USC vs Michigan pre-med

College Search & Selection
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<p>My daughter has narrowed her college choice down to Michigan and USC and is going back and forth between the 2 schools with a decision required in 2 days. She hopes to study pre-med and is coming from a private high school 45 minutes from USC. The net cost for USC after a university grant is $46K while Michigan's website shows $53K for OOS underclassmen rising to $56K for junior and seniors. And that does not include travel expense getting to Michigan.</p>

<p>We have visited both campuses several times (winter and summer in Ann Arbor) and my daughter loves both. Ann Arbor is clearly a great town and I think she would be fine with the weather.</p>

<p>My only real concern with USC is that she will be going to college in Los Angeles and not getting the full flavor of somewhere other than where she grew up.</p>

<p>My 2 concerns with Michigan are good freshmen housing seems challenging to get while USC's dorms are all close to campus. Not a big deal until the Ann Arbor weather dips below freezing. And it feels like there are a lot of Michigan frosh/soph large lectures taught by foreign grad assistants with somewhat limiting communication skills.</p>

<p>And then there is the thought that Michigan tuition will just keep on rising for OOS students at a faster rate than USC. I read recently how the Michigan board of regents approved a tuition increase of 3% for OOS students with a 1% increase for Michigan residents (which makes sense - let rich OOS students subsidize middle class Michigan kids). I have no problem with that but by the time she graduates the cost will be $60K for OOS students.</p>

<p>Can anyone add any comments to convince my daughter which school to consider? Your experiences are appreciated.......</p>

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<p>If money is of concern, I would take the cheaper route.
However, if your D feel more fit in Michigan AND you do not mind to foot the bill. Then go there.</p>

<p>It more of a “fit” problem rather than academic. USC has risen so much that it can compete with any schools in academics.</p>

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<p><<<and not getting the full flavor of somewhere other than where she grew up.<<<</p>

<p>??</p>

<p>why would that be much of a concern for undergrad? why is that necessary? she may be going to med school somewhere else. she may be doing her residency somewhere else.</p>

<p>what is her major?</p>

<p>will she be applying to calif med schools? If so, it will be a pain in the tush flying in (last minute) for interviews during senior year. </p>

<p>as a serious student hoping to have a gpa that is med school worthy, I doubt she’s going to have that much time getting the flavor of some other region (besides bone chilling cold). besides…cant she do that with a some summer travel and a study abroad with the savings from USC???</p>

<p>I cant see spending all that money for an OOS public. or maybe money is no object for you and you can easily also pay a few hundred thousand for med school, too.</p>

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<p>Michigan is not worth $34K more than USC with medical school on the horizon for your daughter unless she has a strong preference for U of M which doesn’t appear to be the case here.</p>