Duke vs. Berkeley

<p>I've always perused the college confidential threads, but had never before posted in the forums so forgive me if I am missing vital information below. </p>

<p>My main issue at hand is the choice of colleges: Duke or UC Berkeley. I'll list some of my stats as well as my financial and family information. I have debated with my parents about the matter but we simply could not come to a conclusion (My gut says Duke, my dad says Berkeley, my mom is apathetic, my brother is 7) So please help give me a fresh perspective on the issue :)</p>

<p>SAT Math: 780
SAT Reading: 710
SAT Writing: 800 (essay 12)
-Total 2290</p>

<p>GPA 3.6 unw
School demographics: White, middle/upperclass, suburban</p>

<p>Personal information
-Female
-Asian (Chinese)</p>

<p>Financial situation: About 150k for a family of 4
-Duke: Has not yet given me a financial package because I sent in my IDOC information a bit late. (Should I call the office or wait until they contact me?)
-Berkeley: Offered loans of 25k per year (which basically covers tuition) but again, is just a loan. No regents scholarship at Cal though</p>

<p>Majors: I applied to different majors for the colleges, I couldn't really decide
-Duke: Pratt school of engineering as civil engineer (Hoping to double major somehow)
-Berkeley: College of Letter&Sciences (I have no clue what major I applied for. I couldn't find which major I got in for; I just know I got into their liberal arts/humanities departments with biological and physical sciences)</p>

<p>I'll respond quickly to any comments (Instant email notification) I guess I still have time to do some more research, overnight programs, scholarship consideration, etc but I think it would be great to have some help from others with the matter. Thanks in advance! :P </p>

<p>(I think I'll also have the same thread in the Duke forums to get the other biased opinion) Hehe sorry for the spam</p>

<p>I would choose Duke.</p>

<p>Wait until financial aid comes in for Duke before making your decision.</p>

<p>Realize all engineering programs at Duke are pretty weak, except for biomedical engineering.</p>