<p>I’m a junior at Michigan State’s Honors College, and I absolutely adore it! I am not a James Madison student, so I can’t speak to that end, but my final college decision also came down to UM vs. the MSU HC.</p>
<p>For me, the MSU HC had many small factors adding up in its favor (easier access to undergrad research, no prerequisites for most courses, early class sign up after freshman year, honors floors, scholarships, etc.), while UM seemed to have one major advantage: this idea I held of its “prestige”.</p>
<p>I’m not applying to law school, so I don’t have specific knowledge in that arena, but I can tell you that the prestige I attached to different institutions while in high school seems almost completely arbitrary now. It’s not that certain colleges do a much better job of preparing students for graduate school or careers; what really happens is that higher-scoring, higher-achieving students tend to set themselves up for success, and some colleges have a large number of this type of student. The HC is quite small in comparison to UM, but it’s just as competitive to get into (if not more), and employers/grad schools hold it in exceptionally high esteem. If you are studious and ambitious, you will succeed no matter which school you attend because you will seek out unique opportunities and do well academically. The key is finding the school that will make this easiest for you.
For me, it was the Honors College at MSU. I have rarely been told “no” here. I am able to earn three degrees in four years with half a dozen on campus jobs and research ops, all through bypassing prerequisites, substituting classes, leveraging closer relationships with professors and counsellors, etc. From what I can tell, I wouldn’t have had these opportunities at UM or any other school to which I applied.</p>
<p>If I can give you any piece of advice at this point, it would be to make sure that you attend the Alumni Distinguished Scholarship competition at MSU (if you were admitted to the HC, you should have received an invitation by now). Before that weekend, I was set on attending UM; afterward, even though I didn’t win any scholarships, I knew I belonged at MSU. Through the HC I have achieved more than I ever dreamed I would, and I am heartbroken over the thought of graduating next year. Make sure you feel that way about whichever school you choose. They are both fantastic, and you will do well at either.</p>
<p>P.S. Wherever you go, buy football tickets! I despised sports before I came here, but now I love them!
Also, I will be volunteering at ADS all night, so please come find me or email me if you have questions! (my name is Lauren B)</p>