<p>Hey, I've just got accepted into two fantastic universities and I'm slightly unsure what to do in terms of choice. Princeton vs University of Michigan, both will full rides and out of state (I've been told this matters for some reason...?) and I'm going into mechanical/aerospace engineering (still undecided, leaning towards the latter). </p>
<p>Some points I'd like to make:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Although transportation costs will be high (I live in the panhandle of Florida), my parents are more than willing to pay out what will be needed for either university, whenever I need it, wherever I need to go.</p></li>
<li><p>I have tons of family in Connecticut.</p></li>
<li><p>My two friends will be going to MIT and Harvard, so it'd be nice to know that I could see them by train if I wanted to.</p></li>
<li><p>Regardless of which University I end up attending, I'm really scared that I'll end up failing due to all of the new experiences I'll be getting.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Biggest questions I have:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>How does Engineering at Princeton stack up with Engineering at UMich?</p></li>
<li><p>I've been told that engineering is engineering is engineering, regardless of the school you go to, but would Engineering at Princeton be inordinately hard relative to UMich or vice versa?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Your opinions would be greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>I’m confused. From one of your earlier posts you were heading for an investment banking career.</p>
<p>Anyway go to Princeton. It makes little sense for someone with your options to do otherwise, especially if you have another change of heart and go back to a career in investment banking.</p>
<p>@xiggi I believe we have differing definitions of transportation costs, though I agree that my post seems to indicate I’m referring to return-home costs, when my version of “transportation costs” refers to transportation to see family and friends during breaks…unless your definition also includes that? </p>
<p>Also, in regards to “full ride”, I was under the impression that a “full ride” indicated having the university and/or scholarships to cover all expenses; that is correct, right?</p>
<p>I’m confused. A friend’s daughter has a full ride to U of M but she is a recruited athlete (and all transportation costs are included in her package.) My kid’s classmate (non athlete) was also accepted and is still waiting for FA award. As for Princeton, I was not aware of merit based scholarship but I do know that even the most generous FA packages generally have some required student contribution. Congrats if you have everything covered via FA. I assume if you were admitted to both places, your high school record demonstrated that you are capable of succeeding at either place. They are very different schools and I suggest that if you haven’t visited, that you spend time at both before making your decision.</p>
<p>You should read your FA award letter very carefully. Look at grants, loans, work-study, everything, not just the total.</p>
<p>Anyway: I’d choose Princeton.
If you’re worried about the academic rigor, Princeton will have lots of support that even a rich public university like Michigan can’t have. In addition, if you change your mind about your major or future career, being a Princeton graduate will take you further, no matter how awesome Michigan is.
However, fit matters, so if you can attend an admitted student day, try to spend time (in class, in the dorms, in clubs, at the gym, at the caf) at both.</p>
<p>@osasmom You’re right; students do have to pay forward with the campus job contribution and summer savings, but outside scholarships can eliminate those requirements.</p>
<p>@MYOS1634 Thank you very much for the suggestion!</p>