Cornell or Duke? I can't decide!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
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<p>I know this is the Cornell thread, so it will be a little biased, but I really need help deciding on where to go! It's all I've been thinking about since I found out I got into both. Thanks in advance!</p>

<p>I'm gonna major in bio (no pre-med), probably concentrate in ecology or environmental bio. Okay, here are the advantages and disadvantages of each school for me personally:</p>

<p>Duke: </p>

<p>Advantages: Really close to me (compared to Cornell) only 1.5 hrs away. I went to BlueDevilDays this past Monday, and I really liked it! The other prospective students there were all really nice and friendly. I would love being classmates with 'em. They all seemed so intelligent and... I can't explain, but it was really refreshing to meet kids who actually care about their education like I do! It wasn't as big and overwhelming as Cornell. And the dorms are freakin' huge! Some are as big as my living room, it's crazy. Oh yea, I almost forgot: I love the weather in NC, it's practically spring all yr long except the occasional really hot summer. And when there might possibly probably slightly maybe be a chance of snow, we get the day off of school (I don't know if this happens only in high school or in college too). It's close to Raleigh, and the only exciting things that happen in NC (in my opinion) happen in Raleigh. Their new DukeEngage and FOCUS programs sound really amazing, I'd definitely do that if I go. Really good study abroad programs. AND It's got a huge minority population (60% aren't white).</p>

<p>Disadvantages: Most of the dorms aren't air-conditioned, but I can live with that (I practically have been for most of my life so I'm used to it). It's in Durham, 'nough said. I know I've only been there once, but I couldn't find my around if my life depended on it (I also can't find my way around Fayetteville and I've lived here almost 8 yrs, so it's not Duke's fault. I have no sense of direction whatsoever). It seems like a party school (not that there's anything wrong with that, though). AND the major disadvantage is that I don't have the same amount of awe (I guess this is the right word) for it as I do for Cornell (I've had my eyes set on it my whole high school career). I'd have to pay more to go to Duke (~$32,000) than Cornell (~$28,000) after fin aid figures in, I find that a little odd! (And the FAFSA people changed my FAFSA, so my EFC is now ~$32,000 instead of ~$22,000, so those numbers are gonna go up even more!)</p>

<p>Cornell:</p>

<p>Advantages: My cousin/best friend will be going there and I can room with her. That'd be pretty cool. I hear that Cornell's Ag&LS school is better than Duke's equivalents (I'm going for bio sci, no pre-med for me, I actually wanna be a regular old biologist). I really like the way the students living in residence halls have most of the same interests in common and all seem to be having dorm activities all the time. The students there were all very friendly and helpful when we asked them questions about why they like Cornell and other related questions. They were all just walking around minding their own business, and they went out of their way to help us. SO NICE! I like the idea of their summer reading program. I can't count how many people I became friends with just cuz we read the same books. Ithaca is really beautiful and serene, not a fast-paced city like NYC or anything like that. NY (esp Ithaca) practically seems like a foreign country to me (I'm from NC) so it will be interesting to live in a place so different from what I'm used to. MOST importantly: I've been in awe of Cornell since I first found out it existed a few years back. I don't know why, but I immediatly fell in love with it and planned my high school career around the idea of me going there.</p>

<p>Disadvantages: You have to go cornfield sight-seeing for forever through PA to get to it. It's freakin' 12 hrs away. It's cold (I live in central NC, I don't even know what cold is!) and it's rainy (I hate rainy school days). My car will probably die if I drive it up there again. It's huge! and overwhelming. But the overwhelming part will probably go away after I've been there for awhile. And did I mention it was COLD?!?!? In the middle of April! (I went there on the 7th)</p>

<p>I think that about covers it. Thanks again for you guys' help!</p>

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<p>compare the sizes of the 'disadvantage' paragraphs...and you got your answer :)</p>

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<p>Except most of the disadvantages the OP listed in the Duke section of his post aren't really substantiated besides the financial aid problem.</p>

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<p>are u serious about the not aircon part? wow!</p>

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<p>i think since u want environmental concentration cornell would be better for you since they have a lot of agricultural concentrations.</p>

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<p>Cornell and Duke are, of course, both really great schools, and so I'm sure any difference in the quality/prestige of their biology programs is probably arbitrary. That said, as a person who loves the environment/nature herself, I really enjoy Cornell's natural surroundings. The gorges, state park, and the Cornell plantations provide for so much outdoorsy fun/exploration. If you're an outdoorsy person, Cornell's definitely got the major advantage in that department. If money isn't a major issue, though, what it really comes down to is where you feel most comfortable. What place felt more like "home" to you? (Don't overanalyse this...does one school pop into your mind first when you think about which school you feel more comfortable at?) Don't make the mistake of going to Cornell (or anywhere) just because you're "in awe."</p>

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<p>I'd go with your gut feeling, and from reading your post, I think you prefer Cornell. You said you don't have the same amount of "awe" for Duke as you do for Cornell. 12 hours is a bit far away, but you can probably fly instead of drive to school with tha 4k you'll save by going to Cornell. I actually know twin brothers. One goes to Cornell and one goes to Duke. They are both good schools. You can't really make a bad choice by choosing either school. </p>

<p>Another thing is maybe 1.5 miles is too close to home? Could be both an advantage or disadvantage depending on your viewpoint.</p>

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<p>Oh no, it's not 1.5 mi, its 1.5 hrs! That'd be really bad if it was that close.</p>

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<p>This spring is unusually cold. And last fall was unusually warm. Check out the Ask Uncle Ezra column (todays Q and A). </p>

<p>I was just at Duke in March. And I am at Cornell at lot. They are both awesome schools. My sense is the Duke is pretty southern and insular and Cornell is northern and more open and encompassing. </p>

<p>You can't make a mistake. Go with your gut.</p>

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<p>Based on your post, it appears to me that you would be happier ar Duke. Both schools are top notch in the field you are interested in pursuing. If you really dislike cold (to the extreme) weather, and rainy weather, Cornell would be difficult. This is compounded by the size of the campus, where walks to class can take up to a half hour, esp if you eventually are off campus or in greek housing. </p>

<p>You may want to re-think the notion of rooming with your cousin if you go to Cornell. Getting out of your comfort zone and meeting new people is one of the key facets of going to college. If you decide on Cornell, the fact that she is also attending should be cool enough. You don't necessarily have to room with her.</p>

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<p>first of all, congratulations on getting into both schools. Most would give anything to have a problem like yours. </p>

<p>these two schools are very evenly matched when it comes to academics. I don't know much about Duke's bio-related resources, but I know Cornell are among the very top few in the US. Regardless, I don't think one will give you a significant leg up over the other. </p>

<p>Like others have said, choose with your gut. Fortunately, it seems like you will be happy at both schools.</p>

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<p>Both great schools with extremely strong life sciences programs. Research opportunities will be available. To compare the differences check out the research programs of the faculty members where you show interest. You won't go wrong at either place. Don't forget to factor in the travel costs from NY to NC during the year which can add up quickly and therefore minimize the "actual difference"' between the total costs of the two schools</p>

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<p>Hey, I was also down to Cornell or Duke when it came to my final decision. I am also from NC (Chapel Hill!) so I grew up with Duke about 20 minutes away from my house. For me, it was the difference in the engineering schools, Duke's engineering was just a stepping stone to grad school, whereas from Cornell you're prepared for any grad school but also to go into the workforce as an Engineer. I liked the size of Cornell better, there are so many types of people here to meet, but I don't feel like a number because I have my smaller class within the College. The weather is a HUGE adjustment, but my roommate is from Hawaii, friends are from California, and other warmer places and we all deal with it. Travel expenses can also get pricey, we drove up to move me in, but I've flown home every other time (and trust me the Spring Break Blizzard was a nightmare). Go with your gut, they're both great schools. Honestly, I can say that Cornell was definately the right choice for me and I would not have been this happy at Duke.</p>

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<p>I know the weather will be a huge adjustment for me. I've never lived farther north than northern VA. And except for one trip up to NJ when I was like 2, I've never even travelled farther north than MD.</p>

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<p>Wow, I'd pick Duke in a second. Lol, why torment urself over such an easy decision?</p>

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<p>because the OP isnt an idiot like you</p>

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<p>CORNELL!!! wooo</p>

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<p>Okay, so I've thought a lost about it, and I still haven't made up my mind. But, I'm leaning towards Cornell right now. And I have to make a decision within like the next like 2 days.</p>

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<p>Cornell!!! I'd pick it over Duke too.</p>

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<p>Id pick duke. Too bad they rejected me ed.</p>