Alexandre is correct that the gap between Michigan and Michigan State in median ACT-SAT scores is large and growing. But let’s not lose sight of the fact that MSU continues to reel in very substantial numbers of the state’s top students. According to MSU’s latest CDS, 15.9% of enrolled freshmen scored 30-36 on the ACT, scores that, other things equal, would make them highly competitive for admission to Michigan. Assuming that 15.9% ratio holds for in-state as well as OOS and applies across all 4 years, that means there are approximately 4500 instate undergrads at MSU with ACT scores of 30 or higher. At Michigan 67% of enrolled freshmen scored 30 or higher on the ACT. Making the same assumptions, that means there are a little over 11,000 instate undergrads at Michigan with ACT scores of 30 or higher. A decisive advantage for Michigan, to be sure, but it’s not as if Michigan captures all the top instate students and the rest go to MSU. Some choose MSU because of family ties, financial reasons (MSU is sometimes quite generous with merit aid, Michigan less so), interest in particular programs (I wouldn’t underestimate the pull of MSU’s business school which is quite good and enrolls much larger number of students than the small and extremely selective Ross, so if you want to attend B-school and you’re not a Ross pre-admit, you might well elect to enroll at MSU rather than risk being unable to transfer into Ross from LSA), or personal preference.