<p>After I was certain that I would go to Duke, Stanford increased my FA package to the point that it now costs me about 10k more going to Stanford than going to Duke. Personally I don't think there's much of a difference between the two schools academically, and I prefer Duke with the all its study abroad and summer programs, especially the latter (I received need-based aid so I would pretty much get a full ride to all Duke's summer programs too, which I don't think I can do at Stanford). But, after all is said and done, it's still Stanford. </p>
<p>While my family can afford to pay 10k more, it's still a huge burden for us (I'm an international student), and while my parents seem very happy and want me to go to Stanford, I just don't want them to sacrifice this much for me. I'm pretty torn at the moment, so any advice about the options, (which can include social life, cost-benefit analysis, school brand, etc.) would be much appreciated.</p>
You just answered it. Considering you are need base, Stanford is not work an extra years tuition ($40,000) when it is up against Duke. Duke’s name (in terms of academics) in the US is HUGE, and Duke basketball helps even more (or it may hurt, it is the team that everyone loves to hate). Academically, Duke is world renown for its research and it’s teaching. Duke sciences are some of the best in the country, it’s undergrad graduates end up in top grad schools. It’s graduate students get into some of the most prestigious fellowships (Howard Hughes, Ivies etc.). Social sciences at Duke is also amazing. Public policy students get internships in Washington DC like no other. Social science research (psych, sociology, anthropology) is also heavily published. Econ students end up in top business firms and b-schools. Engineering is great (though not the best with the exception of BME). BME is pretty much top in the world. And I haven’t even mentioned the med school and law school and business schools.
Socially, Duke is a great schools. It is a place where students play hard and party hard (I’m pretty sure that Duke invented this term ). Wanna go tenting?</p>
<p>Social life will be MUCH better at Duke than at Stanford.</p>
<p>Academically, unless you want to do Premed/Biology/Biomedical engineering, I’d say Stanford is much stronger than Duke.</p>
<p>In terms of prestige, Stanford is definitely better than Duke. Specially considering that you are an international and might considering returning back to your country right after your undergrad or perhaps after working for a few years in the US.</p>
<p>However, everything above will be balanced with the $40k extra you will be spending at Stanford. And because this choice not only involves two different colleges (though each of prime quality) but also considerable $$$ discussions. You’d be better off discussing this with your parents on the dinner table, than on CC where most of the people responding to your post would have gone to either of the above mentioned schools yet.</p>
<p>^Why do you say that Deter? Nothing the OP has said indicates that there’s something unique that Stanford offers that she wants which Duke does not offer.</p>
<p>Even though I currently attend Duke, I don’t want to be a Duke homer. When someone says, “after all is said and done, it’s still Stanford” that suggests to me their heart is set on that school. Yes, maybe saying Stanford is a better fit for her was a little of a stretch.</p>
<p>I’ve made my decision. Thanks for all the advice.</p>
<p>@Deter: when I said it’s still Stanford what I meant was even though I like Duke better, Stanford has a first class name recognition. With that said, Duke is my choice in the end.</p>
<p>Congrats Cat! You won’t regret it. Coming to Duke was the best decision of my life Good luck in your coming year! If you come to BDDs come to one of my tours!!!</p>
). Wanna go tenting?</p>
Good luck in your coming year! If you come to BDDs come to one of my tours!!!</p>