Duke Nicholas vs UCSB Bren

[monotreme]

For the MEM programs at Duke Nicholas and UCSB Bren, which is the better option for environmental/energy policy?

Does anyone have insight into school reputation and strength of alumni network for each program?

I'm going to be visiting each school for admit day to see which program is a better fit also. I'm just curious about people's perceptions/knowledge about these programs...

Thanks so much!!

[surprisecake]

From the limited things i've heard, energy policy seems to be Nicholas's strong suit and UCSB is "disconnected from the action on the east coast" for policy issues. If you're looking at it as a terminal professional program, i'd go with Nich. If you want to build on a specific research interest, i'd investigate the fit more. Also, whats your situation with $$$? SB is beaaauuutiful but oh so expensive.

[surprisecake]

P.S. If you're listening to me, UCSB: where's my notification??

[seahawk2k]

I was accepted last night at UCSB but no word on funding yet until April 1. I can't afford to visit all of these schools but I would love to see the UCSB campus. Any time I mention that school the only response I get is how gorgeous it is.

This decision is getting so hard!

[monotreme]

From the limited things i've heard, energy policy seems to be Nicholas's strong suit and UCSB is "disconnected from the action on the east coast" for policy issues. If you're looking at it as a terminal professional program, i'd go with Nich. If you want to build on a specific research interest, i'd investigate the fit more. Also, whats your situation with $$? SB is beaaauuutiful but oh so expensive.

i've heard similar things as well. i'm leaning more toward Duke, esp bc of location. I want to end up on the east coast eventually to do national or international energy policy. I feel like UCSB would be better for CA energy policy.

As for money, UCSB would be SO SO SO MUCH CHEAPER! I'm a CA resident, so I'd get in-state tuition and it's a public university. Basically, 2 yrs tuition at UCSB < 1 yr tuition at Duke..

I've visited UCSB before, since my sister goes there for undergrad. I'm going to their open house on April 4th to find out more.