Tulane vs. SMU vs. University of Miami

I was recently accepted to U Miami, Tulane, and SMU and am EXTREMELY indecisive. I was admitted to the BBA Scholars program at the Cox school of business at SMU, the Freeman school of business at Tulane, and as an Entrepreneurship major at U Miami. I live all the way in California, so I have not visited Tulane or Miami, but I visited SMU earlier this year and loved it. (I am visiting Tulane and Miami soon, however). Money is, fortunately, not a super huge factor for me.
I know that all 3 of these schools are known as “party schools,” so I am not too concerned about the party or social scene. They also all seem to have pretty active greek life and good academics, which I appreciate. I really desire that “classic” college experience, which I think I could get at any of them.
If any of you have gone to these schools or are very knowledgeable about them, I would really appreciate your input. How will my experiences differ at each one of them? I know this is kind of a hard question, but WHAT SHOULD I CHOOSE?! I am the most indecisive person ever.

Visit first. The answer may become obvious to you.

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Why bother with very long plane flights to Miami when you can go closer. I’m not sure that it offers anyting the other two closer schools don’t. At this point you know you like SMU. After you visit the others you will know if you like them more or less than SMU.

All good choices - SMU which you like, probably has the best business school.

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@citymama9 wait why shouldn’t i visit Miami? I think I am going to because I was invited to the singer scholarship weekend…

Oh, I didn’t say you shouldn’t visit. I was talking about deciding between the 3. I was suggesting that you consider the very long flight to Miami for getting to and from schools on vacations, etc, and ask yourself if that particular school is worth the travel time. Ask yourself if you can get what you want closer. Good luck!

I wouldn’t characterize any of those as “party schools”. All are very strong academically. All are urban campuses I think. I’ve been to both Tulane and SMU, but never Miami.

You need to visit all three to get the feel of the place, then choose the place you think you will thrive.

Tulane admits to the university- not a specific school. If you plan to major in business, yes you will be in A.B. Free. Unless something has changed, it doesn’t require a separate application or admission. So its a bit of a misnomer to say you were admitted to AB Free. You were admitted to Tulane. Thats great. Congrats.

Well saying I’m accepted to AB Free is the same as saying i was accepted to tulane. Sorry for the miscommunication. I wasnt trying to make it seem like something it wasnt.

These schools have similar rankings and academic reputations, but the student bodies and metropolitan areas they are located in vary widely.

SMU is one of the least diverse colleges in the country (70% white), and Dallas has the most dynamic economy of the three. If you want a conventional corporate career and a house in the suburbs, SMU would be the most logical choice.

UMiami has a large percentage of Hispanics (26%), and many of the international students who attend come from South America. The local economy is highly dependent on tourism, retirees and international trade with South America. Having lived in Coral Gables, you will not enjoy the area if you dislike hearing Spanish spoken on a daily basis.

New Orleans is highly dependent on the oil and gas industry and tourism, and it is the weakest of the three cities in terms of economic strength. Oddly enough for being located in a majority black city, Tulane has one of the highest ratios of white students in the country. It is also 59 percent female, which skews to the high end of the range. The other two are much closer to being 50/50 male/female.

Zinhead is correct. Place makes a big difference with these three schools. The Singer weekend at UM is a big deal and worth attending. You can also consider where you might like to live post-college. Dallas/Texas has the best economy and SMU will allow you to build connections there. Do you plan to stay in Texas? Dallas is considered less welcoming than Houston, but still approachable. I attend UM long ago as a native Miamian and loved the campus and diversity. Great education, alumni network and overall life there. I’ve been to New Orleans many times for work and the city doesn’t jell with me. It is too small and I don’t drink. The food is very good. That said, my son has also applied to all three school and I hope he goes to UM.

UM is in Coral Gables, just sw of downtown Miami and close to anything you want. The Metrorail elevated train runs right pass the college and you can get around without a car. The campus is large and beautiful, probably similar to Southern California. (Google Street View is useful to take a peek at these schools.) Coconut Grove, the marina and beaches are close by.

I’m not too concerned with ethnic diversity, so what are the other major atmospheric differences between the 3 schools?

Would be interested in hearing your thoughts after your visit to U Miami. We too live in CA and my daughter has the same major as you and has also been accepted at Miami and Tulane. Haven’t been able to visit yet but trying to make it work in next month or 2, as we weren’t willing to pay full price but she got generous merit that was not expected so the cost is not much more than IU/Kelley (another top choice w/$). She visited Tulane last spring and loved it – has been on top of her list for a long time – wasn’t sure if she’d get in but did, with merit but it’s still priciest by a lot of her top 4 even w good merit so not sure it’s worth it. Tulane’s campus is beautiful and they seem to put $ into Freeman as well but greek life for girls can be tough so need to weigh it all out. Other top choice is UMD. You definitely need to visit as that’s how many schools have been crossed off our list as well.

What is Singer weekend? My son was also accepted to SMU and university of Miami (he did not apply to Tulane). Is Singer weekend something he should attend- he LOVES the SMU campus and so far it appears to be his first choice -

Singer/Stamps weekend refers to an invitation-only reception and interview weekend at UM, where selected top students can be awarded full tuition and full-ride scholarships. Isaac Bashevis Singer Scholarship, Nobel prize awarded author, former lecturer UM. The big deal scholarships also include the Ronald Hammond Scholarship, formerly know as the Golden Drum Scholarship.

Have you made a final decision @tallykaye ?