Please educate me on life at UM

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Michigan
1

<p>I just found out last night I got in and, considering the amazing stats of most who have gotten in already, it was honestly kind of a surprise. Maybe the fact that I'm doing NROTC might have helped but, other than my 31 on the ACT, not sure why I was so lucky. Once I got deferred on first round, I figured it was over.</p>

<p>Anyway, since I live in Virginia, UM is one school I have not been able to visit. Can you please tell me all you can about the school and life on campus to help me make a good decision. What made you select UM other than the great academics? I will be in Engineering so I know that is on North Campus but I can't imagin that's too big of a deal. I have taken a virtual tour and seen a video. It looks outstanding but would like any other tips from CCers. Thanks.</p>

2

<p>Is it possible for you to attend a Campus Day for admitted students? It would be well worth the trip. My son chose UM for a variety of reasons that included a highly specialized program he was interested in, overall academic rigor, location, access to a myriad of campus/community groups, but also "gut fit feel." The latter was likely his strongest indicator after visiting several other universities that on paper seemed a fit. And on one campus, which was a HYP, he actually disliked it (which seemed highly irrational but it was his call.) So don't underestimate the value of that pre-decision visit.
Cheers,
K</p>

3

<p>Thanks for the info. I know I will like the campus but I want to visit anyway. I hope I can go to one of the Campus Days. The problem is that I will probably have to make a decision soon since I am using a Navy ROTC scholarship. I had not put UM as my #1 school for the scholarship because I didn't think I would get in. I will have to ask the Navy to switch my scholarship to UM and right now the unit is pretty full and I may have to go on a wait list. I think I'll still get in the unit eventually but if I wait too long, the wait list will just grow. I don't want to choose to not go to the other school if I am going to be on a huge wait list. So I'm probably going to have to decide in the next week or so.</p>

<p>Any more input?</p>

4

<p>Lol, I was almost in the exact same position as you. I got into the college of engineering after being deferred, got a 32 on my act, and am doing AFROTC. I guess U of M loves their ROTC detachments.</p>

5

<p>I had not been to UM prior to this past august. I had this strange instinctual feeling that I wanted to go to Michigan. (Probably just the preconditioned desire to spite every OSU buck-nut that I have to deal with day to day) Anyhow, I visited, really was awed by the campus/ admissions presentation, applied, accepted early action, and want to go there so badly now. They gave us the tour of the central campus...which is really the nicest part of Mich... We drove through North campus...it was pretty dull and boring but what can you expect out of an engineering complex. I heard from my friend that got accepted to the Naval Academy you can do ROTC for the first two years and have college paid for, quit after two and not be required to be on any sort of duty. Do you guys know anything about this? Seems it couldnt really be true.</p>

6

<p>I think it's actually that if you begin your second year, you are then committed. The first year is a freebee.</p>

7

<p>porterGoBlue,</p>

<p>It's funny you mention all the Buckeye fans you deal with. My mom grew up outside of Columbus and my aunt and her husband graduated from OSU in Engineering. That whole side of the family are mainly OSU fans. I'm gonna take a lot of stuff if I pick Michigan. I would really like any more input from people as to why they chose UM over other schools. Some of my other top choices are the University of Florida, which is where my dad went to school, and UVA. I know UVA isn't ranked as high as UM in Engineering but I really like History also and they have a flexible schedule that would let me minor in History. I'm not sure I could do that at either UM or UF. Plus UVA is only about an hour and a half from where I live. Anyway, any other thoughts from people? Thanks.</p>

8

<p>What exactly do you mean by a "flexible schedule"?</p>

9

<p>As a 1975 LS&A grad, I can give you my answer in two words - Ann Arbor. I still love going back there and for almost any reason. The town gets into your blood. Most of my friends I graduated with feel exactly the same way.</p>

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<p>There aren't many "college towns" as beautiful and vibrant as Ann Arbor. In your case, the ranking strength of Engineering program also would factor in. And as far as "north campus - pretty boring..." comment, I would like to point out that there is actually beautiful architecture, a performing arts center, a state-of-the-art Dunstadt center that includes gorgeous production studios, sweeping views, multimedia exhibit space...a well equipped school of music and the Art and Design structure.</p>

<p>So, if you're geeked about engineering, architecture, performing arts, visual arts and music, I would not call north campus an especially boring atmosphere -- but it is certainly more "modern" in its look feel than the storied central campus. The setting, however, is bucolic, and the density of humans/frat parties/ et al is apparently lower : )</p>

<p>The north campus is connected to the hill and main campus by a free student shuttle. Some of my son's friends really like living on north campus (quieter for getting the work done) but find their fun on central campus. Other posters here prefer to be where the action is. Those we know in the engineering program love it.</p>

<p>One thing my son noted above and beyond every other campus he visited was a sense of "consciousness" among the students while out walking around. The student population struck him as being bright, considerate, friendly, balanced, individualized and diverse -- if you can picture what he means. Just a really great vibe, a nice blend of creativity, intelligence, and fun quotient all in the package. </p>

<p>Hope that helps you.
Cheers,
K</p>

11

<p>Well after reading the post above, I probably should add a comment in. </p>

<p>I heard Ann Arbor is a good college town, with lots to do for a college student. Also if you desire to visit Detroit metro it's right next door, and other major cities are within 5 hours. Though I did hear the students that attend University of Michigan- Ann Arbor are not so friendly, nor open... so social life may not be that large.</p>

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<h2>I heard from my friend that got accepted to the Naval Academy you can do ROTC for the first two years and have college paid for, quit after two and not be required to be on any sort of duty. Do you guys know anything about this? Seems it couldnt really be true.</h2>

<p>Yeah, it's a d!ck move and frowned upon. Serve out your commitment.</p>

13

<p>Thanks everyone for their comments, particularly kmccrindle. The description is very helpful. I have been on a number of campuses and enjoyed each one for different reasons. Considering the amazing things I hear about UM - Ann Arbor, I can't imagine that I won't like it.</p>

14

<p>coolbreeze... do you also believe that there are only two types of UM girls: fat and ugly?</p>

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<p>To comment number 14...</p>

<p>If your applying this base off my comment above, I said it was what I heard. Though I never heard that typical UM girls are fat and ugly, but I hear from almost everyone ( even the students at my school who attend there/ wants to ) that the students are unfriendly. Recently a University of Michigan- Ann Arbor freshmen ( who formely was a senior at my school ) came to my school and talked about UofM- Ann Arbor. She brought to my class attention that yes the stereotype ( one which I was discussing in previous comment) is true. </p>

<p>I'm not saying UofM- Ann Arbor is a horrible school ( plan to apply senior year) though I do find disadvanteges such as when one tells me the social life there lacks.</p>

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<p>hahah ok coolbreeze...saying that U of M lacks a social scene means you clearly know nothing about it.</p>

17

<p>Once again...</p>

<p>This is what I heard. Though I've heard it so much by students/ visitors, I now do have a sense that University of Michigan- Ann Arbor social life may not be that great.</p>

18

<p>UM girls are far, far from "fat" and "ugly". They come in all shapes and sizes around here.</p>

<p>I've been to numerous campuses and I have to say that Ann Arbor pretty much stands on its own, it's in its own class. It's part collegetown, and part... city-town that belongs to everyone else. It's incredibly walkable and certainly, it depends where you want to go. Parking is horrible, however. The garages are super cheap if you can get a space in them.</p>

<p>I live across form North Campus even though I'm a Rackham student (Grad student) and my classes are actually on central campus. I agree with the above comment that if you're into "modern" architecture, you will love North Campus. Central campus is a good mix if different types of architecture, mostly bricked. I like it that way. There are different areas of Ann Arbor that I like to give each street/neighborhood a name like "Collegetown" (aka South University), "downtown" (Main Street), and so forth.</p>

<p>As for social life... I can't exactly comment on that until I move down to downtown next fall :)</p>

<p>Just be prepared to run up 90 rows of stadium stairs in the Big House (football stadium) for your morning workouts... it's one of the largest stadiums in the world!</p>

19

<p>Very informative,</p>

<p>So you mean to say that University of Michigan- Ann Arbor social life isn't prominent on campus? </p>

<p>( Asked because you mention that you do attend the school)</p>

20

<p>Coolbreeze, who is giving you all this information about the University of Michigan? They wouldn't be Spartans or Spartan fans would they? It is no secret that Michigan is a state devided. Some parts of the state are completely loyal to Michigan (and will look down on Spartans) and other parts of the state are completely loyal to MSU (and will look down on Michigan). As an outsider, I never understood that. </p>

<p>Your opinion of Michigan's campus and Michigan students is so caricatured that it is laughable. You have never stepped on campus and yet, you make such forceful and sweeping comments about the University. For the record, the Michigan campus is one of the most impressive in the country. Eveything from the Law Quad, Diag, Clocktower, Libraries, Art Museum, North Campus, the new 300,000 square foot Business school, the new 2,000,000 square foot, 200 acre Pfizer Facilities etc... to the Michigan Hospital and Michigan Stadium are unique and impressive. The campus may not be pretty, but it is very nice and impressive. </p>

<p>As for social life on campus and the students, as one would expect from a school with 25,000 undergrads, you will have people from all walks of life. You will have students who are very quiet and shy, others that are loud and outgoing. Some students will be very studious and driven, others are going to be lazy and aimless. Some students will like to chill out and take it easy in their free time, others will party until they drop at every chance they get. You will have students who come from very wealthy families and other students who come from lower-income families. Some students are indeed stuck-up and unfriendly, but most are approachable and well-natured. Some students (females and males) are very attractive, others aren't. By and large, the Michigan student body is very accomplished and offers everything to every type of person. </p>

<p>I really recommend you stop asking questions about Michigan to those who have been misinforming you so far. Asking MSU faithful to tell you about the University of Michigan is about as reliable asking Israelis to tell you about Arabs (or vice-versa), or asking the English what they think of the French! If you really want to know about Michigan, talk to Michigan alums that you trust or go to the University of Michigan and see for yourself.</p>

<p>Finally, students socialize on and off campus. However, most socializing takes place in the clubs, pubs, cafes and apartments/houses off-campus. However, most of those venues are within a 10-15 minute walk from campus.</p>