<p>Hey guys,</p>
<p>I really need some help here. I'm a high school senior, and I was lucky enough to be accepted to Penn, Cornell, Duke, and Columbia. After a lot of deliberation, I have narrowed my options down to Columbia and Duke. I will be visiting Duke next week, but I will not be able to visit Columbia before I make my decision. I suppose posting this question on the Duke section might make my results a bit biased, but I have seen some pretty objective advice given on this forum in the past. For a little background, I plan on majoring in statistics/economics (either/or, perhaps a double major). Here are some of my thoughts:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>From some of the people at Columbia I've spoken with, I've heard that there is a shortage of school spirit - at least when it comes to athletics. I wouldn't base an entire decision on this, but I really love the energy coming from Duke. It seems to match my personality a little more. </p></li>
<li><p>Although Duke is a fantastic school, I'm not sure that it wouldn't be considered a downgrade - however slight - from Columbia in terms of academics. I may be completely wrong on this, and that is where I would like the most feedback to this post. I am primarily concerned about post-graduate connections and the job market... does the Ivy League grant one a significant advantage in that department? I would feel a bit petty making my decision over a name brand, but if that is reality than I may have to accept it. </p></li>
<li><p>Location-wise, I think either would be really exciting. I think I would love NYC, but I don't know if that outweighs thought #1.</p></li>
<li><p>I feel like I would fit in better with the community at Duke. Again, that is based purely on my perception. I'm sure I will know more after my visit next week. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>Any feedback or help would be much appreciated. I am absolutely torn over this decision. If I missed anything of great importance, let me know. </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>If you go to Duke and do well, youāll be just as well off for the post-grad connections and job markets as if you do well at Columbia.
I donāt know if Columbia has a statistics major, but I do know that Duke has a statistical science major that seems pretty interesting.
The two are very different locations. You have to choose which one you think you fit better at. Columbia is in the greatest city in the world, but it does not have much of a campus. Would you be fine with that?
I would agree that Duke has much better school spirit.
Whatās the COA for both?</p>
1 Like
<p>COA is virtually the same, and Columbia does have a statistics major.</p>
<p>Look at the curriculumns of the majors; I know what sold me at Duke v. other schools is that their Statistical Science major requires a research experience your senior year with a faculty mentor; the fact that it is required is kind of awesome, IMO. As far as ānameā rec goes, I think one of the really strong things about the D1 spirit coming from Duke is that you will have a strong alumni base. There are quite a few Ivies, actually, that I wouldnāt ārankā with the same name rec as Duke.</p>
<p>Let me assure you that graduate schools and professional schools wonāt differentiate between a degree from either of these schools.</p>
<p>Professional Placement
<a href=āhttp://www.inpathways.net/top50feeder.pdf[/url]ā>InPathWays - Discover latest hot new trending topic, insights, analysis;
Duke: #6
Columbia: #11</p>
<p>Both are top 10 schools; decide based on fit.</p>
<p>The setting of these two schools are very different, but you will obtain a great education at either. Decide based on fit.</p>
<p>I didnāt apply to Columbia because I heard the same things you did. There is a lack of school spirit, students donāt spend time on campus because everyone is in NYC. </p>
<p>Duke is literally the opposite. Everyone loves Duke, everyone stays on campus, etc.</p>
<p>Iām still deciding on schools but I think Iām leaning towards Duke. And as for your concern on academic reputation, both Duke and Columbia are known as the best of the best. Among ālay peopleā, Duke is definitely more known. Regardless, donāt let this be a factor in your decision. You seem to be a fit for Duke - hopefully Iāll see you on campus next year!</p>
<p>Sent from my SGH-T959V using CC</p>
<p>Dukeās school spirit is one of the best in the nation, no question.</p>
<p>In regard to location, theyāre two completely different places. If you want a huge metropolis with shows, museums, restaurants, events, etc at your fingertips ā choose Columbia. If you want a huge campus and a traditional collegiate environment where everyone lives, works, and parties together ā choose Duke. For me the decision was easy. Iām going to end up in a big city after I graduate, so I would rather spend my four years of undergrad on a college campus because when will I ever get to experience that again?</p>
<p>Also consider Columbias double majoring options. At Duke, itās very easy to double major or major and minor, so itās a much more relaxed atmosphere in terms of knowing what you want to do after college.</p>
<p>I agree with virtually all that has been posted, but suggest there is a reasonable way to resolve this dilemma. The two universities share much in common (e.g., distinguished academics, outstanding reputations, highly accomplished alumni, superior postgraduate school and professional opportunities, faculty excellence, and so forth). However, there are two substantial differences:
- Duke ā and almost all Dukies ā love the university and are highly enthusiastic about almost all āthings Duke,ā whereas Columbia students seem to be more more indifferent toward their university;
- Durham ā which has improved remarkably in the last decade ā is a small city, while New York is, well, āthe Big Apple.ā</p>
<p>With this said, one could rationally decide by determining that ALL other factors, in aggregate, are fundamentally equal and then ascertaining how important these two areas of real difference are.</p>
<p>Duke is right for you or you wouldnāt have thought to ask this. A lot of Duke graduates get jobs in NYC, so you can go to Duke and still get to have a NYC experience later. What you will never get to do again is be a Blue Devil with all the excitement that entails. The school spirit is pretty amazing. If that is important to you, then Duke IS right for you.</p>