<p>I have always thought of Duke and Stanford as the only two schools in the world that are legitimately more well-rounded than Michigan. I have a great amount of respect for Michigan and can even see possible rationales for choosing UMich over HYPS, but I just don’t see any legitimate reason why a well-informed person would choose UMich over Duke or Stanford besides the cost difference if in-state. Unlike most of the Ivies, Michigan offers a fun social scene, big-time athletics and incredible school spirit. Guess what? Duke and Stanford have all that PLUS the added educational benefits.</p>
<p>Michigan supporters who don’t know much about Duke or Stanford can make silly arguments like Durham is dangerous and Palo Alto is boring and neither are “true” college towns, but these people most likely haven’t spent much time at either of these places. Both Palo Alto and Durham have great restaurants, clubs and musical venues.</p>
<p>As the private schools continue improving their financial aid programs, hopefully more Michigan in-staters will start broadening their horizons and attend some out-of-state private schools that will offer more undergraduate academic resources than the public schools in the state.</p>