<p>IO know this post is long, but please, I need some help!</p>
<p>I have a problem, I love both Michigan and Notre Dame. I didn't think I would get in to ND, but now that I have I've got until June 1st to make the biggest decision of my life so far.</p>
<p>I'm not sure what I want to do yet, but it will have nothing to do with science and be something along the lines of business or political science. Both are amazing in business (although I would automatically get into ND's business school and have to apply for Michigan's) and from what I understand, the two are pretty much equal in non-science majors. I would be an honors student at Michigan (for now at least) and a regular student at Notre Dame.</p>
<p>Both have the big sports atmosphere and school pride that I want. I love Notre Dame's campus because it is really beautiful and everything is so close together, but I love Michigan's because it is ingrained in the city and there's tons to do. I like the idea of going out of state, but staying close to home has its benefits too. </p>
<p>One thing I'm not so sure about ND is the religious atmosphere. I was raised catholic but am not that big on going to church. I'm also worried because I've heard the academics are a lot more smothering at ND, and I want to have a good balance of school and extra curriculars.</p>
<p>One downside to Michigan is it's huge size. Also, a lot of people I know (some who didn't work all that hard in high school) are going next year, too. I've been a Michigan fan my whole life, so I already am familiar with most of the traditions, so it wouldn't be a whole new experience, but at the same time for that reason I already love the school.</p>
<p>I could go on forever, but I think this is enough to allow for a pretty good oppinion. Thank you very much for any response!</p>
<p>Granted, Michigan is much stronger in poli sci than is ND. Both of their business schools are top notch. And I wouldn’t worry about the peer thing, you won’t see a noticeable difference in the student body at ND versus Michigan, especially because students at big schools tend to self-select peer groups; you won’t even see any of your high school friends you don’t make an effort to stay in touch with. </p>
<p>I’m gonna vouch for Michigan (But I’m biased, it’s where I’m going :)). Through things like the honors program and Ross if you end up going into business, you can make the campus feel smaller, yet you still get the benefit of all the activity of a big school. And Ann Arbor vs South Bend, no contest. </p>
<p>But from what I heard, don’t worry about the religious thing so much. It only affects your life as much as you wanted to. Though, if you are a very political person it may be frustrating going to a school which <em>may</em> attempt to fuse politics and religion on a lot of hot-button issues. </p>
<p>We sound like we have pretty similar interests (I did Ross preadmit but am not sure whether I want to do that or stay in LSA), so I feel comfortable saying that Michigan would be a good fit for you. You’ll have the same opportunities at ND as at Michigan (because you’re not doing anything sciency, otherwise you would want to go to UMich) and have an equally prestigious degree, if that matters to you. But, ultimately, I think Michigan offers the most potential for the ultimate college experience.</p>
<p>So go to Michigan, so we can have another awesome student! :)</p>
<p>what’s the price difference? for us it was in-state at U of M or pay the full cost for ND but also my son as Ross freshmen admit, so we choose to go to U of M. When you dig down in the ratings, U of M is better in the sciences, business school, and engineering. Granted, ND is a more cozy environment, but not worth paying a huge difference for (unless money is not an issue), also, I am an ND alumni. Also, if you chose either school, the key here is to take advantage of all what theses school’s offer so ultimately the kid makes the school, the school doesn’t make the kid.</p>
<p>Most of my friends, myself included, ended up going to U of M because we got rejected from Notre Dame. I had a great time at U of M freshman year but ended up transferring to Notre Dame for sophomore year. Greatest decision of my life. Michigan will give you a great education–if you want one–but there really is no place like Notre Dame. It is the most special experience one could have in college. It certainly isn’t for everyone but it is incredible. I know that U of M is hindered by its size, but you wouldn’t believe some of the students that get in there–evidenced by a 50% admittance rate last year. If I had my druthers, I would have gone to UNC or UVA probably instead.</p>
<p>A degree from Notre Dame will take you farther than one from U of M. I would recommend doing what a lot of other Notre Dame undergrads did…go to Michigan grad schools. Until Notre Dame starts investing in its grad schools, a pedigree of Notre Dame/U of M is quite a one-two punch.</p>
<p>if you can get into Ross BBA program as a sophmore and am paying in-state ($90K over 4 years) this is like winning the lottery versus going to ND and getting at Mendoza BBA and having to pay ($210K over 4 years). And the Ross BBA is more highly regarded…</p>
<p>I actually just recieved a really generous scholarship in my financial aid package which makes the two cost about the same not including loans… Now I really don’t know what to do.</p>
<p>i am going to support the ND side of this “debate.” If they are comparable as cost goes, i think this will be a huge advantage to ND, as they are ranked 2 by Buisness Week and the alumni network that you come out of ND with is crazy to say the least. </p>
<p>additionally, the academics are not smothering, if you have good time management skills (which if you don’t then Michigan may seem smothering too). Also, ND has a great sense of community, which Michigan, because of its size, may not be able to offer. If you have visited ND you know the aura that encompasses the campus. ND has one of the best college experiences because of this sense of community, which will last with you for the rest of your life. </p>
<p>in terms of religion, while many are practicing Catholics, there are many who are not and some that even consider themselves atheists yet still love ND. Additionally, on other threads, it has been said that no one criticizes each other based upon religion. the only things that you have to take is 2 philosophy courses and 2 theology courses (which i think can even be in comparative religions - not sure). If you don’t mind taking these 4 classes, especially the 2 theo ones, then religions shouldn’t be an issue. </p>
<p>plus ND supposedly has the better football team this year…lol</p>
<p>Alum of both ND and Michigan Ross here. Love both schools. As far as corporate recruiting goes Michigan Ross is #1 school in the midwest, hands down for corporations to recruit from and way ahead of ND. And Ross grads receive significantly more generous offers. Ross is very popular with corporations across the country and it is probably second only to Wharton in recruiters’ opinions. Been working with recruiters for years and they don’t change their patterns very quickly. It’s great that Business Week ranked ND so well but, recruiters take years to change their habits so they won’t suddenly change their patterns in response to a ranking in one magazine. Michigan had reputation as one of top business schools in the country for decades and it became the talk of the business world when Ross made the biggest donation ever in the history of any school. </p>
<p>Michigan is stronger in Poli Sci than ND. </p>
<p>Ann Arbor is great college town. There is no comparison to South Bend. (not much to do. not a good college town.)</p>
<p>Nothing compares to the crowd noise and excitment in the big house.</p>
<p>Students at both schools very talented academically. did not see a difference between the two. At Michigan got involved with students at Ross and in extra-curricular groups. </p>
<p>About 85% ND students Catholic some more devout than others. Every dorm offers Sunday evening masses in the dorm chapels. Dorm rectors are priests or deacons. Religious groups on campus. </p>
<p>Both schools great reputation. Michigan bigger offers more options and majors. tons of grads so more known across the country. </p>
<p>recommend Michigan suits your criteria better.</p>
<p>As someone who just went through the same process you are going through now, I would advise you to ask a few questions about yourself. Remember that your college experience will ultimately depend on you and not anyone/anything else. That being said, try to answer these questions: </p>
<p>Which college do you think is the ‘riskier’ college? College is all about going to new heights and springboarding your skills/passions to the next level. And thus, you will undoubtedly have to go out of your comfort zone and take risks if you want to push yourself to be the best. Think of which college will allow you to better do this. </p>
<p>Four years from now, which college will you have regretted NOT choosing? </p>
<p>This goes back to the first question, but which college will better allow you to constantly better yourself? </p>
<p>I hope that these questions will help you with your decision, as they sure did for me. Good luck!</p>
<p>Thank you to everyone or your help. This was the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make. In the end, I chose Michigan because I think that is where I will be more comfortable and because it has been my dream for a very long time. I just hope that I’ve made the right decision as I still wasn’t 100% convinced…</p>