I agree. They are being very generous with Merit money for kids who score 34 and above of ACT or the equivalent of SAT. Even if only half the invited kids accept this should boost their ranking in coming years. I think Rice, Duke and Tulane are also using this approach. I am very interested what my DC will think after the upcoming weekend for merit scholars. its is a hard choice, but the idea of not having to worry about college loans is very attractive.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would be pretty dubious about hiring somebody from the U. It just doesn't seem like a serious academic environment.

No kids there but have a daughter who is a serious candidate and has applied- I think if a school is ranked as a national institution at #50 or #51 it's a pretty serious academic institution

Pp claimed the school lacked a serious academic "environment." I guess if you mean you can't be serious if you've got a beautiful campus and beautiful weather with beautiful people near great nightlife then there you go. But of course it's a "serious academic institution." And not because USNWR ranks it #50.

Usnews is a failure at its chosen business of news. Why would they be trusted to judge anything. Check the World University Rankings which is based on results .

If you re-read, I said it was a serious academic institution but "not" because USNWR said so.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would be pretty dubious about hiring somebody from the U. It just doesn't seem like a serious academic environment.

No kids there but have a daughter who is a serious candidate and has applied- I think if a school is ranked as a national institution at #50 or #51 it's a pretty serious academic institution

Pp claimed the school lacked a serious academic "environment." I guess if you mean you can't be serious if you've got a beautiful campus and beautiful weather with beautiful people near great nightlife then there you go. But of course it's a "serious academic institution." And not because USNWR ranks it #50.

Usnews is a failure at its chosen business of news. Why would they be trusted to judge anything. Check the World University Rankings which is based on results .

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would be pretty dubious about hiring somebody from the U. It just doesn't seem like a serious academic environment.

No kids there but have a daughter who is a serious candidate and has applied- I think if a school is ranked as a national institution at #50 or #51 it's a pretty serious academic institution

Pp claimed the school lacked a serious academic "environment." I guess if you mean you can't be serious if you've got a beautiful campus and beautiful weather with beautiful people near great nightlife then there you go. But of course it's a "serious academic institution." And not because USNWR ranks it #50.

Miami is up and coming, and working deliberately to recruit kids like yours (and mine). If he gets Ivy options and no $$ it is entirely his call- but he will have to work and pay off much of the needed student loan if he goes that route. Let's all come back to this when the arch decisions come in. In the meantime U Miami is inviting early admits down for a number of meet and greet opportunities with professors, current students and an intimate vibe. Wish I had a crystal ball but Miami seems to be countering the outrageousness and competition of big name schools offering no merit in a very smart way.

DC has an opportunity for a full tuition merit scholarship to U of Miami. Already admitted to scholars program at UMD, our state school. If DC is admitted to an Ivy, what are the arguments for and against accepting the Miami offer? DC is not a STEM kids --plans to go to law school.

I would take those schools for my dd over Miami. She did get into Pitt and Miami. If we have to choose between the two, it will be Pitt.

Who are you hiring for? You would knock an outstanding graduate from Miami because they went to Miami?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would be pretty dubious about hiring somebody from the U. It just doesn't seem like a serious academic environment.

Interesting. Would you say the same thing about University of Washington, Maryland, Purdue, University of
Pittsburgh, Fordham, VT?

Nope. Those schools have highly ranked Math, Engineering , computer science and hard sciences reputations. Those are the hardest courses with no wiggle room for incorrect work. The environments aren't luxurious and coddling. I would expect tough and resilient kids from those places.

Anonymous wrote:I would be pretty dubious about hiring somebody from the U. It just doesn't seem like a serious academic environment.

Interesting. Would you say the same thing about University of Washington, Maryland, Purdue, University of
Pittsburgh, Fordham, VT?

Anonymous wrote:I would be pretty dubious about hiring somebody from the U. It just doesn't seem like a serious academic environment.

No kids there but have a daughter who is a serious candidate and has applied- I think if a school is ranked as a national institution at #50 or #51 it's a pretty serious academic institution

Anonymous wrote:I would be pretty dubious about hiring somebody from the U. It just doesn't seem like a serious academic environment.

It just seems like a place for coddled and particular rich kids who could never stomach hardship / difficulty or unpredictable situations.

I would be pretty dubious about hiring somebody from the U. It just doesn't seem like a serious academic environment.

Anonymous wrote:PP -- my DC has only one single concern about the U, the party reputation, DC is not a wild child at all and very studious. How has your daughter found it on this front?

I really think it is what you make it. I'd say my DD is middle of the road for Miami: she's very social, enjoys dressing up and going out, loves the sunshine (in fact she feels she "needs" sun) and has always needed "down" time. But she has plenty of friends who study "ALL THE TIME" "like LIVE in the library." She also complains a bit that she feels in class everyone is smarter than her (but I'm thinking they're studying more than her). Also, it seems the more studious kids stay on campus after 1st year (freshman are all required to stay in dorms). The on campus Jr/Sr living facilities are nice furnished apartments -- highly coveted and offered to students with a minimum GPA (I don't know the requirement but pretty sure my kid would not be eligible). Others move off campus to nearby apartments and houses. All in all, we've been satisfied with DDs choice and her experience at Miami.

As I've said, a lot will depend on your DC's visit and tour (and unfortunately too dependent on the weather and tour guide that day). GL!

PP -- my DC has only one single concern about the U, the party reputation, DC is not a wild child at all and very studious. How has your daughter found it on this front?