Tulane vs. University of Miami

Which one and why?

Way too vague of a question – can you provide a little more information? What major are you considering? Why are you considering the two?

I’m already into Tulane’s honors program with 30k per year. The money is very nice, but it is not imperative that I go to the place that offers me money. I’m still waiting to hear from Miami but I think of the two to be similar and hopefully I will get in. I would like to study business, econ, or poli sci and applied to the school of business administration at Miami. I really like New Orleans which is the upside of Tulane, but strong school spirit and sports has always been attractive to me. Miami excels here and if I went I would always be wearing a “U” shirt. I would like to be involved in Greek life too. I like my school to be prestigious and I know Tulane may have a slight edge here, but I know that both are very strong schools but some people cant’s move past the 80s and 90s reputation for U Miami. I love the weather at both places, especially Miami since I love summer and the beach. All of this being said, I am still very academically focused and applying with a 34 ACT, 6 APs, and a handful of honors classes as well as involvement with school sports, the debate team, and Model U.N. Based on all of this, where do I belong?

Based on what you say and that money is not a concern; and knowing both schools fairly well (my D is at Tulane and loves it there because it’s a great fit for her), I think you would be happier at U of Miami. Let me say why–Tulane and UMiami both have great academics —great business schiools—they both have similar reputation and prestige (both now and 30 years ago) but the distinguishing feature here is your love for the big-time sports programs, the rah rah spirit and large Greek life—going to Saturday Hurricanes football games and cheering with 65,000 other rabid fans wearing your U shirt would be exhilarating. I went to Michigan!! I get it!! And my son is at Ohio State (got into Michigan but with no aid it was not affordable) which is the best of big-time Division 1 sports, spirit and Greek life, and great academics as well. And Miami has the beach where you can escape to every so offen. NOLA is nice but there is no beach. And realistically how often are you gong to travel to French quarter and downtown?

Thank you for this valuable feedback. I hear that most Tulane students spend very little time in NOLA. That being said, Tulane is still a special place where I might end up. I need to see what the U gives me too.

Tulane is in NOLA. Do you mean French Quarter? The uptown neighborhood of Tulane is much nicer with so much to do. Coral Gables can’t touch that.

In any case, for business, they are similarly ranked. I believe that Tulane is poised for a bump in the business school rankings as that new business school building is just about ready. I have no ties to either school but one of my kids was considering Miami and the other Tulane. I was far more impressed with Tulane and their presentation relating to faculty advisement, internship opportunities, campus vibe. Everyone sees things differently and maybe there is more of a draw for some in going to a school where sports is big. Good luck.