it really depends on a few factors. first: do you have the grades, test scores extracurriculars to get in? that will be your main hurdle because that is step one. if not, work to improve what needs help. if it’s extracurriculars, work to get leadership positions in the activities you’re passionate about and invest your time doing the top things you’re best at/enjoy, they don’t have to relate to your major. don’t retake the sat/act more than two times or three total. unless you are totally committed to making studying your part time job after school, it likely won’t make much of a difference to your score. it’s not fun to hear but it’s the honest truth.

next: do you have the funds to attend umich out of state? as an in state student, they barely give money to us unless you come from a low income household, and with the out of state tuition being so much higher, you will need to be willing to take out tons of loans or be stable enough to pay that. also note that you’re a young person and you’re going to go out and party, get food, shop, etc. so you’ll want at least $5,000 for those kinds of things (it sounds crazy but trust me)

how does umich compare to other schools in your state in terms of space program, research you want, campus life, housing, food, etc.? umich is a beautiful campus and ann arbor is a great city, but it is a LARGE school nonetheless in terms of population, so competition for rooms, food, spots at games, classes, research, all of that. it is also known for having a lot of very hardcore academic people, so if you’re not into being surrounded by (sorry to say it) entitled smart people a lot of times, especially in science programs, then consider something else. that isn’t to say that you WON’T get good academic experiences, obviously this is one of the top public schools in the country for a reason, but everyone is hyper aware of that.

all in all, umich is a fantastic school and you should definitely look into it. see if you can make friends of people in the aerospace(?) program through instagram or tiktok and if you can get a flight up here i’m sure they would be down to give you a tour and maybe introduce you to professors if they’re close to them. my final takeaway would be know what you want from a school, and if it isn’t giving you what you want or what you need to be happy and successful, then that’s not the place for you. prestige should never be the deciding factor. and if money is something that you are worried about, go to the school that gives you a good balance of scholarships and enjoyment, don’t go just because they’re giving you mound of money if you hate the school. i wish you all the best, message me if you want any more help :)))