<p>I understand that it is a great school, the campus is amazing, and the athletics are to die for, but what makes the University of Michigan so great? Why do so many students make it their top choice?</p>
<p>It’s Michigan fergodsakes.
(You answered your own question btw)</p>
<p>You’re kind of posting a lot and sounding anxious about your application. </p>
<p>Instead of emotionally exhausting yourself obsessing about the application and trying to future-monger the outcome (or in advance decide if it’s worth it, or in advance, decide it’s not 
maybe you should read the sticky at the top of the Michigan post list: Is Michigan Weak In Any Way.</p>
<p>Then go out and look at some of the World ranking stats (eg. Times) to notice where the “world” puts Michigan.</p>
<p>Then thank your lucky stars you’re in state, and cross your fingers that you’ll be accepted…;)</p>
<p>Then try your best to forget about it until you hear something a few weeks hence! I know it’s REALLLLLY hard. But believe me, the universe is perfect and it will all work out in the end.</p>
<p>The fact that if I recall correctly you’re in-state, and you’re asking this question, btw, concerns me a little. You are aware that it’s the top school in the state, and among a handful of tops schools in the nation, right (in terms of peer assessment, rigor, caliber across departments, etc.)</p>
<p>I hope you researched the other schools you’ve applied to!</p>
<p>I can see why you might think there’s nowhere else worth going, but you need to realize if you do get in, by this time next year it’s going to be work almost nonstop. If you go into engineering, it’s gonna be overwhelming. It’s a great place to live and the people you’re around are exceptional, but you have limited time to really appreciate that.</p>
<p>Typical reasons it’s a top choice: best in the state hands down, one of the best public schools in the country, awesome college town, research and ECs, etc. All that is true, but it’s not perfect by any means. There’s no need to /wrist if you don’t get in. Just enjoy senior year.</p>
<p>The people are extremely nice. That’s one thing you’ll find right out of the gate.</p>
<p>I think it’s one of the most well-rounded schools. Rather than having just one element of the school that it is known for, UofM has a lot going for it, and that makes it stand out.</p>
<p>It’s just a feeling you get, it’s like there’s something in the water. Once you visit and actually go here you just become obsessed and bleed blue.</p>
<p>One of the best schools for it’s campus, social life, academics, sports, and the people seem to be great, too. It’s one of the most well-rounded schools in the nation, and I would argue that it is the most well-rounded school in the nation, though many can still argue schools like Duke, Stanford, U of Virginia, ect. Point is, either way you look at it, Michigan ranks near the top in every category. Instead of asking yourself what’s so great about the U of Michigan, ask yourself what’s NOT great about Michigan?</p>
<p>Michigan is like NYU. Although both have a national “brand identity”, in some parts of the country they’re both considered ho-hum in others they are venerated. Generally, East coasters are not so hot on NYU and both coasts by-pass Michigan.</p>
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<p>Huh? Does this make any sense?</p>
<p>
One, Michigan is nothing like NYU. I think having good business schools is probably the only thing they have in common. Two, Michigan has much more of a national “brand identity” than NYU. Three, neither school is really considered “ho-hum” or whatever the hell you want to call it anywhere. And lastly, Michigan draws heavily from both coasts. So basically, no, you’re wrong.</p>
<p>I am comparing their perceived “brand identity” only. Michigan is like NYU in that there is a definite, wide, split in how the schools are perceived. Some think they are close to Ivies in stature. Some consider both a notch or two above middling.</p>
<p>“Some consider both a notch or two above middling.”</p>
<p>Some have never heard of Brown, Emory, Wake Forest, etc… Who cares what “some” people think. People who KNOW Michigan NEVER would think that it’s a “notch or two above middling.”</p>
<p>This is the website where high school kids ask other high school kids to chance them for college admissions. Are you really gonna listen to most of the users on what they think the national brand identity or whatever of Michigan is?</p>
<p>Zingerman’s and Blimpy’s. :D</p>
<p>And just a lot of smart, interesting people thrown together. Ann Arbor is also a pretty vibrant town when you get away from the main campus as well. Although the demise of the original Border’s still stings. :(</p>
<p>I went to Michigan, and can honestly think of a few reasons NOT to go there. If you want a smaller school/smaller student body. If you are looking for small class sizes in your intro classes, and more classes taught by professors. But pretty much all state and research universities are the same as Michigan in this regard. So I would say unless you really prefer the small liberal arts college vibe, Michigan is a fantastic choice.</p>
<p>ThisIsMichigan, there are also a lot of parents who post out here as well. So it isn’t ALL high school kids getting chances! I also have not lived in Michigan since I graduated from college quite a few years ago. So have some sense of the national identity. It is very well respected. I have had people glance at my resume, then look back and say, “Oh, Michigan, that is a GOOD school.”. With that emphasis. NYU has a certain “city of New York” cache. But not as strong an academic reputation, I would say.</p>
<p>“Michigan is like NYU. Although both have a national “brand identity”, in some parts of the country they’re both considered ho-hum in others they are venerated. Generally, East coasters are not so hot on NYU and both coasts by-pass Michigan.”</p>
<p>The above post is so inaccurate. Both coasts do not by pass Michigan AT ALL. I know plenty of people attending Michigan from California and a lot of people from New York and New Jersey. Typically if you attend UMich and are OOS you are from California, NY/NJ or Chicago. I am in Greek Life and plenty of the girls in my sorority are from across the country. Michigan is also very VERY appealing to people in California who are unable to get into UCLA or UC-Berkeley.</p>
<p>One, Michigan is nothing like NYU. I think having good business schools is probably the only thing they have in common. Two, Michigan has much more of a national “brand identity” than NYU. Three, neither school is really considered “ho-hum” or whatever the hell you want to call it anywhere. And lastly, Michigan draws heavily from both coasts. So basically, no, you’re wrong.</p>
<p>^^ THANK YOU
GO BLUE :)</p>
<p>Tom Brady is from Michigan. Does that make difference or what?</p>
<p>SaberGeek is correct!
A month ago, I went on a tour of the Big House with my sorority and we found Tom Brady’s signed jersey!!</p>
<p>“I am comparing their perceived “brand identity” only. Michigan is like NYU in that there is a definite, wide, split in how the schools are perceived. Some think they are close to Ivies in stature. Some consider both a notch or two above middling.”</p>
<p>That is somewhat true, and can be said of many elite universities. There are many ignorant people out there.</p>
<p>“Generally, East coasters are not so hot on NYU and both coasts by-pass Michigan.”</p>
<p>That is not accurate. Both universities are very popular on both coasts, NYU because of its location (many would love to study in Union Square!), Michigan for its well-rounded academic and social offerings. There are currently close to 5,000 undergrads from the East Cost (3,000 from the tri-state area) and over 1,100 undergrads from California. Michigan attracts more OOS students from NY and CA than most universities in the country.</p>