rjkofnovi

Notice how EAD came back to this thread when he heard someone who somewhat agrees with him. I am sure there are many programs at Michigan that are rated higher than those at Duke. I'm sure it works the other way too. The point here is that Duke and Michigan are academic peers. Both schools are very good. However, that said, Harvard does indeed have the wow factor that both Duke and Michigan lack. I know EAD hates to hear that, that's why he constantly disparages Michigan. He thinks that his school is held in the same esteem as HYPSM. I'm sorry that his school isn't quite as prestigious, but that's the reality that exists.

Alexandre

Actually Novi, Michigan is rated higher than Duke in almost every single discipline. With the exception of Biology (Duke #12, Michigan #15) and English (both tied at #12), all departments at Michigan are ranked higher than at Duke, generally by 10 or more spots. By all departments, I am including Anthropology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Foreign Languages, Geology, History, Mathematics, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Public Affairs/Policy and Sociology.

However, that's for graduate programs. In terms of undergraduate education, department rankings only matter if a student intends to delve deeply into her/his chosen field. For undergraduate education, Duke is every bit as good as Michigan...but not better.

rjkofnovi

I knew that actually Alexandre. Just wanted someone like you to confirm it. ;-)

mam1959

My wife and I are both Duke graduates. We love the school. And our daughter goes to U of M - a great choice for her - and she chose it over Duke and others. U of M has a particular program that is among the best in the country - and that above all else was the reason to go. She is doing well there - and I have no doubt it was the right choice.

And while money for travel might be a factor, you can't make this decision without visiting each place. Durham is clearly a Southern town (although Duke is not Southern), and it is much more dangerous from a crime perspective than when I attended. (I used to run all over town, something I would not do now). You need to be aware of the crime, and the general dislike of Duke students by the townies -and it is a negative factor. Ann Arbor is one of the best college towns in the country, in contrast. Classes are likely smaller at Duke - one can find ways to avoid the big survey classes, and for those that need that feel to stay motivated (I did when I was young), that is a plus factor for Duke. Bear in mind that many BME's don't stay in BME - my nephew is one such fellow - and that you really have to look at the school's other programs to see if you like them. Michigan has many more majors - and their vocational utility may be a plus - but Duke has many departments and finding your way within them is a gratifying plus. Wherever you go, be prepared to put studies first - they are both tremendous opportunities and the key is not so much where you go but what you make of it. This attitude is a must.

evil_asian_dictator

Alexandre, Michigan is rated higher than Harvard in most departments as well so I don't see your point in bringing this up. It's a graduate research powerhouse and I fully concede that it is far superior to Duke in many graduate disciplines. However, like you said, at the undergraduate level this is irrelevant since most students are just learning elementary concepts in classes. Duke has smaller classes, smarter students on average and its professors are more undergraduate-focused. These are all facts backed up by statistics, not opinions. I think all of those different factors contribute to a environment that is more conducive to learning. However, I definitely feel that the UMich Honors College community is on par with the Duke student body in terms of strength so that's definitely a great option for UMich students who are interested in a more intellectual environment.

Alexandre

Not quite EAD. Harvard is ranked above Michigan in most of those departments. Only in Anthropology, Computer Science, Engineering, Geology, Psychology and Sociology is Michigan ranked above Harvard. In all other fields (including Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English, Foreign Languages, History, Mathematics, Political Science and Public Policy/Affairs, Harvard is ranked higher than Michigan.

And EAD, you dismiss the opinions of those who actually know universities as if it were our opinion. I grant you that our opinions mean nothing. We are ignorant. We are not worthy of passing judgement on universities. But the mean and women who make up the peer assessment score are qualified. They know exactly how good each university they rate really are.

Duke is not better than Michigan in any way. It has never been and it will never be. Duke is Michigan's peer. It is one of the top 15 universities in the country, but it is not one of the top 5. All the statistics in the world cannot change that. Just ask WUSTL. They have been trying to become a top 15 university in the US for decades. And even if the USNWR formula has made that a reality, how many people would really consider WUSTL a top 15 university?

imaparasite

Alexandre, could you link to those grad discipline rankings? Thanks.

goblue10nis

"Duke is not better than Michigan in any way. It has never been and it will never be."

Um, if this isn't a little elitist it still stands out as one of the more drastic overstatements I've read on this site. Call me crazy but I propose that Duke may be better at basketball than U of M (just ask Ekpe Udoh)...

Alexandre

Hehe! Touche! Ok, so Duke is better than Michigan in some things. But I was referring to the overall institution.