<p>Well I've posted just several times in this forum, but it seems like I'm not getting much feedback! And May 1st is so fast-approaching. O_O</p>
<p>Really, guy, I'd like to know what are your experiences with big public schools? I've only been in private elite high school (in an international setting) and I know for sure that if I go to Rensselaer Polytech I will have more of a similar experience as opposed to going to UMich or UW.</p>
<p>However, from other impression, UW is much more, um, "pretty" than UMich, is it not? I am just a little afraid that, since it is such a big state school, that some part of UMich/Ann Arbor can be a little worn/outdated... ?!</p>
<p>Financially, I will have to pay more for UW since I didn't get to file an financial aid request in time. But overall, my family is most likely well enough to support 4 years of my study there if I choose to. Academic-wise, I'm going for engineering so for now I'm leaning toward UMich; even though I have no idea what a state school is like, I figured that UMich must have its high rank for some reason! </p>
<p>But still, I'd like to know some pro's and con's regarding big/small schools, and that's where I'd love you so much if you respond! Thanks!</p>
<p>I assume you are talking about U of M Ann Arbor? I am from Michigan and have been there before. Most people I know (including myself) love the city of Ann Arbor. U of M is RIGHT in Ann Arbor, though, so it may be more difficult to navigate. I found it quite welcoming though, despite the huge number of people- there are tons of squirrels, many bike riders (when the weather permits), and some awesome things to do in Ann Arbor, even farmers markets and such. U of M is a great school academically; however, it wasn’t for me because of the sheer size. Good Luck!</p>
<p>The University of Michigan has a very nice campus. Admittedly, UDub’s campus is a little nicer, which isn’t saying much since Washington is one of the most beautiful campuses to be found anywhere. However, in terms of facilities and maintenance, you will not find a better place than Michigan. The University of Michigan has spend $2 billion on construction projects in the past 30 years. There are no parts of the University that are "worn or outdated. </p>
<p>If cost of attendance favors Michigan, I would go for it.</p>
<p>UW campus had a reputation of being ‘brick city,’ with the notable exception of the main library, a beautiful gothic structure. Casually, I’d say that RPI and UW are similar in appearance, but for the huge exception that the UW is a very large campus. Both are sort of hilly. UW is more urban dense while RPI is set in a more single family housing residential neighborhood.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t let the the idea of a large school scare you away just because you’ve been in small schools your entire life. I go to a small prep school, but every year a couple of kids go to large state schools and love it. I know plenty of people who go to UW from a small school and have had wonderful experiences, even those who expected to go to a small LAC.</p>