I am a student from the Chicago area interested in studying economics and math. I have been accepted into both schools, and can’t decide which I want to attend. I’m wondering how the economics programs compare in each school?
I’m a white straight male, so I’m a bit nervous that I won’t fit into the ultra liberal / quirky atmosphere of Wes, but I’m also unsure about Mich because the undergraduate program is so large that I may end up feeling like a number.
Wes is cheaper by about $13k, but I am applying to a scholarship at Mich.
Wesleyan’s economics faculty actively contribute to their field. Perhaps more interestingly, Wesleyan’s faculty are among those from only three other LACs with a notable presence in environmental economics.
Michigan, as well, appears to be excellent for the study of economics, though its emphasis on undergraduate teaching would not be as strong.
I’m a parent of a freshman at UMich. You’re not just a number. While the school is large in terms of undergraduates (29,000-ish), you’ll spend almost all your time on central campus, which to me is a defined rectangular space easy to navigate from the main Diag. They have advisors for all types of majors in LSA and they have express appointments, if needed. The math dept. is located on central campus in East Hall.
Not sure about the economics dept., but in terms of math, UMich is ranked #12 in the US IIRC. I’ve been on campus many times and I just don’t get a crowded feeling and my freshman doesn’t get that “you’re just a number” feeling with access to professors and GSI’s when necessary.
Wesleyan offers one of the great undergraduate experiences in the country and one not easily duplicated by even the finest 20,000+ research university. If you are inclined toward pursuing graduate school, you will have a second bite at the apple for places similar to Michigan, but, the reverse is not true for places similar to Wesleyan.
My D also looking at U-Mich, one thing the smaller school’s can’t offer is big time athletics. The school spirit at Michigan is pervasive and pulls the entire student body together and will endure long after graduation. Major cities have groups of alumni get togethers Saturdays for games and the network is massive.
You can get an excellent education both places, of course.
I promise, there will be plenty of straight, white men at Wesleyan.
The schools are so different in so many respects. Have you visited? Does Wesleyan’s quirky, liberal culture speak to you? Or do you want the rah, rah Big 10 experience? I realize I am somewhat bouncing your questions back to you, but this is really about what you like. Assume you won’t be lost at Michigan and that you won’t be the only straight, white guy at Wesleyan. IOW, assume that your concerns about each school aren’t actual problems.
Now, what do you like? Big or small? Research university or LAC? Very liberal, quirky, really interesting student body or (I assume) wider range of people, but on the whole more middle of the road? Connecticut or Michigan?
If you haven’t visited, but can manage to see both schools before May 1, that would probably help immensely.
Hahaha thank you all so much for your responses. I have visited UM and plan to visit Wes this month. I think I’m leaning towards UM because I want to meet more people than a 2,900 student body would allow. I guess I was just wondering if Wes had any outstanding strengths that would override that concern. BTW, did you guys hear that Sasha Obama is gonna go to mich??
Anecdotally, I have heard that it is easy to feel lost at a large state school like Michigan or Berkeley. If you’re a self-starter who takes a lot of initiative, you will probably be fine. However, recommendations for graduate schools will be much easier to obtain at a place like Wesleyan. The price differential is also fairly significant.
I don’t think straight white men are necessarily being persecuted on liberal college campuses but the fact that you think that tells me you might not be the best fit for a place like Wesleyan!