UMich or UW-Madison???

Hello peeps!! I’m right now a high school senior, and I’m currently choosing between UW-Madison and U of M! I plan on majoring in neurobio on a pre-med track, and I don’t know which to go to since both schools are great. I have visited UW-Madison in early April, and I really like the feeling of the city. The buildings are beautiful and people I met there are really nice.

But just when I was about to commit to Madison, I got accepted into the Umich honors program. So here comes the question: Should I follow my heart and choose Madison, or should I go to UMich because of the honors program? I’ve also visited UM before, and I like the food in SQuad and the dorm seems pretty nice. But I’m kinda worried about not being able to maintain my GPA at umich since everyone seems so smart.

I’d welcome any advice and opinions! (If you’re willing to convince me to go to UM, please do so!!)

ps I’m out of state for both and neither of them gives me scholarship:(

Without scholarship money, Michigan is still $10k/year more expensive than Wisconsin. Can your folks afford the difference?

But to answer your question, maintaining a high GPA at Michigan is difficult, honors or otherwise. I am not sure Wisconsin is much easier. You will have to work hard regardless. Are you naturally inclined toward the sciences? Are you in your element with calculus and chemistry?

Not even sure why you are debating this. You evidently like Madison more and at a $40,000 savings to boot. If you want honors at Madison then apply after your first semester or year. You made Michigan honors so you won’t have an issue at either school. But remember this is college, you made Michigan honors… It’s not like you all the sudden going to be failing classes. But you most likely won’t get all “A” either. College is for exploration. Challenge yourself and don’t be hyper concerned with grade point. https://honors.ls.wisc.edu/admission/hla/continuingtransfer

I was making this same decision a few years ago and chose UM. The $ difference wasn’t a problem, and although I loved Madison and UW’s campus, Michigan is definitely the better school and I’ve never regretted my decision once. I’ve actually looked back several times and said “Phew, I’m glad I chose Michigan.” They are crazy similar schools with very similar student bodies. I’m also pre-med and have a 4.0 after 6 semesters, so I disagree with anyone who advises you to go to the worse school of the two so you can have a better GPA for med school.

As an alum of both schools, I can assure you academically Michigan is not better than Wisconsin for pre-med majors, certainly not for $40,000 difference. Both have an excellent medical school and ample research opportunities. I can also assure you that it’s not easier to get a high GPA going to Madison. Both will challenge you for as much as you seek to be challenged. I’d recommend you go for fit.