Michigan vs Hopkins

mattfs11 · April 2018

Hi guys,
I have been admitted to both University of Michigan and Johns Hopkins University, and I loved them both. I was wondering which college I would be better off at, in your opinion, solely based on the strength of their undergraduate econ/stats programs.

stemmmm · April 2018

There are so many significant differences between those two schools, that a comparison between their perceived strength of academics seems almost silly. Focus on what is actually important.

privatebanker · April 2018

UMich for everything in regards to the undergraduate experience. Academics it’s a nod to JHU

Alexandre · April 2018

I don't see how JHU has an edge academically privatebanker. Except for Biology and BME, JHU does not really have the edge over Michigan academically.

That being said, there are clear differences. JHU is smaller, and has a lot in common with Chicago and Columbia. It is a very serious think tank, witch graduate students outnumbering undergraduate students. The intellectual vibe is now balanced out by undergraduate frivolity as it Michigan.

mattfs11, I agree with stemmmm. I would focus less on academics (you cannot lose on either front) and more on personal preference. Which environment appeals more to you? You say you love them both. That may well be, but there is no way you love them for the same reasons. You need to figure out the reasons that matter most to you and go with that.

happy1 · April 2018

Agree, both can provide strong academics. Assuming there is no major cost difference that would lead to big loans, financial hardship for your family etc. you need to think about what else is important to your undergraduate experience (ex. smaller classes, big time sports etc.). Don't discount gut feeling as part of the decision so if you have a sense that one school is the better fit I'd go with it.

privatebanker · April 2018

@Alexandre This is hairsplitting. of course umich offers great academics. This is asking for opinions. I gave mine. I haven’t completed individual 4. year degrees in every major at both schools to know for sure.

Have you?

prezbucky · April 2018

JHU has big-time la crosse. Michigan has huge football, basketball and hockey programs.

Classes will probably be smaller overall at JHU and there may be more academic support -- both are typically the case when comparing an elite private with a (even elite) public flagship.

Academically I think Michigan can hang with most anyone, and JHU is in that camp... class sizes notwithstanding. Both schools surely have extraordinary faculties.

Ann Arbor is a really awesome college town. This is probably Michigan's biggest advantage aside from sports. But Baltimore likely has its charms too -- like crab cakes.

Michigan has a more robust party scene by reputation. JHU is known for tough work in the classroom and competition among all those pre-meds, but if you aren't pre-med you probably don't have to worry about the competitive vibe too much. I have a hard time believing there isn't a fair amount of collaboration among other JHU students.

This is a classic elite private vs. elite public showdown, like the Duke vs. Cal dilemma in another thread. I'd choose based mainly on academic fit (courses/majors offered), the different environments, and sports/social vibes.

Alexandre · May 2018

Good point privatebanker. We are each entitled to our opinion.

Michigan vs Hopkins

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