Hi everyone,
I have a big decision to make. I’ve been accepted at Duke, and University College London (UCL). I want to study economics.
I am from London and have lived here all my life. I need to decide whether I want to stay in London for university, and graduate after 3 years with a great degree from a great university, or go to North Carolina and graduate after 4 years with a great degree from a similarly good university.
Imaginably, I’ve thought long and hard about this decision. Firstly, in terms of cost, the financial aid offered by Duke makes the costs very similar when you factor in the cost of housing in London, so that is not a factor in my decision.
The factor I consider most important is how ‘prestigious’ the degree I will receive is- to employers, etc. I’m hoping to go to business school, and one of the top ones if possible, so it would be important to know which college they’d view as more impressive. I’m also considering careers in the financial sector, possibly investment banking, so again it would be important to know which college they consider more reputable. From the research I’ve done, UCL is definitely ranked higher than Duke, in both overall rankings and economics rankings, however I feel that UCL’s ranking is a bit unrealistically high- I don’t think many people would actually consider it among the top 5/10 in the world. In summary, I don’t really think there is enough of a difference in reputation to make a difference, but I would be interested to find out more, particularly about how well Duke is considered.
Other than that, I think the main factor is how much I’d enjoy myself at the university. I am definitely a very social person and I like to go to parties/clubs/raves until late in the morning. I am very last minute with academics and tests etc, I prefer to cram last minute than do work over a period of time. UCL would provide a good social experience, with many opportunities for parties and clubs in London, but I’ve heard that social life is good at Duke too. Is the difference noticeable? I feel that I might get more of a college experience being at Duke.
I know less about Duke- could anyone provide some of its Pros and Cons?
It’s a very difficult decision but it’s going to affect my life hugely so I would greatly appreciate any advice.
Rankings focused on research aren’t useful in your case.
Duke is a target for the Street. UCL for the City. However, the American firms in the City would consider Duke an Ivy-equivalent. Outside the UK and former British colonies (definitely in the US), I’d say Duke would have the edge in prestige (big edge in the US). However, you may only be authorized to work in Europe.
Forget about the social stuff (though you’d definitely get more of the college experience and school spirit at Duke). There’s a big difference on the academic side. You’re familiar with assessment in the UK, where mostly everything comes down to tests at the end if the year. In the US system, there are midterms, finals, assignments, group projects all the time that all count towards your grade in classes.
Also, the North American system offers far more flexibility, both in choosing majors (and BB hire plenty of non-econ liberal arts majors, engineers, etc.) as well as taking electives outside your major. Because I value flexibility and a broad education (few 18 year olds actually know what they want to do with their life, even if they think they do), I personally would choose Duke if the cost is the same.
BTW, isn’t the deadline for Duke already past?
As @PurpleTitan points out, the approach to academics is seriously different- and I know a fair few UK students who have really struggled with all the small-bore assignments that make up so much of your grade in the US. Also, instead of nice big categories in your degree- get a solid 2.1 in the UK and you are set- a 3.4 GPA is a world away from a 3.8- and all it takes is a few Bs to get there.
And yes…did you get some sort of extension to the May 1 deadline? with a big Fin AId package that’s suprprising.
@PurpleTitan I have SIR’d Duke but I still have my UK conditional offers which I received before I even applied to Duke. Thank you very much for the advice- indeed I believe I am leaning towards Duke. You seem well informed on these matters! 
@collegemom3717 I could definitely see that being an issue for me, but I believe(optimistically) that I have the drive to maintain high grades. Definitely a consideration though. And see the above reply^
I say Duke is all-around stronger. Better brand, more recognizable in most places and the academics are excellent. Duke might not be an Ivy but it is right up there with them ( and actually on the whole arguably stronger than Dartmouth, Brown,Cornell)
Also in my opinion the US system actually forces you to learn the material. You have assignments every week and 2-3 midterm exams plus a final exam or final project so you are forced to study continuously instead of cramming right before the exam.
@Penn95, how did you conclude that Duke is all round stronger, has a better brand and is more recognisable than UCL?
Are you talking about a recognision and stronger brand in the US?
@LutherVan, definitely the true in the US.
I’d say that’s the case in (non-ex-British) East Asia as well.
@PurpleTitan, I would agree it is definitely true in the US as I doubt majority of American students would be able to name up to 10 non-American or Canadian universities. So the top US universities would be more recognisable and have a better brand than top universities outside the US.
As for (non-ex-British) East Asia, I really cannot be very sure of that except I see some evidence.