<p>How you would compare Chicago and Duke?</p>
<p>I’m a senior making the same choice (actually, I’ve already made my choice). Keeping in mind that both schools are great, these are some of the biggest distinctions between the two:</p>
<p>*Core vs. no Core (probably the biggest difference)
*Big city vs. less urban setting
*Cold weather vs. warmer weather
*(Possibly underwhelming) social scene where Greek life isn’t very influential vs. highly active social scene in which frats and sororities play a large (potentially overbearing) role
*Focus on learning and ideas vs. focus on making a difference</p>
<p>Let me elaborate a little on the last point: all of the material I’ve received from Chicago talks about “the life of the mind” and “the power of ideas.” In contrast, I visited Duke recently, and speakers there constantly talked about how the goal of Duke students was to “make a difference” in the world. I don’t know how different the philosophies of the two schools actually are, but the difference in what they’re telling prospective students is sort of interesting.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that my above points could be totally incorrect. Also, when you’re looking at schools as good as Duke and Chicago, it’s worth comparing the specific programs that you’re interested in.</p>
<p>A visit involving an overnight plus visiting some classes sounds like a good idea in making this decision.</p>
<p>And surely big sports at one and not the other?</p>
<p>Go to Duke. It has everything. You will be able to make a difference even if you don’t have any idea what difference to make. Plus, why would you want to jeopardize chances of getting into good law, med or business school by lowering your GPA to 3.999999999999999999 </p>
<p>Just kidding …</p>
<p>Duke and Chicago were probably my top two choices out of everywhere I got into this year. Honestly I felt like I could be happy at either place since both seem to have their own unique qualities that appeal to its students. Fortunately I didn’t have to make this decision since the financial aid packages made the choice for me.</p>
<p>(Duke gave me twice as much as Chicago)</p>
<p>a) How much money is involved.</p>
<p>b) What do you want to major in? </p>
<p>They’re both excellent schools but it really comes down to what you want.</p>
<p>Bump!! 10char</p>
<p>^ Become a blue devil.</p>
<p>Yeah, they’re not even on the same level as far as academic rigor and prestige is concerned. The University of Chicago is one of the most important academic institutions in the world, whereas Duke is just another Southern private school a la Vanderbilt and Georgetown. It’s a good school, it just not in the same league as Chicago.</p>
<p>If you’re serious about your studies, and if you want intimate interactions with your professors, Chicago is the clear choice.</p>
<p>Have fun in college. Go to Duke.</p>
<p>Not on the same level?</p>
<p>How do you figure that ?
Here is the Times Higher Education-QS World University Rankings for 2009</p>
<p>2009 rankings
01 Harvard University United States
02 University of Cambridge United Kingdom
03 Yale University United States
04 University College London United Kingdom
05 Imperial College London United Kingdom
05 University of Oxford United Kingdom
07 University of Chicago United States
08 Princeton University United States
09 Massachusetts Institute of Technology United States
10 California Institute of Technology United States
11 Columbia University United States
12 University of Pennsylvania United States
13 Johns Hopkins University United States
14 Duke University United States
15 Cornell University United States
16 Stanford University United States
17 Australian National University Australia
18 McGill University Canada
19 University of Michigan United States
20 University of Edinburgh United Kingdom </p>
<p>Duke is not an inconsequential Southern school.</p>
<p>IMHO, Chicago is finally getting the recognition it has deserved for years, as is Duke. Both schools are rising in selectivity and stature. The “feel” of each school, however, is very different. Choosing one over the other is a matter of personal preference.</p>
<p>It’s a bit closed-minded to make a blanket statement that Duke and Chicago aren’t on the same level. Yes Chicago is generally seen as being one of the stronger schools in the world of academia, but Duke is hardly “not in the same league as Chicago,” especially for undergrad. All else equal, choose Chicago if you want to go to grad school (PHD slant) but go to Duke if you want to do something pre-professional (med school, business, engineering).</p>
<p>"All else equal, choose Chicago if you want to go to grad school (PHD slant) but go to Duke if you want to do something pre-professional (med school, business, engineering). "</p>
<p>I agree with you on engineering (obviously) and med school. I completely disagree with regard to your assessment of Chicago’s business preparation. JP Morgan, Goldman, Citi, Bane, McKenzie, etc. recruit very, very heavily at Chicago. Chicago is really, really big in Finance and Consulting…</p>
<p>I think the general consensus is that Duke has slightly better recruiting than Chicago for anything on Wall Street, although obviously Chicago would be better if you want a job in Chicago.</p>
<p>ultimately, the choice between two schools like Duke and Chicago is a matter of a fit for the kind of school culture you can find in these schools. In terms of career prospect, I believe you will do very well in either place: after all, these are both top notch universities. </p>
<p>Colleagues, friends, and acquaintances who have anything to do with Duke talk about big sports scenes, big frat scenes and all that implies, and southern atmosphere/culture/norm (and all that entails). </p>
<p>Chicago is reputedly far more cerebral in its approach. Everything I hear, read, and see tell me that the life of the mind mantra is not just propaganda or urban myth: it’s real there.</p>
<p>Pick the culture you like better.</p>