<p>Hey CC I'm going to be a senior next year and I have been looking deeply into colleges. After touring many schools I have fallen in love with Johns Hopkins and Duke. I know I want to pursue biology, possibly go for a PhD or to med school. I am interested in cancer and disease research. I love the social atmosphere that Duke has and their spirit. I also love Duke's global focus on health. But I love Johns Hopkins for all it has to offer in many different types of research. I am aware that Duke is a great research school as well, but from what I know it appears that Johns Hopkins sets the bar for biological programs and research. I am planning on applying ED for one of these schools, which is why I want to conclude which school I love more. So based on what you know, which school do you think is better overall, combining to social and academic aspects of the schools?</p>
<p>If you prefer Duke, I’d apply ED there unless you have a very specific research focus that Duke can’t satisfy (unlikely).</p>
<p>I can’t decide which school I prefer more. I love both. Johns Hopkins has more biological tracks offered than Duke does and is slightly higher ranked in its programs (not that ranking is a very big deal because they are both top 10). Johns Hopkins also just built an incredible research lab for biology and has some amazing technology.</p>
<p>While I agree with you that JHU may be a tad stronger in the fields you are interested in, Duke is right up there. And, frankly, the slight difference is probably more relevant to a person applying to graduate school than undergraduate. You will get a great education at either of these places so I suggest making the decision as to which to apply ED on other factors.</p>
<p>This is entirely subjective but, if it were me, I’d much rather spend 4 years in Baltimore than Durham. Baltimore has its share of problems, but it is a much larger city than Durham with everything that canotes, such as professional sports, major museums, cultural centers, etc. Hopkins is also just an hour away from DC, less than 2 hours from Philly, and less than 3 hours from NYC.</p>
<p>Durham is close to Raleigh and Chapel Hill but, in my opinion, it is not nearly as nice as those other two cities. Durham has some of the same problems as Baltimore (on a smaller scale) but, apart from Duke, Durham doesn’t have much to offer. And it is quite far from other major urban areas. While it is true that you will spend most of your time on campus at either of these two schools, you undoubtedly would have many more off-campus options at JHU.</p>
<p>On the other hand, if you are really into college basketball, well, there is no comparison. But be prepared to be hated by your friends at home. :)</p>
<p>Thank you so much for that response! On the other hand I feel like duke has a more collaborative and social atmosphere. But Hopkins has those off campus opportunities. Anyone else have any input?</p>
<p>Bump bump bump</p>
<p>You should choose based on fir and social considerations here. JHU has the slight edge it seems in the field that you’re interested in but Duke is better regarded overall.</p>
<p>It’s amazing how so many elite schools have “the slight edge” over Duke academically in so many comparable disciplines and yet somehow Duke “is better regarded.” Well it is by Dukies here on CC at least.</p>
<p>I think Duke is best for you. There really isn’t that much of a difference between Duke and JHU in the life sciences and you clearly prefer the Duke campus environment.</p>
<p>I do love the duke campus environment but I still did enjoy the johns Hopkins campus environment. Thanks! Any other opinions?</p>
<p>Bump 90char</p>
<p>Duke if you want some school spirit.
Baltimore over Durham anyday.</p>