<p>So I didn't get any offers for any merit based aid from Michigan, because I can afford to go there, BUT, I got a lot of money from my in state flagship, Mizzou. I want to go to Michigan dearly and can afford it but I can't help the feeling that there will be resentment from my parents (even though they say they'd be perfectly happy with me going to Michigan) just because I feel like they think it's a waste of money. They've saved a ***** ton of money for me to go to college. I want to go into either Econ or Chem which UMich is much stronger in those departments (if I wanted to do Journalism, I'd go to Missouri 100%). So I can afford to go to both but going to Michigan wouldn't leave me with a lot of money to go to grad school whereas going to Missouri would.</p>
<p>So I'd just like to know if UMich is worth it and if it would be possible that I wouldn't have to pay full tuition all four years (some kind of merit based thing, because I don't qualify for financial aid). I'm sorry if I'm sounding kinda like a cheapskate, but I just really need to know if I should give up going to my dream school if it's not worth it.</p>
<p>Well here’s the deal, nearly everyone you ask here is going to tell you to go to U-Mich and for good reason, it is a more respected and prestigious institution. You have to look at the big picture and ultimately choose the right fit for you. What are the reasons that YOU want to go to Michigan; does the benefit of going there exceed the benefits of other schools and the downsides of attending Michigan (i.e. higher cost of tuition, etc)? Michigan will certainly open many more opportunities once you graduate compared to other schools, but there becomes a point when that loses its luster and employers focus more on experience. </p>
<p>You mentioned grad school, and here’s my take on it - now, I know and actually am hoping for others to chime in, elaborate and correct me where I’m wrong… but I think that as long as you perform very well in your undergrad studies, do well on the GRE and distinguish yourself, you should have no problem of going to a grad school at either institute. I’m not sure whether Michigan would favor accepting their own undergrads into their grad program or not… I’ve heard that some schools don’t want to exercise academic inbreeding, but it could also be a foot in the door if that’s where you want to go for grad school. </p>
<p>Honestly, I’d choose U-Mich, only if you really absolutely realize that the benefits and fit cater to you. </p>
<p>If your parents can afford it without hardship, I think Michigan is worth it. However, your parents really need to confirm that money is not problem.</p>
<p>whammy, don’t worry about grad school. You will most likely be a TA or RA in a big univ and get free grad education. With that said, it doesn’t necesssarily mean that Umicigan is a good choice. I do not like UMichigan at all.</p>
<p>Yes, the admissions process this year has not exactly been a great PR opportunity for UMich, to say the least.
But how2 is correct that grad school is often fully or partly funded with gsi work.</p>
<p>Agreed, U Michigan is worth every penny. We went through this same dilemma with D2, and ultimately decided to bite the bullet financially and send her. It was the best money we could have ever spent! </p>
<p>The college experience goes way beyond the price tag. Not only is the academic experience at U Michigan wonderful, but so is the social. And what the others are saying about grad school is correct. If your grades are good and you take advantage of the resources at Michigan to get internships, fellowships, etc., you will stand-out among your peers for post grad studies.</p>
<p>^^^Well I hope they admit you and you end up going. I know you will love Ann Arbor and Michigan as well if you get accepted. I have been reading the posts on that huge thread too kmcmom13. Michigan needs to get it’s act together for next year. It’s been heartbreaking to read some of the comments of those poor high school students these past few months. Alexandre, please forward that thread to anyone at the school who you might know that has some clout with admissions. I have read many threads here from other schools and no other admission process seems nearly as bad as the one being used in A2 right now.</p>