Best State University?

College Search & Selection
101

<p>You've never heard the word "hence" outside of a Ren Faire?</p>

<p>
[quote]
have you seen any respectable information to back up your baseless assertation.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Baseless?</p>

<p>Do I have this right, you're saying it's baseless when I claim that not everyone who falls in the "did not graduate" percentage at a particular institution was a dropout? It's baseless when I say that grades don't fully explain retention and persistence? Baseless to say that rigor and graduation rates aren't inversely correlated? You don't think any research exists that supports this?</p>

<p>Before I go pawing through my files I want to make sure I'm reading you correctly.</p>

102

<p>I think Berkeley is the best Public University for some, UCLA, UV,....etc. for others. I graduated from Cornell in 1979...it is a superior University with some great public colleges....and it is unique...a land grant school and Ivy League school combined...It even has a hotel school. </p>

<p>California has to win the prize at having so many Public Unversities doing so well. In one recent, over quoted, ranking they dominate...because there simply are no other states with so many quality universities....and before you throw population statistics...If there are 8 UCs in the top fifty (SF doesn't count because it doesn't have undergraduate colleges like the others.) then states like NY and Texas, Florida should have multiple states in the top 50 as well. Merced will join the top 50 list in a few years. (Over 200,000 students attending top UCs) a round of applause please.</p>

<p>Be proud of your schools, each has something special to offer...even if location and in-state tuition are your main reason...its still good. Go Aggies whether they are the Big Red Aggies at Cornel or the Davis Aggies that just got D1 sports or any of the Aggies in between. Go AGGIES!</p>

103

<p>For graduate school, I think the best public school is probably Berkeley, although you could make a case for Michigan (because of the professional schools). </p>

<p>For undergrad, I would say it's either Berkeley or Virginia.</p>

104

<p>Actually Sakky, I would say that for Grad, Cal is #1 followed by Michigan and then Wisconsin or UCLA. For undergrad, Ca, Michigan and UVA are probably all equal, followed by W&M, UNC, UCLA and Wisconsin.</p>

105

<p>[1] I obviously don't have the resources of the NRC or the "gumption" of US News, but I considered these state schools to be superior for undergrads and I know alumni from many of them. In no particular order...</p>

<p>U of California-Berkeley
U of California-San Diego
U of California-Santa Barbara
U of Virginia
U of Michigan
U of Iowa
Indiana U (Bloomington)
U of Minnesota-Twin Cities
U of Wisconsin-Madison
Ohio University-Athens
U of Texas-Austin
Pennsylvania State U</p>

<p>Obviously, most out-of-state applicants to these colleges likely will not be admitted; that's the string attached to the $$ provided by the various state legislators.</p>

<p>[2] That being said, here are other fine publics whose admissions selection is not as difficult for non-residents.</p>

<p>Kansas University (highly rated and a $$ value)
U of Texas at Arlington (lots of new $$ for new facilities)
U of Alabama at Birmingham (excellent natural science departments)
Miami University of Ohio (very competitive education + big time sports)
Virginia Tech (liberal arts program is supersingly good; great college town)
West Virginia University (known for producing Rhodes Scholars)
George Mason University (Virginia school with lots of DC connections)
U of Nebraska at Lincoln (excellent education and national alumni base)
Colorado State University (impressive sciences education)
Saint Mary's College of Maryland (a public honors college)</p>

<p>Of course, these public colleges are not for everyone. Clearly, you'll have to work harder to get noticed by employers in your hometown. But it's always true that you have to prepare yourself well and be motivated to get ahead, no matter your alma mater. I'm in metro New York and in my career I've met accomplished alumni from almost all of these so-called "regional" schools here.</p>

106

<p>Chapel hill??????</p>

107

<p>
[quote]
That just sounds like an excuse for having lower stats.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>It might be, except that UVA's average SAT is higher than Cal's. :p </p>

<p>Disclaimer: Just poking fun at someone who was poking fun at somebody else. ;)</p>

108

<p>I am not sure about that. UVA, Cal, W&M and Michigan all have similar mid 50% SAT ranges.</p>

<p>Cal: 1220-1450, mean 1340
Michigan: 1240-1400, mean 1330
UVA: 1230-1430, mean 1340
William & Mary: 1250-1440, mean 1350</p>

109

<p>I'm sure that a UNC-CH education is a fine experience, but I believe that campus it's somewhat overrated. UNC academic offerings are not equal to California sytem, Michigan or even Indiana-Bloomington. I honestly believe it's the quality of student life (outside of the classroom; clearly CH is a beautiful area) for which UNC gets its rep, which goes to supplement the education there.</p>

110

<p>Help, I'm a Asian student who has done much web-based research, over the last 3 months, but no nearer making any decisions on US universities. My SAT score is 1480 and I aim to major in engineering. and yes, I am looking for a prestige name and a solid degree, as this is Hicksville where (eg) Rice U is not known.</p>

<p>Here's a specific question: If if it is to be a choice between Michigan, Illinois and UT-Austin, should i really agonise too much? All 3 are state universities afterall, but the all in costs are 43k, 31k and 24k. so should I burden my parents. Thanks.</p>

111

<p>If overall prestige matters to you, Michigan is a notch above Illinois and Texas. </p>

<p>But if what you want in Engineering prestige, all three are excellent and I would go for Texas.</p>

<p>And one more thing, Rice may not be prestigious in youe town, but in academic and professional circles, it is highly respected, so definitely apply there.</p>

112

<p>Check this out.
It is Ivy school quality @ state school price.
UT-Austin
Plan II
Statistics on freshmen entering Plan II Honors in 2004:
Of the 180 entering first year students:</p>

<p>SAT I test scores:
Average SAT total: 1444
Average SAT Math: 720
Average SAT Verbal: 724
middle 50% range of SAT total score: 1400...1510
middle 50% range of SAT VERBAL score: 680...770
middle 50% range of SAT MATH score: 680...780</p>

<p>Average ACT composite score: 32.68
middle 50% range of ACT composite score: 30...33</p>

<p>National Merit/Achievement Recognition:
Of the 180 entering freshfolk:</p>

<p>.01 % = 1 National Achievement Scholar
3 % = 5 National Hispanic Scholars
40 % = 71 National Merit Finalists
33% = 59 National Merit Commended
78% with National Merit Recognition</p>

<p>Class Rank:
32 = 18% of entering Plan II freshman are are the Valedictorian (ranked #1) of their graduating class</p>

<p>40 % = 59 of entering Plan II freshman from ranking high schools are ranked #1-#5
which is equal to 33% of all entering Plan II freshman </p>

<p>86% of entering Plan II freshman from ranking US high schools are in the top 5% of their graduating class (129 of 150)
74% of all Plan II entering freshman (from both ranking and non-ranking high schools) are in the top 5% of their graduating class</p>

<p>98% = 147 of the 150 of entering Plan II freshmen from ranking US high schools are in the top 10% of their graduating class</p>

<p>87% = 156 of entering Plan II freshman from both ranking and non-ranking high schools are in the top 10% of their graduating class</p>

<p>Others years' profiles and grduating class profiles may be viewed at Student Profiles.</p>

<p>Plan II Honors Program Graduating Class of 2005</p>

<p>Average Plan II Scores GRE 1400 MCAT 33 LSAT 165.6
Average National Scores GRE 1068 MCAT 24.6 LSAT 152</p>

<p>MAJORS
16 Plan II majors earned a second major in the College of Liberal Arts
35 Plan II majors earned a second degree in a college other than Liberal Arts</p>

<p>LAW SCHOOL
(8 Plan II 2005 graduates went to law school)
Columbia University
Harvard University
Lewis and Clark School of Law
New York University
University of Houston
University of Pennsylvania
University of Texas at Austin</p>

<p>MEDICAL SCHOOL
(20 Plan II 2005 graduates went to medical school)
Baylor College of Medicine
Columbia University
Louisiana State University
Texas College
Universidad Central del Caribe
University of Houston
University of Texas – Galveston
University of Texas – Houston
University of Texas – Southwestern
University of Texas Medical Branch</p>

<p>DISTINCTIONS
Goldman Sachs Global Leader 1
Humanity in Action Fellowship 1
Phi Beta Kappa 46
Conoco Phillips Spirit Scholar 1
Gildsmith Fellowship 1
Golden Key 7
Mortar Board 9
National Dean’s List 2
Phi Alpha Theta (History Society) 2
National Society of Collegiate Scholars 8
Cactus Goodfellows 2
Cactus Outstanding Students 1
Phi Kappa Phi (National Honor Society) 1
Psi Chi (National Psychology Honor Society) 2
Sigma Delta Pi (National Spanish Honor Society) 1
Sigma Pi Sigma (Minority Engineering Society) 1
Tri Beta (Beta Beta Beta: Biological Honor Society) 1
Dean’s Distinguished Graduates 9
Gamma Beta Phi (National Service Honor Society) 1</p>

<p>GRADUATE SCHOOL
Clinton School of Public Service
Physics, University of Maryland
Pharmacy, University of Texas
Comparative Literature, UCLA
Economics, Northwestern University
Journalism, Columbia University
Nutrition, Tufts University
Romance Linguistics, University of Texas
Social Sciences, University of Chicago
Teaching, Johns Hopkins University
University of Denver Publishing Institute
Cognitive Psychology, University of Texas
Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health
Thermal Fluids (Mech. Engineering), University of Texas
Physical Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine</p>

<p>SELECTED CAREERS
Business Analyst, McKinsey & Co.
Law Clerk, Lock, Liddell, and Sapp
Writer, Situs Company
English Teacher, China
English Teacher, France
Financial Analyst, Microsoft
GIS Mapping Consultant
Software Engineer, Google
Teach for America (6)
Peace Corps
College Ministry Intern, First Evangelical Free Church
Commercial Banking Analyst, JP Morgan Chase
English Teacher, AEON Corporation, Japan
Engineer, Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory
Math Teacher, Chinquapin School, Houston
Multimedia Course Writer, Enspire Learning
Paralegal, Hughes, Watters, and Askanace
Project Director, Texas Fair Trade Coalition
Investment Banking Analyst, JP Morgan & Lohman Brothers
Director of Brooklyn Resource Ctr, New York Urban Debate League
Hillel Steinhardt Jewish Campus Service Corps Fellow, Hillel of Silicon Valley
Research Coordinator, San Antonio Endovascular and Heart</p>

113

<p><a href="http://www.utexas.edu/cola/plan2/students/profiles%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.utexas.edu/cola/plan2/students/profiles&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

114

<p>Rice has an excellent engineering program and is regarded by many as the best university (for undergrad) in Texas. And Rice is a bargain with tuition at $23K for a premium private school.</p>

<p>Personally I would pick UT-Austin over Rice ... but what's important to me may not be important to you. I'd suggest you take a second look at Rice.</p>

115

<p>
[quote]
California has to win the prize at having so many Public Unversities doing so well. In one recent, over quoted, ranking they dominate...because there simply are no other states with so many quality universities....and before you throw population statistics...If there are 8 UCs in the top fifty (SF doesn't count because it doesn't have undergraduate colleges like the others.) then states like NY and Texas, Florida should have multiple states in the top 50 as well. Merced will join the top 50 list in a few years. (Over 200,000 students attending top UCs) a round of applause please.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>First off, I don't think tht Merced will join the top 50 anytime soon. After all, Riverside is nowhere close to being in the top 50. Let's face it - schools need time to develop. Merced is going to need a few decades just to catch up to where Riverside is now. </p>

<p>Furthermore, I would point out that a big reason why the UC's are so strong compared to the public schools in the East is because there was a void to be filled. If UC seized its opportunities, it is because there were opportunities that were available to be seized. Let's face it - the West Coast has a paucity of strong private schools compared to the East. Stanford, Caltech, the Claremont Colleges, USC, and a few others, and that's about it. Contrast that with all of the Ivies, the slew of elite LAC's, MIT, and so on in the East. The truth is, the East Coast public schools were basically strangled in the cradle because all of the best students and best profs would rather go to the elite East Coast private schools, which collectively suck out all the oxygen in the room. </p>

<p>Take the state of Massachusets for example. It's pretty darn hard for UMass to ever become strong as long as Harvard and MIT are sitting right there. Contrast that with Berkeley that had decades to develop with no serious local competition which stopped only with the rise of Stanford (Stanford was born a weak backwater of little consequence and serious financial problems and who ascended to elite status only around the mid 20th century). </p>

<p>Now don't get me wrong. I give credit where credit is due - the opportunities were there, and UC seized them. There are plenty of other parts of the country, which shall remain nameless, where there are neither strong private schools nor strong public schools. Hence, the opportunities are there too, but nobody seized them. So give credit to UC for seizing the opportunities, but also recognize that there were opportunities available to be seized.</p>

116

<p>Sakky, okay, just as long as you don't take our prize away you can justify why California has so many great UCs. Merced might climb fast, it depends on the political support that it gets...it might do better under a different Governor but thats a different post.</p>

<p>I agree that the UCs were given greater support because more of the leadership (alphas) recognized the need for these schools in our state, and that in the East, in particular where leadership sends its children to private's the support isn't there for publics. I do think that a State like New York, should be able to put some more behind its four Universities, and that states with more than half the population of California could have four or more great Universities also.</p>

<p>Maybe we need a few National Public Universities so the federal government could provide educations to people not wanting to sign up for military service but for social service, or economics or International Relations.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, be true to your schools...Rah, Rah, UCs</p>

117

<p>Thanks GoBlue81 & Alexandre, I understand Austin is a very livable city and that might tip the balance in addition to costs, but will look at Rice again, since it does'nt sock it to out-of-staters, like Michigan. </p>

<p>Thee more questions:
a) Is Wisconsin-Madison also up there in terms of prestige and "actual quality" when it comes to undergraduate degrees in general and eng. programs in particular?
b) Does anyone know what universities are looking for in int'l students? They all say the same thing, well-rounded blah, but we out here in the far east, feel that SAT I and II scores seem to matter most, plus our "O" level results (this is the British patterned education, where one takes a common GCE O level exams after 10 years of study) - especially since our final A level results are out only in March next year.
b) Thanks to the person who alerted me to Plan II at UT? A double degree program (not a double major) makes a whole lot of sense esp since we get about a year of credit from our A levels, also from the cost angle. UPenn has this (M&T program), not sure if one has a life on campus doing such. My question: any one knows about other universities which have similiar programs? Cliched as it may sound, I'd like to graduate with a bit more.</p>

118

<p>In my opinion, experience has shown that Wisconsin is as respected and prestigious as Texas and Illinois. In some ways more, in other ways less, but overall, all three universities are excellent.</p>

119

<p>If u dont care about prestige the Ohio U-Athens is great
Michigan
UVA
UC-Berk
Miami(OH)
UNC-CH</p>

120

<p>Wheres the love for University of Illinois?</p>