Duke vs. Cornell - Nonacademic

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I am deciding between these two schools. I loved both when I visited, and I can see myself at either. I have come to terms with the excellent educational quality of both, so I will choose whichever I'll be happier at. I have visited both, so I know what they're like, but I feel like it will be easier for me to evaluate both schools if I can look at some clear pros/cons of each. </p>

<p>If y'all will indulge me, I'd like you to tell me some pros and cons of each school that concern everything except actual academics (i.e., campus, student body, etc.)</p>

<p>Thanks a lot! This will be a great help!</p>

2

<p>Ithaca is a small city. Durham is a mid-size city.
Ithaca has a change of seasons, beautiful fall and spring.
Duke has twice the percentage of African-Americans...more racially diverse.
Cornell has a higher percentage of internationals...more ethnically diverse.
Cornell has three-four times as many varsity athletes participating as Duke.
Cornell is more academically diverse...more students majoring in more subjects...more diverse interests.
Cornell is 70% undergraduates, Duke is 50% undergraduates.</p>

3

<p>Durham has the change of seasons, too--it's just that the winter season is not as long.</p>

4

<p>... Cornell has a larger student body (perhaps that's why Cornell has more athletes)</p>

5

<p>Cornell has twice as many undergraduates but 3-4 times as many varsity athletes. Furthermore, Cornell is very fitness- and health-conscious. Not sure about Duke.</p>

6

<p>To expand a little on collegehelp's point above about Weather and Seasons: </p>

<p>The differences are sharp and should be considered in the context of each college's academic calendar, particularly in the Spring semester. The school year is pretty much done, except for final exams, by the end of April. So if you're looking for spring and warm temps, you're unlikely to get much in Ithaca before it's time to pack up and go home. Duke's spring weather is two months ahead of Cornell. </p>

<p>Here are the facts from the National Weather Service:</p>

<p>Jan Avg. High/Low
49/28 Duke
31/14 Cornell</p>

<p>Feb Avg. High/Low
54/30 Duke
33/14 Cornell</p>

<p>March Avg. High/Low
62/37 Duke
42/22 Cornell</p>

<p>April Avg. High/Low
71/46 Duke
55/33 Cornell</p>

<p>For Fall Semester</p>

<p>September Avg. High/Low
81/60 Duke
71/48 Cornell</p>

<p>October Avg. High/Low
71/47 Duke
59/37 Cornell</p>

<p>November Avg. High/Low
62/37 Duke
47/31 Cornell</p>

<p>December Avg. High/Low (most students have left both campuses by mid-month)
53/30 Duke
36/20 Cornell</p>

7

<p>The differences in athletic participation opportunity may be different on the Varsity level. If you really want to play Division I sports, it is almost certain that this will be easier in the Ivy League than in the ACC. </p>

<p>However, just because there are fewer varsity slots available does not mean that Duke students aren't fit. They are and they participate in a great variety of athletic clubs and intramurals. The following is taken from the Duke website: </p>

<p>"You don’t have to compete at the Division I level to play sports at Duke. The Sport Clubs program is designed to provide opportunities for students with similar interests to participate in sports and recreational activities. Clubs are organized and managed by the students, and all aim to be healthily competitive and always fun. Whether you’re interested in badminton, cycling, rugby, Ultimate Frisbee, sailing, skiing, lacrosse, table tennis, martial arts, equestrian, or football–at Duke, there’s a Sport Club for you. And if there isn’t, you can round up a few other students and start something new!"</p>

<p>Thirty-four (34) club sports are offered at Duke, including badminton, baseball, women's basketball, men's crew, cycling, Dancing Devils, Equestrian, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Ice Skating, Men's Lacrosse, Women's Lacrosse, Martial Arts, Racquetball, Roadrunners, Roller Hockey, Men's Rugby, Women's Rugby, Sailing, Ski, Men's Soccer, Women's Soccer, Softball, Swim, Table Tennis, Men's Tennis, Women's Tennis, Men's Ultimate, Women's Ultimate, Men's Volleyball, Women's Volleyball, Water Polo. </p>

<p>Duke students can also take part in the intramural leagues, which field many different teams in softball, football, volleyball, soccer (indoor, outdoor, and 6-a-side), tennis, basketball, and dodgeball. </p>

<p>I think it should also be noted that many of these sports are played outdoors where Duke's weather has a decisive advantage over Cornell.</p>

8

<p>Some more comparisons of Duke and Cornell </p>

<h1>of undergraduate students:</h1>

<p>6394 Duke
13,510 Cornell</p>

<p>4-year graduation rates:</p>

<p>90% Duke (Duke was # 1 in the country, tied with Notre Dame and Georgetown)
84% Cornell (this ranks Cornell 7th out of the 8 Ivy colleges)</p>

<p>Number of Students in Greek Life</p>

<p>Duke: 925 Men (29%), 1340 Women (42%)
Cornell: 1965 Men (28%), 1425 Women (22%)</p>

<p>% of students from their home state</p>

<p>Duke: 15% from NC- (this was mandated by the Duke charter)
Cornell: 35% from NY</p>

<p>Ethnic Breakdown</p>

<p>Duke: 1% Indian, 23% Asian, 9% Black, 6% Hispanic, 50% White, 7% non-resident, 5% ethnicity unreported
Cornell: 1% Indian, 16% Asian, 6% Black, 6% Hispanic, 42% White, 9% non-resident, 21% ethnicity unreported</p>

<p>2007 Directors Cup Final Standings
11th Duke (National Champions in Women’s Golf and National Runner-up in Men’s Lacrosse)
55th Cornell</p>

9

<p>Both great schools, both have great programs in just about everything. The Durham-Duke town gown relations are not known to be very good and Durham itself is somewhat lacking as a college town (although Chapel Hill is pretty close and it's a great town). Ithaca is a pleasant town and the Collegetown area that is adjacent to the Cornell campus is a lot of fun. Weather would of course be hugely different--however, if you like skiing, obviously Cornell would be a better choice. As to athletics, Duke has basketball and lacrosse and Cornell has its rabid hockey fans (and the past two years, basketball and lacrosse have gained a huge following). </p>

<p>And just a small point--Cornell's final exams end on May 16th, so students are there through half of may, which is a lovely month at Cornell.</p>

10

<p>Cornell is awesome.</p>

11

<p>midatlmom,
After the lacrosse thing, it's hard to imagine town-gown relations being any worse than what Duke had in 2006. Duke, however, does not do much with Durham, but rather with more of the entire area, including a surprising amount of interaction with the folks in Chapel Hill (8 miles away). The Chapel Hill music scene is one of the best for any college in the USA, including several outdoor venues to take advantage of the nice spring weather, and Duke students often take that in.</p>

<p>The last day of classes at Cornell is May 3. Study period/exams follow with last possible exam date of May 16.</p>

12

<p>Cornell has crazy hockey fans. Duke has bball. Cornell is somewhat remote so consider ease of travel. No airport nearby. Cornell has lakes, gorges and wineries, as well as winter sports. Can't remember when I was there. Can you walk to things at Duke? I remember it wasn't as town friendly as UNC, but can't remember access since we drove around. Duke was beautiful. Think housing may have been better? Cornell is bitterly cold, seems even worse than Rochester where my d lives. My son hated turning down Duke because he loved the idea of wearing shorts for most of the year (he's cold in Providence). But, you're in an envious win/win position. Both are great options and you can't go wrong. Spend all day planning to go to Cornell. How do you envision your days? Next day, consider Duke and all it offers. See if you have a gut feeling? Try to attend accepted student days. Get a feel for the students who attend. Eat in the dining halls. Where do you feel more comfortable?</p>

13

<p>The retention rate after one year at Cornell is 97%. The overall graduation rate after six years at Cornell is 92%. The six-year graduation rate is the US Department of Education standard. The 4-year rates Hawkette used were designed to present Duke in the favorable light. Cornell has three times as many science and engineering students as Duke. Cornell also graduates 400 students in business disciplines each year and 100 students in Architecture (Duke has zero). They take a little longer to graduate because of internships and co-op. </p>

<p>Cornell has several New York State funded colleges where NY students can attend at discounted tuition. It isn't surprising that the NYS statutory colleges attract a lot of NY residents. The endowed colleges at Cornell (Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Architecture/Art, Hotel) are geographically diverse.</p>

<p>Cornell offers about 5 men's and 5 women's varsity sports that Duke does not.</p>

<p>Cornell funds about 900 student clubs and organizations.</p>

<p>Cornell sponsors 17 performing music groups, vocal and instrumental.
There are about 20 student-run music groups.</p>

<p>Cornell has an active drama program and a nice, modern theater facility.</p>

<p>Cornell has a beautiful, large art museum with some important collections and lunchtime art presentations every weekday by local and visiting artists.</p>

<p>Cornell's participation rate in athletics, fitness, wellness, and outdoor education programs is extremely high:</p>

<p>Cornell offers 60 group exercise classes each week.
Two swimming pools for open swim are open 8 am to midnight
All Cornell students must pass a swimming test to graduate.</p>

<p>Cornell Athletic Facilities</p>

<p>Andrew P. Stifel Fencing Salle (Fencing)
Bartels Hall
Barton Hall (Men's and Women's Indoor Track and Field)
Belkin International Squash Courts (Men's and Women's Squash)
Charles F. Berman Field (Men's and Women's Soccer)
David F. Hoy Field (Baseball)
Doris Robison Shell House (Men's Heavyweight and Lightweight, Women's Rowing)
Friedman Strength and Conditioning Center
Friedman Wrestling Center (Wrestling)
Helen Newman Hall Bowling Center
Helen Newman Hall Recreation Center
James Lynah Rink (Men's and Women's Ice Hockey)
John Collyer Boathouse (Men's Heavyweight and Lightweight, Women's Rowing)
The Lindseth Climbing Wall<br>
The Moakley Course (Men's and Women's Cross Country)
Newman Arena (Men's and Women's Basketball, Volleyball)
Niemand-Robison Softball Field (Softball)
Noyes Community Recreation Center
Oxley Equestrian Center (Equestrian, Men's and Women's Polo)
Reis Tennis Center (Men's and Women's Tennis)
The Richard M. Ramin Multipurpose Room
Robert J. Kane Sports Complex (Men's and Women's Outdoor Track and Field)
Robert Trent Jones Golf Course (Men's Golf)
Robison Alumni Fields
Schoellkopf Field (Field Hockey, Football, Men's and Women's Lacrosse, Sprint Football)
Teagle Hall
Teagle Hall Gymnasium (Gymnastics)
Teagle Hall Pool (Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving) </p>

<p>Intramurals</p>

<p>Outdoor Soccer
Flag Football
2 on 2 Sand Volleyball
Disc Golf
Tennis Doubles
Cross Country Meet
NGCG Golf Meet
Ice Hockey (Greek Only)
Volleyball
Squash
Ultimate Frisbee
No Tap Bowling
Kickball
3 on 3 Basketball Tourney
Basketball
Ice Hockey (Mens, Womens, Coed)
Badminton Doubles
Bowling
Innertube Water Polo
Greek Peak Ski and Snowboard Meet
Table Tennis Singles
Dodgeball
4 On 4 Coed Volleyball
4 On 4 Flag Football
Softball
Tennis Singles
Horseshoes
Indoor Soccer Tourney
Floor Hockey
Wrestling </p>

<p>Physical Education</p>

<p>Aerobics - Archery - Badminton - Ballet - Ballroom Dance - Basketball - Belly Dance
Bowling - Equitation - Fencing - First Aid/CPR - Fitness - Fly Tying - Golf - Gymnastics
Hockey - Ice Skating - Independent Study - Jogging - Latin Dance - Lifeguarding
Martial Arts - Massage - Meditation - Racquetball - Riflery - Sailing - Scuba - Shooting
Skiing - Snowboarding - Soccer - Spinning - Squash - Swimming - Swing Dance
Team Sports - Tennis - Triathalon - Volleyball - Water Polo - Weight Training - Yoga</p>

<p>Outdoor Education</p>

<p>Backpacking
Local, Adks ,Winter, Southwest, ...
Biking
Fri afternoons, Saturday, break trips, ...
Caving
Intro to caving, caving seminar, ...
Climbing
Basic rock, high adventure, tree, ...
Emergency Care
WFA, wilderness first responder, ...
Hiking
Snowshoeing, trail running, day hiking, ...
Multi-Element
Climbing, challenge course, repelling, ...
Outdoor Leadership
Intro, Break trips, 'Dacks, ...
Paddling
Kayaking, canoeing, touring, ...
Skiing
Cross country, telemark, ...
Teambuilding
High rescue training, raccoon circles, ... </p>

<p>Break Trips
Utah, Costa Rica, 'Gunks, 'Dacks, ...
Adult Programs
MBTI, Shoals Marine Laboratory, ...
Summer Programs
Whitewater kayaking, rock climbing, ...
Free Courses
Hiking, trail maintenance, trail running, ...</p>

<p>Outfitting Center Rentals and Sales
XC Skis
Telemark Skis
Snowshoes
Sea Kayaks
Canoes
Tents
Backpacks</p>

14

<p>Duke gets made fun of every day on Jim Rome's radio show which is listened to by millions of people around the world.</p>

<p>Cornell gets made fun of every week on The Office which is watched by millions of people around the world.</p>

<p>I guess what it comes down to is: Do more of your friends listen to Jim Rome or watch The Office?</p>

15

<p>When is Cornell on The Office?</p>

16

<p>Andy Bernard in The Office graduated from Cornell and Michael Scott usually pokes fun at him for that since he's still not that bright haha.:)</p>

17

<p>Michael never really makes fun of him for it. Andy is considered the office idiot (not to mention his problem with anger) and has referenced Cornell in just about every episode he has been a part of. Some examples:</p>

<p>"The capital of Maine issss...Montpelier, Vermont near Ithaca, New York where I went to Cornell."</p>

<p>"At Cornell we have an extensive alumni network. We all kind of look out for each other. I will probably go back and teach for a while."</p>

<p>"Dwight: Forget your personal history and learn the history of this company.</p>

<p>Andy: That should not be a problem. I minored in History at the Ivy League school which I attended." </p>

<p>"Originally I was on the wait list. I literally sang my way into Cornell."</p>

<p>and my favorite:</p>

<p>"Hey I forgot to tell you the plan for this Saturday. You me bar beers buzzzzzed wings shots drunk waitresses hot football Cornell-Hofstra SLAUGHTER then a quick nap at my place and we hit the tizzzzown."</p>

<p>It's a pretty funny running gag when you consider that B.J. Novak (writer) went to Harvard and the guy that plays Jim went to Brown.</p>

18

<p>That's pretty funny. I never noticed that lol.</p>

19

<p>go to cornell</p>

20

<p>no, go to duke</p>