Any alternatives to the University of Michigan?

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Yes I agree. However, I would want to know the reasons why Michigan fails, through personal experience by me at least studying there for at least a semester (or perhaps, exchange programs, which are harder to get in). And I need the 'experts'' perspectives.

Oops I'm sorry, I meant Michigan. I had a friend who went to Michigan and always called it "U of M", so that's what I called it. Didn't know there were other possibilities.


What do you mean? MI's economic situation is terrible right now, has been for years. Less funding available for the public institutions from the government can result in higher tuition.


Do you mean the poor economic situation? If so, a large part of that has to do with the MI economy heavily focused on manufacturing, particularly cars. And suffice it to say, the Big Three automakers haven't been doing very well... it's pretty hard to find anybody in southeast MI with no ties to the auto industry. Unemployment is high. I don't mean this as a reason not to go to Ann Arbor, as it is still a very good school (and I applied to there for grad school and got in but turned it down ), but it is part of the socioeconomic reality for that area. Detroit has been in serious economic decline for years... though I like the Greek restaurants near the Greektown casino.

Thanks for the posts. Do recommend me a few other good colleges if you know any. Meanwhile, I am also considering British, Australian and New Zealander universities.

If you are looking to attend U of M in Ann Arbor, MI, might think about going to Macomb County Community College or St. Clair County Community College, which are in the area. You could do the general 2 year associates or an associates in the area that you want to major in - then transfer to U of M

Also if you are interested, you could go to Michigan State, in Lansing, MI. There are a few community colleges you can attend for the first 2 years, such as Lansing Community College, Montcalm County Community College or Grand Rapids Community College to get a 2 year then transfer to a four year college.

In Michigan, the university system of higher education is set up so that if you do not get into a University, you can go to a community college that feeds into these universities.

If you area a minority (anything else except a caucasian male) you should get preference in getting into MSU or U of M. Something to utilize to your benefit.

Have you tried Northern Michigan University?

A better bet would be Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor and it is an excellent school. They have an Associates degree specifically for those who want to transfer to U of M. Macomb and St Clair are quite a haul from Ann Arbor and may not be suitable for transfer to U of M.

Last edited by Metal_Man on 04 Jan 2010, 10:54 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Portland State University
Portland Community College
Reed College
University of Portland
Oregon Tech
University of Washington
Washington State University
Oregon State University
University of Oregon
North Seattle Community College

Thanks everyone. I was initially at a state of loss, but this thread really helped.

Now I know other good colleges. And I feel happy for this.

Although not mentioned, do not underestimate Canadian Universities..

http://oncampus.macleans.ca/education/2 ... best-reps/

TOP CANADIAN UNIVERSITIES

Yeah, I did not forget that Windsor, Ontario is SOUTH of Detroit, Michigan.

I will see what are the good universities with good urban planning courses, if not geography or sociology.

It is really expensive, because of the costs I will likely be going to Purdue University to reduce costs, which I find to be a really weird situation. Michigan is really messed up in general, not just the economy.

Down with the Dems, Up and on GOP! Lower the taxes and education and healthcare costs! LOL

sorry to hear you didnt get in bro.

I dont really like the U of M anyway.... too many "elitists" who think they are better than everyone else.

Good luck getting in somewhere else.

I kind of expected it, because I am an out-of-state student who, ironically, feels that he belongs in Michigan more than his own state/country --- who doesn't really accept my autism as I am...

I shall try to get in somewhere else, thank you.

And by the way, just to tell you, I wished these U of M people can care more about the troubles of the state rather than the world. Anywhere can be a good place to say 'We can change the world'. But it's kind of a joke when Detroit, Flint and even Lansing are all rotting or gathering dust due to inability to overturn the inevitable industrial shift...

But then, I will try to transfer there when I do well somewhere and complete sophomore year. I still have the dream, though it's kind of weird and laughable, that I can do my part for U of M and Michigan in junior year... It may not come true but it's good to dream on something!

What are you planning to study? This should be something that you keep in mind when deciding where else to apply.

As for Michigan, they have branch campuses, which you'll be able to get into. If you maintain a 3.0 at a branch campus, you'll be able to transfer to Michigan after a year or two. If you can't get in now, this is your best bet to being able to transfer.

Also, transfer statistics are misleading. Keep in mind that a lot of the people who try to transfer are people who failed out of other schools.

- If you don't think your grades or other activities are good enough, an exceptional essay could get you in. Show that you have an exceptional interest in the field that you want to study.

* I know a few people who go to U of Michgan.

I am interested in having sociology as my concentration/major.

I just want to investigate more on Michigan society and its impact on the world, nothing else.

Thanks a million!