<p>I got accepted into BME at both Johns Hopkins and Duke, but after thinking about it BME doesn't really seem like the thing for me. But instead a degree in Physics seems very attractive but I don't know whether to go to JHU for physics or Duke. I heard Duke is amazing in the pure sciences but I really am stuck on what to do. BME at Hopkins seems too good of an opportunity to waste but I really don't think that I will enjoy it. But after that comes the question of jobs, physics vs. BME.. :(</p>
<p>Honestly, don’t pick based on your major. Both schools are pretty strong all-around. Each school has departments in which it is better than the other school, but the differences are moot at the undergraduate level. Pick the school where you would be happiest.</p>
<p>I tend to agree with PPham. Both are good schools, so select based on which college is a better fit. You may very well end up deciding that Physics isn’t for you either.</p>
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<p>That means you should go to Duke. Honestly, the difference in opportunities/prestige etc is negligible between the schools. Sounds like you want to go to Duke PLUS it’s cheaper for you based on fin aid. Go to Duke. You won’t be disappointed. BTW, I chose Duke BME over JHU BME. Duke BME is ranked in top 3 so it’s not like it’s chopped liver. You can EASILY switch between physics and Duke BME. At Hopkins, it’s easy to switch into Physics from BME, but I heard it’s VERY hard to switch into JHU BME if start in physics.</p>
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<p>That was my impression when I visited too. Duke seems much more a family atmosphere with students helping each other (on nearly every engineering problem set, students work together), nicer weather, happier students, and a MUCH better sports and social scene. But I know people who are happy at Hopkins too. Clearly, Duke is a better fit for you. You won’t be “wasting” an opportunity by forgoing JHU BME and choosing Duke physics or BME (or you can even double major!).</p>