<p>Yes, another one of these threads. I have read through as many of the comparison threads as I could, but I still dont feel as though Ive resolved my dilemma. </p>
<p>Academically, I am looking more towards finance and economics, with my preference lying toward the former. I wouldve likely chosen a business school that focuses on pre-professional education had I gained admission; such is, however, not the case. On the other hand, I do enjoy economics thoroughly, but I am more interested in the practical side of economics than I am in the theoretical side. Chicagos renown for economics is alluring, but its focus on theoretical econ is less desirable as compared to what I perceive as a more practical-based curriculum at Duke. From what Ive heard, anyway, undergraduate educations in economics are largely the same (though that disparity in the graduate school ranking of each schools econ program is apparent). </p>
<p>Socially, I am a nerd. Within my group of friends, I easily fit in, and I am very comfortable interacting with them. But I am not particularly interested in forming bonds with people who dont appreciate academic humor, who dont appreciate visiting museums or art institutes (in Chicago, no less), or who are only into traditional college parties. I like to have friends who want to visit random places surrounding campus and who enjoy Jamba Juice or tea over a Bud Lite. </p>
<p>I have lived in Chicago for almost 18 years. My parents feel that I should experience new things and go to Duke, and to some extent, I agree with them. But I do have a lot of friends at Chicago whom I feel would be valuable at least as a support group. </p>
<p>I would like to earn an MBA at Sloan, Stern, Wharton, or a comparable school and do not wish to have a career in academia.</p>
<p>Everything you say, except for the museums and the Jamba Juice, points you towards Duke. And, statistically, you are not going to prefer Jamba Juice to Bud Lite permanently. (Well, Bud Lite is truly awful, so you MAY prefer Jamba Juice to it permanently. But you will not likely be a teetotaler in college, wherever you go.)</p>
<p>The museums will still be there in four years. And your parents are right, you shouldn’t stay in Chicago because it’s more comfortable.</p>
<p>Either school would be fine; you could make it work either place. But people with your interests will generally choose Duke in this pairing.</p>
<p>What would you prefer, Pabst or Bud Lite? That is the question you must ask yourself :).</p>
<p>Also, just because you’ve lived in the city doesn’t mean its mysteries are empty for you. I know plenty of happy kids here who are from the City proper. Many of them are from the North Side, and they enjoy seeing a different side of the City. College will be full of new experiences, whether you plan for it or not.</p>
<p>I’ll argue against Duke because I think social fit is as important as academic.</p>
<p>According to your description of yourself, OP, it definitely seems that Chicago’s environment would suit you more than Duke’s. I think both schools offer quality undergraduate degrees, and I really don’t think that either school will have an advantage over the other when it comes to MBA admissions, where work experience is an important factor, anyway. The deciding factor, then, would be social, and I think you’ll find many more Jamba-Juice type students at Chicago than at Duke. The people I know at Duke are definitely drinkers, and the one I’m closest with says that there is a pretty big sports/party culture there. Of course, my friends’ opinions of the school aren’t representative of the entire student body’s opinions.</p>
<p>As for expanding your horizons, as long as you aren’t living at home, I think Chicago offers just as many opportunities for growth as moving to North Carolina would. Chicago is an internationally known school, has a better reputation abroad (or, at least, in the countries I’ve visited), and attracts students and professors from around the country and the globe. If you were to choose Chicago, I don’t think you’d have to worry about a lack of exposure just because you’d be staying close to home.</p>
<p>I really hope I haven’t overstepped by offering my opinion! Best of luck with your decision; you really can’t make a bad choice!</p>
<p>I probably don’t know enough, but from OPs description of him/herself, I think there’s a [much] bigger chance of him/her regretting choosing Duke than choosing UChicago. College is a huge new experience in itself, I doubt OP will ever be saying “I wish I went to some other city” considering how big a new experience like college will be. I can see OP regretting going to the Duke more, it’s not really a nerdy school you know. Academic humor is rampant in UChicago… god, just join the FB group and you’ll see :)! and that’s just like 50 or so active posters!</p>
<p>At the undergraduate level, you will notice very little difference between Economics programs at most top schools with regards to curriculum. As far as your career interests, Duke seems to be the better fit since it has a better pipeline to Wall Street than Chicago does, which seems to send most of its Economics majors to PhD programs following graduation.</p>
<p>Socially, you seem to lean towards Chicago but you can easily find your niche here at Duke. All it takes is a solid group of intellectual friends to discuss important philosophical matters and visit art institutes. It’s much harder to replicate a party scene if one school you’re looking at is lacking in this regard so Duke would fit the bill nicely if you change your mind about “traditional college parties”.</p>
<p>Duke is one of the top represented schools in MBA programs and especially Wharton.</p>
<p><a href=“http://hc.wharton.upenn.edu/programs_mba_students_profiles2011.htm[/url]”>http://hc.wharton.upenn.edu/programs_mba_students_profiles2011.htm</a>
This is one portion of a Wharton MBA class but it has 4 Duke grads enrolled while there is only 1 UChicago grad represented. Only Harvard has as more grads represented and Princeton is the only other school that has 4 grads enrolled.
This is one portion of a Wharton MBA class but it has 4 Duke grads enrolled while there is only 1 UChicago grad represented. Only Harvard has as more grads represented and Princeton is the only other school that has 4 grads enrolled.</p>
<p>Why are the majority of students in UPenn’s MBA program from a science background? Should one study science over economics as an undergraduate major?</p>