University of Michigan Ann Arbor vs. University of Notre Dame

College Search & Selection
1

Hi, I am currently deciding between ND and UMich. I am going pre-med, and both UMich and ND are known for being excellent schools for premed students

University of Michigan Ann Arbor:
Pros:

  1. stronger STEM programs
  2. larger Asian population (Yes, I am an Asian pre-med student. Suprise!!!)
  3. U-M med school is world-renowned and the med campus is only a 10-minute walk from the central campus.
  4. U-M dorms are newer than Notre Dame’s
  5. accelerated master’s degree program.
  6. Greater variety of STEM courses (e.g. biophysics of diseases, biophysical chemistry, and etc. )
  7. more modern buildings.
  8. more AP credits can be used (I can start with orgo freshmen year)

Cons:

  1. The weather (but considering Notre Dame and UMich are both freezing cold for a California resident, this doesn’t matter that much)
  2. 15:1 student-faculty ratio, less likely to establish a close relationship with professors early on.

Notre Dame:
Pros:

  1. smaller class sizes, Notre Dame is well known for having passionate professors
  2. 80% acceptance rates to Med schools
  3. MD Anderson summer program junior year.
  4. the largest philosophy department in the U.S.
  5. Harper Cancer Research Institute
  6. 8:1 Student-Faculty ratio
  7. More prestigious (I think? I am not sure, and I am SORRY if this statement cause any argument or conflict )

Cons:

  1. lack of diversity comparing to UMich
    2.Lack of variety in higher division classes
  2. No major hospital (to my knowledge) near the campus for clinical volunteering
  3. Old Dorms

Cost is not going to be a problem for either schools

I am currently thinking Biochemistry for both schools. But in the case of the GPA killers, I might change to MCDB for UMich and Pre-professional for Notre Dame

2

The University of Michigan is more prestigious, at least within the STEM community.

The 80% med school acceptance rate applies only to students that the school recommends, and the school doesn’t recommend everyone. I’d take that number with a BIG grain of salt.

I’d go for U of M, if for nothing but the diversity of the student body. My half-Asian son is graduating from a prestigious grad program, that does not attract many Asians. He has really felt like an outsider the whole time he has been in the program. It has not been the best experience for him. His undergrad program had a large percentage of Asians and it was a much better experience.

3

According to the most recent 2020-2021 CDS, Michigan’s student teacher-ratio is 14:1, but more importantly private schools tend to manipulate the ratio more, for instance, keeping classes at under 9, 19, 29, etc.

Also, in a deeper dive, the % of class sections with 2-9 students plus 10-19 students to total class sections are as follows:

Michigan 57%
ND 58%

So, essentially it’s a push, both schools offer class sections of 2-19 students in roughly equal %’s.

In terms of prestige, here in the US, it’s about the same, but besides a top notch CS/Engineering, Kinesiology, Nursing and business school (Ross), UMich has 45 LSA majors/programs in the Top 10.

And the QS World Rankings has Michigan ranked as #21 in the world. I couldn’t find ND listed.

Look, they’re both great schools. But I wouldn’t think Michigan isn’t as prestigious as ND.

4

Look at the course requirements. ND has a bunch of theology and philosophy requirements.

Do you want a large school or a smaller one? Catholic private vs large public?

Aside from a love of football, these school have very different vibes.

Personally I’d go with Michigan for your major.

5

My half Asian nieces attended Notre Dame and loved it there. Naturally there will be less Asians overall because it’s a smaller school which I consider to be an advantage. Does the size of the school matter? ND has a very hometown feel while Michigan is much, much larger and a bit more impersonal IMO. Academically, you can’t go wrong with either. Both have sterling reputations.

6

How are you with the Catholicism of ND? It pervades many aspects of campus life, and I don’t think it’s as easily ignorable as on other Catholic campuses. Those who choose ND do so because of the embedded Catholicism, not in spite of it. They also choose it for the dorm based community and strong identity. It has a large legacy population for this reason. You can read older threads in the ND forum that go into greater detail about this.

If the condition of the dorms is a concern, I would watch some YouTube videos of current students. Meredith Stump has a couple of videos of different dorms. Almost all the women’s dorms have their own websites with pictures and dimensions of the rooms. You don’t find out your room mate until July (randomly paired) nor your room assignment until you turn up on move in day.

It is a fabulous school for the right person. Are you that person? If not, I would go to Michigan.

7

Someone with the name “HumpingRabbit” sounds like a perfect fit for a religious university.

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8

I won’t address what was already stated but… You knowing your professor is up to you not the professor at any school. My son at Michigan knows the professors well that he wants to. They know him by first name. Same for my daughter when at her less then 2,000 students private school. At Michigan if you want to know your professor just like… Talk to them… Lol. I promise they will talk back… Lol… I have never understood this argument… Plus yes, you might be called on in class…

2 Likes
9

I’d choose Michigan for premed. Having that huge medical campus just north of where your classes will be is a big draw. If your biggest knock on Michigan is the weather, it shouldn’t be, Notre Dame is just as cold (I’ve been to both schools multiple times during different times of the year). The benefit with Notre Dame is the campus is less spread out so there’s less walking.

10

My sister went straight to a top med school from ND, they have impressive med school acceptance rates.