<p>I am at stuck, and with about a week left to decide, I am making little progress. Here's some basic information about myself: I am leaning towards Pre-Med, hoping to get into a good medical school. I like sports; I play soccer and tennis. I like watching sports and all that, but I don't think I would be spending too much time doing that, as I want to focus mainly on my academics while at college. That being said, I still want to have some fun; whether it be going to a party once in a while or just hanging with friends. I can say that I am pretty smart, and usually good at school, so the stress of maintaining good grades shouldn't be too much of a problem (2380 SAT, #1 in my class, who has people going to Cornell, JHU, Stanford, Yale). So, the problem here is what school would recommend I go to? I live in New York, by the way.</p>
<p>Below are some comparisons in different categories from what I know or saw from college visits there:</p>
<p>Tuition: Cornell is approx. $15,000 cheaper than Duke, as I am in-state and applied to CALS. There is little chance I will receive financial aid, as my parents are relatively wealthy (i think combined salary of ~$500,000/yr). </p>
<p>Social Life: It seemed like in Duke, there was more of a community feel. Especially at Duke Devil Days, I met a lot of admitted students and people in general, whereas my visit to Cornell led to no new people met (Maybe one or two). Therefore, it leads me to believe that maybe the social life at Duke may be better than Cornell. </p>
<p>Academics: My sister goes to Cornell, and she is really being killed by her classes, which she is having a hard time maintaining a good enough grade to get into a good med school. However, I must say that from her, she says I would do fine. By comparing the two, the knowledge that I will obtain should be comparable as they are both good schools.</p>
<p>Extracurriculars: For some reason, I felt as if there were way more opportunities to find ecs in Duke than in Cornell. Perhaps it is because Duke Devil Days presented it in a much more favorable way than Cornell, but it seemed that way. For instance, research opportunities seemed plentiful at Duke, whereas Cornell, I got almost no information. Plus, my sister, who is now a sophomore, has done little research. </p>
<p>Okay, so the main problem I have is financial. My mom keeps telling me that in the end, it is the medical school or whatever graduate school I go to in the end that matters. I feel like I would be wasting a lot of money by going to Duke ($15,000/yr.), and worry if it would be worth it in the end. However, from college visits, it seems like Duke is a great place, and I feel like by going to Cornell, I don't know what I am going to miss. However, going to Cornell, it wouldn't be a bad choice, I feel comfortable enough there. Either way, I am torn. </p>
<p>Financially, Cornell makes more sense. Socially, Duke seems more inviting. Academically, they are pretty equal. </p>
<p>Someone please help me; I know it's my decision to make, but other peoples views would be greatly appreciated. If you were me what would you chose, and why? </p>
<p>Additionally information also would help. </p>
<p>Thanks in advance!</p>