<p>My daughter accepted to both schools, and will visit each school this month. Am curious if anyone else out there had the same decision to make, and what swayed them toward UT. I should say that she was accepted to the LSA at Michigan and Undergrad Studies at UT. Any insight would be much appreciated.</p>
<p>what does she want to study? that's an important detail when it comes to determining schools.</p>
<p>I got into both UT and Michigan for architecture. I am also deciding about U Virginia - they all have similar qualities that I really like. I am from Texas originally, and among other things, Texas seems to be my top choice. For architecture, it makes the choice more clear, but one of the big things is that people in Texas are awesome. They are friendly like none other. I don't know about Michigan, but I do know that I love Texas. Your daughter will know once she sees the schools - one school will feel right!</p>
<p>Thanks both of you for your replies. </p>
<p>JuanEatsPandas, she has no idea what she wants to study. She has briefly mentioned communications in the past, but chose "undecided" on her app to UT. Is communications one of UT's better schools? </p>
<p>Madarchitect - I must agree with you about the folks in Texas. I'm a Tennessean but a 1982 Texas grad, and the people were just great. I've never stepped foot in the state of Michigan, and have no idea how the two campuses compare. Did you visit Michigan, and if so, what were your thoughts? Thanks again, both of you.</p>
<p>hmm, well if she has no real inclination yet as to what she wants to major in, seeing as how both schools are first class, I would choose the school based on where she feels more at home. I love texas' weather and people, but have never actually been to Michigan. </p>
<p>As to the prestige of the communications department, I know it's reputable, but I'm not sure how they would rank them. I know that Radio-Television-Film is one of the best in the nation, but other than that I'm not entirely sure.</p>
<p>Michigan is cold. Very very very very very cold.</p>
<p>Texas has gorgeous weather year round.</p>
<p>Academically they're very similar schools in almost every sense. Michigan's Liberal Arts may be a bit stronger, but I'm not positive.</p>
<p>It's very hard to comment on the Undergraduate Studies School because it's brand new. This entering class is the first to admit students into UGS, so you really can't comment on the success of the school.</p>
<p>Either one will be a great education, though, you can be sure of that.</p>
<p>As of late, however, TEXAS is much better at football. My grandfather won two national titles with UofM in the 40s, and he would be turning over in his grave if he could see what Rich Rodriguez did last season.</p>
<p>weather: Texas is miserably hot in June, July, August, and September! Like an oven. Ann Arbor is cold. Not as cold as northern Minnesota, but it is cold. I think that in Austin, November February March April have perfect weather, and the other months are pretty nice.</p>
<p>academics: On the whole, Michigan has a better national reputation. Some majors at Texas are really quite outstanding. </p>
<p>people and fun: Texas people are perhaps friendlier. Ann Arbor is known for being fun but Austin really has more.</p>
<p>football: School spirit at Texas is amazing. Texas football is awesome. I am from Ohio so you know what I say about Michigan football the</a> song</p>
<p>Both are great schools.</p>
<p>To quote that beloved OSU chanty, "Fail Fail to Michigan, the Cesspool of the West."</p>
<p>Having lived in Texas and Maine, attending UT would be MUCH more pleasant, weather-wise. You'd be a little uncomfortable through September, than enjoy the weather the rest of the school year. In Michigan, you'd enjoy September and October, and then be cold until April!</p>
<p>I lived at SRD and we'd be out by the pool beginning in late February most years. I miss that!</p>
<p>The weather is one reason we're encouraging DS to go to school down south. He'd get a lot more running in.</p>
<p>Again, thanks for all of your responses. They are really helpful. Theloneranger, is the U. Grad studies an actual 4 year program, or is it the place they put "undecideds" until they determine their major, and then apply to that school? I was kind of wondering about that...</p>
<p>Juaneatspandas and MidwestMom2Kids:</p>
<p>I agree that both schools have great reputations, and as a UT alum, I can not imagine a nicer place to spend 4 years than Austin (though, to be fair, I've never visited Ann Arbor) I only hope that after she has visited both later in the month, that the decision will be painfully obvious one way or the other. As a parent, I know that "fit" is important, and frankly struggle with MidwestMom's true statement that Michigan has a better national reputation. If the decision is not painfully obvious to daughter (man, I hope it is) and she asks my opinion (really hope it doesn't come to that) does good parenting dictate that I cast my vote to UM because it is more nationally recognized? Is UM that much more recognized that it might effect my d's chances of med/law/bus school admission, etc. if it were to be a "close call"?</p>
<p>Although not directed at me, I can say that Undergraduate Studies is like you stated, a place where they place undecideds until they settle on a major.</p>
<p>And regarding the other statement: the gap between the prestige of Texas and Michigan is very minute, so much that grad schools/med schools/law schools would look on them both equally. If it does come down to the situation where your daughter is absolutely torn between the two and asks for your opinion, I would say that you should be confident in either of the two answers, and not rule out UT based on the US News World Rankings like many people tend to do.</p>
<p>Best of Luck with your visits and decisions! hope that the choice becomes clear! </p>
<p>Maybe I'll even see your daughter next year! :)</p>
<p>Michigan = chilly temperatures, Ann Arbor
Texas = Cool temperatures in the winter/spring, Austin</p>
<p>Thanks all for responding. You guys have been of great help. Really appreciate it!</p>
<p>Hoosierfriend, You might consider asking your question on the Parents forum. I'm sure a lot of parents had similar thoughts in past years after their kids narrowed down to two choices for college; maybe someone there will have some good input for you.</p>