<p>While the OP’s reasons for wanting to attend Wisconsin over Michigan are indeed not very rational, I see no evidence of a ■■■■■. It is true that as far as undergrads go, the difference between #15 and #20, or #7 and #16 in a specific field is hardly relevant. This is even more so the case for premeds as opposed to students intend on pursuing a PhD in Chemistry. </p>
<p>Also, anybody who lists campus environment or college town as a reason for choosing one of those two universities over the other has clearly not seen both campuses or towns in their entirety. It is obvious that Michigan and Wisconsin (and Ann Arbor and Madison) are not identical. However, they have much in common. So much so, in fact, that it is not possible to choose one over the other purely on such metrics. </p>
<p>When it comes down to the Michigan vs Wisconsin argument, there are a couple of characteristics that give Wisconsin the edge over Michigan, and a couple that give Michigan the edge over Wisconsin. </p>
<p>First, cost of attendance. This is no small matter for most, particularly those with the intention of pursuing very costly and lengthy medical studies. In this regard, for OOS students to both universities, Michigan will generally cost roughly $50-$60k more than Wisconsin over four years of college. That is a significant sum and should be factored into the decision-making process. Second, also especially relevant to premeds, is the competitive nature of academics at those universities. Michigan will generally have slightly stricter grading, and maintaining a high GPA at Wisconsin will be a little easier. </p>
<p>Those two reasons combined are valid for choosing Wisconsin over Michigan.</p>
<p>Michigan has its own advantages of course. We have already discussed one. Michigan Medical school clearly seems to favor Michigan premeds. Over 210 of the current 670 Medical students at Michigan completed their undergraduate studies at the University. Michigan also has one of the largest and best medical systems in the World. That includes hospitals, biotech and biomed labs that were once the headquarters of Pfizer’s global research, a top ranked Biomedical Engineering department etc…). Undergrads have access to research and internships within that system, and that should not be taken lightly. Finally, should one decide to change career paths from medicine to something else (as many premeds do), Michigan’s resources, more geographically dispersed alumni base and stronger overall reputation make it a more versatile option, particularly for those wishing to live in the Northeast, where Michigan has a very strong presence.</p>