I’m deciding between UMichigan and UVA currently, and I’m wondering what pros and cons of both schools are. I want to study Government and Sociology on a pre-law track, so law school preparation (matriculation to top law schools, pre-law advising, etc.) is very important to me.
Otherwise, in terms of fit, I prefer UMichigan, and I was admitted to the Honors Program there. UVA, however, gave me a much better financial award.
What would be the pros and cons of choosing either schools? Would I have equal chances getting into top law schools from Michigan Honors Program v.s. UVA, or is one more favorable than the other?
Ordinarily, I would say absolutely take the Honors Program route at Michigan. But these are strange times. Does the financial difference mean you will have significantly more debt by choosing one institution over the other, or that you will end up with extra savings based on your choice? I would recommend considering a debt threshold. I’m wary of the unfolding economic reality. But, again, if you can make it work (additional scholarships? work during the academic year?) I would lean toward Michigan. Just keep in mind that law school will bring additional debt (if you really end up going to law school – lots of people change their minds as they explore coursework as undergraduates.
Both will get into law school with an equal chance, I think. I wouldn’t base it on that.
You like UM better but UVA is cheaper. What’s the difference in price?
These are peer schools. No wrong choice. Talk to your family about current finances and what they really want to spend. If you feel Michigan is a better fit for you, decide how much that means to you and your family in terms of increased cost.
UVA forte is its preprofessional programs and its law school is ranked ahead of Michigan.
There is no “honors” program at a UVa…Echols scholars get some benefits (I.e. no core requirements, unique housing options and registering for classes early) but all the same classes are offered to undergrads.
For $70,000 and significantly warmer weather plus all of the above I would lean toward UVA.
And UMich overall moved past UVA in the most recent US News rankings this past year. UMich is #25 and UVA is #27.
It’s all about the $70,000. UMich is closer to home and you can add or switch majors and minors quite easily. Why is that important? Because LSA has 40 programs in the Top 10:
Rest assured there are sources other than US News that have UVa ahead of Michigan in the above categories (Niche, Collegefactual, etc) and I place very little weight in any of them (US News included.)
In referring to UVa being ranked ahead of UM in law schools (although by the slimmest of margins) I was attempting to point out as referenced above that this are peer institutions. If you get a 3.7+ in polisci at UVa or UM and the same LSAT your going to get the same law school opportunities.
Both are fantastic institutions which provide tremendous opportunities but I can’t speak to what $70,000 over 4 years means to you or your family. It may mean a lot and it may mean nothing but at this point from your perspective that seems to be the most significant difference.
As a disclaimer, I’m a UVa grad with a daughter who is currently at UVa. And she could have attended UNC in state for approx $160,000 less but she wanted to get out of Chapel Hill and I valued the opportunity enough (and fortunately for us the $ difference isn’t a big deal.) So assume my opinions are being seen through orange and blue “tinted” glasses…
@Cavitee Your first post (#5) said “UVA forte is its preprofessional programs and its law school is ranked ahead of Michigan.”
I didn’t bring up rankings in the first place, but I will say that I personally value them. BTW, there are others like QS’s World Rankings that places UMich as the #1 public school in the US, above Cal and UCLA.
For the record, my kid attends UMich. I’m not an alum. But it’s all good. I’m moving on. ?
$70k lower cost could let you finish law school with that much lower debt.
Law school admission is mostly about LSAT score and college GPA. http://lawschoolnumbers.com/application-prep/ugraduate has some tips on undergraduate preparation for law school. Other parts of the site can give you an idea of what LSAT score and college GPA are likely or unlikely to be admitted to a given law school.
Go with fit and cost. For law schools admissions, where you went to college and extracurriculars matters surprisingly little. Law school admissions is (basically) entirely LSAT + GPA based.