<p>i'm having the worst time ever trying to decide where i want to go to college (i've literally made 3 spreadsheets with pros and cons and in the end i just repeat myself and don't make a decision)
i'm trying to pick from UMich, Williams, and Bowdoin and I know how lucky I am. The plan had ALWAYS been small liberal arts school, and Michigan was supposed to be simply an academically good safety, but i had no intention of going there. I was invited to be in Shipman Society, and after the Shipman Weekend, I was smitten. I am also getting a significant scholarship through Shipman and the LSA college, so financially it is so much better.
However, a liberal arts school has ALWAYS and forever been my ultimate dream, it always seemed such a perfect fit for me, and to get into Williams and Bowdoin had me reeling from a dream come true. As my family is financially okay, they say to not let money color my decision if i think i will be happier somewhere else.
I know Williams has such a prestigious name which could help with grad school and Bowdoin as well, but does Shipman equate to the same level?
Also, i am concerned about the size of Michigan- I am not pushy or aggressive- it's easy for me to be very uncomfortable when I'm around a lot of people I don't know- I'm afraid i won't get the same professor attention as i would at a small school, or have as good of a time. It just takes me a while to get comfortable.
If anyone has ANY input on ANY of these schools i would be forever grateful!!</p>
<p>I can’t really comment on Shipman vs Williams but I can comment on the size of the schools. All are very prestigious. I’m guessing UMichigan has a good network and is connected. That is KEY if you are trying to get a job right after undergrad. If you are going onto graduate school, then I don’t think either of these schools has a leg up over the other. A financial decision might be best as graduate school is costly. </p>
<p>So… about size…
Small schools provide:
community feel
relationships with professors
hands on experiences
intimate settings
feels like a “club”</p>
<p>Large schools provide:
Buzz, excitement 24/7
Big school spirit and sports
Lots of RAH RAH
Yes, you are more of a number vs a name however you learn to fight for yourself. Nothing is handed to you so you become industrious, a self advocate and scrappy – all great qualities for today’s job market</p>
<p>As between Bowdoin and Williams I’d choose Bowdoin. The rankings are close enough to be immaterial, but Bowdoin’s location is MUCH more desiable. Minutes from the ocean in a beautiful coastal location, 20 minutes from Portland (a cool, funky city with an art, music and food scene), and only 2 hours by train to Boston (with Brunswick Station a block from campus). This is much better than being tucked away in an isolated small town in Western MA and 3 hours drive by car from anywhere.</p>
<p>I don’t spend time in the LAC part of CC so sorry I didn’t see this sooner. I understand your concerns about a large school but one of the great things about a large school is that there is something for everyone. Michigan has unbelieveable academic resources that cannot be matched at smaller Liberal Arts schools. Ann Arbor is one of the greatest towns there is and if you are a foodie, you will be amazed at the restaurant options (look on TripAdvisor for restaurants – they list over 300 – all amazing). There are many opportunities at Michigan to make it feel smaller – learning communities, clubs, all kinds of organizations, Greek Life, etc. I don’t know where you live but AA is easy to get to (20 mins from Detroit airport). Good luck. As you say, you have great options. You will be happy wherever you go. Pick what feels right and don’t look back. </p>
<p>Any idea of what you want to study? For example, if you wanted to study Art History, Williams would be the best, or if English, I would go with Bowdoin. </p>
<p>I’d go with Bowdoin too. When you decided on LACs, there was a reason… and Bowdoin’s quality (excellent in the sciences, in particular) is combined with a great location and spirit.
I agree with ^, though, for art history Williams is hard to beat, there’s something of an insane network in all the meanings of the word. 
You could probably get to Wall Street from Art History Williams if you were inclined to.</p>
<p>How important are sports or lack thereof to you?
Bowdoin is competitive but it doesn’t revolve around football on Saturdays in season. On the other hand, you’ll never see their team on TV. :)</p>