<p>I've been admitted to both.
I live in Texas.
Money isn't an issue.
I don't want to wait for other responses.
I want to go to one or the either.
I want to commit ASAP.
I want a social life.
I want a job after I graduate.
I'm going for engineering.
I'm leaning towards Michigan...
Responses please.
Sorry for being abrupt.</p>
<p>In Engineering, both are equally good. Overall, Michigan is slightly better, but UT is still awesome. If money truly is no issue and your parents do not object to either, go with your heart.</p>
<p>Thank you, Alexandre.
Seeing that you are from Michigan, how is life as a college student there?
I think it’d be nice for me to get out of Texas.
Is it fairly easy to create a mentor/student relationship between the professors?</p>
<p>I am not from Michigan. I am Middle Eastern, but I attended Michigan for my undergraduate studies. My experience at Michigan was excellent. I cannot think of a more ideal place to go to college. The academics are second to none, the students are talented and friendly and the campus is active and fun. Of course, Ann Arbor is a great college town, so that’s a plus. I think the same can be said of UT-Austin though.</p>
<p>As for building mentor/student relationships with faculty, Michigan is no different than most major research university. Professors at those universities tend to be very busy with advising graduate students and their own research, so undergrads must take the initiative. However, like most good universities, Michigan has excellent undergraduate research programs for incoming freshmen and those will connect undergrads with faculty on a one-on-one basis from moment they step on campus. Furthermore, Junior and Senior classes tend have plenty of interaction with faculty. Finally, even Freshmen and Sophomores who choose not to partake in research activities will have opportunities to interact with faculty, typically through office hours.</p>
<p>Where do You want to live the next 50 years and work? Alumni connections are important.</p>
<p>^^ Agree. Both schools are excellent with Michigan having a slight edge in overall prestige. Both great engineering programs. Michigan is VERY cold, so as a Texan, be careful about that because it really is a huge change. If you plan to live in Texas after you graduate, I would stick with UT.</p>
<p>Michigan winters are obviously cold, but they are blown out of proportion. I grew up in a city where 100-120 degrees with 90% humidity is the norm from June through September and Michigan winters were perfectly manageable. </p>
<p>I agree that each school has its sphere of influence and that UT would be a better option if you wish to live in the South right after college.</p>
<p>I feel that both schools will give you the academics and job opportunities you are looking for. Don’t overanalyze rankings because these schools are both equal in real opportunity for undergrads. However, I feel that UT Austin will be a lot more fun! Social life will be superior in Texas. I urge you to choose UT Austin. I realize you want to “get away”, but you can study abroad. Besides, that would be more “away” than the midwest. You get the best of both worlds.</p>
<p>I also tend to trust Texas’ economy over Michigan’s… since you’re thinking about future alumni presence and grounding.</p>
<p>You say you don’t care about money and you’re shooting for engineering. But let me give you a little advice:</p>
<p>If Michigan costs you more money than Texas and you want to work as an engineer, you will NOT recoup your investment.</p>
<p>Employers will pay the same for an engineering grad from either of these fine institutions.</p>
<p>What type of engineering are you most interested?</p>
<p>If it’s chemical, I’d say Texas, hands down.
If it’s mechanical and you want to work in the midwest (for an auto manufacturer, for example), Michigan would likely be better. But never at a huge cost difference to Texas.</p>
<p>You’re in a win/win situation. Good luck to you! I agree with Alexandre’s sentiment - go with your heart. (And if you enjoy football - have fun at the games!)</p>
<p>Another vote for no lose situation. U pick 'em.</p>
<p>“Although you have to admit, Michigan has a much more widespread presence out of state compared to Texas.”</p>
<p>This is so true. Of course it helps to have that presence when many, if not most, of your school’s 6000 or so graduating class every year leaves the state!</p>
<p>I lived in both A2 and ATX.</p>
<p>My opinion is that ATX is much more fun. It’s a much bigger city and offers a lot more entertainment and attractions. UM kids pretty much just go to bars. Whereas, Austin there’s bars, clubs, and live music.</p>
<p>I would also dare to say that Austin will provide you with better job opportunities. Since Austin is a booming city especially in high tech. Whereas Michigan is declining.</p>
<p>You may also take the weather into consideration. Michigan will be cold and gloomy the entire academic year. Up north, you get much shorter daylight during the winter. Michigan with the lake effect cloud makes it even more depressing.</p>
<p>Bottom line: University of Texas at Austin</p>
<p>I dislike Texas. Michigan.</p>
<p>Two great choices. Bank the substantial cash savings. UT.</p>