<p>I have been accepted to both schools, and it's a really tough choice between the two. I'm interested in social sciences, maybe economics, but I am feeling rather undecided. I applied to the LSA Honors program and am waiting to hear back from it (I have good stats and wrote a solid essay, but I turned it in later than I should've). </p>
<p>The question is, which school would offer an overall better experience? I know both schools are great academically, but which offers a better social scene? Which one offers more opportunities for study abroad, internships, job placement, etc.? </p>
<p>I am especially concerned about the social scene. I have the impression that Michigan overall has more going on socially, but I haven't visited either for any substantial period of time. I want to be around students who are smart and motivated, but not cutthroat competitive. </p>
<p>If I do get into the Honors program, would Michigan be the better choice? And if I don't, will WUSTL be better?</p>
<p>I’m always surprised how many threads I see that weigh Michigan vs. Wash U. These schools are about as different as you can get.</p>
<p>Do you want a large, public school where you are one of ~30,000 kids… or be part of a more medium sized community? Of course, Michigan is one of the best public universities in the country and you’ll certainly find challenging classes and motivated peers in the honors program (which, I’m sure you’ll get into if you were strong enough to be accepted to Wash U). But, I would say that, overall, Wash U is more defined/better described as having an intellectual atmosphere than is Michigan. Most of Michigan’s renown comes from amazing graduate programs… engineering, law, business (not at all denigrating the undergrad education). Public universities at the undergrad level serve a much different societal and educational purpose than do private schools in the tier of Wash U. </p>
<p>If you are undecided or want flexibility in your major choices, study abroad programs, and overall ease of navigating a University - it’s hard to beat Wash U. </p>
<p>You’ll find a great social scene at either college. When you said that Michigan probably offers more socially, that is largely a function of it being University with 30,000 kids. Wash U will offer the same types of activities/events (speakers, concerts, parties, seminars, and yes even sports) but on a smaller scale. </p>
<p>Going to a school where you are one of 30,000 students is a daunting prospect for many people (I didn’t even consider it). You’re on your own for the first time and it is A LOT to take in. I think you need to be exceedingly independent to take reins of your overall college experience. At Wash U, the school doesn’t hold your hand by any means, but because it’s smaller (medium-sized, really) you’re going to be able to navigate experiences much more easily, have more of a support network, more easily meet people with similar interests, etc. That said, there are a lot of attractive aspects about going to a school as large as Michigan (big 10 sports, more anonymity, epitome of a college town). Depends on what kind of person you are and into what environment you think you’d be most successful.</p>
<p>Just going to say this once. WashU kids party surprisingly hard for a slightly-nerdy D3 student body. You won’t find a lack of social scene at either school.</p>
<p>And I agree with the above post – the feel is completely different. Go and see where you like more.</p>
<p>I know very little about WashU. The students that I know who went there from our HS were very smart but more on the serious side. (Small sample size) My daughter just finished her freshman year at Michigan and could not have been happier. She joined a sorority and I suspect that she went to social events at least 3 nights a week. While Michigan is a large school in terms of number of students, it’s central campus is very campact and easy to navigate. Students make the school smaller by joining social or business fraternities, joining clubs or joining residential colleges. </p>
<p>What must be said is that the social scene at Michigan around sports – football, ice hockey, basketball, etc – is HUGE. My daughter sent me a text after the Michigan v. Notre Dame game telling me that is was the best day of her life. Even I enjoy going to campus on game days and tailgating. The school spirit and alumni support is amazing. </p>
<p>I was not happy when my daughter suggested Michigan. I was very concerned about my daughter going to such a large school but it has never been a negative for her or for us. I searched every web site on the planet (check out **************.com) and the feedback from students at Michigan was the most positive I’ve ever seen. </p>
<p>All that said, as I prepare for my second daughter to go to school, I would chose WashU over UMich for her in a heartbeat. She is a different person and in my opinion, would do better at a smaller school. </p>
<p>The academics at Michigan are first rate. The caliber of student is not much different than WashU and there are more of them. Everyone was in the top 10% of their class and most are pre-med, pre-business or pre-something that is motivating them to work very hard. </p>
<p>So, it depends on which environment you think you would enjoy more. You have two EXCELLENT options – congratulations.</p>