<p>Okay, here's my dilemma. Right now, I've gotten accepted to Michigan State University; more specifically, James Madison, the residential college for Political Science. It's an elite program and, from what I've come to find, very well-known. I also love the fact that the classes are so small and very much a discussion as opposed to a lecture.</p>
<p>On the other hand, there's the University of Michigan. I'm still waiting on a decision, but I'm fairly confident. Now, there's actually a lot less I like about U of M's department (massive classes Freshman/Sophomore year, more liberal professors, less community feeling, etc.) but that being said, it's got the prestige. As someone who wants to go to an elite law school someday, that's sort of a big deal, isn't it?</p>
<p>I've got my opinions on other aspects of the schools down pat (i.e., I like U of M better) but education is a pretty big part of college (duh) and as much as I love U of M, Ann Arbor, and the thought of being a Wolverine, I'd be miserable if I was in a learning environment that I didn't like for four years. Everything about Michigan clicks with me, except for the PolySci department. State's the opposite. Am I misinformed? Do you guys have any thoughts/input? It'd be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>I think your concern about large class sizes could be mitigated at U of M if you were in the honors program. Have you looked at LS&A honors? That being said, I have a great deal of respect for James Madison being one of the best programs at State.</p>
<p>hmm… good program? sure… elite? lol hell no…</p>
<p>anyway go to state if you want to go to law school, even though almost all Michigan social science classes are pretty cupcake, you are bound to have an even easier time staying ahead of the generally low quality curve at moo u… and GPA is the most important thing for law school</p>
<p>Chrono, you may find yourself in a better position to evaluate when you get to the place of comparing financial packages, at which time a clear winner may emerge. While bearcat’s comment is possibly germane, there’s another aspect to consider, to my mind: your career as a lawyer will involve a great deal of networking and your associates in your college days often become your future clients. As an undergrad, I personally would want to surround myself with (statistically) the best and brightest, because that’s who I’d want to be building lifelong relationships with and the alumni network I’d want to access in the future. Just a thought, but from that vantage, I’d personally choose U of M for the international prestige and the caliber of networking opportunities with people from all over the US and the world.</p>
<p>Thanks for the input, everyone. And bearcats, I definitely see your point. Kmccrindle also makes an excellent argument; connections are everything, after all. Money’s not so much an issue (for very unfortunate circumstances, my grandparents have recently passed on and left me 100k for my undergraduate expenses wherever I choose to go). I’ll definitely make a play at the Honors College, though I doubt I can get accepted as a Freshman (3.8 UW GPA, 30 ACT). I’m actually in at the Honors College at MSU, which also plays a role in my decision-making process.</p>
<p>But bearcats, SBDad has a good point as well. While I would NEVER want to attend Michigan State, the residential colleges are solid. My dad plays golf with the former President of the University of Illinois, and when he asked which has a better PolySci department, he said “U of M over MSU, but James Madison over all of them.” Verbatim. Which is what made me question my “U of M first, MSU safety net” mentality in the first place.</p>
<p>I say go where you like best. Though I aslo wouldn’t eliminate schools specifically base on law school, are you completely set for law school? I myself plan to study political science and economics or economics and international relations…I also would like to keep law school as a option, but not definate. I think both schools are great, I personally would go with University of Michigan.</p>