another chicago vs. duke

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Chicago ✅
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<p>So I've already posted this in the College Search thread, but I thought I might get more insight here, because most people there aren't very informed about Chicago.</p>

<p>Yes, I know there are lots of these threads, but I'm curious as to what people think with my particular situation. I know these schools are worlds apart, but I'm having a hard time because I think academically Duke might be better for me while atmosphere wise, I might like Chicago more. </p>

<p>CHICAGO:
Okay, so I am nerdy/quirky and willing to show it if people are willing to accept it, but I have a few problems with Chicago. I want to go premed and do an econ major. First of all, premed at chicago kind of sucks because of the major grade deflation that goes on there. While GPA doesn't matter for grad school, it does matter a LOT for med school. So I think I would find myself stressing a whole lot about my grades all the time, and that would be really depressing. Also, I don't really like Chicago weather--depressing depressing depressing. Plus, the dorms aren't the nicest. Duke has way nicer dorms.
Also, since I want to major in an unrelated field, I'd have no free spaces in my schedule to explore because of the core. And while Chicago economics is world renowned, it is also really theoretical, and not as practical as say, Duke's economics program. </p>

<p>But, when I visted the school, I liked it a lot. I sat in on some classes and they were really amazing. Even though I'm going premed/econ, I LOVE the humanities, and I really want a liberal arts education because it really stimulates me intellectually. The classes I sat in on were really interactive and small/discussion based. The teacher basically kept asking the students questions and questions until they reached the point he was trying to make on their own. Going to Chicago would really satisfy me intellectually and teach my mind how to think in a whole new way. </p>

<p>DUKE:
Duke has a great premed program, no core, and a more practical econ program. The grading is considerably less tough, so while I would still have to work hard to get good grades, I think it would be possible. Also, Duke's in the Research Triangle which means amazing research opportunities and internships. (Well, theoretically)</p>

<p>But, I don't know about the atmosphere---it's kind of preppy, and it's kind of a party school from what I hear. And I'm not preppy at all, nor do I wish to party. Don't get me wrong, I want to have fun and hang out with people, just not party in the traditional college sense. Also, the sports scene is HUGE and I'm not into sports. Whereas the Chicago atmosphere is more nerdy, intellectual, and more me, over all.
But on the other hand, the weather is better, and the dorms are much nicer. (As weird as this sounds, these things actually matter to me, lol). Also, the school as a whole might contain a happier student body because the work load is less intense (Chicago has a quarter system which makes everything so much more fast paced) and the general unity with the school spirit. (Chicago has little school spirit in a traditional sense.</p>

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<p>Hey,</p>

<p>That is my college decision too. Duke is offering me a slightly better financial aid and is much closer to where I live. Yet, I am pretty set on Chicago, because:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>I have been to Duke a lot, and have even done research there, and while the faculty is really great, the atmosphere is not (at least in terms of conductivity to learning). Sure, people there work, but with the end result of just receiving a piece of paper that says they graduated from DUke, not because they care about learning. </p></li>
<li><p>If you read about Uchicago, it is a major research university, and because it is in a major city, that means that internship opportunities will be much more abundant. </p></li>
</ol>

<p>Also, since I am looking to major in economics, the world-renowned department is an attraction. After all an econ degree from UChicago will look much more solid than one from Duke (Duke’s econ department isnt even comparable in strength - i think the ranking was like 19th? and Chicago was tied for 1st). </p>

<p>Hope this helps.</p>

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<p>Hi there,</p>

<p>I’m just another high school senior, but I live a block away from Duke’s East Campus and my parents are both professors there (they teach grad students though, not undergrads). Based on what you’ve said, I’d say Chicago all the way. Duke’s preppy/partying atmosphere is definitely noticeable. Just take a look at the Facebook page for students accepted to the class of 2014; in the discussion boards, there is a thread called “Stuff you want to know but don’t want to ask with your parents present.”</p>

<p>Here’s one current student’s post:

</p>

<p>You said you’re not into sports or traditional college parties. Sounds like Duke is exactly what you’re not looking for.</p>

<p>That said, there are obviously students who don’t fit the mold. I have great friends who are going to Duke next year, and a number of friends who are already there. But the social scene in general, I think, will not satisfy you.</p>

<p>What about Chicago for pre-meds? I really have absolutely no authority to comment here, so I won’t pretend to know what I’m talking about. But as Chicago’s reputation grows (which it looks like it’ll continue to do in the next few years), med schools will catch on. I wouldn’t worry too much about the grade deflation, which might not be as severe as some claim. But again, I’m not too knowledgeable about this, so it’s probably best to wait for someone else to shed some light.</p>

<p>Hope the input I could provide was helpful!</p>

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<p>Hey Alex Lew!!! :smiley: Nice to see you on CC, haha</p>