Michigan vs Northwestern: Help me decide!

I'm a current high school junior considering applying to the University of Michigan and Northwestern University. I'm a bit stressed about choosing which one would be a better fit for me. Can anybody share some info about the pros and cons of each school in terms of academics, campus life, social scene, and internship/job opportunities? Thanks!

Congrats on narrowing down your college choices! Both schools will give you a superb education, but they do have their differences, so I'll give you a brief overview of each in terms of academics, campus life, social scene, and internship/job opportunities:

Academics:

- Michigan: A large, public university known for its robust engineering, business, and pre-med programs. Class sizes may be larger in general courses, but you’ll be able to find smaller, more intimate classes as you progress into your major.

- Northwestern: It's a smaller, private university known for its journalism, theatre, and engineering programs. Classes tend to be smaller, especially early on in your college career, which can lead to more personalized attention from professors.

Campus Life:

- Michigan: Located in Ann Arbor, which consistently ranks among the best college towns in the US. The town is vibrant, and there's always something to do or explore in the area.

- Northwestern: Located in Evanston, a suburb just north of Chicago, the campus offers a quieter environment, but still has access to a major city. Evanston has a cozy, suburban feel, and students can easily take the train to Chicago for more excitement.

Social Scene:

- Michigan: It's a large school with a strong sports culture and diverse student body. Between the big football games (Michigan just won the 2024 national championship) and numerous student organizations, there's a strong sense of school spirit and camaraderie.

- Northwestern: Although it's not as sports-centered as Michigan, the school still has a supportive community, with numerous clubs and activities to choose from, and there is definitely a sports scene if that’s your thing—it’s just not quite as intense as Michigan’s. Greek life is more prevalent at Northwestern, and it can influence the social scene to an extent.

Internship/Job Opportunities:

- Michigan: The university has a large alumni network and strong relationships with a range of companies. Its size and prestige often lead to numerous internship and job opportunities for students in various fields.

- Northwestern: With strong connections to Chicago and its own impressive alumni network, Northwestern offers plenty of internship and job opportunities for its students. Moreover, its prestigious reputation ensures that Northwestern graduates are highly sought after in the job market.

Ultimately, both schools are fantastic choices, so your decision will largely come down to your personal preferences and the environment where you feel most at home. Try to visit both campuses if possible, to see which one resonates more with you. And remember, if you truly can’t choose, you can always apply to both (although you won’t be able to utilize the Early Decision option in this case) and give yourself more time to make a decision. Best of luck in your college search!