<p>I don't know too much personally about Cornell since I've never visited it, but I know a lot about Duke and Georgetown. First, if you want to go into international relations or politics, choose Georgetown. It's really no contest if those are your desired majors, although Duke does have a good public policy program, but being in DC gives you a leg up on internships. Also, you said you like Georgetown's strength in medicine and law....uh, Duke's medical school/ctr routinely is seen as more prestigious than Georgetown's. US News & World Report 2009 ranks Duke 6th and Georgetown 40th (Cornell is 18th, by the way). The Law Schools are fairly comparable in prestige - Duke is ranked 12th (tied with Cornell), while Gtown is 14th, according to US News. </p>
<p>First, I'll give you my brief take of Cornell based on my friends' experiences there. They say it's the easiest Ivy to get in and the hardest Ivy to get out of (i.e. graduate). They work you hard there. The engineering program is especially strong, and they work a ton (as do all engineering students). Cornell is HUGE compared to other Ivy League schools (20,000 total students, also huge compared to Duke and Gtown) and is partially publicly funded, so some of the schools are actually public within the university. So, it kind of has the feeling of a public school, but with much more prestige attached to it by being part of the Ivy League. The campus is isolated and cold....and there are lots of bridges. Beautiful sprawling campus I've been told, and good food. Decent parties.</p>
<p>Ok, now giving my quick (admittedly biased) pro/con list for Duke and Gtown:</p>
<p>Duke:
- Better science facilities, more research opportunities as an undergrad (for almost all science majors, I personally would choose Duke over Gtown unless you're interested in something like health policy, which you said you are; then the choice is harder)
- Lots of wide open green spaces on campus (Gtown is urban, not nearly as much open space around)
- Cheaper living expenses
- More of a community feel (although Gtown is pretty good for being urban; Gtown has more community than say Columbia or NYU, or even American for that matter)
- Greek system fairly prevalent</p>
<p>Georgetown:
- Gtown area and DC is a lot more fun than Durham, lots more restaurants and stores within walking distance
- Leg up in opportunities to internships in DC
- Better programs in politics and international relations
- No Greek system, although there are some unofficial frats/sororities that the university doesn't recognize</p>
<p>Both schools get targeted for having lots of wealthy, preppy students (somewhat unfairly, somewhat fairly). My experience is that Georgetown students fit that stereotype a bit more since the area of Georgetown attracts those types of people since there are lots of nice stores, etc (that Durham clearly lacks). One friend at American dislikes Gtown students because she thinks they're pompous - and they think they're so much better than all other schools in DC. But maybe she's just bitter. Visit all three, see what you like. All are great schools and offer slightly different things, but you can't go wrong with your choice really.</p>