<p>I've been thinking about the differences between large public universities and smaller private colleges. Kalamazoo appears to be a great college(it will have a name in time), but I worry that it is lacking in the prestige department. I like both of the schools equally currently-that might change once I do visits. </p>
<p>Can anyone state compelling reasons to attend one of the schools over the other? I despise large schools, and I hate the idea of large classes and teacher-assistants teaching, but I absolutely love the thought of having the opportunities that UMICH offers. I love Kalamazoo's K-plan and structure, but it seems a bit pricey(I think I'll get lots of aid but few scholarships), and...it's not UMICH.</p>
<p>If you plan to start your career after getting your bachelor's degree, then Michigan may be better. The name will carry more weight nationwide, there will be a broader variety of courses in your field, and there will be more on-campus recruiters.</p>
<p>But of you plan to go to graduate or professional school after getting your bachelor's degrees, then the undergraduate prestige factor is largely negated. A Kalamazoo bachelor's degree may not have national name recogition, but this won't matter if it is ultimately accompanied by an advanced degree from a well-known university. The admissions officers at graduate and professional schools will know that Kalamazoo and Michigan are more or less comparable in terms of selectivity, and they will also know that the Kalamazoo students get a lot more attention from their professors.</p>
Can anyone state compelling reasons to attend one of the schools over the other? I despise large schools, and I hate the idea of large classes and teacher-assistants teaching, but I absolutely love the thought of having the opportunities that UMICH offers. I love Kalamazoo's K-plan and structure.
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<p>It sounds like you would definitely prefer Kzoo! I've decided I'm looking at all colleges about Kzoo's size, and even though I was worried about all the oppurtunities, I think you can still get a lot of them at a small school. it's easier to participate in things as a freshman, and Kzoo also has the advantage of being practically on the WMU campus, which should also have a lot to offer.</p>
<p>When I visited Kzoo, I sat in a freshman class and the teacher had all the students introduce themselves and talk about the college. several of them also recognized me walking around later that day. which you wouldn't find at a large school!</p>
<p>Going to Kzoo would be able to get you into grad school, when you could go somewhere like UM if you wanted.</p>
<p>Visit both campuses and then decide. From what you say, I agree that Kalamazoo seems like a better fit for you. They are completely different in almost every way, so it shouldn't be too difficult to chose.</p>
<p>H. and I are Michigan alums and our S. is a very happy freshman at K College. It's true, the differences are like night and day. Vegan's experience during her visit accurately describes the atmosphere on campus. PM me if you'd like specifics. Regarding your concern about scholarships, Kalamazoo was very generous with the merit award offered to S. It brought the COA down to a level close to Michigan's COA @ in-state tuition rates.</p>
<p>Son's college counselor (prep boarding school) considers KZoo one of the hidden gems. He (the counselor) visited and spent time with faculty and students and was extremely impressed. This man really knows what he is talking about, so if you feel it is a good fit for you, don't worry about the prestige. Go for it.</p>
<p>Well, they're both great schools, I just don't want to doom myself to a life of mediocrity just because I attended a less-than prestigious college as an undergrad. I'm not quite sure if I'm going to grad school right after college or not but I know I'm going eventually. From what I'm told K-zoo prepares its students for graduate school well. I really don't want to go to a really large school like UMich, but it's UMich. </p>
<p>K-zoo's more personal approach would do me well-I'm absolutely positive that I'm behind in certain areas. My school is pretty bad, the average ACT is a 16, and the far majority didn't pass the MEAP. Quite a few students can't read or write well either...</p>
<p>I guess I'll have to visit both, but even if I did feel more comfortable at K-zoo(which I'm sure I will), I worry that I might regret disregarding prestige in the future. What happens to people that attend less than prestigious schools? They manage to become successful in life regardless, right?</p>
<p>I live in Kalamazoo so I may have a bias towards it but I would say you should go to Kalamazoo for undergrad and possibly UMich for a graduate degree.Picking a school based on prestige and ignoring fit is a really bad idea, though most posters here don't seem to get that. You won't live a life of mediocrity. In all honesty you will likely have a far better undergraduate experience at a smaller school where you can collaborate with professors who will actually know your name.</p>
<p>The first year of college can be tough. You already know you would do better in a smaller college setting, and that's a valuable discovery. Attending a small school can really make a difference in getting individualized teaching, something you may need coming from a school without top academics.</p>
<p>U Michigan will always be there - whether for junior-senior years, or for grad school. Oh, and BTW, a friend's child graduated just a few years ago from Kalamazoo and went on do a PhD program at Yale.</p>
<p>Are Calvin, Albion, and Hope any good, by the way? I've decided that I want to attend a smaller private college-it doesn't have to be in Michigan either.</p>
<p>^Yes, those three schools are fine. However, from being a Michigan resident, I'm sure you know that Kalamazoo is widely considered the strongest LAC in the state. Since prestige appears to be important to you, K places much higher in the USNWR rankings. Other considerations, Calvin and Hope have a significant religious component to the campus culture. Albion is fairly isolated with very few offerings for students in the surrounding area. Ohio has several high quality LAC's that would be worth taking a look. If smaller private schools have become your focus, I would recommend reading Loren Pope's book, "Colleges That Change Lives."</p>
<p>I visited Kzoo and loved it. It's considered less "prestigious" than some of the other schools I'm applying to, but I think I would be just as happy there as any of my other colleges. It sounds like you like the idea of attending Kalamazoo, but like the idea of having attended UM. The prestige factor will wear off pretty quickly. It may help you get your first job, but by the time you reach the sixth or seventh, it will matter much more what you have done in the working world. Plus, Kzoo has gobs of internship opportunities that could help you get in to your first job, which would offset Mich's "prestige" advantage. </p>