<p>I've gotten into both Duke University and the Honors Program at UNC-Chapel Hill (with a small scholarship) and the decision is killing me. I think one of the big stumbling blocks for me is everything I've heard about how unhappy kids are at Duke and how much more fun Carolina is. Asking for your thoughts, thanks.</p>
<p>Duke. Period. End of story.</p>
<p>It might sound shallow, but a 13ish slot differential between the two school’s rankings means a lot.</p>
<p>In terms of academics, UNC is nowhere near Duke. The only time when the two schools are comparable is in their basketball programs.</p>
<p>Ok, Duke is better, but does it just blow UNC out of the water completely? From what I’ve heard, UNC is an excellent university in its own right.</p>
<p>Absolutely; UNC is one of the best public schools in the country. That, in its own right, is a status that makes attendance heavily coveted. </p>
<p>However, we are talking about Duke here, a university that consistently ranks with the upper Ivies and the best learning institutions in the world.</p>
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<p>Absolutely. But Duke students are not miserable by any means–in fact, they’re known for being “work hard, play hard.” </p>
<p>I assume, however, that you’re OOS since you don’t have a good grasp of the prestige of the two universities. With OOS costs at Chapel Hill, I’d pick Duke. In-state cost would be a different cup of tea.</p>
<p>Alright, I get that Duke is better, but is it that outrageously better (i.e. Harvard to UT Austin) like some people here make it sound?</p>
<p>Truthfully, both schools are Tier 1 schools, members of the higher echelons of established learning. Within these tiers of excellence, however, exists a disparity between the Harvard and Cornell, MIT and Georgetown, etc. Its hard to be “outrageously better” than one of the better schools in America, but there is a difference between Duke and UNC. Since you aren’t applying to a program that one school is (disproportionately to its rank) known (or unknown) for, Duke should be your unanimous first choice.</p>
<p>Unless there are other, mitigating factors, such as in-state aid for UNC or something along those lines.</p>
<p>If you’re having those kinds of feelings toward the school, then it’s likely not a good fit for you. Ultimately, both are great schools and though Duke is probably considered by most to be better, you will get a great education at both. At this point, you need to choose based on fit. Don’t let us here on CC convince you to go to Duke just because of the name and whatnot. If you feel like UNC is a better fit, go there!</p>
<p>There’s a huge difference between Harvard and Cornell now? Wow, this just blew my mind.</p>
<p>UNC. Most definitely. You’d probably be happier at Chapel Hill. It’s way better.</p>
<p>I’m a Duke basketball team hater, but in your position (and if you’re OOS), go to Duke. Seriously. I’m looking at Duke very seriously, and at UNC almost as an afterthought in the college admissions process. UNC is a great public school, but you’d be surprised by people’s experiences there. Duke is “work hard, play hard,” and the academics are Top 15 in the country, especially depending on certain departments. Duke is better for math/science, while UNC is better when it comes to humanities, I believe. What do you want to study? Best of luck :)</p>
<p>This is really helpful, and I’m grateful. I’m not OOS–I live in NC. And I get the prestige bit. My mom’s job gets me a break on tuition, so the cost difference is not as huge as it might be. Do people feel isolated at Duke? Is there a good sense of community?</p>
<p>OP, kids at Duke are not unhappy. Rather, I’d argue that we are one of the happiest student bodies (without much proof, heh, but just from conversations with friends and the vibe in campus).</p>
<p>Here’s some info about life at Duke socially:</p>
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<p>Come to Duke :)</p>
<p>Where can I buy a bag of popcorn?</p>
<p>“However, we are talking about Duke here, a university that consistently ranks with the upper Ivies and the best learning institutions in the world.”</p>
<p>Duke compares well to all of the Ivies who aren’t HYP. It’s PA scores at USNWR are no better than a school like Michigan.</p>
<p>I am usually long winded…
DUKE.</p>
<p>UNC, most definitely. Happier students, better sports, prettier campus, better location, better social scene, hotter girls. Duke may be ranked higher, but UNC blows Duke out of the water as far as the overall college experience is concerned. There is a reason why Franklin Street bars are constantly filled with Dukies…</p>
<p>I’m one of the few UNC students who actually likes Duke. I just think UNC is much more fun and offers a better overall undergraduate experience.</p>
<p>What do you want to study? </p>
<p>(Full disclosure: I go to UNC)</p>
<p>Cuse0507-
Your criteria is ‘hotter girls’? Seriously? That just blew your entire argument.</p>
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<p>Are you arguing that hot girls aren’t important? How very sexist of you. Hot girls have feelings just like other girls. </p>
<p>Seriously, though, Duke has some hot girls, but UNC has loads and loads of hot girls (probably because it is a lot bigger). Combine that with a 60/40 girl/guy ratio, and you have a recipe for success.</p>