U of M - Not For Everyone

Introduction
The University of Michigan is a big school. If you wish to succeed here, you have to figure everything out on your own. No one is going to hold your hand. Your advisor is only there to answer questions, and it's possible to go all four years without seeing him/her. If you're an independent person who likes to make your own decisions, this is the school for you. If you rely on others for social, academic and emotional support, you may want to consider other choices. As a fiercely independent person, I love my experience here. Making your own decisions really allows you to mature, more so than other college students I know at other places.

Campus Life and Social Life
The Greek system at Michigan is overrated, in my opinion. I was never part of it, but from what I hear, it really hinders your academic progress. For some, I guess the Greek system will help them with structure, but for most, it's just another excuse for partying (Editors' Note: Some U of M students also report going Greek helps make a big school smaller, but as this reviewer notes, pledging reportedly comes with a price).

Sports is probably the best social venue. You will not find another school with a bigger football stadium, a more rabid set of fans (the Maize Rage in basketball) or a sports program steeped in so much tradition. What's great about Michigan is that you get a world class education and sports at the same time. How many other schools can provide that? Not the Ivy League! Academics
One of the greatest assets at Michigan is the number and quality of departments. Virtually all departments are ranked in the top 10, though I cannot think of one that is ranked first. Nevertheless, whatever you choose to study, you will encounter great professors and smaller classes as you move up. However, Freshman year courses are predetermined for most people because of distribution requirements. You will need to endure a year of big lectures and sub-par GSIs (for the most part). Once you decide on a major, you will need to work hard. In order to maintain a solid GPA, you will need to devote most of your weekdays and some of your weekend to studying. It's not hard to get a B, but it's really hard to get an A.

Student Body
There is no such thing as a "typical" student at Michigan. For one, there are so many students here, you're bound to find a group that suits you best. Also, the University (like it or not) is a huge proponent of affirmative action, so there is great diversity on campus, though most people hang out with their own group. Once again, though, the theme of being independent is applicable here. You need to go out and find your friends. Again, no one is going to hold your hand. If you take charge of your social life, you will find a great group of friends that you will keep for the rest of your life.

In Closing...
Since Michigan is not a very forgiving school, you really need to make sure that you're up to the task. The attrition rate is unbelievably high, so you don't want to go here unless you're ready. The last thing you want is to have no direction once you get here. Realistically assess your academic and social capabilities before you come here. This applies to in-state students as well. Don't let the name get in the way of making good life decisions. Michigan is not for everyone, but for the ones that are independent, this University is a match made in heaven.