Amherst vs Dartmouth vs Duke (University Scholars Program) vs Haverford

College Search & Selection
1

Hi! I’m an international who recently got into all four of these schools, and is also waiting on a few waitlists. Right now, I have a VERY difficult choice to make, because I’m torn between the first three and won’t be able to visit any. I feel like I’ve ruled Haverford out, but I’d love to hear arguments in support of it too!

I intend to major in something in the humanities and social sciences- specifically Anthropology, History, and Economics, focusing on social inequality, queer studies, power relations, and social work. I’d also like to explore a few more subjects in the humanities like English Literature, and I’ve always had an almost childlike curiosity in astronomy, but this isn’t a top priority.

I’m very big on social activism, and on the political spectrum, I think I’d fall into the far left. Obviously, I understand that I won’t fit perfectly into the larger political dynamics of any of these schools, but I’d love a vocal student body that actively participates in social movements. At the same time, I adore student expression, and I’d very much prefer an artsier, more avant-garde -ish student body over a more artistically repressed one. I’d also like a really home-y, lovey, collaborative community feeling, but I’m not very keen on Greek culture.

Right now, the best financial aid is coming from Duke, who’ve offered me a full-ride (though I’ve asked all the other schools if they can match it). Duke has also, very generously, given me access to guaranteed grant money for sophomore or junior research or study abroad programs, discounted tickets for arts festivals and events, guaranteed private talks and discussions with fellows and notable people who visit, an ‘exclusive’ guidance program linking me with professional students, grad school students, and professors, and other similar neat stuff. However, I feel like Amherst and Dartmouth may be able to provide me the same thing, except without a heavily advertised and exclusive vibe.

Finally, since I intend to pursue Masters and eventually a PhD, I don’t think prestige is a matter of importance here. But, my parents are very much into it, and I feel like I’ll never hear the end of it if I don’t choose Dartmouth or Duke (but if I don’t, it won’t be the first time I defy them!).

Thank you so much!

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“Right now, the best financial aid is coming from Duke, who’ve offered me a full-ride (though I’ve asked all the other schools if they can match it). Duke has also, very generously, given me access to guaranteed grant money for sophomore or junior research or study abroad programs, discounted tickets for arts festivals and events, guaranteed private talks and discussions with fellows and notable people who visit, an ‘exclusive’ guidance program linking me with professional students, grad school students, and professors, and other similar neat stuff”

then it sounds like Duke is right place for you.
Dartmouth is very Greek oriented and isolated.There is a lot of Frat drinking because there is little else to do in the small town of Hanover. It is also a lot smaller than Duke.
I think you will be happier at a larger U, with all the resaearch opportunities, than at D.
Congrats!

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This is a no-brainer. You’re the recipient of a named scholarship at the best university on that list. Go to Duke.

4

@OP, congrats on an amazing list of acceptances to some very elite universities! Well done.

Question for more knowledgible/experienced CC’s: I thought financial aid/grants were generally not awarded to international students? I recall reading basically that on another thread today. Is that not accurate? Or is this case merely a rare exception to the norm?

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@afterthought,

It would be awfully hard to walk away from Duke’s generous offer, and I’m sure you’d get a wonderful education with all sorts of opportunities.

Having said that, your self description and wish list sound to me like a perfect fit for Amherst (or Haverford) and less so for Dartmouth and Duke. Could you quantify the cost difference in cost over four years?

I’m a cheerleader for small liberal arts colleges, but I live in Asia and deeply understand the importance of name recognition to families and employers. Amherst has an excellent track record for getting its students into prestigious graduate programs which may offer the best of both worlds.

@USCWolverine, I don’t want to distract from @afterthought’s thread, but no, that’s not accurate. Financial aid in the form of need-based aid and merit scholarships is available to internationals at most private colleges and universities, though less so at public universities. The challenge is that first you have to get admitted. Admission rates for internationals are highly competitive (1/3 to 1/4 of U.S. rates) and schools operate on strict budgets for how much funding they allot to internationals. Transparent and accurate data on international admissions is hard to come by, but I believe the kind of package that the OP received from Duke is extraordinarily rare.

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I agree, based on what the OP says about what he or she is looking for. These are all excellent colleges academically, but they all have very different vibes.