<p>After a few days of torment, I've decided to seek counsel from the more experienced people at CC :) </p>
<p>To begin with, I've been awarded one of the merit scholarships at Duke. I've also got a full ride at Trinity College Cambridge. I'm a Eastern European interested in majoring in Computer Science, but definitely taking a double major with Economy if I pick Duke.
Here are some of Duke's pros and cons (at least in my eyes). Please comment and add any you might think of :) </p>
<p>Duke:</p>
<p>Interdisciplinary studies - double major, LA character, merit program support...
Being able to immerse into collegiate life much more than at Cambridge, where a lot of breaks and (relative) home proximity, in addition to many of my friends going there, could deter me from socializing with other students...
Getting used to America earlier, since I'll surely end up in the US for my graduate studies...</p>
<p>Cambridge:</p>
<p>First and foremost, prestige. I believe Trinity's prestige is second to none in the Western world(perhaps Harvard). Although some may say it's not important, it's not negligible as well...
Secondly, the Computer Science program is stronger at Cambridge. However, it is extremely focused on CS and will turn me into a computer scientist or a programmer, not someone who uses his analytical skills to be able to complement his leadership skills.. I welcome ANY objections to this argument, as I'm not dead set about it, and this is something that will eventually make or break my decision.</p>
<p>Honestly, I'm currently leaning towards Duke. Yesterday, I was dead set about Cambridge... I hope you guys will be able to help me choose! Add any arguments you may think of! :)</p>
<p>My friends who turned down British universities (Oxbridge, Trinity) told me their decision was largely motivated by the fact that the education was so focused and traditional that they didn’t feel like they’d be able to reap the incredible benefits of Duke’s interdisciplinary education.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>So yes, this is very legitimate reason haha. Some of those friends that I mentioned also did not have full rides to Duke, so you’re in a better situation haha. Not that Trinity can’t cultivate you into a leader, but Duke’s focus on an interdisciplinary education is truly a highlight.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>If you plan to come to come to the US for graduate/professional studies, coming to Duke as an undergrad would not be a bad idea. You’ll have an incredible alumni base to get connected with in the US, a community, and a sense of living here.</p>
<p>Also, I saw that you posted in the IB forum as well. If you want to do finance, I’d strongly suggest Duke due to alumni connections and Duke’s ability to catapult many, many kids to Wall Street.</p>
<p>I know a few kids at Duke (most of them Singaporeans) who got into Oxbridge and came to Duke. I myself got into LSE and chose Duke. But if it was Cambridge, I would have chosen Cambridge over Duke.</p>
<p>As for the comment above regarding IB, I seriously doubt Duke has an advantage over Cambridge (if not a disadvantage). Yes, there will be more Duke alums than Cambridge alums on Wallstreet but
(1) more alums does not necessarily mean ease of getting into IB (altho it helps)- you have to think about self-selection.
(2) Cambridge grads greatly outnumber Duke grads.</p>
<p>I mostly agree with eatsalot about getting a more LA education at Duke, which I think is very important. But, if you get to campus and become one of those students (practically all) who look at the LA grad requirements as a burden rather than an opportunity…you might as well go to Cambridge. Only give credence to the LA structure if you’re really going to take advantage of that opportunity.</p>
<p>Also, I think you may be overvaluing the prestige of Trinity College. There is some difference between academic reputation and social elitism/prestige. TC is definitely in the top of both, but perhaps heavier on the elite side.</p>