<p>I know that quite a few kids apply to both of these schools, as has my kid. I would love your input to contrast and compare them - academically, socially and in terms of internship opportunities for a kid interested in business or public relations. </p>
<p>The fact that Miami has both a bus school and a communications school, as well as the city of Miami for internships, seems to give it an edge. But having never visited either, and knowing no one who attends Miami, I'd love to hear from anyone who has more knowledge and experience. Working for an ethical company is an important issue, as is service learning. I know that Tulane takes service learning very seriously. How about Miami? </p>
<p>Would you say they are worth paying full price?</p>
<p>Other comments - on accessiblity of faculty, curriculum and rigor of courses, dorms, substance abuse, food, weather, how friendly the kids are, how significant Greek life is, etc. - are also most welcome. </p>
<p>I have not visited Tulane, but used to live near UMiami, and used its resources. At the time, many years ago, it was considered the "elite" school in southern Florida where the well to do go. Since state tuition is so low and there is the Bright Futures scholarship for good sudents, there is some truth in that. There has always been a large number of out of staters and prep school kids at the school, particularly as compared to the Florida State schools. </p>
<p>Lately, I have noticed a lot of very good students turning to Tulane. In the last few years applications to school like Vanderbilt, Tulane, College of Charleston have skyrocked, and the kids are applying are top candidates. Many are getting very generous merit packages that have them seriously considering the school over some more traditional choices. I know one student here who was BC all the way, with a few lottery ticket schools just to see, but he is now intrigued with the offers Tulane has on the table. He is the oldest of 4, and when I spoke to his mother recently, I heard that they are going to go visit and give it serious consideration. BC would be $200k for this family, and the award is a very generous one. When you see a number of top kids going to these schools, it is going to make an impact on the type of students there. </p>
<p>As to whether the school is worth full price, that is really an individual judgement. Where else is he accepted and what are the costs? What does the school have that the student wants? How much does the student like the school? it is all relative.</p>
<p>Two good schools, two very interesting cities to live in...</p>
<p>For several decades, Tulane has drawn many students from the eastern seaboard and the deep South while U Miami has drawn primarily from Florida.</p>
<p>For that reason, Tulane has better 'national' rep--which may or may not be important.</p>
<p>If your child wants to build a business or law career in Miami or Southern Florida (or South America?), UMiami would be the top choice.</p>
<p>First everyone should know there is a Jamimom and Jamismom on the CC Boards. I'm Jamismom. I have a daughter at Miami and a son at Tulane. I graduated from Miami. I think the that Miami is an up and coming city. I think it has so much to offer now. It is attracting a very international community with lots of money, therefore putting UM students in great postions for internships and great jobs upon graduation. It also just received 100 million dollar donation to the medical school, which will definately affect the applicant pool, more money, well, endowed that's what keeps a school going. On the other hand Tulane is great, it has alonger standing reputation for academic excellence. I don't particularly care for New Orleans, but culturally there is alot to be gained. This school is also definately on an upward trend, as are most of the southern schools. Miami's campus is much nicer. Tulane is doing alot of construction. When visiting you have to be able to see through that. The bookstore and Bruff (the main dining area are housed in a weather safe bubble). Both schools are building more on campus housing, but Tulane looks muddy and dirty and Miami looks immaculate. You would never even know there is any construction going on. I think both schools are great and I am as proud if not prouder then if my child went to HYorP. Living in the Boston area and having my children at private school, if your the majority of the parent's think if your kid isn't going to an ivy or near ivy then they might as well be at a community college. I am so glad my kids are away from that way of thinking and I wouldn't change anything for the world and my son did get into some pretty prestigious schools, but chose Tulane over them. The truth of the matter is not where you spend your 4 years, but how you spend them. Every kid, at every school has the choice to drink, do drugs, party, they have to be mature enough to make the right choice because they can make the wrong choice whether they are at Harvard or some college noones ever heard of. I heard about a kid at an Ivy league school that died this year on his 21st birthday after doing 21 shots, he fell down a flight of stairs, it can happen anywhere. It's just how well we have taught our children to make the right choice for themselves</p>
<p>Thanks, everyone, for your input. I realized that the Jamis have similar names about an hour after I posted, but will admit that I did at first think you were the same person! I spent a good chunk of today doing the profile and fafsa - but I am done for now and indulging in a CC fix!</p>
<p>One of the college books said that Tulane is 64% out of staters, while Miami is 44%. Miami also has 10% more prep school kids. I think that my S could do well at either school. I also think that as more and more highly qualified kids apply, both are moving up.</p>
<p>I know I would enjoy visiting him in either city!!!!</p>
<p>I graduated from the University of Miami in the early 80's. Even then, it drew a good many students from out of state, particularly the northeast (NY, NJ, PA) and also many foreign students (my roommate was from Indonesia). ~berurah</p>
<p>My son was considering both... While they are both excellent, Tulane did a much better job of making it known they were going to great lengths to recruit top caliber students.</p>