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What is the academic environment at the University of Michigan and is it possible to balance a rigorous course load with Marching Band?

To current students, alumni, and professionals at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, what is the teaching style at U of M and how rigorous is the biology major course load? Would it be possible to succeed in those courses while simultaneously participating in the U of M Marching Band, should I wish to continue color guard?

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Lisa’s Answer

Hi Kateryna -- I am neither a UM alum, nor a bio major, nor did I march at a Div 1 school, but I'm the parent of a son who marched at Pitt for 4 years while studying engineering. And I don't know a lot about the flag section.


So here's what I know. UM is rigorous. It has an excellent academic reputation and please expect that you will have as difficult a course load as you wish. Marching in a Div 1 band is almost like a full-time job. I see that you are interested in flags, I don't know how much that will be different from what the instrumentalists schedule is -- the instrumentalists have daily rehearsals. The UM Flag site says there are 32 members with 24 block spots. So it's really important to them to have all 24 spots filled on the field -- so even if you make the squad, you'll be competing to be one of the 24 on game day.


On home game days, your entire day will be taken up with pre-game, game and post-game activities with the band. So your fall semesters will be very busy. But it's possible. After all, if it weren't, there wouldn't be anyone marching flags, would there?


So go ahead and tryout for flags, and take that first step. The director and section leader is there to help, and it's a great way to make new friends. Best of luck! Lisa
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Ellen’s Answer

Hi Kateryna, while I am a U of M alum, I did not major in biology nor was I member of the marching band in any capacity, but I can say that the course load at UM is very rigorous. You will need to spend a lot of time studying, doing homework, attending labs, etc. However, the point of college is to also socialize and make friends doing the things you love, which it sounds like for you would be joining the color guard. One piece of advice I received is that you can always take an easier load in the fall (12-15 credits) when you are busier and a heavier load in the winter semester (15-18 credits) if you find yourself busy with extracurriculars in one specific semester. While it's important not to overload yourself, you will also want to make sure you're enjoying college life.

It might be worth reaching out to a contact in the marching band to see if you could discuss the practice schedule and all of the demands you would have. I will say that I know a few people who were in the marching band at U of M and absolutely loved it, so worth checking out!
Thank you comment icon Hi Ellen! Since posting the question, I have enrolled in the University of British Columbia in Vancouver; however, I appreciate the detail of your response and hope that your answer will help future students interested in U of M. Thank you! Kate
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Joanna’s Answer

I am a UofM alumni and was also a student athlete (majored in engineering). The course load is rigorous but you can select which courses to take during which semesters. For example, if you know your strong subjects, take those during the semester where Marching Band will be most demanding. You also have several resources available to you (tutors, study facilities, counselors, etc.) to help guide you through. Keep in mind, if you do go to UofM and participate in Band or any activities, there are several students who are going through it with you, you are not the first. The experience you will gain and education you will leave with is one of the best you can receive. While it will challenge you, you will also have memories that will last a lifetime and UofM sets you up for success in the real world. My recommendation would be to look into what resources you would have available to you to help you where you know you would struggle.
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