<p>Okay, so I know this time of year probably brings a ton of these threads, but I am genuinely curious to learn of the opinions of the community on CC.</p>
<p>I was accepted to 7 out of 10 schools I applied to, and have narrowed my choices down to Cornell University and Duke University. I was accepted to Cornell's School of Industrial & Labor Relations. Cornell was one of my dream schools, but as the decision date gets closer, I have begun to really question myself.</p>
<p>Let me give a breakdown of my situation/thought process:</p>
<p>I am the oldest of three kids, and I live in Georgia, US.</p>
<p>The Money Factor:</p>
<p>Cornell offered me about the same about of money as Duke. However, I was chosen to be a Meinig Family Cornell Scholar, which takes $4,000/year of loan money from the Perkins Loan and turns it into grant money. Basically, a $4,000 scholarship a year. Given my financial situation, I could make both schools work, but Duke would throw on another $16,000 of debt than Cornell due to this program.</p>
<p>I won't go into details, but I could theoretically graduate from Cornell in 4 years with <$25k of loans. Duke would be just under $40k. I have been told that both are not bad situation, considering many people go to subpar universities and graduate with $60k+ of debt. I am not worried, but obviously the Cornell finances are better.</p>
<p>The location factor:</p>
<p>I was born in Seattle, but I have lived in Georgia since 1996. I like it here, but I have always wanted to go away for college. However, in the past year or so, I have realized that I kind of want to stay close to my family, considering I have two little brothers, one half-brother, and one step-sister. Leaving is going to suck.</p>
<p>But more importantly, I would be more used to the climate in Durham, NC than I would Ithaca, NY. I like the cold, until it gets under 40 degrees. Then I hate it. I know I would adapt to Ithaca weathers, but I worry about the psychological effects that the weather could have on me. I would have lots of pressure being in the Meinig Program, plus adapting to a new climate. It would suck. Plus, my dream is to eventually be closer to my family on the west coast, so it isn't like I am planning on working in the North East. I would like to use the connections at either Duke or Cornell with the west coast to eventually get out there, if at all possible.</p>
<p>The Social Scene:</p>
<p>From what I have read, both Duke and Cornell have extremely favorable social situations. I am an extremely social person. I'm not the biggest partier on the block, but I love to be around people. However, the social scenes vary a little bit. I love sports. I was a spirit leader for my high school football games. I constantly follow the sports at my school; I am an avid Seattle sports fan. Basically, this points to a fun experience at Duke. I would enjoy the sports atmosphere there. BUT, I do know that I would get by at Cornell without the prominent sports scene, because they do have a great social atmosphere.</p>
<p>The prestige:</p>
<p>From my reading, I have gathered that both Cornell and Duke are phenomenal schools with outstanding reputations. Duke is harder to get into, but Cornell's Ivy stamp acts as a sort of equalizer when it comes down to it. I am convinced that I could graduate from either school and be successful in the long run.</p>
<p>However, as I mentioned earlier, I was chosen as a Meinig Family Cornell Scholar. I believe that being in this type of program (50 students/year from the university) enables me to be a part of a unique and helpful network. But, I am not sure how much it will actually benefit over being in the Duke student body/Cornell student body if I am proactive. </p>
<p>What I want to do:</p>
<p>Well, I know I want to eventually go into Entrepreneurship, but I want to work in the business world, and also want to keep myself open for Law. I know that isn't too helpful, but I don't expect myself to know what I want to do for the rest of my life right now.</p>
<p>Basically, I am at odds. I feel like my heart is with Duke, but the money and the program at Cornell make it really hard to justify going to Duke.</p>