So I’ve been accepted into both colleges. I was admitted into LSA for Umich and James Madison for Michigan State. I just really need help deciding what is best for me. I don’t know exactly what I want to go into, but I do think I want to go into something with economics and political science or international relations. Some combination of those three, probably.
I have visited both places, and, honestly, I fell in love with Ann Arbor BUT I don’t want to make my decision based on prestige or location. I have been warned that the large class sizes could make me just a number and limit my opportunities. I want to go where I have the biggest chance of success in the future. So my question to all of you is, where would you choose? What are the pros and cons of both? Will UMich academics be insanely challenging to the point I am burnt out? Thank you so much for any answers you can give me!
I can’t speak for UM, but I’m a senior at MSU so I can provide some input. I am not in James Madison, but I know several people who are in the program and I’ve heard great things about it. Really small classes all the way through and very writing intensive. It’s supposed to be pretty rigorous and most people in the program have relatively low GPAs. I know they’re big on getting everyone experience in public policy, both in Lansing and Washington (Fairly certain some sort of “Field Experience” is a graduation requirement).
http://www.popecenter.org/commentaries/article.html?id=2243
Maybe I’m wrong but I think the Ford School at UM is more equivalent to James Madison than any of the majors in LSA.
If the question is what would I choose, I would choose UM 100 times out of 100.
I have nothing against Michigan State. But the two schools are absolutely on different tiers academically. Michigan is rapidly becoming the Stanford of the east, while Michigan State remains a state university, all be it a very, very good one.
In terms of class sizes, there are some classes that will be stupid large at any university, Michigan State included. It’s part of the deal to a certain extent. The opportunities will more often come later on in your time at a university, and lecture hall (hundreds of students) classes are usually only those classes that every student is required to take. As you become a sophomore, junior and senior and are taking classes regarding specifically your major (where the opportunities may crop up), that’s where you’ll see the small faculty to student ratio come into play. For what it’s worth that stat is actually smaller at Michigan (15:1) than Michigan State (17:1).
One option you may want to look into as an LSA admit is the residential college (RC) at Michigan. It’s a smaller liberal arts college on campus that gives students the small college feel at a big university. You’ll probably still have a few lecture hall classes, but this may help you out. I am admittedly not as well educated on MSU, but it sounds relatively similar to the James Madison college you were accepted to.
In terms of academic difficulty, you didn’t post your stats, but they’ve got to be pretty dang smart to be admitted to UM. Keep in mind that if they admitted you, that means that you are part of a pretty small fraction of applicants who the admissions department believes can succeed at their University. It’s certainly not going to be a walk in the park, but again, at any university you’ll run into those classes that will test your limits. If you’re up to the challenge and ready to work, you will succeed.
Congratulations on your acceptances, and good luck wherever you choose to attend!
University of Michigan.
For Econ and Poly Sci, go for UMich. Also, it meets the need of all in state students.
They are both great unis. Pick the one you can envision yourself staying at 4 years. The program at James Madison is enticing and I considered it 40 years ago (Poli Sci undergraduate), I rejected an acceptance for undergrad at UofM and went elsewhere, but either of those unis can get you where you want to go as an undergrad so pick the one where you feel the best about in total. The financial aspect is important if you need financial aid as UofM guarantees to meet need for instate kids and MSU does not, but MSU’s packages are not unattractive so you can always wait for the finaid offers then decide.
I chose MSU over U of M as an undergrad (and am now at U of M for grad school). I have no regrets about either of my decisions.
One of the wonderful perks I had at MSU that I wouldn’t have had at U of M was the proximity to Lansing. I, and many of my friends who were in James Madison (I was not in JMC), interned in the government (I interned with a Senator).
I do not think U of M will burn you out. Others will disagree with me, but I really haven’t noticed a difference in the quality of students’ work or the rigor of classes between the two. (I say this as both a student and as an instructor). I also think the whole “just a number” thing is a bunch of crap. Even in my very large classes, I know the students who do well and you are always welcome to go to office hours for guidance and help.
Go with your gut. If you really like Ann Arbor, go to U of M. I think you will be successful no matter what you choose.
Very few who get into both go to MSU. It’s lower than 10% iirc. If you’re from a low income like me, that is an especially easy decision due to the generous financial aid. The work is definitely more challenging, but the opportunities are limitless, both during undergrad and after graduating, in a way that say an econ degree at MSU affords to only the top few in the class
Grad school, summer internships, study abroad, research on campus all tend to be more accessible to UM, and starting salaries are much higher
I will say this about burnout: have some fun senior year! Also if you took AP/dual enroll or take some summer class at your local junior college (make sure credits transfer), that will allow you to skip harder prereqs at UM and to start at say 12 credits instead of 15-16
If you’re very low income like I was, MSU and U of M have pretty much identical aid packages due to the Spartan Advantage program. Just fwiw.
I think your personality is an important factor. It may be a bit easier to stand out at MSU, if you like that. At Michigan you are probably more average. I have one kid who loves to stand out, and one who hates it. It depends on you.
@Much2learn Why is it easier to stand out at MSU? In terms of academics maybe, due to difference in rigor, but MSU has one of the largest undergraduate populations in the US. Surely it makes it harder to stand out in that regard opposed to UMich?
@hailbate I think you answered the question yourself. Both Michigan and MSU have large populations, with MSU admittedly having significantly more students. However, it is NOT more difficult to stand out in MSU for most programs (probably the opposite)- Michigan’s academics are on another level, and that follows with the student body.
The mid 50% range between Michigan and MSU do not overlap. The mid 50%ile ACT at MSU is 23-28, at Michigan is 30-34. The mid 50%ile SAT at MSU is 980-1260, at Michigan, it is 1300-1500. Students who are admitted into Michigan can usually stand out at MSU, assuming they work hard of course. MSU is by no means a walk in the park. Standing out at Michigan is much harder.
If my daughter wanted to attend MSU over Michigan, I would ask why. If she had a thoughtful response, I would be fine with it. However, I would expect her to make a strong effort, work to differentiate herself, and make her experience there an extraordinary one.
Thank you! All yours comments and recommendations are extremely helpful!
Consider this… If you’re interested in a career in international relations…U of M is a globally known and respected school. MSU, not so much. Google…“global university rankings” or “world university rankings”. U of M will be in the top 50 schools ranked globally (often in the top 30). MSU won’t even be on the list. If I thought applying for international jobs was in my future…I’d go with U of M because international employers are far more likely to recognize it as a quality school. There will also be more international internship opportunities through U of M.
Actually there are a number of world university rankings that have MSU in the top 100. There are very few states in the US that can claim two world class universities. The OP can pick either one and find enrichment and success.
Momofthreeboys…Wrong. Kindly produce ANY international university ranking that lists MSU in the top 100. I challenge you to do this. Also…produce ANY international university ranking that doesn’t list U of M in the top 50. I’m not saying MSU is a crappy school…it’s not bad. But it does not have the International recognition that U of M does. Note that College Confidentially doesn’t even consider MSU noteworthy enough to make it’s “top public colleges” list.
Well, actually MaryGJ, the Times and ARWU (two of the three main international rankings) both rank MSU #99! 
Michigan is always ranked among the top 30 according to all international rankings.
Times
Michigan #21
MSU #99
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2016/world-ranking#!/page/0/length/25
QS
Michigan #30
MSU #164
http://www.topuniversities.com/qs-world-university-rankings
ARWU
Michigan #22
MSU #99
If given same or similar price tags, I would say choose UofM (unless fit is really not good). You have to decide that for yourself.