@equality4all Did you read the links I provided above? RC is a living-learning community. It is housing PLUS a curriculum.
In answer to your questions:
You cannot “select one over the other.” They are not mutually exclusive. You apply to LSA. Period. If you think you might be interested in the RC, you check the box on the Common App that says RC. Applying for the RC has nothing to do with getting admitted to UMich because you have to be ALREADY ADMITTED to UMich to be considered for the RC.
The RC DOES NOT EVEN KNOW THAT YOU APPLIED TO THE RC – until AFTER you are admitted to LSA. After you are admitted to LSA (if you are admitted to LSA), THEN the RC considers you. Think of the RC an a sub-program of LSA.
NO, you do not have to choose RC to live on campus. Only about 250 people in the freshman class will be in the RC. RC is only one of MANY, MANY housing and living-learning options at UMich.
Here’s more info. Read it thoroughly.
https://lsa.umich.edu/rc/prospective-students/apply.html
https://lsa.umich.edu/rc/prospective-students.html