<p>I'm really confused atm and need help deciding.. I plan to major in mechanical engineering ( I might switch to business if I dont like engineering so I want to kepe that option open ) .. I have shortlisted my acceptances to the following:</p>
<p>1) University of Michigan:</p>
<p>Has a great program and reputation. However, I just feel that its too spread out and is not "cosy" due to its huge campus.. Even though the food is great in Ann Arbor, I'm not sure :( Transferring to Ross might be hard in sophomore year since admission is competitive. On the other hand, if I do wanna switch between programs, they are all in the top 10... The students who go to Michigan seem to be coming from great schools and with great backgrounds ( found a few fellow Indians coming from prestigious schools back home )</p>
<p>2) Northeastern Honors Program ( $10k/yr scholarship )</p>
<p>Great urban setting and actually has a campus enclosed within the city... The Co-Op program is great and gives me real world experienec exposing me to Engineering and allowing me to find out if the field of engineering is actually for me.. Its in the city of Boston which I like very much. Not sure about the students at NU. Since its not as competitive as Michigan, the students might not be as diverse, intellectual,etc relatively speaking. The scholarship money is a nice bonus and reduces the financial burden to a certain extent. Cost is not a major factor though so thats not my primary filter. </p>
<p>3) BU:</p>
<p>Great school and has a manufacturing engineering program ( as well as a Co-op for it ) which is really what I think I want to do. The head of the program is a great guy too.. Problem is that the BU campus doesn't appeal... </p>
<p>4) Penn State Schreyers Honors College:</p>
<p>Big state school with a relatively diverse campus. Well ranked programs are a big plus. Problem is that its location in the middle of Pa's farmlands is not very attractive... Its not very close to a major city and does not seem to be as good as Ann Arbor from a collegetown standpoint. However, the Schreyers honors program seems to be really great from what I hear... Also, they are offering a $3500/yr sfcholarship</p>
<p>Michigan is probably the most prestigious out of those 4. They have great engineering and business programs. However, if you're not gonna be comfortable on the campus, it might not be for you. Penn State is also really good for engineering and business. Schreyers is very prestigious, and you would get a lot of personal attention. Penn State may not have quite the surrounding area Michigan does, but there is still plenty to do. Plus, they have a huge alumni base. I know cost isn't a factor, but Penn State would save you a ton. Personally, I think BU is overrated and Northeastern isn't in a league with Michigan or Penn State honors. Hope that helps.</p>
<p>I've kinda brought the list down to Michigan and Penn State... Michigan seems like my best bet due to its great program,etc! Making a decision is harder than I thought it would be :p</p>
<p>Visit both if you can. If you still can't pick then it's a no lose situation. Both are great schools with the flexibility to offer what you want. Personally I would go to the one that costs less if you can't choose between them.</p>
<p>Thanks for the responses.. I am an Indian citizen living in Connecticut. Hence, I am out of state for both. </p>
<p>The thing that really attracts me towards Michigan and makes it hard to turn down are the 1) highly ranked program 2) prestige 3) the employment opportunities after graduating from Michigan...</p>
<p>The campus, on the other hand, and the fact that its in the midwest, in general does not appeal. I'm not sure if compromising on this for a good education is a good idea or not. After all, while college atmosphere is important, going to college is primarily to get a good education .. not sure :(</p>
<p>Michigan is a good school but it's not as much better than the others as you seem to think IMO. It is still majority Michigan kids and is not that hard to get into, even OOS. If you think you'll stay with engineering take the most money. Only Ross would give you a significant job opportunity difference.</p>