<p>Hi I got the woodrow wilson research fellowship but I also got into Duke. I was wondering if anyone has any input on where I should go. I am aiming for med school btw. Here are my thoughts:</p>
<p>PRO JHU:
1. Great academics
2. Woodrow Wilson Research Fellowship (only 20-30 ppl get it each year)</p>
<p>CON:
1. Grade deflation, and worse GPA for med school
2. Less free time, school spirit</p>
<p>PRO DUKE:
1. Fun and engaging place to be
2. I like the atmosphere better than JHU</p>
<p>CON:
1. No WW Fellowship</p>
<p>Please help me. I want the best chance to get into med school. I love research and WW fellowship is perfect for me, but I like Duke better. </p>
<p>Could there be any clearer dilemma between Academics and Quality of Life?</p>
<p>Note: I realize I am posting in the JHU forum, but still.</p>
<p>For someone apparently interested in the sciences, your observations are rather unscientific. What, for example, is your evidence that Hopkins has more grade deflation and your GPA would be worse there than if you went to Duke? It sounds to me like its just someone’s opinion–and it’s probably baseless. Hopkins has always done very well at med school admissions. Duke does as well, so this element is probably a wash.</p>
<p>Similarly, where do you get the idea that you would have less free time at Hopkins. That’s absurd and, again sounds like someone’s unsubstantiated speculation.</p>
<p>Duke probably does have more school spirit due to Coach K and the basketball program. Hopkins has 44 national championships in men’s lax but, while lax is an up and coming sport, it doesn’t yet have the popularity of basketball. But Duke’ success in b-ball comes with a price. Duke is probably the most widely hated school among sport’s fans in America. But, to be fair, JHU is pretty widely hated among lacrosse fans for the same reason.</p>
<p>My point is that both Hopkins and Duke are great schools and peers academically. You should, however, base your selection on facts, not unsupported and likely biased opinion. The Wilson fellowship is a great program that you are unlikely to replicate at Duke. And, while this is entirely subjective, I personally would prefer to spend four years in the Baltimore/DC area than in Durham, NC.</p>
<p>And, I will apologize in advance but this is a pet peeve of mine. Your post, and those of many other students considering Hopkins and another purportedly less challenging academic environment, suggests that you are looking for the easiest path. If so, please think about your career choice. Medicine is a very challenging profession. And the best physicians and surgeons are those who seek and relish the challenge. Do you want to be operated on by someone who follows the easiest path, or by someone who constantly challenges him or herself?</p>
<p>Hopkins has the superb reputation it does because it is a place where people seek to challenge themselves to the upmost. Think about it.</p>
<p>Well said bonanza!
Mandoggy-just some friendly advice- read some of the other threads from current students about grades, social life and getting into med school. A lot of what you hear is not true- though JHU has its tough reputation for a reason- you will work hard while there! Even while playing a sport my son has free time and is in the engineering program.
Good Luck with your decision!</p>