<p>paulaturcotte, you have two beautiful options that many people would feel were fabulous. And if you can afford both, you are in tall cotton indeed.</p>
<p>I have a Duke 09 son and live not far from UVA and know literally hundreds of UVA graduates who never stop expressing their love for their University as they age up.<br>
Perhaps you should focus if possible on considerations that have to do with your career goals if they are defined (my son’s were not!).<br>
Duke’s premed program is world class and funnels students into incredible opportunities. Lab sciences at Duke are incredibly well funded. UVA’s business program was ranked first in the nation above UPenn’s Wharton last year which is amazing. Take a look at departments. UVA has many programs that place students in excellent positions…but I would start focusing on where you would end up department wise and compare. Also take a good look not only at the surrounding cities (Charlottesville is the hands down winner–it is magic…sorry to my son’s alma mater!)…but look at Residential life and housing which impact you a great deal as an undergrad … not important later in grad schools. (Duke’s Residential offerings are outstanding…not perfect! But outstanding if you want to live on campus for 3-4 years…that is the norm.) </p>
<p>Right now, Joy in Cameron Stadium this week…with some very fine Duke young men winning the national championship… Something my son now at Vanderbilt would not consider a factor at all! Duke son attended many many sporting events to root for his classmates in a long list of sports. It is a shame to go to Duke and not appreciate the student athletes…big part of the scene. Go to Duke Blue Planet and see the videos if you want to get a taste of the way Duke students love their teams. But keep in mind that Duke is also unique in its international student body and in its Duke Engage program for starters. Duke is also opening a program in China…</p>
<p>That said, diversity at UVA is also amazing. They are both very vibrant institutions with good alum participation and networks that last a lifetime.</p>