MSU. Whether this is good or bad I leave as a personal choice.</p>

<p>Regarding weather, unless one is used to it, a MSU winter, given the size of the campus and northern location, is an interesting experience. Those trudges from the dorm (many on the periphery of the campus) to classroom (in the center of the campus) can be long and cold, as can the waits for the bus. Of course, spring is gorgeous. </p>

<p>They are both great places, but since a degree from neither will put you in the academic elite, why not go with the one that appeals to you the most? Go with your gut and don't try to overanalyze. If money matters, then your choice is clear.</p>

<p>Even in four years, ** where ** you went will not matter nearly as much as ** what ** you did wherever you went.</p>

<p>You might want to look at the currrent Other Big-10 Schools thread for more on the weather perspective...</p>