<p>I'm applying to both, but I'm out of state so TECHNICALLY my chances of getting accepted are better at Duke than Carolina, although I highly highly doubt I'll get accepted to either. HOWEVER, in the unlikely event that I am accepted to one of these, I would like to know how you guys think they compare. I would be entering to study biology or biochemistry (something like that :) ). Is Duke really stuffy and boring? Is Carolina full of in states students that are not too smart? Just wondering! All feedback is appreciated :)</p>
<p>Both are great schools with a different feel - mostly related to size. Duke is definitely not stuffy - smart, interesting determined kids from all over. It is no easy task to be accepted in state to Carolina so that student body should never be discounted. Both beautiful campuses, but different. You would have to visit to decide what you like/dislike and you should consider yourself fortunate to be able to attend either. We, in NC, appreciate these incredible options. Good luck!</p>
<p>UNC is definitely full of in-state students, but they are smart. Its not that easy to get into in-state. </p>
<p>As for Duke, no, its not stuffy. Yes, the students are smart, and yes they want to learn and do well in school, but they can have fun too. Trust me, they can party. </p>
<p>Both schools have great athletics too, and as rom828 said, you really need to visit them to decide. They are both great schools, but have different feels. Visit and see which you fit best into.</p>
<p>Tar Heel here, but I’ll chime in.</p>
<p>Both are great schools. Both are very spirited, and people at each school tend to be pretty friendly. I second the suggestion that you should visit both (heck, they are only 8 miles apart) and see where you feel most at home.</p>
<p>I’ve taken the tour and stuff at Carolina but only have BEEN to Duke. I honestly like Carolina more but I think I’d be happy at either, I think I’m going to try and get out to do the tour at Duke ESPECIALLY before I make a decision after I do (not) get accepted. Sorry if I offended anyone with the stupid instate kids comment, it’s just what I’ve heard.</p>
<p>You must have an amazing financial situation … not to worry about the differences in cost between these two fine institutions … ^^</p>
<p>As a father of a kid who got accepted at BOTH schools (OOS), I was actually worried about the Duke option, thinking of our savings … </p>
<p>Other than that, I completely agree with the recommendations given above - I’d even recommend to stay overnight in a dorm with a student-host. My son said an ‘overnighter’ gave him a much better impression of the school than a simple tour.</p>
<p>^^ Either a great one or a terrible one. The Duke FA program is incredible, and their average FA package will make Duke just a little bit more expensive than UNC in state, and much cheaper OOS.</p>
<p>“Unfortunately”, our financial situation is not terrible, as you write - so we did not qualify for ANY Financial Aid … </p>
<p>Attending Duke would have resulted in either us dipping deeply into our life-savings or my son ending up with a ton of debt at graduation, none of which appeared really all that attractive!</p>
<p>My FA package for Duke made it cheaper than my state school. They are very generous and will grant you 100% demonstrated need. If you deserve full aid, then you will get it.</p>