<p>This is one of my favorite CC posts, by AdmissionsDaniel at Hopkins. It seems to be appropriate to post this here too. I wish I could post it on everyone of these threads:</p>
<p>(see <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/johns-hopkins-university/1318213-johns-hopkins-tufts.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/johns-hopkins-university/1318213-johns-hopkins-tufts.html</a>)</p>
<p>"I noticed during my absence the proliferation of discussion threads asking for comparison of Hopkins vs. College X, University Y, Institution Z etc. I have always said the worst part of College Confidential is the chances thread I may have to correct that statement and add these comparison threads to the mix. </p>
<p>I do not find these threads to be helpful. Make your own decisions create your own personal pro/con lists do your own self-assessment it is YOUR OWN decision. You need to understand that many of the people who respond to these posts have their own personal agendas. The opinions they share are their own, and because this is an anonymous world how do you know that their opinions would even come close to your own opinions. And I say this for both the people who post extremely negative comments as well as those who post extremely positive comments.</p>
<p>A year or so ago I wrote the following about such discussion topics, and I feel it still pertains today:</p>
<p>(1) The best answers to such posts are from people who share the positives of their own school rather than attacking the other schools THAT THEY DO NOT ATTEND. Focusing on what is great about one’s school is much more helpful than attacking a school you probably don’t know much about from first-hand experience. And also avoid the dreaded someone I know said such-and-such </p>
<p>(2) Take everything you read/hear with a grain of salt. I am not a fan of many of these comparison threads since often people responding have their own personal agendas, like to extend untrue myths, and just don’t know anything. Feel free to question what I write as well, though I think my track record has proven that I provide an honest point-of-view.</p>
<p>(3) Make every opportunity to visit the schools you are considering and make the comparisons yourself. Absorb all the information that is out there. </p>
<p>(4) Do not focus on rankings or other stats. Focus on what school best fits what you want - and yes I said what YOU want. Not your friends, not your family."</p>