UF vs UMich for Engineering

College Search & Selection
1

Some notes on the schools:

-With financial aid and scholarships, the cost of attendance would be about the same.

-Large difference in rankings: UMich is #29 nationally and #7 in undergrad engineering, while UF is #48 and #43 for grad engineering (no data on undergrad ranking).

-I hate the cold. Maybe I’d get used to it, but I have a feeling I’d be miserable during Michigan winters.

-Social life. I live only an hour or so away from Gainesville, and many people from my school go to UF. At UMich, I wouldn’t know anyone. I’m a shy kid, and very close to the friends I have now; I’m not sure how well I’d do having to make new friends so far from home. On the other hand, having to make my own way might be healthy for me.

-I don’t want to live in Florida or Michigan after college. I’ve been told UMich holds national prestige and would make moving a lot easier, while Florida would generally restrict me to the south after graduation. How much of a concern should that be?

I’ve visited UF multiple times since I have older friends and my sister going there, but I’ve never been to UMich (due to money and time issues). In many ways, UF is more familiar and comfortable for me, but UMich seems to be the better choice for my future. Help?

2

You need to visit Ann Arbor. There are very good reasons why it is considered on the very best college towns in the U.S. The cold does take a bit of getting used to, but you really need to consider that most of the elite schools in this country are in colder climates. Michigan at the same cost as your instate option is an opportunity that few students will ever get. While Florida is a very good school, a Michigan degree definitely has a higher prestige value and marketability throughout the entire country. Engineering of course is very strong at Michigan, but then so is just about everything else if you decide to major in another discipline. Do not worry about making friends in Ann Arbor, since over 40% of the undergraduates enrolled are from OOS. Most of them will be coming to U-M not knowing anyone, the same as you. To me it’s an exciting opportunity to get into a world class university without paying exhorbitant fees and spread your wings a bit. Congratulations on your acceptance!