Alternate routes to UofM CoE

Colleges & Universities University of Michigan
1

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I need feedback on some decisions that my son has to make. First some background.</p>

<p>During his Junior year, my son’s adolescent angst hit hard, and his grades went from ~ 3.9 (UW) to a 3.03 (UW), leaving him with a cumulative GPA of ~ 3.6x (UW). He also ended up with a 29 on his ACT. Luckily he had a few nice ECs and great recommendations from his teachers. However, he has been deferred from the UofM COE. Naturally he is gutted.</p>

<p>This year he has reverted back to his normal immature goofy happy-go-luck self, from his immature rebellious sullen persona of last year. His grades have improved accordingly, and he is currently maintaing a 4.0 UW/4.83 W for his 7th semester. This brings his cume up to a 3.71 UW.</p>

<p>Also, he is a little young, and will be 17 practically through the end of his first semester in college. He is an in-state candidate.</p>

<p>Our choices are as follows:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Wait for the deferral decision. If he gets in, problem solved! Howver, in view of the large numbers of quality applicants, we probably need some fallback positions.</p></li>
<li><p>UofM Flint 2+2 program. This is the one where there is a guaranteed transfer to Ann Arbor CoE if the student has maintained a 3.5 average for 2 years. Son seems to think that with AP + 1st year + Summer, he can finish off the required 60 credits in his first year, and end up on the AA campus where he wants to be during fall of 2014.
Spouse teaches at a nearby community college where a lot of UofM Flint students take her class. She feels that the constant association with mediocre students will be de-motivating and turn him mediocre. If he can’t maintain the 3.5 (GPA needed for guaranteed transfer), then he ends up with a devalued degree.</p></li>
</ol>

<h1>Advantages:</h1>

<p>a. Significantly cheaper.
b. Can stay at home.
c. Guaranteed transfer to UofM AA after completing 60 credits (GPA 3.5).
d. I can provide guidance as needed.</p>

<h1>Disadvantages:</h1>

<p>a. No college experience.
b. Less valuable degree
c. Peer group is less likely to be stimulating and motivated.</p>

<ol>
<li>MSU Engineering. He is accepted here as well. He plans to keep applying for a transfer until it happens. However, if he can’t transfer, he will end up with a meaningful degree at the end.
Advantages:

a. College Experience.
b. Degree is more prestigious that UofM Flint.
c. Can probably find students like him to hang out with.
Disadvantages:

a. Cost.
b. Possibly getting lost in a large University.
c. No guaranteed path to Ann Arbor.</li>
</ol>

<p>I should mention that, either way, this won’t be his terminal degree.</p>

<p>Any guidance would be appreciated.</p>

2

<p>Suggest you play both hands out. Wait for decision on son’s deferral. If yes, then run with it if you can afford to.</p>

<p>If no answer on UM deferral, or if “yes, but cannot really afford it after analyzing 4 years UM-Flint versus 4 years UM-A2”, then go the 2+2 route you suggest. Son gets same degree either way and in theory saves himself / you debt too.</p>

<p>Make sure he keeps his head on straight if UM-Flint route for first 2 years though so he exceeds 3.5! Good luck!</p>

3

<p>My son (just turned 18) has been at a community college since he was 14. He’s applying as a transfer to the CoE. He has not been demotivated at community college since he has been taking Calculus 1, 2, 3 and Physics and higher math and science classes. Believe me, those are some smart and hardworking students!</p>

<p>Best wishes to your son!</p>