<p>Hi all,
I'm a senior from Rhode Island who was just accepted to BC and Duke. I want to be a chemistry major and possibly pre-med, but I have mixed opinions about the schools. First of all, I know BC is closer and I'd probably be more comfortable there. The kids may not be as competitive, classes may be a bit easier, etc. Duke probably has a similar personality in terms of the student body, but is much stronger academically. Also, it's pretty far away, and I don't know if I'd be willing to be that far. Also, could anybody tell me about Duke's party scene? I want to have fun in college, but if all the kids are going to go Greek and drink/party a lot, I don't know how much I'd like that.
My question is: Is going to Duke worth it based on the education? OR should I stay comfortable and go to a great (although less "great" than Duke) school where I would probably get better grades? That's not to say I wouldn't be comfortable down in Durham; I just would be nervous that all the science courses would be impossible and even if I studied constantly, I would still do poorly.</p>
<p>P.S. That brings up another question. I've never really had a course in high school where a good grade couldn't be achieved even by studying a lot. Is this completely different in college? Are the chemistry/math courses just so hard that even by studying, it's impossible to get an A?</p>
<p>Duke is definitely worth it. Not everyone will be a beer-brained frat-boy. The school is great for what you want to do and it’s more refreshing, as a student, to be able to experience something new.</p>
<p>An easy choice. Much better school, especially pre-Med, and yes, some people party and get drunk – like everyplace else – and plenty of people don’t.</p>
<p>Except for the fact that they are both ACC schools, Duke and BC are not really that comparable. Not to knock BC (because it is a fine school), but it really is not in the same league as Duke. Congratulations–but this really should be an easy choice. </p>
<p>And BTW, Southwest flies to Raleigh Durham Airport so cheap flights are available from Providence.</p>
<p>Relative to BC, yes. Unless, of course, you were admitted to the prestigious and selective Honors Program at BC. Then, BC, hands down.</p>
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<p>Not impossible. Just extremely difficult and time-consuming. You have to be able to think critically.</p>
<p>I agree with hmom5. You should get out of your comfort zone. On top of that, you’d get a great education, enjoy the scenery. Just stay away from the drinking and you-know-what: or run toward it, whatever. I recommend Duke too: don’t be afraid of an intellectual and personal challenge. It’ll help prepare you for real life.</p>
<p>Nope, Physical chemistry is a pain in the ass but that is really only because it’s archaic and the labs tend to run 8 hours. People tend to do the worst, grade wise, in general and organic chemistry because they haven’t quite gotten a hold of how to study and built an appropriate background understanding of the field to think critically. Also, these early courses are sometimes “weed out” courses to get rid of the less serious students before they get too far in.</p>
<p>In response to kwu, that’s exactly what’s killing me: I did get into the honors program at BC. Would this look better for potential med/grad schools? I know that BC is not comparable to Duke, but I’ve also heard that the BC Honors program is amazing and brings the school up a notch.</p>
<p>Bumping this thread because I want an answer to that question, too… how does the Honors program at BC measure up to universities such as Duke (or Georgetown, which is what I am trying to decide between)?</p>
<p>Thought I’d chime in about being comfortable in Durham –
I live a few feet away from Durham, and I can tell you that it is not typical North Carolina. Many in Durham and in nearby Chapel Hill are northern transplants, and in Chapel Hill and around 9th Street in Durham (Duke’s neighborhood) it’s a very educated, collegiate population. Even New-Englandy, at times. You’ll meet the occasional person with a Southern accent and you’ll be able to eat delicious Southern food, but definitely do NOT worry about a real “culture shock”. I honestly don’t think that Southern aspect of it will be outside your comfort zone.</p>
<p>Also, Duke is large enough that you can find a niche there without being the stereotypical preppy, beer-loving student. One of my favorite stories to tell (to all students, not just ones considering Duke) is about my Mormon friend who chose Duke (over CalTech, because it was too far from home) and LOVES it there. If SHE can find a home at Duke, anyone can ;)</p>