Hello everyone! I was accepted EA to University of Michigan Ann Arbor and has been accepted to USC (University of Southern California) recently.
I will be receiving about the same financial aid packages from both since both are very generous.
Here are the facts:
1- I love both schools but prefer warm weather and beaches to snow
2- I plan on going to a medical school for graduate studies.
3- I am interested in neuroscience and biological sciences.
4- I will be getting the same amount of money/grants from both colleges.
5- I prefer cities to small towns
6- The deciding factor would be the ACADEMICS of these colleges.
Which would be a better decision for getting ready for MCAT and medical school? Which school is better at biology/neuroscience and academic advising?
1- I love both schools but prefer warm weather and beaches to snow
The edge here obviously goes to USC.
2- I plan on going to a medical school for graduate studies.
Medical schools will not differentiate between Michigan and USC.
3- I am interested in neuroscience and biological sciences.
As an undergraduate student, it is unlikely you will come close to exhausting the offering and resources offered at either school.
4- I will be getting the same amount of money/grants from both colleges.
USC is more expensive than Michigan (roughly $10,000/year when you factor in higher tuition and cost of living). Are you receiving the same amount of aid from both schools, in which case Michigan will be cheaper to attend, or will the two schools cost the same, in which case, USC is giving you more aid? If it’s the former, will you have to get into more debt to attend USC than Michigan?
5- I prefer cities to small towns
Ann Arbor is not a small town, it is a mid-sized city. But for those who prefer large cities, LA is obviously a much better fit.
6- The deciding factor would be the ACADEMICS of these colleges.
Both are very good universities with very different academic vibes.
I agree with mimimo7890, from your 6 points above, USC is a better fit for you, unless you have to go into more debt to attend USC, in which case, I would recommend Michigan.
Based on the hypothetical you shared with identical offers, a bunch of factors you list but then throw out saying it’s all about academics. Therefore Michigan.
Look at the NET cost you and your family will shoulder–total estimated cost minus ONLY scholarships and grants for a total NET cost.
Choose the U that will have this the lowest for all 4 years, so you can save money for Med school. Both are excellent. Congrats!
By the way, USC is a private U and doesn’t award more or less aid based on where you live. U of MI does care, as it is a state U. You may also wish to consider travel expenses between where your family lives and the U, as that can add up. USC is pretty close to LAX and there are a lot of airlines that serve LAX, plus supershuttle/Uber–I’m not sure about U of MI.
Both are great schools. If you want the best in all fields, I would consider Michigan. One of my favorite things about Michigan is that basically every department is top tier. I can’t speak for USC, but Michigan makes research very accessible to freshmen, and volunteering within the Hospital System is common amongst students (although these positions are competitive to get I heard).
UMich does not promise to “meet need” for OOS students. USC does promise to meet need. So, it’s certainly possible that USC will have a significantly lower net cost.
That said, it’s really not a good idea to be an OOS premed in Calif. The state just has tooooo many premeds all gunning for grades and med school seats.
mom2collegekids has the key point. OOS premed in CA is not a good idea. You are likely going to have little shot at a CA med school. Whereas Michigan will give some preference to UM undergrads. Also, if net costs are $10K/yr greater at USC, then Michigan seems like a better choice.
