Duh! I feel like a dolt because I was in Ann Arbor last summer and it seemed to go on forever! Maybe I have a secret Spartan fetish? Since I've never been to East Lansing, call this a senior moment.
I don't really love the new additions to the Big Whatever. They don't feel like a fit, and it's weird. I grew up hating the Terps (still do), and they don't seem to have synergy. My mom is a former Golden Gopher, and D19 was heavily contemplating Purdue until she chose not to play D1 volleyball (too much of a job). My family has long ties to IU as well--back to the 1800s. I dunno. Rutgers seems grossly out of place as well. I always considered them an Ivy wannabe...
I don't know if your D16 has entered the admissions process seriously yet? But one of the things to consider is the state funding process. It was actually the #1 reason why D19 chose to go to a private university - they aren't affected by state taxes, and the scholarships are very good. In fact, D19 couldn't have gone to CU-Boulder for what she is paying now. Her school is now $52K/year, and her annual out-of-pocket tuition, room & board and fees next year is $6500. Yes, that is NOT a typo. She has to maintain a 3.5 GPA (in chemical engineering - yikes!), but her dad and I couldn't be happier that we are not forking over $24K instead. Then again, VA has some terrific state schools. Of course, I'm a little biased. But the taxpayers seem to be okay with funding them well.
Anyway, good luck!
Betsey
"There are only 2 ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."
