<p>hello guys-</p>
<p>im having a bit of trouble deciding where to go for next yr..(i know it's pretty darn late..but still... ive been doing all kinds of stuff to make a decision n it's hard)</p>
<p>im planning to major in architecture/psychology...
yes i am aware of the fact that Duke doesnt offer architecture as a undergrad major.. but i mean i can always try diff things in undergrad and go to an architecture school for graduate s. it's ironic, but i've been an art/science/literature student throughout my life... so pre-med is another option. see how complicated my situation is? </p>
<p>so here's a favor you can do for me: which school might be most fit? pros n cons? I know basic stuff like city/ suburban area.and all that...but in my case (as described above), where should i go???</p>
<p>Duke vs. Columbia vs. Rice architecture</p>
<p>Since you are so torn at such a late time, I can conclude that you like each school for its own attributes. However, I think one of the most important attributes that isn't on paper is atmosphere. Who and what do you want to be around while you study? Do you want a bunch of ignorant loud people streaking through the campus entrance? Do you want uptight arrogant snobs who think they are better because it was easier to get in during their graduating year? This obviously isn't neccessarily true for EVERY person or EVERY campus, but find out as much as you can as best as you can. Though I did feel a slight snobbery complex in the Columbia air, I feel that much of the school is and will be very warm to you. Whatever choice you make, you'll be aight. Peace.</p>
<p>Okay, I can't comment on Duke or Columbia, but I will throw in a few things about Rice architecture (I'm a Rice student, not in architecture, but have had a few friends in that program.)
Rice Architecture is an amazing program if you want to be an architect. They get to do amazing projects, all seem to love what they're doing, and the program is usually ranked in the top couple in the country. However, it's a pretty intense program. You do have a few electives you get to take, but I'm pretty sure that unless you're either a) superhuman or b) willing to dedicate yourself to it entirely sacrificing all other college involvement social life, and the few hours of sleep you'd be getting otherwise, double majoring would be a challenge. That said, you could start in Architecture and switch to some other major after a year if that didn't work out (and psychology or any of the other social science majors can easily be done in 3 years if needed).<br>
And Rice has a great atmosphere on campus - friendly, laid back, and academically intense.</p>
<p>If I recall correctly, Columbia's Avery library is the biggest architectural library in the world, and there's a pretty busy practice over in that building and Fayerweather. Rice may compare, I'm not sure.</p>
<p>What Columbia will offer you, however, is a look at a wide variety of disciplines and areas of thought, at no competitive disadvantage relative to your classmates. I say no disadvantage because everyone has to take a wide variety of stuff, so no matter what your specialty or skills, you're often out of your element until you pick a major. Going to Rice specifically for architecture may put you in a tough spot if you decide - as most college students do - that what you wanted to do arriving on campus isn't what you want to do after you've been through a few years of college. At Columbia, such flexibility is facilitated very easily.</p>