The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Date: Oct 08 2001
Major: History/Histories (art history/etc.) (This Major's Salary over time)
To anyone reading this from high school, think carefully before you come here.

I have some advice on how to survive here.

Of course, disregard if you think you're smart. That is, think.

The *Negative part:

1. Avoid pre-med intro classes at all costs. I know 5 people who've flunked out going this route.

If pre-med is the only way, at least take them all at a Community College. Most classes here are designed to weed kids out, aka, make upper-level classes easier for professors to teach.

Also, remember before going pre-med, that the national average for acceptance at the nation's med schools is less than 5%. Say 4,000 apply, only 200, yes, 200 will be accepted. Many cases, it's the same number for even 7,000-12,000 applicants.

Medicine is also very stressful. I've lived with a physician (my dad), and it's a trying job that requires little sleep. Remember, too, that as a physician or surgeon, etc. YOU are responsible for the patient's safety and wellbeing. It's the fear of mistakes that can cause the most stress. Ask if you can handle that pressure.

2. If a professor announces a class is curved, take (3) steps. (1) drop, (2) change it to pass/fail (3) take it graded as usual and most likely get a C.

I took three classes fall semester 2000, none curved. I averaged a 3.0. I took four classes in winter 2001, THREE curved. Guess which ones I got the C in? All three curved ones. In fact, in one Econ 101 class, I averaged 100% on all quizzes. The exams, however, were impossibly hard.

Also, realize in curved classes, especially LSA, TA's and professors CAN cheat you. In some classes, exams have essays that are used to create a "false" curve for a class. Sometimes, I've done well on the majority of an exam, mainly the fill-in-the-blank and multiple choice parts (like 5 out of 7 pages!!) then gotten to an essay section (usually three questions, where some TA knocks 20 or 30 more points off my exam!! No explanation, whatsoever!

Solution: Take curved classes pass/fail or drop it. They aren't worth it.

3. Take most intro classes in high school at the local CC, or go to the CC for two years after graduation, then transfer to the university of your choice. That way, it's possible to avoid the BS intro classes here.

BTW, it's much easier to get in I've heard.

4. Take Calc. 1 if necessary at the local CC. Don't question this.

5. Ignore the fools. As mentioned earlier by someone else, the fashionistas, the kids with the fancy cars, the cocky attitude, the know-it-alls, out-of-state students, (not to be racist, but also including *some rich Asians; one even wrote in my intro comp class she spent $4000 in one night at a Korean club…I made $2400 last summer!!)the "gothy," "alternative" kids, (you know what I mean) BAMN and The Michigan Review. Most likely, they have high credit card debt or rich parents or heaven-forbid, good jobs (for 18!) and likely self-destructive habits. Find people that are on your level. Don't attempt to rise to THEIRS.

6. A BA is as good as any other degree. No one has to go to business school, med school or get an engineering or science degree to get a job. Get the degree YOU WANT. Make achievable goals.

The Positive part:

7. Take a break, say screw homework, and see a movie with friends or go out to dinner. Get out of Ann Arbor, go to the real world, and enjoy life! Of course, don't break the bank, but spend enough to have a good time! Ann Arbor can be a depressing town sometimes, so try to get out, or even go home once in a while. Especially since I hate parties and have an inherited trait for alcohol aversion, fun is hard to come by.

8. Engineers are so egotistical about their grades, it's just funny to laugh at them. Don't take it personally, especially if you're an LSA student.

Conclusion:

Unfortunately, I know all too many people, for at least 10 years back who have failed or graduated in humble concentrations once consider useless by them from this university. Many of these kids went to excellent suburban or private schools graduating at or near the top of their class. And I mean no disrespect to anyone from any other schools. And while I may not speak for everyone, I speak for those who want to listen. I can write a book on this subject, but I'm not going to do so here.

And lastly, visit several colleges before committing. Cuz I probably wouldn't have gone here had I done so. I let the delusion of the U of M name propell myself into going here.