<p>Ok, so I've narrowed my decision down to the University of Michigan and the University of Rochester.</p>
<p>I can't decide which school I should choose. I'm torn between the big-school atmosphere and the attention I would receive at a school like UR. I'm also undecided as to what to major in, but I know I will definitely minor in Chinese and might want to study abroad for a semester. Right now I'm thinking about doing pre-med or pre-vet, but once again I am not 100% sure. As far as extra-curriculars go, I think I would want to get involved in plays and musicals. </p>
<p>I would be paying approximately the same amount of money for both schools, which makes the decision that more difficult for me. I know it would be best to visit both schools, but this may not be possible =[</p>
<p>Which school should I choose? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!!!</p>
<p>Hey, I am by no means an expert on either school, but here is my advice.</p>
<p>-Have you had a diversity of class sizes in high school? If so, ask yourself if you enjoyed the larger or smaller classes more? You have most likely never taken classes as large as you will take at UMichigan, so be sure to take that into consideration.</p>
<p>-Is prestige a strong factor for you? If it’s a strong enough factor to affect your choice, consider UMichigan, because although University of Rochester is prestigious in its own right (definitely will pop “wows” in my Western NY town), UMichigan is defiantly more of a household name.</p>
<p>-If you are interested in drama, I would say you have a much better chance of having the opportunity to get involved at a smaller school such as Rochester. Take that into consideration.</p>
<p>-I have no clue what UMichigan’s rep is for Pre-med/vet, but I know Rochester offers truly solid programs in those fields, and if that is the area you are somewhat sure about, you can’t go wrong at Rochester.</p>
<p>I know I didn’t really answer your question, I would say no one really can but you, I just wanted to give you advice on what to consider when making your decision. If it helps, my choice would be Rochester. I advise visiting if possible! I know it may be hard to get the time, but it really helped my brothers when they had to make their choices.</p>
<p>Good luck and congrats on the acceptance to two top schools!</p>
<p>Both are excellent schools, strong academics, great research universities, both in cold places.</p>
<p>UMich is more of an all round school. If you are into sports (watching, playing, writing about) in any way, it is the place for you. They also have a good music and theater program. It is very good for pre-med. For engineering, business, architecture and the sciences UMich is great. Huge campus and spirited student body.</p>
<p>UofR is a smaller school, compact campus. They have killer polisci and psych programs. And they have the Eastman school of music. </p>
<p>I have several close relatives that have attended or are attending the two schools and they agree that if you want a great school spirit and strong alumni network, UMich is the place to be. On the other hand, because of the smaller student body, it is easier to stand out at rochester and there is less
competition for internships, research opportunities and networking chances with profs.</p>
<p>Enjoy making your decision! It is great to have choices!</p>
<p>One thing about the aspect of prestige that greg6or commented on. In reality, the prestige that is most important is not that of being a household name, but being well-known by companies in the field that you want as well as grad schools should you choose to attend one.</p>
<p>By the way, I plan on learning Chinese in college as well :)</p>
<p>One thing you might want to know: except for a student-run review type show, there are no musicals at UR. There is a very active theater program, however, and of course multiple vocal opportunities.</p>
<p>But the musical theater program at UMich is intense and since to get into it as a major is very competitive, it might not be very easy to only participate as an EC. (Potential theater major here!)</p>
<p>OP, I see that you have posted on both the Rochester site and the U of M site and just an observation, that the responses from UR site are thought provoking and give pros and cons of each. While the UM side just says go to UM period. I will admit that I am bias since my daughter attends UR and absolutely LOVES it (turned down in state UofM.) The smaller university was just a way better fit for her since she knew she wanted to be involved in many things. She will be the first to tell you that your school is what you make of it and you can be as active or inactive as you want. It’s just easier to meet and be involved in a lot of different things in a smaller enviroment. She also knew that she didn’t want the whole Rah, Rah hoopla that goes along with U of M sports. She was more interested in an academic focused student body. Thats not to say that UM isn’t top notch or doesn’t have top notch adademic students, it’s just a less concentrated amount of that with so many students. Another thing that drew her to UR was that it didn’t have a core curriculum and she could immediately concentrate on classes that were of interst to her. In the end it really is about fit. She knows many kids at U of M. Some have felt very overwhelmed and haven’t had a positive exerience. Others have adjusted well and are very happy. Good luck in your decision.</p>
<p>rgmom, the difference between the UR and UM responses was the first thing i noticed too! i think that in itself puts rochester ahead. i have a couple of questions though:</p>
<p>how competitive are the students? is it really cutthroat?
how are the dorms and campus food?
how hard is it to get A’s in class?</p>
<p>alright well i think that’s enough questions for now =]</p>
<p>According to my d and her friends, it’s not cutthroat. They all help each other. There’s no question that academics comes first, even in sorority obligations, but there’s no real competitiveness. They don’t talk about grades.</p>
<p>Campus food is OK, but it’s campus food and they get tired of it. The dorms are also OK, not too old but not the most modern.</p>
<p>How hard it is to get A’s depends on the class, the professor and you! There doesn’t seem to be real grade inflation or deflation.</p>