Long time lurker, first time poster, as they say.
I apologize for resurrecting an old thread, but I felt an important point in defense of Michigan went left unsaid, despite “MITgrad” having been agreed upon as a troll.
I came across this thread while researching potential transfer institutions for an engineering degree. My situation is drastically different from the (possibly fictional) OP’s, but I think that, while MIT of course has more prestige, simply having lower admissions requirements doesn’t make the education itself meaningfully worse. This, of course, doesn’t mean someone with a good background shouldn’t choose MIT, but I’ve been heartened by the many Michigan success stories presented in this thread. Someone like me had practically no hope of ever getting into MIT, despite a perfect 4.0 in an accredited (and highly ranked among CCs) community college with core engineering classes. The extracurricular expectations and various particulars of admission are simply too specific and demanding for someone who’s had to support themselves for three years while getting a GED, earning pre-reqs, and putting the basics of life together – starting with nothing – and then embarking on a rigorous program. I would have loved to take AP Calc in high school or had any research opportunities, but instead I’ve spent my time – after pulling myself out of homelessness – working in kitchens with ex cons and recent immigrants.
Michigan cares about that – about the intelligence and tenacity I’ve demonstrated despite circumstance, about my passion for my subject that surpasses almost all others, about giving someone a chance to succeed that otherwise wouldn’t have had that opportunity. I adore learning, and I’m smart as whip, only getting smarter (the environment, monotony and stress of poverty can actively dull an otherwise nimble mind). I won’t necessarily have the same depth of technical background as my peers when I start next term. Besides my GPA and the work ethic of twelve Calvinist oxen, there isn’t anything impressive on my resume. It doesn’t feel like much right now. I will be grateful to both U of M and my community college when I graduate (not to mention succeed spectacularly, as I fully intend to), having a completely different life than I was otherwise destined to. (Despite theoretical class mobility in the US, it’s still rare, and generally needs the type of boost an open minded university can offer.)
Even if “MITgrad” is a sockpuppet, I don’t think his attitude is unique. Frankly, it demonstrates classism at it’s purest. It more evident of a lack of wisdom and experience than a preponderance of cleverness. I am not hopeless, nor am I lesser for being unable to meet the requirements only those with reasonably decent people for parents and a complete high school education are prepared to. My advisers have said of community college, “You get out of it what you put into it.” Beyond a basic level of resources, research opportunities, desired programs and good professors, I would be shocked to discover the undergrad endeavor itself doesn’t obey that mapping. Most things in life do.*
The University of Michigan deserves to be lauded for it’s discernment while being inclusive of capable applicants without all of life’s advantages, not disparaged for that institutional strength of character. I’m glad many people here seem to agree.
*Excepting shady restaurant jobs with sexist coke-head bosses.