Michigan "Dream" College

<p>Just another survey without much significance but interesting that Michigan makes the "dream" school list of both students AND parents.</p>

<p>College</a> Hopes and Worries</p>

<p>Great post Big Dog- I’m beginning to think that my son may realistically end up at UM- if he doesn’t get into Harvard or Duke, then I think he will choose UM- which will upset his UIUC father ;)</p>

<p>PsychoDad - I hear you, tough to accept the rival Big Ten but if you have too its a great choice. I’m trying to pump myself up for it because I saw my D more at WUSTL…but she doesn’t agree. Just today she said she is 95% sure Michigan will be her choice.</p>

<p>Bigdoglover, son also applied to WUSTL and was waitlisted - it was one of his top three choices, primarily because of the smaller size. But he is a very happy freshman at Michigan this year. Sometimes the size at Michigan still gets to him (registering for classes, taking the bus from the airport to Ann Arbor, etc), but he certainly appreciates the size at football games and as he travels and hears “Go Blue” literally everywhere we go - even overseas!</p>

<p>Thanks Sportsmom, my D’s acceptance to WUSTL surprised me so I guess I just thought she would go there. By now though she has great momentum towards Michigan. Same deal as you S, initially WashU was the exact size she wanted…things change with 17 yr olds…shocking.</p>

<p>Bigdoglover, some more food for thought. My brother works in academia - he’s Dean of students at a large public university in California. (ya, that topic alone could make for another thread). Brother has worked for small private colleges and large public universities so he’s seen both environments during his career. </p>

<p>Anyway, his perspective, as son debated the big school v. small school issue, is that large public universities offer an amazing array of academics and opportunities, inside and outside the classroom, that smaller universities are not able to offer. Michigan’s reputation worldwide, not just in US or based on USNWR, is stellar compared to most other universities. And the alumni network is vast and hugely supportive of its students. Watching my son this year at Michigan, I continue to be amazed at the opportunities available to him - it’s almost overwhelming. Schools like WUSTL, which are beautiful and academically very strong, but small, IMO can’t hold a candle to the opportunities at a place like U of M.</p>

<p>Bigdoglover, do not worry if your daughter goes to Michigan. Academically, Michigan is at least as strong as WUSTL…and a lot more fun! ;)</p>

<p>Not worried at all Alexandre, I work with people who went to Michigan and they are so proud that they have basically adopted my D!!</p>

<p>Sportsmom, I know you have said before but what is your S studying?</p>

<p>He’s in LSA and went in undeclared. He’s thinking premed, but it’s a tough road having to study more than his friends whose academics aren’t as demanding. Just this week he said, if he changes his mind on premed, he’ll go to law school. Which is another great thing about Michigan - all of their academic programs are so strong, you don’t have to worry about changing majors because it’s likely the new major is still one of the top in the country.</p>

<p>And completely agree with Alexandre - Michigan is way more fun. WUSTL is known to be super academically focused. I’m sure some kids still find way to have fun there, but in Ann Arbor, having fun is not an issue, it’s a given.</p>

<p>Its early but my D is thinking law school right now.</p>

<p>Then U of M is a great school for her and law!</p>