<p>Having a LOT of trouble with this one. Im all over the place academically, but am leaning towards bio and (maybe) premed. I know a lot of the basic info about both places but it hasn't gotten me closer to a decision. I'm mainly interested in the strength of the life sciences programs, the overall atmosphere and attitude, and the difficulty of academics, especially pre-med courses (I'm not overly lazy, but am not interested in spending four years in a sweatshop school either).</p>
<p>Of course, any other info would be super-appreciated.</p>
<p>Well I think both schools would work out for what you’re looking for, but I think Duke might win if you’re interested in going to med school (they have a great track record with top grad schools). My brother went to Duke and I’m leaning towards going there also (over Harvard). In my case, I’m mostly concerned about quality of life (weather…) and subjective feel, but even more the style of undergrad teaching. The big thing I notice that no one ever mentions is the quality of Duke’s undergraduate education. I don’t know anything about Brown, but I know that Harvard overemphasizes graduate education and (still!) has too many lecture based courses. Duke offers (and actually requires) a good amount of seminar work, along with writing based courses, etc… I think it makes for a better educational experience. I have a few specific things I want to do while in college, and I actually checked it out with some visits and stuff and I was really blown away by the Duke classes.</p>
<p>brown was an awesome place to be pre-med–they are one of the top 5 places in the country for getting students into med school, and much less stressful than any of the other top 5 (i’m not sure where duke ranks)</p>
<p>you’ll get a great education and have awesome opportunities at both.</p>
<p>I know for combined law and med schools, Duke ranks about fifth (as a feeder school) and Williams is fourth. Harvard, Yale, and others in the top 5 can be quite lower since many students there seem to slack once they get in.</p>
<p>For example, Harvard Law School’s admit rate is usually around 18 percent. For a Duke undergrad., the admit rate is about 25 percent. HUGE difference. For Georgetown Law, the admit rate is usually around 25 percent. For a Duke grad., it is 40 PERCENT!</p>
<p>One big question I have is whether Brown can give me enough advising and opportunities to help me improve my resume if I do go pre-med. I have heard great things about Duke’s health advisory services. I have also heard that Brown can be a little less than helpful with setting you up with good shadowing and internship experiences, but I might be wrong about that. Anyone know a bit more about this?</p>
<p>I’d offer a response similar to another just made about premed at Brown, Chicago, or Cornell. </p>
<p>I hate to suggest that just maybe Brown scores a point in its favor in having a median GPA that is as inflated as you can find among top schools. Certainly can’t hurt when putting together med school apps. Still, these 2 are SO different in atmosphere - make sure the glove fits.</p>