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Michigan, Penn, Rutgers?

Submitted by caitlin.greeley on Sun, 04/08/2007 - 08:56.

Any opinions about these planning schools? Pros and cons, is Michigan well regarded? What about for someone possibly interested into going into academia? And in terms of $$?

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Bloustein / Rutgers

Submitted by dschmetterer on Mon, 03/17/2008 - 09:00.

The program at Rutgers is a good deal financially, and a lot of people get pretty good aid packages. The school, of course, is outstanding. The classes are in downtown New Brunswick, a nice enough section of town, not on the sprawled out Rutgers campus (which extends into other towns). Easy to get to NYC and Philly for fun, the classes are a 5 minute walk from the train station on the Northeast Corridor. Easy from the airport too.

Additionally, tons of opportunities to get out into the surrounding communities and get some real experience. In the last two years there have been planning studios that work with local leaders in Secaucus, Long Hill Township, Newark, Lindenwold, Brooklyn... and I'm sure there are others. Also lots of paid work opportunities with big research centers.

It all depends on what you want to concentrate in - check out the faculty and course catalog and make sure there are classes in what you want to study. I found that there was a good overall balance of courses at Bloustein, and that you get out of it what you put in. Other programs may have more direction, but not the opportunity for exploration I enjoyed.

Best,

Dave

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