Trying to decide between Michigan, Stanford and Duke(PLEASE HELP!)

College Search & Selection
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<p>I have three comments:</p>

<p>1) I am not osucowboys! hehe!
2) I love osucowboys
3) Why can’t more CCers be like osucowboys?! </p>

<p>But seriously osucowboys, nothing would make me happier than to claim that Michigan is on par with Stanford. In many ways it is mind you. I certainly think that the undergraduate experience at Michigan is unbeatable. There are few universiites that can combine the intellectual environment, school spirit, alumni involvement and academic versitality that can be found at Michigan. Duke and Stanford are two such universities. But as a university, Stanford has an edge over Michigan and Duke. It is simply one of the top 5 universities in the US. </p>

<p>And Michigan is arguably the second most prestigious public university in the US. The most prestigious is Cal. Michigan, along with UCLA and UVa, is right behind Cal.</p>

<p>This said, I agree that chosing Michigan or Duke over Stanford is not irratrional. The former two are as good as they come, but Stanford would be a slightly better choice in my opinion.</p>

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<p>Monstor- We are comparing Stanford to Duke and Michigan – not Harvard. You’d find that students at both are extremely happy and bleed blue (and/or gold). </p>

<p>lockn- Eh, to each his own. I like having four seasons. I can’t comment on Durham weather, but I was born and raised elsewhere in NC, and the weather is quite nice. It can get fairly cold after late October/early November (I wear shorts till then), but it very rarely drops below freezing and snows even less infrequently (a pity, because pictures make Duke look positively magical in the snow). A few days last winter break were warm enough (~70F) to warrant shorts. The average temperature range at noon in the winter is in the upper 50s and 60s. Remember that Duke students camp out in January and February – it can’t be that cold. As for the summer, it doesn’t get <em>that</em> hot (only sometimes in the 90s and very rarely over 100). Besides, how many students are at school in the summer anyway?</p>

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<p>Yes, but if OP was dissuaded by the fact that he heard people are unhappy at the top 5 schools (it’s a possibility) then I wanted to point out that Stanford is NOT one of these schools.</p>

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<p>This strikes me as a wonderful chance to experience life in a different place. I’d lean towards Stanford, honestly. Of course, Duke also offers a similarly different climate and feel, so I wouldn’t discount that choice either. I think of the three, Stanford is the most prestigious, which is why I think it gets a nod above Duke. </p>

<p>Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to see you at Michigan–so would everyone else here! That’s why you were admitted! But this is an opportunity to branch out and see a little more of the world, a really special one since you’ve been offered such great aid.</p>

<p>The only thing that gives me pause is your need for support as you adjust. It’s a long way from home, and a lot of stuff may feel unfamiliar making your distance from family feel that much more difficult. But you know yourself best in that regard.</p>

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<p>You say that you live in Detroit, Michigan. Well, congratulations on your acceptances. You’re about to experience a major upgrade in your surroundings. You’re going to loooooove either California or North Carolina. </p>

<p>As for Stanford vs Duke, it really is the most wonderful choice. These two (along with Northwestern, Rice, Vanderbilt and Notre Dame) are IMO the best colleges in the USA for students who are looking for the most balanced undergraduate experience of great academics, great social life and great athletic life.</p>

<p>Personally, I think that Stanford is the slightly better choice with great grad school and job placement strength/breadth and its proximity and prominence in major job markets like Silicon Valley, SF/Bay Area and most of the West. But in so many ways, these schools are mirrors of one another with nation-leading strength in the four most important categories for undergraduates:</p>

<ol>
<li> Student strength-truly excellent at both schools all across the student body</li>
<li> Class sizes-70% or more of classes with fewer than 20 students and low student/faculty ratio</li>
<li> Both have faculties that have been recognized by independent observers and by their students as proficient at and dedicated to undergraduate teaching</li>
<li> Both have extremely deep financial resources, have demonstrated a willingness to spend on undergraduate students and you know their great financial aid.</li>
</ol>

<p>Stanford and Duke also graduate their students at extremely high rates for 4-years and 6-years. </p>

<p>Differences include campus appearances/weather and which personally appeals to you (Gothic vs Spanish, 4 seasons vs continuous, ridiculously good weather). Plus, Stanford has a much higher percentage of IS students (46% vs 15% at Duke) and a materially high proportion of Asian/Hispanic students (24%/12% vs 19%/6% at Duke). </p>

<p>Another important difference is Greek life, which is strong at Duke, and how this factors into the school’s social life. Some like it and think it adds to the social scene; some don’t like it and think it creates problems for some in the social scene. I think that most would agree that Stanford’s social scene, when measured against the most highly ranked colleges, is among the best in the USA.</p>

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<p>If I were you, I wouldn’t choose Stanford. You wouldn’t be making the decision out of going some place you love - you’d be making it out of fear. Additionally, Stanford and Michigan (and to a lesser extent Duke) are VERY different environments. Stanford lacks a college town like Ann Arbor (which I’m guessing you love since you fell in love with Michigan) and it’s sports scene, though very accomplished, doesn’t hold a candle to the sheer energy that Michigan sports have year-round (Duke can only compare during basketball season). Additionally, many people like going to a bigger school with a wider swath of students of different academic backgrounds. So regardless of your choice, don’t let anybody scare you into choosing any of these schools. </p>

<p>Michigan has more resources and renowned faculty than any student could ever need; academically you will get the same things out of Michigan as you could out of Stanford if you’re the type of student who could get into Stanford in the first place. But you will never be able to get the Michigan experience out of Stanford. </p>

<p>I know how hard a choice it is, and any choice of the three would be an excellent one. Just know that there are many at Michigan who had the same choices. I had the opportunity to choose between Stanford, Duke, and Michigan this spring and chose Michigan. While I haven’t arrived yet I haven’t for a second regretted my choice. Though this past weekend I met a guy who transferred from Michigan to Yale for smaller premed classes. While he says he’s having a blast, he claimed that he was equally challenged, equally happy, and would have achieved just as much had he stayed in Ann Arbor, and that he still visits multiple times a year to get the Michigan experience. </p>

<p>So don’t be afraid to choose Michigan, if you think that may be where you would be happiest.</p>

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<p>Never miss a chance to slam the state of Michigan, hawkette! However, whatever the shortcomings of this young person’s hometown (I don’t know which suburb, but several fit the description given), it’s still home to him or her; it is still where his or her family lives. I don’t think your direct dig on his family’s place of residence was very gracious.</p>

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<p>“I come from a poor Detroit suburb where most people DON’T GO TO COLLEGE at all… Stanford and Duke are cheaper for me<a href=“full-need%20scholarship”>B</a>**” (emphasis added)</p>

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<p>I think of “fit” as a luxury for the privileged who don’t have to worry about breaking their parents’ banks or taking care of them when they get older. The time and monetary investment required to visit three distinct parts of the country is also significant and likely not possible.</p>

<p>Someone especially like broski91 needs a Stanford education.</p>

<p>The benefit would be greatest, and the investment most worthwhile.</p>

29

<p>“You say that you live in Detroit, Michigan. Well, congratulations on your acceptances. You’re about to experience a major upgrade in your surroundings.”</p>

<p>Hawkette, California and NC may be > than Michigan (although that is certainly debatable as a person who has actually lived in the Bay area and Michigan), but Ann Arbor is > than Durham and Palo Alto.</p>

30

<p>I agree with hoedown that hawkette’s comments were very unacceptable. Major upgrade? According to whom? The OP may love the fact he was raised in this state and wants to live in a college town (My alma mater is Northwestern, but I don’t like negative comments about Michigan). Hawkette doesn’t even mention the other costs such a major move may incur for the OP’s family if he decides to move to CA or NC. I doubt the schools will pay for the OP’s plane trips and other personal expenses.</p>

<p>I wouldn’t be surprised if the OP chooses to attend Michigan after reading her comments.</p>

31

<p>^And last time I checked, California wasn’t doing too well either.</p>

32

<p>Here’s my recommendation: look back in your folder of applications. Find the essays you sent to all three of these colleges. Remember the essay you wrote saying why you wanted to go there? Re-read it. go to a quiet place, and remember back when you were applying what compelled you to apply in the first place.</p>

<p>After doing that, and re-setting your heart and mind a little, think back to locaiton: where would you like to spend the rest of your life (I know, it’s college, and people move. But typically, people tend to stay closer to their alma mater). If you never want to leave Michigan, your choice is easy. If you want to go to the east coast, get involved in those institutions, then go east. If you really want to be in California, the west coast, closer to China and the Paciific and new trends, Choose Stanford.</p>

<p>Here’s some assurance, though: you seem like the type of person that would be happy wherever you went. Whatever decision you make, it won’t be a “wrong” or “bad” choice. It’ll be <em>your</em> choice, and it should be a choice that showcases really who you are.</p>

33

<p>Choose Stanford, or Michigan. Don’t go to Duke. Durham is ghetto, and nothing is worse than a Dookie. ;)</p>

34

<p>Thank you all so much for your advice and suggestions.</p>

<p>In fact, I already visited Stanford earlier this Spring, I was in Ann Arbor about a month ago and I am currently on the Duke campus.</p>

<p>This is a really hard decision because I like different things about each school. I really love the town of Ann Arbor and part of me wants to go to a larger school where I can be around other people who fit my socioeconomic description. I loved the students I met at Duke and they all seemed really happy and friendly. Of course, the name recognition and beauty of Stanford’s campus is incredible.</p>

<p>I don’t want to choose a college for superficial reasons like prestige or campus beauty. Quality of life and a good undergraduate education is what I seek.</p>

<p>The thing that troubled me about Stanford was how affluent everyone was. All the guys wore expensive polos and all the girls seemed to “dress up” even to go to class. I felt a little out of place walking around and noticed some people staring at me since I looked different. I didn’t get that feeling at Duke or Michigan.</p>

<p>Also, I sat in on a Stanford economics class and wasn’t too impressed by the level of intellectual engagement. Most kids were on Facebook or playing games online and some kids didn’t even show. A lot of Stanford kids I met just came off as being very arrogant and privileged.</p>

<p>I sat in on a Duke summer econ class yesterday and it was much, much better. There were only 15 students in the class and the professor stopped and answered everyone’s questions. It was more like a discussion than a lecture which I really liked.</p>

<p>I’m fairly familiar with Michigan and I know some professors there too. They are in the very top of their field. Furthermore, I feel there is more racial interaction in Michigan there is at Duke and definitely at Stanford. Also, I am black and there are more black people in Duke and Michigan.</p>

<p>How exactly is Stanford good at sports? It doesn’t have renowned programs like Michigan Football or Duke Basketball?</p>

<p>How exactly is Stanford have a good social life? There was nothing going on during the weekend when I visited while there are always parties going in Michigan. The only party that happened at Stanford while I visited was this fraternity where I believe you have to be on a certain “list” to attend. I find this to be very pretentious.</p>

<p>How exactly does Stanford provide more opportunities and prestige than Michigan or Duke? I feel like all three schools are equally respected and can get me a good job on Wall Street, a good law school or admission into the PeaceCorp. Is this correct or are there statistics out there that show otherwise?</p>

<p>I’m not trying to knock on Stanford but it was clearly the least favorite in my opinion of the three schools.</p>

<p>Can someone please correct my misconceptions about Stanford? I have to decide on Stanford by this Friday…and I want to be 100% sure before I turn down perhaps one of the top 5 schools in the world according to global rankings.</p>

<p>Right now, it is looking like Michigan>Duke>Stanford.</p>

<p>Please give me more suggestions and share your thoughts. You have all been incredibly helpful.</p>

35

<p>Post #32 has it right–you can probably make a successful go of it anywhere, and any of these three campuses would be lucky to have you.</p>

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<p>June 19, 2009</p>

<p>Stanford Athletics has claimed its unprecedented 15th straight Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup today, an award that is presented annually by the National Association of Collegiate Athletic Directors of America (NACDA), Learfield Sports and USA Today to the top intercollegiate athletic program in the nation.</p>

<p>Stanford’s Jaquish & Kenninger Director of Athletics Bob Bowlsby was presented with the Directors’ Cup trophy this afternoon at a luncheon in conjunction with the 44th annual NACDA Convention in Orlando, Fla.</p>

<p>Stanford finished with a total of 1,455 points after placing in 23 postseason championships and earning points in a maximum of 10 women’s sports and 10 men’s sports. Stanford boasted an impressive 10 top-five finishes this season, taking home the men’s gymnastics and women’s rowing championships, placing second in women’s volleyball and men’s water polo, and third in men’s cross country, men’s swimming, women’s soccer, women’s basketball, and women’s water polo. In addition, Stanford was fourth in women’s swimming, seventh in men’s track and field, eighth in women’s cross country and women’s gymnastics, ninth in fencing, women’s softball, women’s tennis and men’s tennis, 11th in men’s track and field, 12th in women’s track and field, 20th in men’s golf, 40th in women’s golf, 43rd in women’s track and field and 51st in men’s wrestling.</p>

<p>Stanford has won at least one national championship for 33 consecutive years, an ongoing NCAA record.</p>

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<p>As to the integration: I’ve heard from people attending Stanford that that’s a problem. Like, many of the URMs attending are athletes, and athletes’ housing is in a totally different location from all the other housing, which means different parties and different social scenes. Not sure how true it was (ony there one day), but if you got that vibe, I wouldn’t discount it.</p>

38

<p>After reading your posts, it is obvious you will be an asset to any of the three schools. The good news is, you can’t make a wrong decision. There is no way to make this a wholly objective choice, but you may want to consider other factors such as distance from home (are you comfortable being far enough away that you may only go home, say, twice a year), travel expenses, extracurriculars, the “feel” you had when you visited. Any of the three schools will put you in a prime position for graduate/professional school, or the business world. </p>

<p>I know CC’ers like to obsess about prestige of a school, but having graduated 20 years ago, I can attest - prestige of your school generally only gets you your first job or into grad/prof school. After that, your skills and professional reputation (not to mention connections) are far more important. I have met many successful professionals who went to college at a non-top-25-USNWR school (horrors!)- and thrived. Rarely does anyone ask me where I went…</p>

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<p>I was a first generation college student back in the 70’s, when I transferred to Stanford. My initial reaction when I visited was that its students had a prosperous air about them.</p>

<p>When I attended, I found my fellow students to be very welcoming, regardless of their family circumstances. I became very close to the entire family of one of my roommates -one of his aunts calls me “my other nephew” to this day.</p>

<p>One caution I’d make about attending Stanford is that many of its graduates do settle in the Bay Area, as I did.</p>

<p>You do have three excellent choices here. I agree that the prestige factor is overrated. I don’t believe that my wife’s undergraduate education at Berkeley was in any way inferior to mine. </p>

<p>If there’s a substantial difference between how much debt you would have to incur to attend these schools, it may make a lot of sense to make that the deciding factor.</p>

40

<p>

The only college sports that matter are basketball, football, baseball, hockey and lacrosse. Sorry to rain on your parade</p>

<p>Stanford = great at everything that doesn’t really matter</p>