<p>So it seems that my situation right now will likely come down to being Yale, Harvard, or Duke. The complicating thing is that I received a very generous scholarship award at Duke that pays for all my expenses (Tuition, Room & Board, etc..) and also gives me great opportunities such as Paid study abroad programs and gauranteed internships. While this is great, My #1 choice has always been Yale but it would cost around 12 grand a year, most of which I would have to take out in loans. So while I prefer Yale I was wondering if you guys think it is worth it to turn down this scholarship at Duke, which is an amazing school in its own right. Harvard is also in the discussion, although im not sure of their financial package yet, and would prefer Yale if they were the same. But if you have any insight into exploring the Harvard path that would also be appreciated.</p>
<p>For some quick background: I am most likely going to major in a Pre-Med field, probably biology, so med school is also in consideration. I value well-roundedness in school, meaning a good intellectual and social atmosphere. By "social" I do consider the quality of parties, number of social events, perhaps greek scene, etc. I live on the west coast so all would be far away regardless. </p>
<p>If you’re getting a full ride to Duke, its a no brainer. Duke is an AMAZING school. Not as up to Yale or Harvard but if you’re getting a FULL RIDE to Duke, just think about it.</p>
<p>Duke for pre-med is very strong…arguably stronger than Yale. Add in the fact that Duke is free, I’d choose Duke…unless you visited and can’t stand the environment and love Yale.</p>
<p>Harvard is statistically the most selective school to get into in the country… I would definitely go for Harvard. I have a friend at Duke and even though he loves it, he only went because he was rejected by Harvard and Yale. Since you are one of the few that are lucky enough to be accepted, you honestly have to take Harvard. I toured there last summer too… It is AMAZING.</p>
<p>I’d personally go for Harvard. I don’t know how anyone would turn down a Harvard offer if it’s not from one of the HYPSM+Caltech,Wharton plus aid.</p>
<p>Wait to get the Harvard aid info. They like to say that no one ever turns down Harvard because they can’t afford it. I have a D who got into Harvard and Yale, and Harvard aid was way, way better, though everyone’s financial situations of course, are unique.</p>
<p>^ I agree with kwu’s post. I’m sure you can squeeze some money out of them if you got into Duke with a full-ride. I would go with Duke though unless the financial aid package for Harvard is <$10k a year in loans.</p>
<p>Definitely Duke. Someone had mentioned that Duke premed is very strong, arguably stronger than Yale and I agree. Duke is amazing. It’s the reason that Durham is nicknamed city of medicine.
Duke IS medicine just like Caltech/MIT IS engineering
Go to Duke, especially cause you can head on to medical school without the burden of undergrad loans.</p>
<p>Hm, never heard of that statement. I would disagree. Duke has an excellent medical school and such but I wouldn’t go so far as to say it represents medicine like Caltech and MIT do for engineering.</p>
<p>Thank you all so much for your advice! I’ve been hearing a lot about using my financial aid at other schools as a bargaining chip for Yale, and this sounds like a very good idea. The only question I have is how do I do this? Is it better to call the financial aid office, or shoot them an email? My scholarship at Duke has a pretty short deadline to reply so whichever way would get me the quickest response, if there is one, is the one I would prefer.</p>
<p>You call Yale’s office of financial aid directly, explain the details of your scholarship, explain that $50k will be a real burden for you, and then let them decide what to do about that.</p>
<p>As to your choices, if cost were no object, it seems clear Yale would be your choice. Given that, the only question is how much debt is intolerable to YOU. For me, $50k is an acceptable amount of debt. $100k would not be. But that’s ME.</p>
<p>I suggest you call the premed advising office at both Yale and Duke, explain your choice, and ask them what resources are typically available to med school aspiring students.</p>
<p>"Mushmouse: I have no doubt that Harvard will meet the numbers of Y and P. They easily matched Columbia’s package when my daughter was accepted a few years ago. Call the financial aid office and have the other offers handy and ready to fax in if necessary. The financial aid officers are generally quite pleasant and do everything possible to help admitted students to attend if possible. Also, keep in mind that your daughter should not qualify for financial aid (or increased aid if she was already receiving aid.)</p>
<p>One more thing: Do not use the word “negotiate” when you call. Simply politely tell the financial aid officer how much your son wants to attend. Being humble and polite (but firm) goes a long way!"</p>