<p>I understand that some of these posts asking for comparisons of different colleges often end up being dominated by subjective views, but honestly, I'd love to receive any advice offered. When I visited Duke last summer, I basically fell in love with the campus, and I was almost 100% I would attend if I got in. However, certain other factors have complicated matters, chiefly the fact that I was recently notified of my designation as a CPS Scholar to the University of Chicago, which includes a full-tuition scholarship. Add that to unexpected acceptances to the University of Pennsylvania and Dartmouth, and now my entire outlook on college has changed.</p>
<p>I am looking for a well-rounded school with good Pre-Medical Advising. I have read the previous posts about Duke's amazing medical opportunities, but I haven't compared them to those of other schools yet. As of right now, my plan is to attend medical school, but life is unpredictable and I'd like to graduate with an education that will prepare me for any profession. I live in Chicago and have lived there my entire life, but I am happy to leave the big city for a small, quaint environment. That is not to say I prefer one over the other, I am merely saying that the size of Dartmouth and the size of Durham do not bother me. I'm going to visit Dartmouth for the first time and Penn for the second time in the near future in the hopes of getting a better feel for both colleges.</p>
<p>So among Duke, Dartmouth, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Chicago (full-ride), which one do you believe I should attend? Money is not an issue, but full tuition is still hard to turn down. Thanks in advance for any thoughts on the matter.</p>
<p>Between Chicago and Duke, I'd pick on fit. They're extremely different schools, and one is probably a much better fit than the other. I'd take the scholarship in a heartbeat, but Duke may well be better for you.</p>
<p>In any other situation I'd recommend the full ride...but UChicago is a love/hate place. Someone who would be very happy at Duke or Penn may very well be miserable at Chicago. A full ride is a wonderful opportunity but you also want the opportunity to experience a new place, to get a high quality education (which Duke, Penn, or Dartmouth can provide)...and also a high GPA to get into med school. Duke allows for this :)</p>
<p>I don't recommend Dartmouth. It's a great school, but you're a native Chicagoan--can you really see yourself living the next four years in Hanover? I do not recommend Penn either--the quality of its CAS is nowhere near the quality of the other schools on your list. I'd pick Duke. I hope to see you in the Triangle next fall!</p>
<p>As a person who lives in chicago, the motto for Uchicago is "the place where fun dies". It has one of the highest suicide rates for a reason. Duke is the way to go. Dartmouth is great but so isolated and freezing. Duke's campus is more lively and fun (i visited both schools). I would chose between duke or penn, but Duke is definitely the better of the two schools based on the overall quality of life..better social life, school spirit, sports..etc.</p>
<p>The academics will be very similar regardless so you should go on personal preference. I will say that the professors here have all been very good but I am not pre-med. I don't believe Duke social life and environment is necessarily better than the others, it's just based on your own interests and priorities.</p>
<p>Thanks for all your input! To be quite honest, I really do want to choose Duke, but before it was more of a "I like the feel of the school" type of reasoning. Ultimately, I probably won't go wrong with any decision, but I'm just wondering if Penn's connections are worth it.</p>
<p>I know it's never this simple, but "I like the feel of the school" seems to me to be one of the most important (if not the most) criteria to consider when choosing among accepted schools. Couple that with Duke being a great pre-med school with very good advising programs (I'm not pre-med, but taking plenty of classes with students with medical aspirations has definitely given me that strong impression) and Duke seems like a strong choice. Obviously the other schools you discussed are great as well. Best of luck with whatever you choose!</p>
<p>If you're not going to Wharton, Penn is not worth your time. Pick Duke. </p>
<p>I was stuck between UChicago and Duke last year as well, and I am SO glad I chose Duke. It could not have worked out any better. If you're someone who wants to work work work work work all the freaking time then go to Chicago. If you want to work hard, play hard, and have fun while you're at it then choose Duke.</p>