<p>Any insight would truly help me.</p>
<p>Yes, I know based on rank that Northwestern is number 12 and University of Michigan is 27. Yet, I have a hard time justifying my decision just on that.
I'm going for biomedical engineering, and NU is 12 for that with UMich being 9. Again, numbers don't do it for me.</p>
<p>Can anyone tell me why they are picking UMich, even if not in comparison to NU? Or say something that could possibly help me? </p>
<p>Thanks so much in advance :)</p>
<p>Well overall engineering at University of Michigan is much stronger than that of Northwestern’s. If you ever decide to change engineering fields to say mechanical or electrical, you will be in some of the country’s top ranked programs which Northwestern simply cannot compete with.</p>
<p>I would not base this decision on overall rankings or on departmental rankings. Those two elite universities are academic peers. </p>
<p>I would focus on fit. Evanston is a nice college town, but Ann Arbor is nicer. However, Evanston is half an hour away from Chicago, one of America’s greatest cities. I find the Michigan campus livelier and more pleasant than the NU campus, but that’s a matter of opinion. NU has the quarter system (three quarters annually and a shorter summer) whereas Michigan runs on a trimester system (two short semesters and a long summer break). </p>
<p>In short, I recommend visiting those two awesome universities and make a decision based on fit. Congrats and two impressive acceptances…you cannot go wrong either way,</p>
<p>Delightful, does cost factor in to your decision in any way? NU is a 100% meet need school (as it defines your need) and at the same time is exceptionally expensive as a private. UMich does NOT meet need for OOS students necessarily (though sometimes can be generous with aid) but generally meets need for In-State (plus max in student loans). So, if you live in Michigan and your parents have means, UMich <em>may</em> give you more value for your dollar (eg. if they have a high EFC and would have to pay full pop at NU…).</p>
<p>So I would add to Alexandre’s “fit” a second criteria of “best value” since each are awesome selections.
Good luck and congratulations!</p>
<p>BTW, my son choose UMich over several schools. His reasoning was program-related plus campus feel plus value. He wanted a school that was sufficiently large in population to have resources for everyone, and he’s been very satisfied that same is true. He was not awed by NU for some reason, and just didn’t see himself in that environment. But to my mind, it was just or almost as strong in his field. So fit makes a big difference where programs are of equal value.</p>
<p>Students at Michigan, from students I’ve talked to and from the general sentiment in the Chicago area, are SIGNIFICANTLY happier with their college experiences then those at NU. This year I’ve met several students who have transferred from NU to Michigan citing a drastically better social scene here and indistinguishable academics. Though these people are biased, when all of them cite the same reasons one can spot a potential problem. </p>
<p>At the same time, I know students at NU who are at least pretty happy there :)</p>
<p>Money isn’t really a concern. My parents do not want me picking a school strictly off money. Michigan offered me a fat scholarship, and I’m grateful for it, but again, do not want it to be the deciding factor.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the help so far. Such a stressful decision!</p>
<p>I am a NU alum, and I believe one must visit both schools to find the better fit. I chose NU over Michigan due to cost and program offerings (Michigan did not offer my undergraduate major). I was satisfied with my NU experience (It prepared me well for my graduate studies). Good luck with your decision.</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/908822-northwestern-vs-wash-u-vs-university-michigan.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/908822-northwestern-vs-wash-u-vs-university-michigan.html</a></p>
<p>Please Help!</p>
<p>Academically, all three schools are excellent. If WUSTL and NU come at full price, this is a no brainer, regardless of major, since Michigan is ranked as high as WUSTL and NU in virtually every field of study. Here’s how I see it:</p>
<p>Michigan for $100,000 >>> NU and WUST for $200,000</p>
<p>Save a $100,000 and go to Michigan.</p>