I just can't get the balance right. Anyone got some tips for using it?

Just stand there increasing your armor rating like that stupid ass pokemon.

Detec life/death can be useful if your a stealh type character and combine it with silent casting so you can spot enemies through walls when exploring crypts or caves. The mage armor spells are ok but I wouldn't suggest using them without light or heavy armor or a follower on expert difficulty or higher. I usually cast it as I go into a fight and then switch out to a weapon. Spells such as transmute, telekinesis and waterbreathing are generally not that great but there are situations where knowing these could be useful depending on your playstyle.

If you're not wearing armor get Stability, Double Casting, and 3 Ranks in Mage armor. Double casting+Stability will make Ebony flesh or something last the whole fight.

If not then just pick up some magic resistance, stability, and expert level. Alteration is best for utility spells, but stability will get you more use out of Paralyze.

Just paralysis is a combat spell. I wish there was Waterwalking.

Are you on PC?

Altmer mage here.

I use this school a lot. But the mage armor perks are messed up because most, if not all, the dragon priest masks are armor.
I wear all the regen magika stuff I can find instead of going for big reductions in casting.
Morokai is great, but light armor.
Can't understand why Beth did this.

I am not on PC, I would love to get so many mods I have seen. I would love to be able to have that huge spell package one.
Right now for Alteration I'm using Paralyse when I get outnumbered or when a Deathlord raises the three other guys which just killed. Other than that I just like using the spells because they are great utility ones, Waterbreathing is very handy.