MSU vs UofM - Your Help Please!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Michigan State University
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<p>Hey all. I have a serious question and need some input in deciding. I am 99% likely that I will either attend MSU or UofM, and I will decide on 3 factors: chances of getting in, financial aid availible, and how fast I'll be out of college (I've taken several AP's as well as Econ 201H at MSU the summer before my junior year of HS worth 3 credits). Here are some stats that will help you help me (tongue twister!)</p>

<p>SAT: N/A
ACT: 28
GPA: 3.94
AP: 5 AP classes (Calc AB, Calc BC, Bio, Physics B, Biology)</p>

<p>Other: At the moment, there is no way my family can afford college at full-tuition, and taking loans is something I am not willing to undertake. </p>

<p>Most likely major: Biochemistry or other Biology-related major, or an Engineering-related major.</p>

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<p>Well, MSU tends to be more lenient with AP credit than UMich. </p>

<p>If you get your ACT up to a 30, you’ll be in the honors college at MSU and that gives you scholarships. If you get it up to a 33 (I got mine up from a 29 to a 33, so it’s not impossible :)) then you can get a professorial assitantship (sp?) which pays nicely. </p>

<p>UMich meets full need (with loans) but requires a Profile as well as a FAFSA. </p>

<p>What is your EFC? Have you run an EFC calculator on line yet? How much IS your family willing to pay?</p>

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<p>You will only be accepted to to Honors College if you are in the top 5% of your class and have a 30 ACT. To be eligible for a professorial assistantship, you must have a 33 ACT and be a member of the Honors College.</p>

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<p>I guess I should have mentioned the top 5%, but it seems like with a GPA of 3.94, the OP would be in top 5%. Brash assumption on my part.</p>

5

<p>You will probably be accepted at both universities but financial aid will be hard to predict.</p>

6

<p>Thanks for the replies, guys. I did the EFC calculator on the FAFSA website, and for me it turned out to be 0, which came as no surprise for me. I am going to re-take the ACT (the 28 was on my first attempt, plus I’m taking the SAT in June) in September. I am pretty sure I am in the top 5% in my class, although not entirely positive as our school doesn’t tell us that. At the moment, half of the second semester is done, and I have all A’s, so if i keep this up, I’ll have atleast a 3.97 by the end of the year. </p>

<p>My next set of questions, what exactly is the Professional Assistanship? Will that help me financial-wise? And about how much scholarship money should I expect if I get into the honors college?</p>

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<p>Here’s the PA: [The</a> PA Program](<a href=“http://www.honorscollege.msu.edu/research_opportunities/professorial_assistantship_program.html]The”>http://www.honorscollege.msu.edu/research_opportunities/professorial_assistantship_program.html) </p>

<p>And if you make poverty-level income then you will get the Spartan Advantage program which covers basically all costs. Then with honors college scholarships on top of that ([Scholarships</a> for Incoming Freshmen](<a href=“http://www.honorscollege.msu.edu/scholarships/incoming_freshmen.html]Scholarships”>http://www.honorscollege.msu.edu/scholarships/incoming_freshmen.html)) you will get rid of all loans.</p>