For a first offense MIP, plead not guilty at your first court appearance and a new hearing will be scheduled. Consult with and/or hire an attorney prior to your subsequent hearing.
You will want to ask the court for the diversion program, which allows for you to keep the misdemeanor offense off your record if you satisfactorially complete all terms of the program (and do not reoffend) within the six month (some judges order a year) probation period. The diversion program can include community service hours, drug and alcohol classes, costs.
The bottom line is that you do NOT want an MIP misdemeanor conviction entered, as having a misdemeanor on your criminal record will mess with financial aid, with employment, with travel to Canada, with loan rates, with insurance rates. It will be vitally important for you to meet all terms of the diversion program, if offered, as a violation of any terms of the program can get your misdemeanor entered automatically.
Your best bet to avoid a conviction is to get the advice and direction of an attorney in your area who can review your situation personally. The attorney will know how to best approach the prosecutor and the judge and, depending on the facts of your case, could even potentially get the charge against you dismissed entirely.
Many attorneys in and around college towns in Michigan offer "student discounts" and payment plans.
Good luck.
