<p>Less than a week until decisions must be made at this point in time, and I am utterly torn between these two schools.</p>
<p>I won't go into too much detail. I am a prospective history major, absolutely will attend graduate school. My concerns deal mainly with social life, location, and the perceived benefit of an LAC education over that of a research university's undergrad program of study. I have visited both schools, both are gorgeous in very different ways; admittedly, however, I prefer Amherst's location to Duke's. I have reservations about living in the South, but honestly it would be good exposure/a welcomed (?) change. The city of Durham seems...pretty bad, from what I've gathered, but I feel that because Duke is so big and there's so much to do that may not be important.</p>
<p>Duke and Amherst are both highly respected names, but Duke is DUKE, you know? Would I be stupid to pass an opportunity like that up? On the other hand, would I be stupid to pass up an opportunity to attend Amherst?</p>
<p>Cost is negligible at this point in time, as I have won enough outside scholarships to cover my first year at either school (although Duke is offering me a VERY nice FA package that is about $7000 higher than Amherst's, but Amherst's does not include loans). I intend on doing work study and potentially finding another part-time job outside of school for supplementary funds.</p>
<p>How do resources and opportunities look for a prospective student of history at both schools? I've done my research, but haven't really been able to get the good feel I was looking for from either school.</p>
<p>One last concern: when I visited Amherst, the students seemed friendly, friendlier than some I encountered at Duke. Duke students, in my opinion, seem to be very self-important, and there is a sense of elitism present on the campus, which isn't surprising. It's an amazing school. I know I'll find that at Amherst, but the sense was overwhelmingly pervasive on the Duke campus. That's probably just because it's so much larger than Amherst.</p>
<p>I am a first-generation student, and when everyone in my family, including my extended family, found out that I was accepted to Duke they pretty much lost their ****. This may sound terrible or stupid, but I feel somewhat obligated to pursue the big name. I know I would not be unhappy at Duke, I would be receiving a world-class education with unparalleled opportunities at my fingertips. It's just the little things that seem to add up, based on my personality, that suggest Amherst may be a better fit. But I know I would be more than happy at Duke.</p>
<p>What do you think? Which do you prefer? ANY comments at all are appreciated. Thank you kindly in advance.</p>