I have narrowed down to my top 3 schools, and I need help picking. I have gotten in to Duke, Penn (CAS), and Dartmouth, and plan on studying Political Science (or PPE at Penn). Which is the strongest? Not sure if I want to go to business or law school. Honestly, a bit hesitant on Duke just because it lacks the Ivy brand. Thoughts? Advice? Thank you.
Three great schools to choose from. All three have an outstanding brand among graduate schools and sophisticated employers, and all three will provide equal access to the the more elite professions (investment banking, strategic consulting, etc.). Your decision should be based purely on fit. Urban Philly vs. Bucolic campus outside Southern mid-sized city vs. Rural New Hampshire. Ivy League sports versus ACC sports. Harsh winters versus mild winters. Etc.
If you can, visit all and make the choice based on your gut. Do not worry about whether Duke has an Ivy brand (neither do Stanford and MIT). Duke is generally considered equivalent to a mid-tier Ivy (Columbia, Penn), and marginally above Dartmouth.