(sorry for any choppiness in the question)
I'm a male senior at a High School in Michigan and I'm wondering which school would be better for me. I like hanging out with friends, watching movies, recreational experimenting, and even partying. I kinda need extra time for studying in loud or distracting areas (professionally diagnosed ADHD if that means anything). I probably will be majoring in business administration. I have already been accepted to Michigan Tech; I applied because it seems like an amazing school. The outdoors, the small town size, everything. There are two drawbacks: the male/female ratio and the fact that the business program isn't as strong as the engineering ones (supposedly). So I thought I better apply to another school to keep my options open. I won't apply to the University of Michigan because I couldn't stand the thought of going there. Maybe it's where I live, but by the way the U of M is described, I wouldn't want to be a part of it (UM= Douche bags). In addition, some other students have applied to the U of M from my school, and I couldn't stand being grouped with them (I don't feel that it is completely above me or anything <I could get excellent recommendations>, the top student in our class statistically is probably going to go up to MSU). MSU also has a good business program and I'm wondering if I should apply in hopes of a better career guidance and placement. Could you give me some of the Pros and Cons of each school (Tech vs. MSU). Please include anything you know about academics, career services, activities, the surrounding town, how serious sports are (that would be cool), partying, what they do for fun, or anything you know about the two. Or, if you prefer, tell me about some other school you think that I'd like (Career placement after graduation is a huge priority).
---(FYI, my GPA will be about 3.4, my ACT score is a 29,and my dad is an alumni of MSU, so I think I have a fairly good chance at MSU)
--Thanks in advance.
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
Okay, I have to respond and please hear me out. :) I'm also originally from Michigan (I'm 37) and have been to numerous colleges, degrees, been in the workforce the past 16 years (literally lived / worked around world and country), etc. Additionally, I sat as the President of the Alumni Board at one of the colleges I attended.
(I'm also going back to school for another degree so I'm currently thinking all things you are but on a different level. :))
Many in my family have mulitiple and various degrees. From MSU, U-M, Northwestern, Kendall College of Art & Design, and my mom worked at Wayne State University (advising) for 22 years. I've got some great advice (I think! :)) for you......
First of all, obviously picking the right college for you is very important (and your parents too - if they're paying / major investment). It's a tough decision! :)
I'm not you - but if you were you - I would ask myself "how serious am I about my degree and my future"? Sure - at your age, the question isn't as important / understood (as maybe mine or your parents :)). lol. Picking the right college is REALLY critical and here's why.....
You said you wanted to study business (probably). If I were you - I would pick THE BEST business school I could get into - no matter what. (Don't worry about your perceptions of school, others in your class going there or not, etc.) The reason you go to college is for the education that will set you ahead in your career. I hate to say this but many times if it comes down to a job offer and decision, the person making the choice often times picks on education (i.e. if it boils down to it - no matter if you and the other candidate are equally qualified and equally liked. That is reality.)
Additionally, this is the worst economic time many of us (your parents, me, etc.) have ever seen in our life. It won't fix itself overnight and who knows the state of the world when you complete your degree and are looking for work. But you really need to consider this and how to set yourself apart from someone else for a job.
I'm not saying you should go to MSU or U-M. But I definitely wouldn't discount U-M because you assume things / perception (or if your dad's an MSU alumni). :) U-M has one of the best business schools in the world (I'm looking into it for another MBA for that reason - and I'm an MSU girl and family! :)). I've never been a U-M fan :), I also used to have a similar perception - but as I got older I see so many benefits that school has offered around the world to it's alumni (especially business school. Did you know that even one of it's MBA programs is ranked 4th in the world?? That is a CLEAR reflection of how it's looked at in "the real world". MSU doesn't hold the same clout - although, it's definitely got a good business school.)
All said, if I were you - if U-M is not for you - I would definitely choose MSU over Michigan Tech if you want to study business. Again, you need to set yourself apart at graduation and attending a Big 10 university is always a positive to an employer....rather than a smaller school not as well known (unless it's a renowned specialized program - i.e. like CCS is for auto design). I hope that makes sense.
MSU has a GREAT campus, is GREAT fun, and it's really a wonderful place to go to school (everything you asked - nightlife, things to do, people all over the country come - especially since Big 10), and I don't know you but I've never once heard anyone I know anywhere complain about theire education or time there. It's a really good all around school for so many reasons. I've lived in East Lansing twice (school and later on assignment in my career for 2 years). It was just as great both times I've been there.
U-M on the other hand definitely has benefits too. In the world moving forward (reality / global business), all the diversity (global of students) and top-ranked programs definitely would have such value to "real world ahead". It may not be right for you but there are sooo many benefits to it!
My understanding was that Michigan Tech was known for their tech programs, etc. So - if it were me - if you're not studying a "Tech" direction I wouldn't attend it unless I had no choice.
You seem like a pretty smart guy - so I'm guessing you won't necessarily "have to settle". But as I said before - I really think it's important to get the best education you can for your major moving forward in your life. MSU to me sounds like it might be the best fit for you for so many reasons??
Good luck!