I know that a few students take (or have taken) classes at both schools, can anyone tell me how the two school compare in terms of academic rigor? Is Duke more rigorous than UNC or vice-versa? Or are they about the same? Really interested in hearing some input, since I know both schools offer academic challenge but am curious if there is a huge difference.
I do not know about the rigor at Duke, but I can speak about the rigor at UNC from the point of view of an academically intense out of state student ( my daughter). She graduated #1 out of 400 from HS, and says the school is rigorous enough for her. She is doing very very well, but she works about 6 hours a day plus more on the weekends. She is also very pleased with the type of discussion that takes place in her classes, even the large ones. I have no doubt that Duke is very rigorous, and it may (?) even be a little more rigorous- D wanted to avoid that.
Guessing that if there is a measurable difference (who knows) that it might tip to Duke being more rigorous. But its probably negligible and a non-issue.
I was admitted to both Duke and UNC-CH. I chose UNC because of the scholarship. Academically they are roughly the same. In any academic ranking, Bio, Chemistry, Math, Physics, etc they are very close to each other. The faculty are world class at both school and many collaborate on lots or research project. UNC-CH is one of the best research university in the country.
If your looking for difference between the two schools you won’t find it on looking as academic ranking. The difference is in the “Oh” factor. The networking prospects. Strong alumni association. etc. Duke is better at those, though UNC is well on its on. The reality is Duke alumni give back more than UNC alumni. Their graduates are better connected. This is not to say UNC isn’t great at those - in fact its among the best - go to wall street you’ll find tons of UNC grads. But Duke is another level. Their a top 10 school for a reason. UNC is top 20-25 (sorry Wake, Emory, Tufts, WUSTL, Notre Dame … get real, your no where near)
Duke is more rigorous and more reputed.
They are equal rigorous (with a slight nudge to UNC). Duke has the better national reputation but is it worth an extra $140k if are a NC resident?