<p>I’ve been to Duke, and I totally got the same vibes as you! Intense academics, intense social life, and really nice people - at least that was my impression. I am from MN, and I can tell you the weather at Cornell and Northwestern is going to be very similar to what you experience when you were here. Duke is going to have milder winters definitely. And a agree with above that you may be interested in U Chicago. It has a reputation for being a school for people who are very serious about learning! </p>
<p>Economics majors go into a wide variety of careers, as do people studying any social science. It is not uncommon for econ majors to wind up with careers in any kind of business or financial role obviously, but also government, international politics, consulting, law, etc.</p>