<p>It sounds to me that your heart is with Macalester. Mac would be what you want from your college experience. All your reasons for Michigan are more external, like how other people may view the two (i.e., prestige). </p>
<p>Based on what you have written -- not my own assessments of the two -- I think you should go to a school where you will get the kind of education you want. That is most certainly Mac.</p>
<p>I think you're right momfromme. Here's another one of my posts from a thread on my facebook account:</p>
<p>Academically, Macalester and UMich are both incredible--probably equal--but there is an important difference: level of competition between students. At Macalester, the students are very supportive of each other. They don't seek to compete with anyone because they know that their grade is based on doing their personal best rather than competing for a top spot on the grading curve. I think that sort of environment is less stressful but more conducive to learning. Contrary to what I heard, UMich students didn't appear to competitive. But they didn't seem to supportive either. I'm not sure which school is more fun(and important aspect which I forgot to mention). I don't want to stress myself out over academics. I want to be challenged but I don't want that challenge to be a grade. It should be about learning not competition.</p>
<p>Here's my question: Is UMich about learning or competition?</p>
<p>In my circles Mac had a little different rep.</p>
<p>"Funny, we thought Macalester was only tops at dope smoking.</p>
<p>Macalester College earns top ranking from the Princeton Review on its list of schools where "students ignore God on a regular basis."</p>
<p>
[quote]
Macalester College earns top ranking from the Princeton Review on its list of schools where "students ignore God on a regular basis."
[/quote]
</p>
<p>And you consider this a problem?</p>
<p>No, dope smoking. Drug use in general.</p>
<p>There will be drugs at any college. I for one have not heard that Macalester has a prevalent drug scene, though anything is possible; for those considering it though, you really shouldn't let this tidbit sway you. Even at Wesleyan (one of the dope smoking capitols of the college world) there is a huge none drug-related scene.</p>
<p>^^From post #23 link..."Owner of the second-longest losing streak in college football history, Macalester College announces that, after a thorough review, it will not eliminate the sport."</p>
<p>LOL...not exactly like football Saturdays in the Big House.</p>
<p>The small classes and personal attention at a LAC are something that will enrich you as a person, and benefit you for life. You have lots of years to be a Michigan fan; you may even decide to go there for grad school. You have only the next few years as a young, impressionable undergrad. </p>
<p>I have a friend who has taught at both Lawrence (a LAC similar to Macalester) and the University of Wisconsin, Madison. When I asked him which was the better education, he said that the extra expense of a LAC is worth it for the kind of student who will make the most of his or her opportunities. If not, they will do just as well at a state school. </p>
<p>Since your two schools are about the same cost, I thought it might give you some insight into which is the better value.</p>
<p>Then maybe I would do best at a state school. I don't like the idea of big lecture courses, but I've been told that there's a discussion-based supplement to them. That not bad. And part of the reason I wanted to go to Mac was because of its long winter break. I felt it would be an excellent opportunity to get an internship or job. I could travel during that time too.</p>
<p>I'm also a little(read: extremely) wary of UMich's grade deflation.</p>
<p>Presently, I'm not sure I would make the most of Mac's opportunities. I'm not even sure if I would enjoy the intellectual homogenous vibe. It's a diverse school but it's pretty liberal. And when I visited I noticed the students were somewhat cliquish, but I think that might just be every college.</p>
<p>Now that I think about it, the people I met at UMich have been more supportive of my college decisions. They want me to attend UMich, but they'd at least say "good luck" if I went elsewhere. The people I met at Mac just don't care much at all. Maybe UMich is more friendly. I wanted a somewhat supportive college atmosphere and apparently UMich has that. Mac just has the programs. And UMich isn't as competitive as people say beside the engineering school, b-school, and pre-professional tracks.</p>
<p>When I think of colleges I think of the future. When I think of getting a job, I think of UMich(even though it might not be any better than Mac in that aspect). When I think of grade school(which I know I will attend), I think of Mac(higher overall GPAs for freshman and graduating seniors than UMich). I haven't made my choice just thinking of the next four to five years though without thinking about grades and jobs. If I did, I'd probably choice UMich.</p>
<p>Any insight? Anyone?</p>
<p>Thanks to those that responded and sent PMs.</p>
<p>You sound like you are driving yourself nuts with the pros and cons. You'll probably do just fine at either place, and make the most of either place. I know that may not be helpful when you're looking for a reason to tip the balance, but consider it reassuring.</p>
<p>I think your heart is telling you to go to Macalaster. Come back to Michigan for a football game each fall; we'll save you a seat.</p>
<p>Yep, it's driving me batty.</p>
<p>Got to Mac for ugrad and Mich for your graduate degree. (You ARE planning on Grad School, right? You'd better!) My S finishing 2nd year at Wabash and is into everything. The conversations about events politics issues now are astounding! Has lunch and dinner with profs and visiting CEOs, speakers, etc. Plans to apply to grad school at U Texas. How many other Wabash grads will be in that pool. He should be in great shape if he has any 3.x gpa.</p>
<p>With less than 1900 students in total, you will get a lot of support and personal attention at Macalester. It is a highly ranked liberal arts college, so will certainly be respected by graduate admissions committees.</p>
<p>There are plenty of good reasons to go to Michigan, but the idea that Mac has lesser prestige or support are not.</p>
<p>you're looking for perfection. Geezz. Go to Michigan, get over it.</p>