<p>In the next few days, I need to choose one of these schools. I've been to both of them, know most of the pros and cons already, but still have a few unanswered questions. </p>
<p>First, what are the relative strengths and weaknesses of their academic programs? I feel like I need another perspective on this.</p>
<p>Which one (if any) is looked upon more favorably by elite graduate programs? </p>
<p>I might consider transferring after my first year, probably to Dartmouth or Brown. Which one (Duke or Chicago) would give me more of an edge in the transfer process? (I've been waitlisted at the former two this year.) </p>
<p>I'm strongly leaning toward Chicago, mainly because I don't go in for the whole Greek/sports-centered feel of Duke, but Duke seems to have more prestige and weight. Can anyone help me clarify how the two are viewed relative to each other?</p>
<p>While the everyday person may have not heard of Chicago, I know Chicago has a very strong academic reputation among other schools. Also, if you like the atmosphere at Chicago better, you should probably go there, god forbid transferring doesn't work.</p>
<p>I do NOT think that Duke is more prestigious. More well-known, probably, because of sports, but that does not translate into greater prestige. Not dumping on Duke, really, but UChicago is, in my mind, a more academically rigorous, prestigious to those in the know school. I REALLY don't think that you should transfer...I mean, that's up to you, but neither Dartmouth or Brown is a better school than either Duke or UChicago or more prestigious, really, beyond being in the Ivy League, which is really a meaningless tip when you are talking about a Duke or a UChicago. But if you DO end up wanting to transfer--because you are unhappy--either one will set you up perfectly well for a transfer. I think that UChicago sounds like a better fit for you, and as long as you work hard there, you will be set up incredibly well for grad school and employment (as you will at Duke, of course).</p>
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First, what are the relative strengths and weaknesses of their academic programs? I feel like I need another perspective on this.
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That's rather vague. Unless you have a very specialized interest (e.g. ancient studies at Chicago or public policy at Duke), either would provide a great education. Chicago has a core curriculum; Duke has a complex set of distribution requirements.</p>
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Which one (if any) is looked upon more favorably by elite graduate programs?
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Equal.</p>
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I might consider transferring after my first year, probably to Dartmouth or Brown. Which one (Duke or Chicago) would give me more of an edge in the transfer process? (I've been waitlisted at the former two this year.)
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Shame on you. Going into college already thinking about transferring is not the best way to enjoy what you have. Duke would probably have a slight edge in this case, simply because it's easier to get a good GPA.</p>
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I'm strongly leaning toward Chicago, mainly because I don't go in for the whole Greek/sports-centered feel of Duke
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10% of males at Chicago join a fraternity. 15% of males at Duke join a fraternity. </p>
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Can anyone help me clarify how the two are viewed relative to each other?
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Duke is more well-known, but Chicago and Duke are equally prestigious.</p>
<p>kemet, the % of student who join fraternities at Duke and Chicago might not be that different, but I think the general campus feel is probably night and day and I think that that is what the OP meant.</p>
<p>I think Duke and Dartmouth are extremely similar in spirit. They are both greek heavy, very social, party hardy schools for well rounded kids. Chicago, to me, could not be more different. Where fun goes to die!!! People at Chicago proudly wear that.</p>
<p>For me, Duke no contest. I work hard, but I like to play too. Chicago is less prestigeous to me as well. I know lots of people who got in who could never get into Duke.</p>
<p>^^That's true for you, but the OP expressed the opposite sentiment (that the Greek/sports thing was a turn-off). I still think that it sounds like the OP should go for UChicago. </p>
<p>(And yes, I agree that the two schools are quite different).</p>