The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

As an out of state student, let's just say that I never imagined I'd end up at Michigan. In fact, I didn't even apply until the last day before the deadline - I think I spent 15 minutes on the application (literally). When I got my acceptances and rejections back from all my applications, I found myself "stuck" with Michigan and one or two other academically comparable schools. I visited and picked Michigan.

I knew of one person in the entire state of Michigan when I arrived on campus. 8 months later, I can't walk for 90 seconds without seeing a friend of mine on the sidewalk. I remember reading this site about a year ago when I was freaking out about colleges and the overwhelming worry I had about Michigan was that it would be impossible to meet people. Flat out not true. Yes, it takes a certain level of initiative, but you can find academic and social success if you really do want it.

As with any big school, if you need someone to tell you what to do and where to go, you will probably fall through the cracks and feel like a "number." But if you get here and join a student group or two, you'll be having a great experience before you know it. You've heard it before: approach your professors and get to know them; they're very helpful people and they want to see you do well (at least most of them).

Challenge yourself. The courses here can run the gamut, from easy to very, very, difficult. I aced everything I took at high school and planned to breeze through even the more difficult classes but the fact is that it's not a cake-walk. Consequently, I'm really, really confident that I'm not missing out on anything that I would be getting at a "Top 10" university. I can't stress this enough: Michigan truly is what you make of it. Work hard and associate yourself with the right people. It's worked out great for me.

Now, for some "review" material:

Ann Arbor is amazing. Great little shops and restaurants and everything you could want from a college town. WEATHER: Just so you all know, I'm from FLORIDA. It's not that bad. Really. It's pretty darn cold sometimes, but believe me, that's not something that should influence your choice of colleges too much. Everything else will more than make up for it.

The Greek system seems dominant for your first month of school. I remember feeling that I absolutely had to join a fraternity or I would have no social life. It's true that frats do throw a lot of great parties, but know that there are other options there. I'd strongly suggest waiting until second semester to rush a fraternity or sorority. Not because they don't have a lot to offer, but because there's no way you'll really know what you want out of your 4 years at Michigan in the first month. Really, think twice before you rush first semester. But again, that doesn't mean you shouldn't ever rush if you really think it's something for you. I know a lot of kids whose social lives consist of getting drunk every night. I know a bunch that go to plays and exhibits every night and never drink. I think there's a great opportunity to have balance here if you can discipline yourself.

I'd just like to close by saying that you should never read sites like these and base your decisions off of them. You can be happy at a lot of places if you make good decisions while you're there. I used to come on this site and see which schools had the most positive reviews; it's not a smart way to do things. That said, I hope my comments have been helpful in making your own decision.Oh, just don't get on North Campus. ;)

1st Year Male -- Class 2008

Surrounding City: A+, Collaboration/Competitive: B+