<p>I was admitted to both Duke and UC Berkeley, and assuming I don't try to fight for a spot off the UChicago waitlist, I will most likely be attending one of them. I absolutely love the Bay Area, and Berkeley, and know it is well-renowned for it's English program (although that seems to be more graduate-based), but am turned off by the recent budget problems, bureaucracy, and overwhelmingly large class sizes. </p>
<p>Duke, on the other hand, I have never visited (though plan to in April), but am attracted by the personal relationships and sense of community it seems to foster. I don't know too much about it's english program, and was wondering if anyone had any insightful info on the matter (especially with regards to creative writing). I plan on double-majoring, also, so any info on the Psych department would be helpful as well.</p>
<p>Creative writing is great. I took a class this semester and they are really amazing. The professors are understanding and are generally inclined to give you a good grade. However, the classes are demanding and stimulating. You will learn a LOT. </p>
<p>Also, the classes are small enough that after class it seems like nearly everyone starts some type of extracurricular creative writing workshop that meets during the week. I love it.</p>
<p>Visit both schools. I had the choice and chose Duke in a heartbeat.</p>
<p>Things to keep in mind:</p>
<p>1) Economic state of CA
2) Class sizes at Duke are MUCH, MUCHH smaller
3) My friends told me they can’t approach professors and get research positions at Cal, which is completely opposite of at Duke.
4) The campus
5) Size of student body
6) etcetc</p>
<p>There’s a lot. Remember that graduate programs are not the same as undergraduate. </p>
<p>As for the psychology/neuroscience department here, I love it. Professors are really accessible and knowledgeable, and I enjoy the variety of classes. There’s a lotttttt of opportunities for research in the neuroscience and psychology departments as well. Like, a lot. Too many, actually haha.</p>