<p>Honestly, this discussion is inane. Comparing schools that are so close in everything, just makes no sense. If someone has a strong need to promote one over the other, then that person probably does not have the mindset to properly take advantage of the great opportunities available at his institution. These are precious years and it is a privelege to attend any of these schools. The only ones who are bound to be disappointed are those who think that high school is the last time they have to try like their life depends on it. If you want to go to Harvard grad, then make the safe assumption that you have to be in at least the top 5-10% of your class at Dartmouth, Cornell or Duke. If you want to go to a grad school in the next tier then you still have to be in at least the top 25-30%. Then go scan the student body and see how many “jokers” you will find. After that, you should probably get to work.</p>
<p>To the OP… as I said earlier, both are great schools and you will have the chance (if you work hard enough) to go to a top 20 med school from either place. Friends of mine from undergrad at Cornell went to HMS, Cornell, Yale etc for med school. Dude above me got it right, wherever you go, if you want to get into a top med school you are going to have to get a good GPA and crush the MCAT. So pick whichever school you think you will be happiest at since that will make it easier when you are grinding through organic chem. As I said I really liked Cornell as an undergrad, but if you’d be happier at Duke go for it.</p>
<p>Dark Ice’s comment on the first page of this thread is actually an excellent and informed post – pretty unusual for College Confidential.</p>