<p>Among the offers I have received, I have narrowed it down to two universities - UCLA and UMich. However, I am having quite a bit of trouble in choosing among these two universities. From what I've already read on Collegeconfidential, the consensus seems to be that both universities are nearly identical in academics, and that other factors should be taken into consideration. I'm more inclined towards UMich because of its better campus life (and the fact that its undergraduate program is pretty strong), but I'm quite concerned about its steadily declining rank in mathematics in the USNWR. Can somebody help me make a better decision?</p>
<p>I responded to you post on the general forum. Michigan’s Mathematics ranking has not declined. It has been ranked between #8 and #10 for as long as I can remember. It is currently tied with UCLA. If you prefer Michigan, and assuming cost is not a concern, Go Blue!</p>
<p>According to USNWR World rankings in mathematics, UCLA is #10, while Michigan is #25. I think the edge in mathematics goes to UCLA. However, the discrepancy between these two is not big enough to justify attending UCLA if you prefer Michigan. I would choose based on which environment appeals to you more. </p>
<p>[World’s</a> Best Universities in Mathematics; Top Mathematics Universities | US News](<a href=“http://www.usnews.com/education/worlds-best-universities-rankings/best-universities-mathematics]World’s”>http://www.usnews.com/education/worlds-best-universities-rankings/best-universities-mathematics)</p>
<p>reddog, the USNWR does not conduct World Rankings. The one you have referenced is according to the QS Rankings, which the USNWR posts on its website. The QS Ranking is a British publication, so is obviously not accurate when it comes to American universities. I think we can all agree that World rankings are not accurate, though one could easily argue that you could interchange any of the Mathematics departments ranked between #10 and #30 in the entire world and not have a drop in quality or reputation. There are literally hundreds of quality Mathematics programs in world.</p>
<p>Don’t get me wrong, I love the QS rankings. According to its overall ranking, Michigan is #17 in the World and #12 among US universities. I have no problem with this, although I think you may! 
But seriously, according to the QS Ranking, MIT’s Medical School (I did not even know they had one!) is ranked #7 in the world and Oxford and Harvard’s Electrical Engineering departments are both ranked among the top 7 in the World, above the likes of Caltech, CMU, Michigan, UIUC etc…</p>
<p>The actual USNWR ranking conducted by US academics of US-based Mathematics programs has Michigan and UCLA tied at #8. I think this one is more accurate.</p>