Michigan vs. Macalester

College Search & Selection
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<p>Oh no, another Michigan vs. another college thread. What can be said? Michigan is a great public university. Macalester is also a great LAC. In fact, they're both ranked 24th respectively. Funny coincidence-I wouldn't have known if someone didn't tell me.</p>

<p>Macalester is everything I want from a college. It's diverse, small, personal, relaxed, and far from home. And from what I'm told, it has an intellectual atmosphere. If I attend Macalester, I'm positive that I would be more inclined toward exploring different subjects, and gaining new experiences. Just looking at the list of courses available excites me. Being able to actually talk about them with my classmates is even more exciting. There are also a variety of clubs that I want to join too. It may be a small school but it has EVERYTHING I want. And the school is just so warm. And it's in a great area. I would truly love to be in an urban area as nice as St. Paul. The opportunity to be in the Twin Cities and far away from home would be great. I'm positive that I would be extremely active in clubs; I know I would find internships. I would flourish at Mac.</p>

<p>Six years ago, a cousin that was accepted into MSU asked me which college I wanted to attend I said "Michigan" proudly. Attending UMichigan has been a childhood dream. UMichigan is almost lionized in Michigan as much as it is on CC. The raw prestige and the pride I would feel from attending UMichigan and fulfilling a childhood dream alone is enough to put it above my other possible colleges. But combined with an excellent faculty, infinite possibilities from the alumni network, and a surprisingly friendly student body (prospective UMich students are nice to other prospective UMich students-they're all just so happy to be attending the university) and you have a university that?s at the top of the list.</p>

<p>Still, all isn't well. Macalester is very small. And my main problem with the school is the lack of a strong alumni network, and the possibility of difficulties when trying to find employment post graduation. No employer will sit down and listen to me ramble on about how Macalester is highly selective. Nor will they care about it's ranking amongst other unknown LACs.</p>

<p>UMich is very big, and it'll probably cost more than Macalester (despite being a private school). Not by much though-probably a few grand. UMich is only four thousand dollars in loans a year-100% of my need has been met. UMich doesn't have that cohesive, personal feel that Macalester has. I don't feel like I would grow there like I would at Macalester. </p>

<p>I'm sure I would get an excellent education and be happy at both. But which should I attend and why?</p>

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<p>Was it too long to bother replying to? Am I just too impatient? I'm the goddamned Batman!</p>

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<p>Don't worry, employers will respect a Macalester education. It's true that there is a Michigan Mafia, but you won't have any problems achieving post-graduate success coming from Macalester. It sounds like you really do appreciate what the liberal arts experience has to offer whereas Michigan is sort of the safe choice, one you've considered making since childhood. Mac is small, but it's in the Twin Cities (I'm from Minneapolis) where there is an abundance of things to do. If Michigan is more expensive than Mac, I don't think there is any downside in going to Macalester.</p>

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<p>Well, the colleges are too different for most people to compare them ably.</p>

<p>I confess I'm biased towards smaller schools, so take this with a grain of salt.... but I don't know how much of a boost Michigan is over Macalaeter in the postgraduate world. Sure, there's the bigger alumni network and greater name recognition, but that is only going to help get your foot in the door, if that. Beyond that, it's you and your drive and skills that will determine your success. Macalester alums are faithful, too, and while there aren't as many of them, you may find in some circumstances they'll benefit you just as a Michigan connection would. And while it doesn't have Michigan's presence, it's hardly an unknown school.</p>

<p>I think your heart is leaning towards Macalester, and if that's the case then I think you should follow it.</p>

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<p>Macalester really does feel like the best fit. I'm extremely excited about visiting. The school is giving an all expense paid visit. I'm so excited and thankful-I wouldn't have been able to visit otherwise.</p>

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<p>But the average Wolverine's excitement is contagious...</p>

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<p>I don't know about Michigan, but I hear Macalaster pampers its students.</p>

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<p>Pampers as in? I hear it allows its students to grow and guides their development(and I use the word "guide" loosely). UMich is cuththroat.</p>

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<p>A couple years ago, I took the family to visit New York, to do the tourist thing and see some Broadway shows and the Met. Fabulous! We then drove out of NYC directly to a picture-perfect village in Vermont on a perfect summer day and spent a couple days getting to know the natives there. Completely opposite, but idyllic! That's sort of the Mich vs. Mac analogy. I loved them both for a few days, but if you suggested that I needed to make a choice of one location in which to spend four years, my call would clearly be Vermont - but that's just me. A lot of people would opt for the bustle and excitement of the big time, even if it meant living a good deal more anonymously. Would playing out your own sense of the NYC - Vermont analogy help you get a sense of your Mich - Mac preferences?</p>

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<p>
[quote]
Pampers as in? I hear it allows its students to grow and guides their development(and I use the word "guide" loosely). UMich is cuththroat.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Your own words provide an appropriate point of view. Another one would be "pamper" as in it doesn't leave them to fend (or figure things out) for themselves (figuratively). Or doesn't expect as much independence on the part of the students. But I do not mean in a bad way. It depends what you are looking for, as gadad pointed out, do you prefer having more guidance at Macalester or the competitive environment of Michigan?</p>

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<p>New Development: I received supremely generous aid from UMich and Macalester. My need was met and my loans were minimal. My debt will be the same regardless of which school I attend.</p>

<p>I visited UMich and absolutely loved it. The school was amazing. It was the complete college experience.</p>

<p>I'm visiting Macalester in two weeks. </p>

<p>Now my decision gets harder. Is going to either a bad idea? What are the advantages and disadvantages of attending a LAC? UMich has residential colleges that emulate the typical LAC. Is there anything that Mac offers that UMich doesn't? Internships opportunities a la Minneapolis/St.Paul perhaps?</p>

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<p>Alchemy, it is so wonderful that you got aid from both - but I guess it makes things a little more complicated. I will be following your post after you see Mac again (because my D has Mac as her top choice so far, but that's without having visited). She's going up admitted student's weekend - the 19/20th. So please post, so I can compare her impressions with yours. By the way, you certainly have a way with words. Enjoy reading your posts.</p>

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<p>I've decided to list everything I want in a college.</p>

<p>-small atmosphere
-personalized education
-close relationships with peers and professors
-an urban area brimming with opportunity
-a myriad of clubs and activities available on campus
-compelling classmates with an interest in learning
-a relaxed atmosphere rather than an over competitive one; an atmosphere that encourages learning for the sake of knowledge rather than a grade.
-small class sizes
-a lot of internships opportunities
-beautiful campus
-great preparation for graduate school
-research opportunities
-a career-oriented education
-palpable school spirit
-"intellectual diversity"
-a down-to-earth student body. People who won't scoff at my dream of owning a comic book shop because it won't change the world, or call the second tier public a community college(e.g East Lansing Community College)
-chance to make a research paper on how the X-Men's plot is meant to parallel real-world conflicts and problems and not get an "F" because "it's 'compelling' but unorthodox".
-Big Ten sports
-a lot college parties
-a lot of interesting discussions on important topics
-a lot of interesting discussion on trivial topics( Superman vs the Juggernaut, "Well, the Juggernaut's power is magic in origin...")
-a beautiful campus with lively environs
-Ann Arbor squirrels. Yes, specifically Ann Arbor squirrels. If you've ever seen an Ann Arbor squirrel you know why.
-a place without juvenile drama. If Dan cheated on Maria, John, whom knows neither, shouldn't hear it through the grapevine.
-name that my potential employers know. I don't have time to explain how school X is extremely selective.
-support for students from underserved public schools.
-chance to work with kids from inner-city underserved public schools. </p>

<p>I've visited UMich already. I liked it. I bled maize and blue before I left.</p>

<p>I'm visiting Macalester next Thursday. I think it's a better fit.</p>

<p>And of course, there's always my safety college--who gave me a large scholarship--Cornell....</p>

<p>...(whispers)College.</p>

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<p>Help me out...</p>

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<p>most people say that although michigan is a large university, it has a small university feel once you penetrate the surface, and also that once you get past the large freshman lectures, classes are much smaller. just food for thought anyway, but I think it's a no brainer. What are you going to do on fall saturdays if you go to macalester? well, you wont be in the big house that's for sure. go to michigan!!</p>

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<p>I do love the Big House...</p>

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<p>Bump. I need some insight.</p>

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<p>Bump...(ten chars.)</p>

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<p>Meeeeechigan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D</p>

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<p>My visit at Macalester was incredible. The students were Minnesota(read:incredibly) friendly. The professors were geniunely interested in their fields and their students. Macalester is a supportive, geniunely intersting, intriguing school. I love it.</p>

<p>But I just can't decide where to go: UMich or Macalester? They cost the same amount and they both have their advantages. UMich is UMich. It's prestigious, it's well-known(the maize and blue block M is the second most recognized logo in the world), it's a decent education, and it's where I've wanted to go since I was twelve. It is the University of Michigan.</p>

<p>But then there's Macalester, one of the better liberal arts colleges with a twist: an urban setting and a focus on internationalism. As far as education goes, Macalester is probably the clear winner. The classes are smaller and more personal. The teachers talk to you rather than at you. And there are a slew of student and school organizations to help students succeed in academics and life. Macalester isn't exactly a no-name school either. The first day I visited a man outside of a coffee shop went into a long, extremely personal lament about how he wishes he could have attended the school. Minnesotans hold Macalester in high esteem. Whenever I mentioned Macalester someone said, "Wow, Macalester? That's a great school, the students are so smart, etc.," When I mention UMich here in Detroit, MI most people just say it's a "good school" or mention the football team.</p>

<p>I can see why: UMich is just a degree factory, a big public institution where people go to get a sheet of paper with a maize and blue letter and support the great football team. Yes, it's a great experience, and the graduate education is top notch, but what about the undergraduate years? It just seems silly to go to a giant public school as an undergraduate. I'm not going to business school or joining the engineer's college. I'm at the LSA college--I'll probably get a liberal arts degree. Why wouldn't I attend a liberal arts college if I'm getting liberal arts degree?</p>

<p>But the University of Michigan is still the University of Michigan: dozens of top-programs, the largest alumni network in the world, great football team, prestigious, etc., It's great university.</p>

<p>And Macalester is still Macalester. A place I really like despite its sole shortcoming--prestige.</p>

<p>I guess it's a choice between prestige and "fit".</p>