<p>I hate "vs." threads, but I'm having such a horrible time deciding that I'll post anyway.</p>
<p>Duke- Not very far from home (1.5 hrs?). I liked the campus, and the biology program is amazing. I also really liked the social scene (+basketball, of course). I'd also like to do a FOCUS program. I didn't get very good financial aid at all, but they're reconsidering it.</p>
<p>U Chicago- Liked the atmosphere. It has an awesome biology program and a great NELC program, which I've been considering as a minor/2nd major (Duke doesn't have it). Excellent financial aid. </p>
<p>but i also disagree with slipper...duke is rural and VERY sports oriented. when i visited i hated it so much i didn't want to apply. of course, that is a personal decision, but i think that the social scenes are very different, and if you like chicago's there is a good chance you will dislike duke's.</p>
<p>Chicago is actually more well-known in the academia. Duke is more well-known probably to random people on the streets. I went to Northwestern (considered Chicago's rival by some though too different to be the case) so I am not biased.</p>
<p>I agree with Sam Lee--it's hard to imagine the same person loving both of those schools, as they are so diametrically opposed in everything from academics (though they're similar in quality, Chicago is a lot more classical in its focus) to social life to weather.</p>
<p>I know, it's weird. I can't truthfully say I like U Chicago's weather! The social scene at either doesn't really concern me too much (although I'd like to have one :)). The main thing I'm confused about is academics. Duke has biology + FOCUS; U Chicago has biology + NELC. I really like Chicago's quirkiness (like the IB program, IMO), but I also like the friendliness of Duke's student body. There's things I like and dislike about each...I'll like the weather/campus at Duke, but academics at Chicago; social scene at Duke, but urban location of Chicago...It's very frustrating. :(</p>
<p>a word of caution, dont listen to anything slipper says. He harbors some grudge against Chicago, for no apparent reason. </p>
<p>The schools are entirely different. Choosing to go to chicago is a very dificult choice, choosing to go to Duke is an easy choice because its just like any other top college. </p>
<p>Think of a person weighing their options in life "Should I be a banker (Duke) or a priest (chicago)"... entirely different options, both rewarding. Choosing to be a priest is obviously the much more dificult decision to make, whereas being a banker is an easy, common option. However, to the priest, he later knows that he could have served no other purpose in life. Years later, the banker might still be uncertain if it was the right choice, because there are so many similar options.</p>
<p>I'm having the same problem, except that in my case, Chicago is really close to home and Duke is ~14 hours away. I'm planning to major in Biology with emphasis on neuroscience. I'm going to visit both, but I know I'll be fine in either place. Duke gave me more money, has a better social scene, beautiful weather and scenery, but it's also less diverse, far from home, and somehow feels like more of a gamble. Chicago is familiar (I've been there for research and swing dancing countless times), close to home, academically rigorous, and one of my best friends is going there. On the other hand, its core curriculum is pretty intense and it doesn't seem like I'd have as much freedom (aka time) to explore my other interests, like writing, and seems better suited for graduate studies.</p>
<p>Any more input/advice would be appreciated... does anyone know how the Duke and Chicago core requirements compare?</p>
<p>Emory is also in the running, but has taken a backseat to Chicago and Duke. Any extra info there would be helpful too.</p>
<p>I would pick Chicago because you are guaranteed to get a fantastic liberal arts education, which I think is a very important aspect of college. You will graduate having been truly educated. I believe the current system is set up as 1/3 core, 1/3 major, 1/3 electives, so you would certainly have time to take your own classes. Chicago kids seem more honest and genuine, to me. I like that.</p>
<p>I swore I wouldn't post on CC anymore, but since this is my thread, I felt obliged to reply. :)</p>
<p>zip, I'm not sure what to tell you. I love both schools, and I plan to go to Chicago for grad school if I get in. If I had gotten more financial aid, I probably would have gone to U Chicago. Duke is more pre-professional, but the sciences at both schools are actually quite similar, with the biology programs at both having notable strengths in ecology/evolution and neuroscience. Class sizes at both are also quite small, with professors teaching most of the classes. Chicago has the Common Core, but Duke's distribution requirements are fairly extensive in their own right. One thing to consider is the quarter vs. semester system. Organic chemistry can be rough, and covering organic chem and biochemistry in one year at Chicago can be brutal. Chicago's housing system is among the best I've seen, but being a freshman on Duke's East campus is rather nice too. Duke obviously gets much better weather, and our campus is spectacular at this time of year, but as you know, Chicago's campus is pretty nice too. Chicago easily trumps Durham, of course. Distance is a factor that shouldn't be taken lightly. I know several people here from Chicago, and they're loving their Duke experience. On the other hand, I'm 2-2 1/2 hours away, which suits me just fine (I should mention that I've only been home for Breaks, though). Going far away from home isn't for everyone, especially with a great school nearby. Duke isn't a walk in the park, and the sciences are tough (especially orgo as a freshman :(), so don't think Duke will necessarily be easier than Chicago. Duke's medical center and the various brand new science facilities provide plenty of research opportunities for any student interested in taking advantage of them. If you plan to do your graduate studies at Chicago, you might want to do undergrad elsewhere. It's becoming more common, but usually it's a good idea to get a varied eduction. The schools differ the most socially. I have always been quick to counter Chicago's "no fun" reputation, but it doesn't have anything near the rowdiness of the Duke social scene. There are plenty of alternatives at Duke- music, community service, religious groups, etc. are a couple activities I've participated in. However, it cannot be denied that Duke has a rowdy aspect to its social life that you simply aren't likely to find at Chicago. It's often been said that the same student won't be happy at both schools. From personal experience, I'm not sure that's true. From time to time, I certainly feel a bit disconnected from Duke (a rather uneasy "why am I here?" feeling), but more often then not the good outweighs the bad. Take the time to choose carefully. Spend an overnight visit if you can. Both are great choices, but undoubtedly one will be better for you.</p>
<p>wait, OP- did you just answer your own question?</p>
<p>oh and i just want to add that duke is ranked #5, and chicago, #16, according to the 2006 US News & Business reports. for those of you who hate rankings or could care less about them, disregard my post.</p>
<p>Skip the academics. They're both fine in that regard, and to argue which is better for an undergrad is an exercize in hair splitting.</p>
<p>Focus on which environment you like better. After all, you're going to be there four years, and the months can be pretty long at a place you don't fit.</p>
<p>Because the social environment is soooo different between the two, I'd look at that first. </p>
<p>Do you want big time sports? Duke is the only choice.</p>
<p>Do you want a vibrant greek scene, dress up events, intense party scene? Duke again.</p>
<p>Do you prefer to not worry about clothes? Jeans and t-shirt your stlye? Chicago wins.</p>
<p>Do you want easy access to things in a major city - music, drama etc? Chicago.</p>
<p>Frankly, the social and physical environments are so different, if you don't have a preference, you are not looking very hard.</p>
<p>I was having the same problem. But Duke is EXTREMELY polarized. White people hang out with white, black people hang out with black. Now anyone can challenge this, because I know there are some who don't follow this, but from what I saw it was stark.</p>
<p>It is a similar decision to what newmassdad has already outlined. </p>
<p>Academics, both excellent
Weather, both bad</p>
<p>It comes down to the environment (big city vs. smaller town, etc.), and whether or not one wants to be in a research university or the LAC environment. A good argument can be made for each, it will come down to personal preference. Where do you see yourself?</p>
<p>Well, the weather in Durham isn't that bad. It has all 4 seasons and enough sunny days. It gets snow and a blizzard maybe once every 2 years. THe campus is pretty, as is Chicago's. Well, I'm actually turning down Duke, so I dunno what I'm trying to say right here...</p>
<p>It's the Chicago Board so this will be a partisan response. If you are looking to challenge yourself and try out a new comfort zone, go to Chicago. At this point, try not to consider where you might go to graduate school thinking the U of C is where you would attend, but fast forward four years to now and go with your instincts. The tipping factor for me was what's outside the campus and the awesome "Second City" awaits. Anything your heart desires that springs from a human being is available in abundance in Chicago. Hundreds of inexpensive ethnic restaurants spread throughout the city, major sports teams such as the White Sox and Cubs, world class museums and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, shopping, and parks an eight mile train ride away (and one in the neighborhood with the Museum of Science & Industry). The vast expanse of Lake Michigan is right at your doorstep if you want to step away from the city roar and contemplate by the shore. I guarantee that if you give it a chance, the University and the city of Chicago will grow on you. They're symbiotic.</p>