<p>I have shortened my shortlist to these two universities (removing UChicago, Swarthmore and Middlebury). Notre Dame was not even on my shortlist until they flew me to the university and put me up for 4 days. I absolutely loved the place. The people were friendly and open. I wanted to love Duke because it seemed the best on paper. I would be happy there but I was not completely in love with the place. I understand 4 days compared to an overnight stay might make it hard to compare them fairly.</p>
<p>I am looking to major in maths then enter finance. What am I giving up if I dont select Duke? Have other people been in a similar situation with Notre Dame?</p>
<p>I have to decide soon, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>You’re right, hard to base such a big decision off different emotional bases. Take some time to really reflect on what you enjoyed about both and put it in the context of what you think to be true about each school academically. How big is the difference between them? Would you really be giving up something academically to pick one over the other? I can certainly appreciate your excitement over your ND visit, I would just caution against basing your decision based on two visits of such unequal length.</p>
<p>^I agree, don’t make this decision based purely on emotions. Look at what each school offers you academically, both overall and in your prospective major. And keep in mind that both schools are very similar in their communities–sports based, very ra-ra, strong alumni network. You would likely find a social niche at both places.</p>
<p>^I decided to apply very late and did not have a chance to look around the colleges. Swarthmore felt too small for me and lacked a high-level rugby program. I liked UChicago alot, but I found that the urban atmosphere was not what I really wanted.</p>
<p>I feel that at this level, I can afford to be more picky with my criteria. I have to admit Swarthmore’s academic set-up is amazing. I would have gone there if I was not an athlete.</p>
<p>You didn’t mention looking for a “high-level rugby program”. How do ND and Duke stack up vs. each other? I think I just heard about the ACC starting a league this fall.</p>
<p>My son also did Reilly weekend. Loved it. Now at Harvard Law. Althought he grew up a Michigan fan as the son of two Michigan grads, he loves ND as do we.</p>
<p>If your heart is really there, then go to Notre Dame…and this is from someone who thinks very, very highly of Duke. </p>
<p>On CC, Notre Dame is a very underrated college. Whether it’s the Midwestern location or the Catholic label or the general negative bias of the academic intelligentsia toward Notre Dame, I can’t say. But I do know that its graduates absolutely are top-notch and very competitive with kids coming out of almost any other school in the USA. Add to that a school spirit that is matched by only a handful of schools (and Dukies would qualify) and Notre Dame is a compelling place to attend and have as a touchstone for your entire life. Its alumni are perhaps the most loyal among all US colleges. </p>
<p>Duke would likewise be an excellent choice and might give you more options if Wall Street is your target, but ND can get you there as well. The institutional differences aren’t significant enough to warrant your indecision. Follow your heart.</p>