Does University of Michigan live up to the hype?

[Anonymous]

Wisconsin doesn't give much merit aid. They don't need to pay OOS kids to attend the way Indiana and other schools do.

[Anonymous]

Of course it is. Amazing school filled with impressive kids.

[Anonymous]

Her opinion counts, unless you can’t afford it. Show her that you have faith in her judgement. She will need confidence for the next phase of her life.

[Anonymous]

My cousin did her engineering degree at Michigan (in state) and had offers from every major organization in her field.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Here is our experience....our kid grew up in DC. I went to a different state flagship so consider the value of that experience and opportunity. Our kid, even with Covid, managed to find friends from across classes and clubs; they didn't pursue the Greek System, though that is always an option for kids interested.

But it is the academic and professional opportunities that were eye opening. I don't know if my university has these things like Michigan does, but between grants to be able to take unpaid internships, grants for travel abroad, specific summer job opportunities through schools like Ross, Taubman and Ford, with financial subsidies, classes with travel abroad built into the curriculum and finally the alumni network, which, for our DC kid, afforded 3 summer jobs at 3 different places, it was an embarrassment of riches.

While our kid had to work for their grades and be aggressive in uneaarthing these opportunities, the fact is, they are there for the taking. I am also pretty sure that for kids in other schools within the University, there are simillar programs - simply amazing compare to my state flagship, which I loved.

Add to it the strong football, basketball and other sports, the political activity on campus and overall, it has made for a great experience.

There really aren't too many schools that offer that real school spirit along with the top academics...probably UCLA, Cal, Wisconsin, Texas, UNC, maybe U Florida that come close, though Cal is questionable on the school spirit stuff.

What did your kid study and how long ago was this? My sophomore in Engineering, 4.0 GPA on the Dean's list, in the Honors program got a $1000/yr. scholarship. That's it! Where did your DD find all these grants? Appreciate any pointers..

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here is our experience....our kid grew up in DC. I went to a different state flagship so consider the value of that experience and opportunity. Our kid, even with Covid, managed to find friends from across classes and clubs; they didn't pursue the Greek System, though that is always an option for kids interested.

But it is the academic and professional opportunities that were eye opening. I don't know if my university has these things like Michigan does, but between grants to be able to take unpaid internships, grants for travel abroad, specific summer job opportunities through schools like Ross, Taubman and Ford, with financial subsidies, classes with travel abroad built into the curriculum and finally the alumni network, which, for our DC kid, afforded 3 summer jobs at 3 different places, it was an embarrassment of riches.

While our kid had to work for their grades and be aggressive in uneaarthing these opportunities, the fact is, they are there for the taking. I am also pretty sure that for kids in other schools within the University, there are simillar programs - simply amazing compare to my state flagship, which I loved.

Add to it the strong football, basketball and other sports, the political activity on campus and overall, it has made for a great experience.

There really aren't too many schools that offer that real school spirit along with the top academics...probably UCLA, Cal, Wisconsin, Texas, UNC, maybe U Florida that come close, though Cal is questionable on the school spirit stuff.

What did your kid study and how long ago was this? My sophomore in Engineering, 4.0 GPA on the Dean's list, in the Honors program got a $1000/yr. scholarship. That's it! Where did your DD find all these grants? Appreciate any pointers..

Kid is an upperclassman in LSA but with Comp Sci as well. He has worked hard to create the opportunities.

[Anonymous]

Yes Michigan lives up to its hype. I wouldn’t say that about quite a few other private schools that are as highly rated.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not worth it for OOS.
Many better options.

Such as?

USC

This thread is about state schools. The OP is asking about Michigan versus other state schools that are less expensive. USC is neither.

If you can afford Michigan OOS, why would you only be applying to other state schools? Michigan OOS prospies apply to Vandy, Georgetown, Northwestern, Duke, Penn, Wisconsin, USC.

Did you read the OP? The question is whether Michigan is worth it over other less expensive state schools. It’s not clear what they can afford. They want to know if Mich is worth the cost.

[Anonymous]

My junior is looking at Michigan and UVA. Out of state legacy at both. Obviously both are reaches. Beyond that, considering a range of state schools that cost between 25-55k a year. We’ve been considering whether Michigan and UVA are worth the OOS cost and we have mixed feelings. Ultimately, I think we would pay if she gets in and chooses them both her the less expensive state schools but I also think it is not unreasonable to conclude that it’s not worth it based on a family’s resources/priorities.

My child isn’t really interested in any private schools. She is attracted to the idea of a state school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My junior is looking at Michigan and UVA. Out of state legacy at both. Obviously both are reaches. Beyond that, considering a range of state schools that cost between 25-55k a year. We’ve been considering whether Michigan and UVA are worth the OOS cost and we have mixed feelings. Ultimately, I think we would pay if she gets in and chooses them both her the less expensive state schools but I also think it is not unreasonable to conclude that it’s not worth it based on a family’s resources/priorities.

My child isn’t really interested in any private schools. She is attracted to the idea of a state school.

What state do you live in?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you’re paying for Michigan out of state and cost is a barrier, I would probably only attend for the Business School or the Engineering School. I think it’s a great school, but if it’s a financial burden, I’d look at other flagships that give merit aid frequently such as Wisconsin or Indiana. Doesn’t hurt to apply, it’s likely she won’t get in OOS/non-legacy (not trying to be harsh).

Wisconsin gives virtually on OOS merit aid. UMN, on the other hand …

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not worth it for OOS.
Many better options.

Such as?

USC

This thread is about state schools. The OP is asking about Michigan versus other state schools that are less expensive. USC is neither.

If you can afford Michigan OOS, why would you only be applying to other state schools? Michigan OOS prospies apply to Vandy, Georgetown, Northwestern, Duke, Penn, Wisconsin, USC.

I know quite a few kids who only applied to state schools because they want the lifestyle. My son goes there and he only applied to Wisconsin on that list. He’s a college football fanatic and is obsessed with stats.

OP, I’d say it’s a work hard, play hard school. It’s vey tough academically depending on major.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My junior is looking at Michigan and UVA. Out of state legacy at both. Obviously both are reaches. Beyond that, considering a range of state schools that cost between 25-55k a year. We’ve been considering whether Michigan and UVA are worth the OOS cost and we have mixed feelings. Ultimately, I think we would pay if she gets in and chooses them both her the less expensive state schools but I also think it is not unreasonable to conclude that it’s not worth it based on a family’s resources/priorities.

My child isn’t really interested in any private schools. She is attracted to the idea of a state school.

What state do you live in?

Maryland

[Anonymous]

Public university tiers are a fake construct beyond a flagship is a flagship. Same experience, same partying, same rah-rah sports, same rich kids in frat and sorority life, same smart kids at the top, somewhat unmotivated kids at the bottom, same career and grad school outcomes. If schools like Indiana, Alabama and Clemson offer your family a boatload of merit money take it. Michigan is not worth a premium. Nobody is impressed by Michigan undergrad no matter how many times insecure Michigan alums and parents parrot otherwise for years on end on every message board.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Public university tiers are a fake construct beyond a flagship is a flagship. Same experience, same partying, same rah-rah sports, same rich kids in frat and sorority life, same smart kids at the top, somewhat unmotivated kids at the bottom, same career and grad school outcomes. If schools like Indiana, Alabama and Clemson offer your family a boatload of merit money take it. Michigan is not worth a premium. Nobody is impressed by Michigan undergrad no matter how many times insecure Michigan alums and parents parrot otherwise for years on end on every message board.

💯

Very true.