UVA vs University of Michigan?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Virginia
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<p>I have a son who will most likely apply to Michigan and I have a daughter who currently attends UVA. They’re both good schools, but it really depends on what you’re wanting your UG experience to be like. </p>

<p>With almost twice as many students than UVA, Michigan is categorized as a large state school. Subsequently, I feel it’s much more impersonal (just my two cents). Michigan has some stellar programs…so does UVA. Both have great business schools, for instance. If your goal is to work on the east coast, a degree from UVA might serve you better. If, on the other hand, you want to reside in the Midwest, I’d give the edge to Michigan. Michigan does have a higher acceptance rate; thus, UVa is more selective especially for the OOS student (acceptance rate hovers ~22-24% if I’m not mistaken for OOS applicants).</p>

<p>Both schools have great traditions. Michigan has a football culture that’s legendary. If historical traditions (secret societies, gorgeous architecture, EVERYTHING Jefferson) are what you’re seeking, then go to UVA. </p>

<p>As far as setting is concerned, Ann Arbor is charming and culturally diverse. UMich has a much more heterogeneous student body than UVA (more geographic diversity, racial diversity, and socio-economic diversity). BTW, the economy in Michigan is weaker than Virginia; this may or may not be a consideration for some students, especially those seeking employment. UVA tends to have a more homogeonous preppy student body; however, it’s important to recognize that there are thousands of kids at UVA, and they’re not all cookie-cutter clones – diversity does indeed exist. </p>

<p>Despite what anyone may say, Ann Arbor is colder than Charlottesville (12 degrees lower on average in January, for example). Although this may not seem significant to some, for others, particularly those from warmer southern climates, it is noticeable. Charlottesville is nestled in the mountains so you have a gorgeous backdrop (particularly in the fall when the foliage is at peak or the spring when the dogwoods are in bloom). I’ve seen UVA mentioned on most every top ten list of beautiful schools. It’s campus architecture is uniform. Michigan’s has more variety in its campus buildings. One of the things my husband has said he remembers most about UMich are its enormous squirrels. He said they were so large one would think they were on steroids.:smiley: UVA is close to DC and the beach. This might be something that appeals to some but not others. </p>

<p>In the end, as some have suggested, both are fine institutions. You really need to visit yourself to see which one is the best fit for you.</p>

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<p>My D may soon have this decision. I would pick UVA but you know how that works - she is likely to pick Michigan. We are east coast and as mentioned above she worries a great deal about the preppy, cookie-cutter stereotype. I lobby for what was pointed out above - with appx 16k students you must be able to find all types of people.</p>

<p>All the athletic talk is interesting as well. I think my D would be like many - she wants to be at a place that competes in D1 in major sports but it doesn’t really matter how great they are. Just that they exist so it gives teams to support and rally around. In fact if you are too good in sports maybe its over-empasized.</p>

<p>I’m pulling for UVA but Michigan is a great school also and I better get used to it because its very likely thats where she will be this fall.</p>

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<p>If at all possible, I’d visit both schools. Both are excellent universities. And both have good communities around them, though I definitely prefer Ann Arbor to Charlottesville. Ann Arbor has a well defined campus area, with more student-oriented shops than UVA by some distance. And its downtown area is walking distance away. Plus Ann Arbor gets a couple of points just for having Zingerman’s deli!</p>

<p>But there are risks at both. On the one hand, you have the economic uncertainty at Michigan because of the state’s poor economy. It’s worth, for example, looking at UM tuition rates over the last several years. My recollection is that they had a big jump a few years ago in the OOS tuition. UVA has the uncertainty in the university’s leadership. I assume that some faculty members who might have chosen UVA a couple of years ago might go elsewhere now. </p>

<p>UM feels, looks, and I think simply is a more diverse community. And if your son or daughter is interested in art and such, take a look at the Residential College at Michigan. </p>

<p>But the finances also matter a lot. My daughter is IS for UVA and OOS for UM, so that’s huge if UM doesn’t offer some serious money. </p>

<p>In the end, though,the question isn’t which is best. The question is which is a better match for the student who’s applying!</p>

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<p>Does anyone know whether UVA’s art program is any good when compared to UMich’s? I got accepted by both and do plan on majoring art, but I’m having a tough time to decide. I’m a Virginia resident, so if I go to UVA I’ll receive instate tuition, but, so far, UMich’s art program looks much better, imo.</p>

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<p>I just got accepted in UVa today but rejected by Northwestern. I dunno what exactly I should feel. NU is definitely my first choice if I get in. But UVa is also one of the best public schools. Anyhow, being accepted by UVa can soothe my bad mood caused by being denied by NU. Last, Congrats to all the guys who got into UVa!</p>

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<p>“Does anyone know whether UVA’s art program is any good when compared to UMich’s? I got accepted by both and do plan on majoring art, but I’m having a tough time to decide. I’m a Virginia resident, so if I go to UVA I’ll receive instate tuition, but, so far, UMich’s art program looks much better, imo.”</p>

<p>Seriously?</p>

<p>A degree from UM will set your parents back an extra $110k than a degree from UVA. Unless I was a hedge fund manager or nuts (or maybe both), I can’t imagine paying that delta for an art degree. But if your folks are loaded and indifferent, go to UM.</p>

<p>Fyi, average college kid changes majors 3 times. So odds are your folks won’t wind up paying for an art major anyway (even if that major is better at UM than UVA).</p>

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<p>northwesty +1</p>

<p>also my roommate was an art major (print making) and she loved it</p>

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<p>if this thread is still alive in 2014, I would be grateful for feedback. D has been admitted to U Mich honors and UVA. To take some of the above comments out of play: (1) yes she will visit - She has visited both campuses and will visit again now for their admitted students day; (2) she is aware of the differences in the sports performance; and (3) she knows Michigan is colder. She’s classic Northeast, from small Quaker school, and wants a large school’s spirit and, well, size. Recognizing that all is subjective, I’d be grateful for subjective opinions, especially from those of you who, either from your experience or your kids’, have some insight into both schools. Thank you!</p>

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<p>This is so strange. The thread is from March 2008, but the OP edited their first post today.</p>

<p>I’m assuming the OP made a decision long ago. :)</p>