I recently visit the U of M’s Engineering Department on the North Campus, so would like to share some insights to people who could not make a visit.
The engineer department is located in the north campus, approximately 10 mins drive from downtown campus and Ross School of business. Shuttles run back and forth constantly so traveling is no issue. We were very impressed with the condition and atmosphere of the north campus. It feels relaxed and comforting yet academia at the same time.
Assistant Director of Admissions Mike Oelke belongs in Hollywood. Michigan Engineering does not need sales pitch, but Mike is far more than just icing on the cake. He epitomizes informative while entertaining at the same time. He more than stole the show for us.
O of M freshmen typically start taking standard college courses, and declare their major after completion of first year. So most freshmen begin their college lives taking many of their classes taking the shuttle to the downtown campus. It has a normal city campus feel, with many shops and restaurants conveniently available.
Ann Arbor typically ranks in the top 10 as one of the most livable in the US. The city is fairly spread out and does not feel congested. Many different cultural cuisines and shops available throughout the area, and most within short drives.
Anyone interested in going into engineering I highly recommend Michigan. On paper it has one of the very best engineering programs. It offers nice relaxed campus feel, with enough businesses around to not feel like a farm. It is in a very likeable city, has excellent athletic program. On a side note I am from Pittsburgh, so naturally I hate Tom Brady.
I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Michigan, and very glad I did. I was more than blown away, and consider Michigan my top 2 choice. Hopefully this would give you a glimpse of what it feels. When I have time, I woule do one for my other favorite, Northwestern.