SMU or TCU?

<p>We are from the SF/Bay Area. S accepted to both TCU and SMU. Received $6,000 per year for TCU for merit. Have applied for Hunt (I know it's very unlikely), so I assume no merit from SCU. Has been accepted to Elon in North Carolina, Hofstra on Long Island, Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles. Waiting on other decisions from California and Boston. The Texas schools are very high on the possible list. We are planning to visit mid-February for tours/info sessions of both schools. However, we'd appreciate any input on the differences between the school, which is "best," which is better regarded, what is the strength(s) of each school. My S is not an athlete. He will likely be a business major, is very into economics, languages (Mandarin and Spanish), history, loves to write, loves to read, and international business/relations. He has tremendous leadership credentials. He has been told his writing skills are of college level (and have been for a few years). Thanks, much.</p>

<p>We are originally from the SF Bay area but relocated to DFW many years ago. My son has also been accepted at both TCU and SMU. He received an initial merit scholarship from TCU and has applied for another TCU private scholarship that we hope he will receive. In addition, we just received the letter that he IS a SMU Hunt finalist which certainly changes things. Before he became a Hunt Finalist he was leaning toward TCU. </p>

<p>Although TCU and SMU are both liberal arts schools with excellent business schools, that is where the similarities end. There is obviously divided opinion on which is “better”. My advice is to visit both and see where your son feels he will fit in best. SMU does an amazing job at marketing and selling the university; conversely, I don’t think TCU does as good of a job. TCU is much more understated, but from the rankings I have seen, their business school was ranked a few points higher than SMU. SMU also appears to have more money to give in grants and scholarships. My son participated in TCU’s Investors Challenge and was able to live on campus and attend college level courses while getting to know several business professors. He was very impressed and felt very comfortable at TCU and believes he will be successful and happy there. </p>

<p>Both business schools have excellent job placement rates, but I think SMU has better national name recognition and respect. Honestly, I don’t think you can go wrong with either school. I know graduates and current students at both schools who are very happy and would do it all over again.</p>

<p>One item that might give you pause, is that at SMU anyone with a 3.3 GPA in the pre business core course and over all will be admitted to the business school, but at TCU it is by application and interview. There are no “automatic” admissions. I brought this up to a TCU alumni friend who sits on the committee and he said I should not let that influence my son’s decision, but I have to admit, that I like that at SMU it is totally “objective”.</p>

<p>If you son is interested in international business and speaking or studying Mandarin, I would highly recommend applying to University of South Carolina in Columbia. It’s international business program has been ranked #1 for over 20 years and the campus is beautiful. They also give very generous scholarships to out of state students.</p>

<p>Best of luck and enjoy your visit to DFW.</p>

<p>Thanks doresearch !! WE did visit both schools last week, a long day at each (special Monday at TCU, so 6 hours, and did a class and academic session (for us, Cox), so there 5 hours. I agree with pretty much everything you say, including SMU being objective on Business. I don’t think my son would have any trouble with those #'s. He is also experienced and good at interviews and dealing with adults, as he has done a ton of Scout leadership, etc., but still… My son loves Asia and Mandarin, economics, and global issues. We received some merit from TCU, did not make the Hunt cut, but SMU said to hold on, more merit monies may come out in March (my son visited with admissions while there). I thought TCU’s day was really well done, so perhaps they have improved on the “selling” aspect, but I absolutely see what you are saying about SMU “sales”–it just seems smoother overall. I truly appreciate your first-hand input and your SC recommendation. </p>