Duke vs. Cornell for (Astro?)Biology/Genetics

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hi there. I'm a senior right now, and I was accepted at Cornell in March and very hopeful about my waiting list chances at Duke. So, this is gonna all be based on the scenario that I'm accepted to Duke later. I've got some pretty big dreams and career goals, but as of now, I'm pretty sure I'm going to end up doing something biology related. I'm thinking about focusing on genetics in the future and definitely hoping to go to grad school to get a Phd somewhere in this field. I especially hope to do some major research somewhere down the road, whether it is with a private firm or with a university. My dad's been really influential in opening my eyes to research because he's a research professor at a local university. </p>

<p>However, I've also had an interest in astronomy ever since I was really young. Another dream job possibility of mine is to get a job that blends together the two fields that really appeal to me, biology and astronomy. Astrobiology! AKA, studying and searching for the possibility of life on other planets. Cool huh?</p>

<p>I realize that I'm probably placing a bit too much emphasis on the undergraduate education at these two schools and understand that my choice probably wont make that HUGE of a difference down the road. However, like I said, I'm really interested in undergraduate research that will prepare me for my career choice. </p>

<p>I realize that this is a pretty specific question, but it comes down to this: Cornell or Duke? In my situation, what do you think is the better choice? Money isn't a huge problem, my parents are willing to support me financially with either choice. I want to see if ya'll can make me love one or the other, whether its academically or socially. </p>

<p>CORNELL:
Pros
-Chosen as a Hunter Rawlings Research Scholar (gives me opportunities to work with professors as an undergraduate)
-Huge school with great research opportunities
-Prestigious astronomy department (astrobiology?)</p>

<p>Cons
-Really far away from home
-Relatively isolated
-No real previous connections to the school. Besides academically, I'm in the dark. </p>

<p>DUKE:
Pros
-Big research powerhouse
-Top notch in biology/genetics research and great biotech/biomed program
-Close to home, with a number of friends going there
-Duke Athletics! (Long time Duke fan!)</p>

<p>Cons
-Undergraduate research opportunities???
-Astronomy?
-Smaller</p>

2

<p>Sounds like you want to go to Duke. If you get in, go. You can go to grad school wherever is best for whatever you decide your real interest is. Undergrad doesn't matter much, choosing between those two for the interest you describe.</p>

3

<p>Duke is a lot more fun, and it's smaller. Smaller schools will probably give you more research opportunities, though the Research Scholar program might negate that. Still, upstate New York versus North Carolina? No bones about it, Duke > Cornell.</p>

4

<p>Cornell for sure if you are interested in astrobiology. They have the faculty and resources that do significant interdisciplinary work in that area. Cornell is one of the few "Space-Grant" colleges in the United States, and is vastly superior to Duke in their academic offerings in the natural sciences, especially ecology, evolutionary biology and astronomy, which are critical in the study of astrobiology/exobiology and the origin of life. Duke's focus on ecology and evolution has declined somewhat according to what I've heard, and their course offerings are not as diverse. This is why I chose not to apply there which considering it and other schools such as Brown, Rice and Princeton. </p>

<p>Contrary to what people say; the social life at Cornell is quite vibrant. A visit to the Collegetown neighborhood is a clear indication, and according to what my friends say, the larger number of students is not a huge problem because most everyone naturally falls into a "niche": a web of fellow students, friends, and faculty who become most of your social network. This is helped by the fact that Cornell offers numerous seminar-style courses, which are much more small and academically intimate than lecture classes. </p>

<p>Also, you can't beat Cornell's campus, although it lacks the architectural unity and Gothic revival charm of other elite campuses, it has a great natural aesthetic. </p>

<p>So, between the two, from an academic standpoint from someone with very similar interest and pursuits to yours, I would definitely pick Cornell.</p>

5

<p>Thanks for the input everyone. It's gonna be a tough choice. I feel as though, for the undergrad experience, I'm leaning towards Duke, although I realize that Cornell is an equally great school for my situation. </p>

<p>So basically, I'm going to put in my deposit for Cornell, but if I'm accepted to Duke off the waiting list, I'll probably go there.</p>