Background: I am interested in studying economics with maybe a math double major / minor.
I have recently been accepted to U-M Ann Arbor for econ, and I have also applied to Vanderbilt for its econ major. I have been considering changing my application for Vanderbilt to ED (deadline of January 1st), but I’m having trouble deciding if it is actually a better school than Michigan.
I’ve scoured Niche and US News, which tend to agree that Vanderbilt is ‘better’ both generally and in their economics department, but I’m not sure if I trust sites like that…
Basically, I would just like to know if there’s anyone out there who has experience with both schools and has any opinion about where I may be able to receive a better education but still have a good time. I know that they are very different schools and all, but one econ program must be objectively better and more respected.
No it is not better. But it is different. And it has its own benefits. If you are talking about which has more wow factor at the cocktail party. In some areas Vanderbilt. In some areas outside of the mid west - Michigan has the national rep. Sophisticated employers and colleges know both are great.
Vandy is generally considered a bit more selective. Michigan does have a mandate to provide opportunities for state residents. Out of state Michigan especially for Ross it’s a toss up to me.
I don’t know specifically about Econ strength or unique research. My guess is both are great.
What about location then? Would you say that I have more opportunities coming from Ann Arbor than Nashville for jobs? (Idk what I want to do with my degree yet)
Both are great schools, but PLEASE consider fit. That should be the deciding factor here. Vandy and Michigan are almost perfect peers (Michigan’s standardized test scores are slightly lower, but Michigan has some schools like Nursing and Kinesiology with lower SAT/ACT scores since they prioritize other things, which brings down the average at Michigan), but offer very different experiences.
“I know that they are very different schools and all, but one econ program must be objectively better and more respected.”
Michigan’s economics department is superior to Vanderbilt’s. So is Michigan’s mathematics department.
That being, said, I don’t think department strengths is that relevant at the undergraduate level. I agree with yikesyikesyikes, try not to focus on perceived quality, and focus more on fit. However, with Michigan in the bag, I would not bind myself to Vanderbilt, I would open it up give schools like Harvard, Princeton, MIT or Stanford a shot.
Don’t bind yourself to Vanderbilt, given your interest in math.
(Apply RD if you think you may want to be in Nashville over Ann Arbor, though, Vanderbilt will still give
you a great education. )
But look at math/econ strong schools like Bryn Mawr if you are female, Brown, and NYU. NYU offers Courant Institute math and very strong economics. Bryn Mawr is excellent in math. Brown has econ and applied math strengths.
MIT has a wonderful undergrad economics program, and Sloan school of business, as well as top math.
Thanks again to all! I’ve gathered that I should probably stick with my RD at Vandy since I’m not even really sure that’s it’s a good fit. Also, I think that’s it’s too late to apply to any new selective schools, but I am already applying to Brown, Wesleyan, and Rice.
mcwalts, the Northwestern application is fairly straightforward. One 300 word essay. Research the school well, but emphasize your multidisciplinary interests, including the MMSS program.