<p>I have been looking at college rankings, and people's opinion of Michigan and it all seems really high. So my question is: What is so good about Michigan? I have never been there, but it seems to be consistently set apart from other major universities like Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio State etc. Sorry for my ignorance...</p>
<p>Michigan is a great school on so many levels. Its academics are top knotch in a very broad way, and as a college town, Ann Arbor is wonderful, a hip, diverse, "cool" place with a certain something that you can't really explain, you have to experience. When my daughter was applying to colleges a couple of years ago, we limited her choices to a few out of state options and Michigan which is in state for us. She was a little resentful at the time, as if she were settling by going to Michigan. Now, deep into her sophomore year, she can't imagine wanting to be anywhere else. She has a group of smart, engaged, ambitious and nice friends, who hail from all over the country, and she loves her classes and extra curricular activities. So, it is just a great place to go to college. Does that mean it is for everyone? No. Is it better than Wisconsin, Minnesota and that school in Ohio? Depends on a lot of factors. Probably not worth paying out of state tuition, when your own state university is a good one, unless there is a really good reason to, such as a specific program you need, or money is not a big issue to you.</p>
<p>you may want to check the thread "is michigan weak in any way"</p>
<p>Michigan is one of the most well rounded universities. Very few universities can compete with Michigan or so many fronts; academics, athletics, school spirit, alumni network, on-campus corporate recruiting, international reputation, academic reputation, college-town atmosphere, intellectual feel, wealth of resources, quality of facilities, research opportunities etc... </p>
<p>This said, no university is worth spending $40,000-$50,000 when you can attend a school of Minnesota's or Wisconsin's quality for half that price. The University of Wisconsin at in-state prices is hard to beat.</p>
<p>So, unless your folks are loaded, or unless you get a nice scholarship and or great FA package from Michigan, go for Minnesota or Wisconsin.</p>
<p>alexandre... would you say the same for penn state? i already attend and love michigan, but i'm just curious.</p>
<p>PSU is on par with Minnesota, so yes, PSU at in-state cost is a better deal than Michigan (or any other non-HYPSM top university) at full cost...unless your parents are rich, in which case, go for Michigan.</p>
<p>Our in-state "top school" is UConn. </p>
<p>What do you all think of UConn vs. Michigan?</p>