By Sue Luse
Campus Overview
Located in Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan is a large, exciting campus with the dynamics of a smaller more personal experience. Nice open spaces. An arboretum on campus. The Huron River runs through Ann Arbor which makes canoeing and boating a popular recreation among students. Close to two state parks.
Student Life
There are 28,000 undergrads and approximately 60% of students live on campus. There are 6,000 freshman in the dorms and the East Quad is the best place for freshman to live. Wolverines tend to be both academically serious students and socially outgoing. Michigan is not a “party” school, but is known for its legendary school spirit. Greek life is approx 19%. There are 1,400 clubs available to participate in. Free tickets for all students to the football games.
Learning Communities
U of Michigan’s 13 Learning Communities are really quite unique. Learning communities combine the personal attention of a small college environment with the rich resources of a large research university. Michigan’s Learning Communities (MLC’s) are composed of self-selected groups of students and faculty, often from diverse backgrounds, that are drawn together by shared interests and goals. They offer both residential and non-residential learning communities.
Academics
U of Michigan has 13 undergraduate schools and colleges and 250 degree programs. Large freshman classes – for example Organic Chemistry has 500 students and Psychology has 300 students. Lecture classes also have a discussion component that has break-out sessions where grad students lead a discussion of 30 students. The core curriculum differs with each college in the university. The Ross Business School is ranked #2 in the country. U of Michigan has a highly ranked engineering program. They also have a highly ranked Conservatory of Music.
Admissions
2014 Entering Class Test Scores:
ACT 30-33 – Mid 50th % range
- English: 30-35
- Math: 29-34
- Science: 28-34
- Eng/Writing: 28-32
- Reading: 30-34
SAT 2040-2260 – Mid 50% range
- Critical reading: 650-750
- Math: 690-770
- Writing: 670-770%
U of Michigan is looking for serious students. The offer merit-based scholarships. U of Michigan schools, colleges, and departments administer their own scholarships also. Ross School of business has a very limited direct entry for freshman. Ross has it’s own rubric which is different from Admissions and they look at articulation, leadership and math scores. Approx. 20% of pre-business students are accepted as preferred admissions.
Location
Ann Arbor is ranked the 2nd best college town in the country and I can see why. You can walk from campus to many restaurants, bars and shops. Ann Arbor is described as a small, friendly town with a big city sophistication renowned for its cultural offerings.Tom and I stayed at the Inn at The Michigan League, right on campus, a landmark hotel. We enjoyed dinner at Vinology Wine Bar and Restaurant. Ann Arbor has so much to offer – art exhibits, performances by jazz legends, lots of bookstores, unique galleries and museums.
