Duke University or Cornell University

College Search & Selection
1

<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>

2

<p>If your family’s income is in the $500K range then why are you worry about $15K? I would go to Duke if I were you. You seem to prefer Duke.</p>

3

<p>You obviously like Duke better, and your parents does not seem to (and should not) have problems paying an extra $15k a year.</p>

<p>Besides, you got into CALS and might want to transfer into Arts and Sciences or Engineering anyways. That will require some kind of essay and recommendation form. At Duke, you can transfer between Engineering and Arts and Sciences freely with pretty much just a form.</p>

4

<p>Let’s put aside for the moment that I don’t think that either Cornell or Duke is preferable socially over the other. (Exception – if you’re into BIG TIME major baskeball, duke wins hands down). Also put aside that I think that either school offers tremendous research opportunities if you seek them out. </p>

<p>I’ll accept completely that you prefer Duke – which is perfectly fine.</p>

<p>So, what it comes down to is whether it’s worth $15,000/year to go to Duke, when you don’t think there is a significant academic difference to the schools. </p>

<p>Despite your income estimates for your family – I am in no position to even guess as to what the money would mean to your parents or your family.</p>

<p>How strong is your preference of Duke over Cornell. It sounds like a mild preference, but I’m never sure.</p>

<p>In any event – I think you and your parents have to have a frank discussion as adults, listening to each other and respecting each other’s views. If you disagree, and you feel very strongly, present your case as best you can. Your post is a good start. However, the tough part is that it may just come down to a ‘gut feeling’, which is ok.</p>

5

<p>If you’re going for pre-med Duke is HANDS DOWN the better school. Your sister is not the only one whose gpa is killed by the Cornell curve. Likely, it would be a very stressful time for you too. On the contrary, Duke has a wonderful rep for pre-med success, partly because it’s not as competitive and deflation isn’t as prevalent. I’ve heard of so many cases of cornell pre-med failures that I would never consider it for pre-med.</p>

<p>If you ask me, $15,000 a year more is certainly worth it, esp. if it means that you have a higher chance of getting into med school. You don’t want to disadvantage yourself going to Cornell and possibly have a gpa too low to even apply. If you couldn’t even get into med school at that point, would you be glad that you saved $60k, just a fraction of what you would be making a year working as a physician?</p>

6

<p>Anyone ever ask their doctor where they did undergrad? Nope. No one cares. There is no such thing as “pre-med” as anyone with a degree can take the med school test and get into med school. If you want a “pre-med” undergrad curriculum, fine, take the classes and see if you really want to study medicine but your school choice should be based on “fit.” Which school do you like more? Thats what matters. Then study like heck for the med school test after graduation and in the meantime enjoy your undergrad years.</p>

7

<p>Wait a mintue, I do care. Mine went to Duke and MIT. I know where all of my doctors did their undergrad and internship. Perhaps, I have been on CC too long.</p>

8

<p>OP you seemed to be blessed with rather wealthy parents, and your post makes it apparent that you prefer Duke. Go with your heart, you will be able to pay your parents back many times over once you become a successful physician.</p>

9

<p>^ Agree. Your parents have the money, Duke is clearly closer to your heart.</p>

10

<p>It seems like Duke is a better fit. I hope that you find success wherever you go.</p>