<p>I know this is the Duke forum, but i'd really appreciate a few unbiased posts on topic. I got accepted to both, they're both AMAZING universities and i'm sure i'd love either one. The problem is since i'm in both, and since i'll be spending the next four years at one of them, i have to make sure they're perfect...hence the nitpicking.</p>
<p>okay first off, I'm interested in doing pre-med. I'd prefer courses taught by professors rather than undergrads, strong undergrad research (in the sciences), and a strong creative writing department. I'm not a partying person, and i'm not really that into sports. One more thing, (though it really shouldnt have any bearing on my decision) which ones harder to get into?</p>
<p>Any input would be appreciated.</p>
<p>Quick link to the Undergraduate</a> Research Support Office, which lists many of the opportunities for science folk (and non-science folk) to do research. Note also the Dannenberg</a> Program which allows undeclared students (even Pratt people) to put together a research project with a faculty member.</p>
<p>I will venture some contrast as I have a son at Duke who also loved truly Dartmouth. He loved Dartmouth's traditions and its tight but diverse student body. Sophisticated kids but a very cozy serene little campus focused on undergrads.<br>
However, he is SO happy at Duke. He notes the incredible weather and the long sunny days which seem to put everyone in good spirits. Options for making up your own path at Duke are rather endless in permutations, too. My son is very liberal artsy..loves classical music (Duke has a really fab dance, music performance budget and opportunities) and history and economics but also attends a few sporting events a week and really enjoys seeing world class athletes and cheering them on. Both Duke and Dartmouth students support their student athletes with a lot of zest. Although Dartmouth is cozier and more undergrad only focused atmosphere (fewer grad students around by far), my son's Chem prof had lunch with him recently so they could talk about well, classical music and sports (son is only average in Chem world), and he has coffee with German teachers and even when he does not get to know his profs personally..he reports every teacher he has had at Duke has been terrific. Oh, and the FOCUS program sort of turns your first semester into a smaller college experience if you like it..my son had a fantastic FOCUS experience. And East campus freshman year sort of makes the first year rather cozy. Lots of freshman bonding on their own campus first year.<br>
both schools are fabulous. good luck deciding.
Duke is more a cozy liberal arts experience if you can initiate just a little and if you look at your morning Events Calendar, the options are rather fab daily. But it also has the advantages of a bigger college..pumped up facilities and the advantage of top research options in most departments.<br>
Now, Dartmouth. We are fond of Dartmouth indeed. It reminds us of our state's historic jewel college, William and Mary. It has a real historically authentic campus and a very cohesive feeling to the student body. But Dartmouth kids are like Duke kids. They love to support their sports teams and both schools truly have national and international students who are seriously talented. Lots of socially outgoing kids at both schools.
If you don't think however that when darkness falls at 5pm in NH, and a huge percentage of Dartmouth kids head for their frats that you would be happy with the frat scene, Duke gives you more options for independent rather than Greek socializing. (my son went Greek, but also hangs with independent kids a lot.) Because Dartmouth is isolated, they really do rely on frats and sororities more. Drinking happens at both schools and will be present at both but it is not uncommon at Duke for nondrinkers to spend their weekends with plenty to do that is not related to parties. Durham is no Chapel Hill, but obviously you are going to be able to get out to more things off campus than at Dartmouth. Re full prof contact..it is quite good at Duke. There are some large intro classes where you will have section meetings but as I said even a person who is only a little extroverted can have plenty of conversations with a professor and find mentors. Also, looks like my son will be going abroad at least twice in his four years.</p>