The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

After my first year here at the University of Michigan, I have mixed feelings about my experience here. As an engineer, be prepared to work your butt off for only a satisfactory grade during your typical freshman (weeder) courses. I had always excelled in high school receiving top notch scores in all that I did, but since coming here, I have been more than humbled. Fortunately, you're not in it alone as you soon learn that all you need to do is best the curve to get A's and B's.

There is also no amount of preparation that can prevent you from being overwhelmed by the great vastness of this place. With an undergraduate population nearing 25,000 people, it's really up to you to get out of the University what you want. It'll be up to you to seek out advising and the administration is, at times, really slow to respond. Also, make a concerted effort to seek and and approach your professors and especially your GSIs (Graduate Student Instructors) outside of class. You will definitely get more out of your education here if you take advantage of the resources these professors can offer to you outside of the classroom.

With regards to the social life, my biggest advice is that make sure you get tickets to the Michigan football games. There is no better place you get to feel as part of the University as you cheer on the football team with over 110,000 screaming fans. Even if you are not a big fanatic of football, go anyway because it's an experience that can not be described with words.

1st Year Male -- Class 2005

Education Quality: A, Individual Value: C