<p>Duke only offers spots in their 4 pre-orientation programs to less than 250 out of the 1700+ incoming freshman (about 15%). </p>
<p><a href=“Duke Student Affairs”>Duke Student Affairs;
<p>This was a big disappointment for our son when he entered as a freshman, hoping to get into the P-Waves or P-Wild programs, and did not get to go. There is basically a lottery that determines who gets to participate. Given the incredible funding that Duke offers in so many areas (Duke Engage, Focus programs, etc), it’s very disappointing that they have not moved to offer this to any incoming student that wants it. Especially given the overwhelmingly positive feedback that they get from all students who are lucky enough to get to participate. At Dartmouth, all freshmen are encouraged to participate in their “Trips” and 98% of students do so. It’s a great bonding experience, and start to college, for the entire freshman class. </p>
<p>Duke creates a great environment for its incoming freshman - I think that the way they have structured the housing - putting all freshman on East Campus, as well as the offering of Focus programs, makes for a unique and special experience for freshman. It’s very disappointing that they have not yet moved to allow for increased participation for any and all incoming freshman that want to participate in one of their pre-orientation programs.</p>
<p>sorry for my misinformation then</p>
<p>Alavondrice,</p>
<p>You had a lot more pro’s for Duke, including some that Dartmouth cannot duplicate no matter what – weather, sports, and research (with top 5 medical school and very good graduate programs in the sciences). Also, Duke is not that far behind Dartmouth in outdoor activities. There are higher mountains in NC than NH. NC also has the Outer Banks and equestrian. Plenty of hiking trails near campus and, of course, as someone else mentioned the Duke gardens, plus one of the best college golf courses if you like that sport. Finally, Duke gave you better FA. </p>
<p>The two advantages I see for Dartmouth are Tuck over Fugua given your interest in business and prestige (although you have them equal and so does USNWR, I think nationally Dartmouth undergrad slightly > Duke undergrad). </p>
<p>As for the concern about “fratty” – Dartmouth = animal house; Duke = strong, but not dominating fraternity presence.</p>
<p>The one thing I do not know is NE v. SE. While the schools are similar in many ways, the regions are much different.</p>
<p>^ While I agree with most of your assertions, I don’t buy the argument that Dartmouth has more prestige. Duke undergrad has consistently outranked Dartmouth on USNews, and most lay people use that ranking as a measure of institutional prestige. Furthermore, Duke wins 60% of cross admits against Dartmouth (according to Parchment). This is a telling statistic because cross admit data usually correlates to institutional prestige.</p>
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Most of the 1,700+ incoming freshmen aren’t interested in doing a pre-orientation program though. I know I wanted to soak up as much family and friend time as I could back home before I packed my bags and headed to the Gothic Wonderland. I do agree that Duke should increase the allotted spaces in these pre orientation programs so interested pre-frosh like your son aren’t left out to dry.</p>
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Tuck is a slightly better MBA program than Fuqua but this has little relevance to undergraduates at either school. Dartmouth undergrad and Duke undergrad are about equally prestigious.</p>
<p>As someone who did PWILD… DO IT. It’s a great way to get to know people coming in, and the trip itself is phenomenal. </p>
<p>Don’t forget, Duke has an outing club, too. </p>
<p>Just a side note, Eno River State Park is ~20 minutes from Duke’s campus. I went camping there this weekend… trails, rivers, hills, swimming, campsites… it’s all there. And there’re always the Appalachians if you feel like making a day trip.</p>
<p>This discussion has really helped me, I was also recently admitted into both Dartmouth and Duke and I’m trying to choose 1 of the two, at this point however I feel Duke is the place for me.</p>
<p>Thats great news. Welcome to the Duke family :)</p>