I’ve been trying to decide between these two schools for a while now and I can’t seem to come to a decision. Can anyone provide some insight? I’m looking to major in Biomedical Engineering, but my ultimate goal at the moment is medical school. I’m still kind of deciding what I want to major in for undergrad though… I’m looking to do as well as possible in college GPA wise, while still maintaining some sanity. I’m not big into parties and going out every night (but not against them either), a more enjoyable night for me would be to stay in and watch a movie/study/sleep. Here’s the breakdown between the two.
UMich:
-cheaper (i’m in state)
-closer to home (I live within an hour of campus. Not the end of the world, but a little close)
-better BME program
-would allow me to switch majors easily
-not as many research opportunities
-not as many volunteer opportunities
-larger classes (I prefer smaller environments)
CWRU:
-more expensive (I have a good scholarship though, so it’s similar tuition wise, but still more)
-further from home (but I have a lot of family and family friends here)
-not as good of BME program
-harder to switch majors (engineering is better than rest of programs)
-tons of research opportunities
-tons of volunteer opportunities (3 hospital systems on campus)
-smaller classes
-going downhill financially
-both of my parents went here (mom wants me to go to CWRU, dad prefers UMich)
Why are you even doubting U of Mich? In state? It’s like hitting the lottery! There are plenty of research opportunities. Try to get into the research LLC. Volunteer as well. Look online in AA. Larger classes is a problem, but probably just for first year.
That’s a no brainer. Michigan engineering is just amazing with superb support. Only the intro classes are large and they all have have smaller labs or sections. By the time you get to the classes in your major they will be smaller. Michigan has the 2nd largest research budget in the nation so you won’t have any problems with research. In addition, Michigan favors its own grads for medical school.
With the exception of smaller classes, most of your pros seem to back Michigan. I guess it depends on how much you value smaller classes. From your post, it is fairly evident you should go to Michigan.
I went to Michigan for undergrad and CWRU for medical school and would also cast my vote for Michigan. Just a few comments:
Being an hour away from home is actually pretty nice. No one (i.e. parents) will drive an hour each way to drop in randomly on a weeknight. Yet, if you need to get home for birthday parties, graduations etc. or want to visit friends from high school who go other schools it’s pretty easy.
It’s easy to get involved in research at either school, you are free labor as an undergrad. Michigan certainly has a lot more undergrads but it also has a lot more research going on.
Michigan is a huge school, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities as well. If you are looking for something in health care in particular then I would suggest looking at St. Joe’s in Ann Arbor.
Michigan is not only a stronger school than CWRU in engineering but every discipline (that I can think of) should you decide to pursue something else.
Ann Arbor >>>>>>>>>> University Circle
The University of Michigan medical school takes a ton of Michigan undergrads and this is the ultimate in state bargain. CWRU school of medicine also takes a bunch of wolverines!