I just finished my college visits for my safety (Indiana University w/ Hutton Honors college) and what I thought was my dream school (University of Michigan Ann Arbor). I had my hopes dead set on Michigan, but I absolutely hated it. It just wasn't what I thought it would be. I loved Indiana and didn't want to leave.
I feel like I could get into Michigan (legacy, 4.0 w/ many AP's, 33 ACT, no financial aid needed, etc) and I get into Indiana's honors college automatically. I'm a junior in high school and I want to major in biology and later genetic counseling for a master's.
I'm honestly not sure what to think. Is it a mistake if I end up choosing Indiana over a more prestigious school just because I like it there? I don't want to pass up a better education but I also want to be happy.
What appealed to me about Indiana was not only how pretty it was, but I felt safe despite the lack of blue lights. At Michigan the campus just felt too integrated into Ann Arbor. I'm from Chicago so I should be used to it, but it wasn't for me. People at Indiana were nicer and I know I would get top-notch classes and other opportunities from the honors college and at Michigan I would be an average student.
Everyone I know who went to Indiana liked it, but everyone who went to Michigan loved it and was proud to go. What am I not seeing that everyone else is? Is it stupid to pass up Michigan if I get in for a less selective school?
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