Choosing between Shades of Blue (Duke vs. UNC)

Colleges and Universities A-Z Duke University
1

<p>Yes, this post is sacrilege, but I could really use some perspective. I'm going to visit both on Tuesday, as I was just admitted off the wait list at Duke, and have to make a decision quickly. Cost isn't the issue, but I would like to know if the price of Duke would really be worth it to me, given that my other option is Chapel Hill. Here's what I'm looking for: </p>

<p>1) Which student body is more accepting of quirky-ness? I've heard a few jibes at Duke on this comment, but many more complaints about UNC's "better than you" attitude. What's the REAL deal? </p>

<p>2) How competitive are students with each other at both schools? Is cooperation encouraged at one more than the other? </p>

<p>3) Are students focused more on learning to learn/be better people or are they just focused on getting a grade? (I have seen the "learning for learning's sake attitude up close at Duke but am wondering if it's pervasive there or if UNC has a similar attitude.) </p>

<p>4) How accessible (REALLY) are the professors, particularly in the sciences? (I've heard good things about Duke and accessibility/research and some but slightly less praise regarding UNC.) </p>

<p>5) What's the attitude toward diversity on both campuses? I'm a Jew originally from the North but am currently living in the South and am sick to death of the Antisemitism and other bigotry I've been hearing for the past six years. On a related note, does anyone know about Hillel for each school? </p>

<p>If there are any other defining factors of these schools, I'd love to hear them! Please be as honest as possible.</p>

2

<p>Yeah…no contest. No one even had to say anything. Duke it is!</p>

3

<p>Regarding the last part, be sure to contact Rabbi Jeremy (Yoskowitz) at the Freeman Center - he’s awesome and can also let you know all about Hillel. A quick search for his name and the word Duke will get you contact info.</p>

4

<p>If you even consider Duke an alternative, you don’t belong at UNC.</p>

5

<p>^I don’t quite understand what you mean.</p>

6

<p>I like how no one even deigned to reply. That’s how much of a no brainer it was. Congratulations madeofradium. I hope you have an incredible time at Duke.</p>

7

<p>My brother went to UNC and was an All American athlete as well as Phi Beta Kappa in economics. </p>

<p>An excellent education can be had at UNC. </p>

<p>My brother would also tell you that if money was no object, go to Duke. </p>

<p>Since you will likely go to Duke, this post is not really necessary, but if you have any doubts…</p>

<p>I myself went on to a very competitive graduate school from Duke and have done very well. </p>

<p>Nothing in my life has compared to the challenge of obtaining an undergraduate degree at Duke. </p>

<p>Work hard, play hard, have fun and be mentally firm. It is indeed worth it.</p>

8

<p>Two words: Dark blue</p>