Princeton vs Robertson Scholarship at Duke/UNC

Colleges and Universities A-Z Princeton University
1

<p>Hi guys, </p>

<p>I was lucky enough to be admitted into the Princeton EA Class of 2018 AND be awarded the Robertson Scholarship to UNC/Duke (as an international student, they award it in December) and now I have absolutely ZERO idea what to do. I am so so grateful and lucky and excited, but also exhausted from weighing up the pros and cons of both.</p>

<p>I still have to apply/be accepted into Duke/UNC, but from what everyone has said, that should be fine.</p>

<p>A bit of information. I was offered nearly a full ride at Princeton (they only want $5k a year from my parents) whilst the Robertson is a full ride minus health insurance and flights (which would probably end up costing around $5k)... Princeton want me to work too though and have a summer job, so it would probably stretch my parents more than if I were to take the Robertson.</p>

<p>Benefits of the Robertson: Duke/UNC pretty cool places, in the South, free summer experiences, free laptop, probably a much easier life, not a bad education at all! Sanford school is good. Good alumni network, close bond between Robbie, Duke/UNC seem more fun.... And I like the idea of being in a smaller group within a larger community, it's hard to tell. The Robertson is more 'competitive' (technically) but has less of a name and Duke/UNC are less competitive places... you also get the benefits of both schools though...</p>

<p>Negatives: I've never been to NC though so I could hate it (I hated UPenn and Columbia, for example)... If I went to UNC I would just feel like a less good Morehead (I've heard that there's that stigma attached to them... there's no point lying), and it isn't Princeton...</p>

<p>Benefits of Princeton: It's the best university in the US, Woody Woo, loved the campus, close to family (who live in NY), great name, amazing network, no risk involved, will get a great degree, have good study abroad options too, everyone loves Princeton, best professors in the world, I want to do Politics/IR (and do a MPP or something, go to grad school or enter the foreign service), so where better than Woody Woo? The Sanford School is pretty great too though.</p>

<p>Negatives of Princeton:
The problem with Princeton though is obviously grade deflation and I don't know if I'm a huge fan of eating clubs...how fun is it? Are you just one 'in a sea' of thousands of geniuses? How good are the graduate prospects when you're in a class of 1,000...? It's hard.....!</p>

<p>I have until Feb 28th to decide, UNC decisions come out in January but Duke decisions don't come out until April 1st. </p>

<p>I AM SO EXHAUSTED FROM THINKING ABOUT THIS! I know I'm the luckiest person in the world to have this opportunity but it's so hard, they are such fantastic options and I'm scared about what I would regret more... Please help me out :(</p>

2

<p>Go to Princeton</p>

3

<p>Congrats on your admission to Princeton and the Robertson Scholarship.</p>

<p>Fortunately you have some time to make a decision.</p>

<p>Your list of attributes of Princeton sound like a administration recruiting brochure: Benefits of Princeton: “It’s the best university in the US, Woody Woo, loved the campus, close to family (who live in NY), great name, amazing network, no risk involved, will get a great degree, have good study abroad options too, everyone loves Princeton, best professors in the world.” It sounds like in your heart you want to attend Princeton but think that the Robertson Scholarship is better financially. </p>

<p>I will provide some information on your concerns about Princeton.
Eating Clubs: The negative comments about the eating clubs come from people that did not attend Princeton. Most students and alumni enjoyed the camaraderie of their eating club. The residential colleges provide an alternative to joining an eating club. About one-third of the students choose not to join a club but participate in open club activities. Your choice. Here is a discussion about eating clubs: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/princeton-university/1101571-princeton-eating-clubs.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/princeton-university/1101571-princeton-eating-clubs.html&lt;/a&gt; , <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/princeton-university/1298623-strange-sounds-havent-seen-question-before-re-princetons-social-life.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/princeton-university/1298623-strange-sounds-havent-seen-question-before-re-princetons-social-life.html&lt;/a&gt; , and <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/14782665-post16.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/14782665-post16.html&lt;/a&gt; </p>

<p>Grade deflation: The grade curve today is similar to the grade curve during most of the 20th century. Previous alums were admitted to graduate school and had successful careers. </p>

<p>“Are you just one ‘in a sea’ of thousands of geniuses?” One of the best aspects of the Princeton experience is your daily interactions with your classmates. You will discard many of your cultural prejudices and viewpoints by learning from people from different cultures and hold different values.</p>

<p>Graduate prospects are great!</p>

<p>The residential colleges and eating clubs provide the feeling of being part of a smaller group within a larger community.</p>

<p>The money that earn while at Princeton has potential upside. Many juniors and seniors working campus jobs are promoted to supervise freshman and sophomores thus earning more money. Also, many students find that they can eqrn more money working for a student agency. I know that I made three or four times the campus job rate working an agency job. See: [Princeton</a> Student Agencies](<a href=“http://www.studentagencies.net/default.asp]Princeton”>Princeton Student Agencies) If you can obtain a job near your family in NY you may be able to make more than Princeton expects from your summer earnings. Make a decision on where you think that you will be happy whether that be Princeton or UNC. Five years after graduation a few thousand dollars difference will seem to be a small difference.</p>

<p>Over the years there has been some controversy over the dual status of Robertson Scholars. Their unique status of being a student at both UNC and Duke has made other students feel that the Robertson Scholars were not loyal students at their university. Here is one such article: [Krzyzewskiville</a> closed to joint scholars from North Carolina - USATODAY.com](<a href=“http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/college/mensbasketball/acc/2006-12-11-duke-unc-krzyzewskiville_x.htm]Krzyzewskiville”>Krzyzewskiville closed to joint scholars from North Carolina - USATODAY.com)</p>

<p>The one thing that you do not need to worry about is whether Princeton students have fun. Princeton alumni are the most engaged and loyal alumni in the country. They developed this loyalty to Princeton because they enjoyed their four years at Princeton.</p>

4

<p>Grade deflation is something my son (current BSE sophomore at Princeton) would change but it is not even close to a deal breaker for him. There are a lot of strong opinions about it “out there” but overall he has felt that his grades were quite fair to date. He was pleasantly surprised by the collaborative atmosphere at Princeton. Students help each other and work in groups on problem sets/projects or share class notes/slides etc. in spite of the fact that the grade curve is so competitive. </p>

<p>He has visited a few eating clubs and has decided to stay with the dining halls in his junior year. This is not an uncommon plan among students whatsoever, and you always have the option to trade meals with someone in a club if you care to from time to time. His decision was based on the fact that the dining halls offer so much variety and for him, a late meal option is a must. His group of peers are also staying with the dining halls (a couple plan to go independent) so he will have lots of people to hang out with. </p>

<p>Overall he absolutely loves Princeton and has experienced bouts of “homesickness” while away from campus the last week or so at what used to be his “home” (with his parents). This tells me he made a wonderful choice for college!</p>

5

<p>I like this OP. Some things never change.</p>

<p>You’re clearly on a high right now. Enjoy the feeling. If you go to Princeton, you will feel like this a lot. Princeton will give you the possibilities and options places like Duke and UNC can never match. </p>

<p>We can talk about specifics like your dual program but if you were to ask a dozen people who matter in foreign service, or other career options you pick in the future, i’m sure Princeton carries a lot more weight than having to explain what exactly is Robertson.</p>

<p>In the grand scheme of things, you’re smart enough to get in so you’re probably smart enough to realize the advantages that is Princeton. To turn down a life changing experience and the future it offers over out of date stereotypes and concerns over a summer job is probably due to your current happy exuberant state of mind. </p>

<p>If you want to milk that feeling of being awesome a bit more, enjoy. You’ve earned it. We’ll see you in Princeton in fall.</p>

6

<p>Where are you from?</p>

<p>Who has the Feb 28th deadline?</p>

7

<p>

DS just graduated from Princeton and DD is a junior at Duke. According to them, the genius ratio is the same at the two schools.</p>

8

<p>First of all, congrats. :slight_smile: Both are great choices! I’m a current senior. I’ll hit a few points very quickly:</p>

<p>-Summer earning expectations: they’ll waive 50% of the expected amount, should you choose to do something besides having a job.
-Loans: if you need to take out loans, Princeton’s parent loan program is really generous.</p>

<p>-“one in a sea of geniuses”: not my experience at all! lots of smart people at both schools. At pton, I’ve found a very tight-knit community.</p>

<p>-Eating clubs: thought I would hate them, I actually love mine though. Some people don’t take part, and that’s fine too. The institution overall is a little weird, but no more so than greek life at other schools, I’d think. Mine is a very nice community and it’s been a surprisingly good experience.</p>

<p>-Graduate opportunities? Of course. Plenty of them. :)</p>

<p>-Grade deflation: let me ask – why are you worried about it? </p>

<p>Overall, I think Pton is a great school, and it’s been a really good experience for me. But I wouldn’t view it as ‘which will I regret more,’ because you have two great options. There are no wrong choices at this point. :)</p>

9

<p>I think the more experienced people are, the more they will tell you what tiger14 just did: you have two great choices. Your worries about each choice are overblown.</p>

<p>It is very common for Robertson winners to have your dilemma, because the sort of student who wins a Robertson is the sort of student who gets admitted pretty much everywhere he or she applies. Year after year, some of those kids take the Robertson, and some go to Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, wherever. I don’t think the outcomes are any different. </p>

<p>The additional benefits that Robertson Scholars get more than make up for the general spiffiness advantage Princeton may have over Duke or UNC. Any sophisticated employer or graduate school – and if you go to Princeton or are a Robertson Scholar, that’s the type of employer or graduate school with which you will be concerned – will recognize and respect what the Robertson Scholarship means, as well as all the experience you will accumulate because of the scholarship. If anything, there may be a slight benefit to the Robertson because of that. If you are looking for a job at McKinsey or a Rhodes Scholarship, the Robertson is more helpful than simply going to Princeton (but not necessarily more helpful than being a star at Princeton). </p>

<p>On the other hand, cab drivers and your relatives are more likely to oooh and aaahh over Princeton, and to have no idea what the Robertson means. So if impressing cab drivers and your aunts is what matters, by all means go to Princeton.</p>

<p>People love love love all three colleges. Beats the heck out of me, but I have never met a Princeton grad who said bad things about the eating clubs. Duke and Carolina both have rabid fans. Duke is really pretty similar to Princeton, except for having better sports teams and more professional schools, and colors that don’t look stupid on everyone. (Newsflash: Orange may be the new black, but the two together look stupid on everyone as soon as you cross Nassau Street.) Carolina is a state-of-the-art public university; it offers great education to a wider range of students without the snottiness of Princeton or Duke (but the Robertson will give you some of that snottiness back, no worries). In general, just being a UNC graduate does not mean as much as just being a Princeton or Duke graduate, but you will never be “just” a UNC (or Duke) graduate, so that’s nothing to worry about.</p>

<p>Not having liked Columbia or Penn does not suggest that you may not like Duke or UNC. In the spectrum Columbia-to-Princeton, Duke and UNC are way closer to Princeton than to Columbia or Penn. As for your concern about working in the summer: Working in the summer is a good thing, an important part of your educational plan. You will “work” in the summer no matter where you are. Getting paid for it is fun.</p>

<p>Most of the people who wind up choosing a Robertson over Princeton or someplace similar usually make that choice in part because the Robertson is a much better financial deal for them. If there’s no big financial difference between the two colleges, my guess is you will probably choose Princeton, and that’s perfectly rational. But just because you don’t have an obvious reason to choose the Robertson over Princeton, it’s worth thinking about which one will really fit you best, because either one is a great opportunity, and you will do more with the opportunity if the place you go fits you best.</p>

10

<p>As an alumna of Princeton and the parent of two Princetonians, I clearly am biased towards Princeton. However, since it also appears to be the preference of the OP and since the money differential does not appear to be significant, I’m not sure why the OP would choose Duke/UNC. As for the Robertson, while it confers certain benefits, I think they are somewhat overstated - Princeton has a lot of money to help out undergraduates, from courses that pay for students to go abroad for spring break, to the free bridge year program, to funded summer opportunities. While I will defer to posters who seem to feel that the Robertson is something that follows you throughout life, what I can say is that Princeton alumni are among the most fervent in the nation, that they will go out of their way to help out fellow alumni and that Princeton offers an unparalleled undergraduate education.</p>

<p>Addressing each of the slight concerns mentioned by the OP, grade deflation, in my judgment, has not been a great policy (mainly because other schools did not follow the same policy). However, it is being reconsidered under the new President, there is no evidence that it has negatively impacted graduate school admissions or professional prospects and since the Dean that proposed it has retired, I think most professors are less stringent about it. As for eating clubs, there are both selective and sign-in options and almost all students on campus wind up thinking they are fun and an excellent option. As for feeling that everyone else is a genius, I think at all selective schools, kids who had been superstars in their high schools are confronted by the fact that they may not be the smartest at college. This is not a bad thing to recognize and in my experience, by the end of your time at Princeton, your academic confidence will have soared, especially after you have completed a senior thesis, and you will have been exhilarated by your close interactions with professors and happy with the friendships you have made with other students. Finally, as for graduate prospects, whether in the foreign service or politics or graduate school, the Princeton name and experience will serve you well - almost all of the students in my daughter’s class of 2010 got jobs (many had multiple job offers even in the middle of a recession) or were admitted to top graduate programs.</p>

<p>Moreover, the OP has never been to NC. I can’t imagine choosing Duke/UNC over Princeton unless you had visited both schools, particularly when someone has loved Princeton and has ties to the area.</p>

11

<p>Other posters seem to have ably addressed your concerns. I will simply say that our child had some similarly excellent options, chose Princeton, and has never looked back. The place blows all of us away on all fronts. The financial aid is staggeringly generous and the opportunities available seem genuinely limitless. Grade deflation hasn’t been an issue.</p>

<p>I hope this doesn’t come off as smug but being part of the Princeton family has felt a little bit like winning the lottery, to be honest. We are profoundly grateful on our child’s behalf and can’t imagine how the undergrad experience could get any better. Best to you in making your decision!</p>

12

<p>

This is one of the most ridiculous things I’ve ever heard. Not sure about UNC, a lot of the same companies recruit at Princeton and Duke along with other well-regarded private schools. The graduate school outcomes are pretty similar as well. The kicker here is that being a Robertson (if its at Duke) means you have first dibs to the best opportunities that one of the top 10 schools in the country has to offer.</p>

<p>Being a Robertson may mean a more intimate college experience due to the small size of the program compared to being a Princetonian so if you seek that level of comfort, the scholarship is the way to go. If you’re not afraid to take a little initiative, then Princeton is a good option as well.</p>

<p>[Best</a> Public Policy Analysis Programs | Top Public Affairs Schools | US News Best Graduate Schools](<a href=“http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-public-affairs-schools/public-policy-analysis-rankings]Best”>http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-public-affairs-schools/public-policy-analysis-rankings)
Woody Woo and Sanford seemed to be ranked about the same so probably a wash there. UNC is ranked #20 so they may be a little less regarded in Public Policy.</p>

<p>If UNC is your “primary” school per The Robertson, I would choose Princeton. If its Duke, then I would take the Robertson. A full ride to Duke is too good to pass up. It also has a “great name” and an “amazing network”.</p>

13

<p>Just one more point. In terms of an “intimate” college experience, I have never heard any Princeton graduate or undergraduate describe it as impersonal or large or anything of the sort. At Princeton, professors are completely accessible to all students and there are numerous opportunities to interact in small groups (from the Outdoor Action pre-frosh trip to the freshman seminars to the plethora of small seminars generally available to the a cappella groups and the dance groups and the theater groups to the residential college “zee” groups). While the Robertson may give you a small group of students to hang out with, at Princeton you will have numerous opportunities to interact in small groups (and I daresay the same is true in general at Duke) and, as the OP has mentioned, it’s really hard to say that the Robertson conveys any particular advantage in that respect.</p>

14

<p>One feature of the Princeton experience that people that did not attend Princeton do not understand is that all Princeton students are considered to be honors students and have an “intimate college experience.” I have interviewed many high school students who have been admitted to a special honors program at other universities and they tell me that special honor program enables them to attend small seminars and write a thesis. There are surprised to learn that every undergraduate at Princeton attends small seminars and can write a thesis. I would be interested to know what “intimate college experience” Robertson Scholars enjoy that is not available to every Princeton student.</p>

<p>At first I was surprised at the Public Policy rankings. Then I realized that for the foreign service the rankings most people consider is the schools of international relations. Princeton is ranked second for undergraduate programs and second for PhD programs. Duke is not ranked in the top 20 for PhD or masters programs and is ranked 18th for undergraduate programs. [Inside</a> the Ivory Tower - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inside_the_Ivory_Tower]Inside”>Inside the Ivory Tower - Wikipedia) </p>

<p>The OP needs to consider if she is interested in just domestic policy or desires a school strong in domestic and foreign policy.</p>

<p>The summer experiences for Princeton students are very good. Through Princeton I gained summer employment in Europe and participated in the Princeton-in-Washington (PIW) Program. Through the PIW Program I was able to meet cabinet level officials and alumni senators. [Princeton-in-Washington</a> Program | Career Services](<a href=“http://careerservices.princeton.edu/undergraduate-students/career-programs-fairs-events/princeton-washington]Princeton-in-Washington”>http://careerservices.princeton.edu/undergraduate-students/career-programs-fairs-events/princeton-washington) The Scholars in the Nation’s Service Initiative (SINSI) is an unique program where SINSI funds federal government internship after your junior year, admission to the MPA program, and a two-year SINSI supported fellowship with the federal government between the first and second year of the MPA program. [The</a> Program | Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs](<a href=“http://wws.princeton.edu/undergraduate-academics/sinsi/program]The”>http://wws.princeton.edu/undergraduate-academics/sinsi/program) I hope that this information is helpful to Nireh14.</p>

15

<p>One of my kids was in a similar position (with a policy interest also) and chose Duke/Robertson. The decision went right down to the wire and was indeed exhausting. He even checked out course syllabi by looking at comparable courses at Sanford and Woodrow Wilson. He also looked into the likelihood of working closely with faculty during all four years. Those two factors (along with Duke’s interdisciplinary emphasis) made the difference in his decision. </p>

<p>The social fit at Duke hasn’t been perfect (particularly because he took a gap year and the freshman on Duke’s East Campus seemed much younger). Also, although Sanford is excellent it didn’t turn out to be the program that he was looking for so he will graduate in another major. </p>

<p>I don’t think he regrets his decision to accept the Duke Robertson. Duke faculty have been amazing to work with since Day 1. He has made good use of study abroad (paid for by the Scholarship). He enjoyed his time at UNC and is graduating with a double major (one major at Duke and another major at UNC). He also raves about Durham’s food, climate, people, and start-ups (which surprised me because Durham isn’t always seen as a plus on College Confidential). Additionally, there is a leadership development emphasis (along with courses and some valuable activities) for Robertson Scholars, and there are some tangible outcomes associated with those opportunities.</p>

<p>The financial perks of the Robertson were even more generous than he expected, and the summer experiences are excellent. (You may find that some of the travel costs you mention are actually covered in the end.) My son has taken on several paid jobs at Duke that look impressive on his resume and resulted in him actually making and saving money each year.</p>

<p>With all of that said… as a parent I am old school. If I was making the decision for myself it would likely be Princeton in a heartbeat. However, he felt (and continues to believe) that Duke is one of the most innovative schools in the country. Rather than simply learning, he works on research and design and development projects every day. This kind of applied understanding isn’t for everyone, but it works for him.</p>

<p>I imagine that there are a number of current international Robertson Scholars who would be happy to talk with you (connecting via facebook or through the Robertson office). Congratulations and good luck with your decision!</p>

16

<p>

</p>

<p>Duke actually has fewer classes over 50 students than Princeton according to their respective Common Data Sets.
<a href=“http://ir.provost.duke.edu/facts/cds/CDS_2012-2013.pdf[/url]”>http://ir.provost.duke.edu/facts/cds/CDS_2012-2013.pdf&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://registrar.princeton.edu/university_enrollment_sta/common_cds2013.pdf[/url]”>http://registrar.princeton.edu/university_enrollment_sta/common_cds2013.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Duke: 89/1452= 6.13%
Princeton: 90/850= 10.59%</p>

<p>The Robertson Scholars Program is just the cherry on top of the undergraduate focused Duke learning and residential experience since it provides three fully paid domestic and international summer immersion experiences.</p>

<p>

IR and Foreign Policy are considered subdivisions of Political Science, a subject which Duke is top 10 in. The OP will be fine at either school if his/her interests vacillate in any specific direction within Public Policy or Political Science.</p>

<p><a href=“https://chronicle.com/article/NRC-Rankings-Overview-/124714/[/url]”>https://chronicle.com/article/NRC-Rankings-Overview-/124714/&lt;/a&gt;
Duke: #6=#17
Princeton: #7-#16</p>

17

<p>The OP should also consider the Greek culture at Duke. While Princeton has eating clubs, according to the common data set, 42% of Duke women are in sororities and 29% of Duke men are in fraternities. While there are clearly other social options at Duke, Greek life plays an important role. Here’s a link to a recent survey on Greek life at Duke [Duke</a> survey finds greeks have greater sense of belonging | The Chronicle](<a href=“http://www.dukechronicle.com/articles/2013/03/20/duke-survey-finds-greeks-have-greater-sense-belonging]Duke”>http://www.dukechronicle.com/articles/2013/03/20/duke-survey-finds-greeks-have-greater-sense-belonging)</p>

18

<p>I’m a current Princeton junior, and my sister is a Duke freshman. I also spent most weekends for two years visiting my then-BF at UNC, so I feel relatively confident speaking about the three schools. IMO, you have two things to consider in making this decision.</p>

<p>Campus & Regional Culture. UNC is a public university, with 82% of spots reserved for NC residents. As a result, UNC has a distinctly Southern flavor. It’s Southern prep, but not to the extent of, say, Ole Miss or UGA, where students where seersucker and pearls to football games. There’s a great amount of socioeconomic diversity (which Princeton, with its finaid, can match–but Duke can’t quite) but much less regional diversity. Classes in many departments will be huge–though this can be mitigated with honors classes or entering smaller departments. UNC pride is very strong, and that will parlay into increased job opportunities in the surrounding area.</p>

<p>Duke and Princeton, by contrast, aren’t particularly defined by their regional cultures (though Duke is perhaps a bit more so than Princeton). Duke has a more urban feel than Princeton, which is in a quaint, affluent town. Princeton, however, does have the added advantages of being near NYC (70 or 90 minutes by train, depending on which one you catch). At Duke, people rally around sports and Greek life. At Princeton, they rally around events like Reunions and Lawnparties–but in general, I think Princeton pride is a bit less rowdy than Duke pride. Still, both are midsized universities with large Northeastern populations and ties to New York finance, if that’s your endgame.</p>

<p>Big Fish or Big Pond? While both Princeton, Duke, and UNC are all top-notch universities, and while all will give you outstanding opportunities (the benefits given to Robertson scholars, like summer stipends and small classes, are available to all Princeton students), there will be a psychological difference between being a student at the two schools. At Duke/UNC, even though your peers will be bright, you’ll know you’re one of the top students there. I wouldn’t underestimate the psychological importance of that: At Princeton, you could easily be at the bottom of your class–or at least of a class you’re taking. Even as a student who’s done relatively well at Princeton, I feel a certain amount of anxiety right before my first grades roll in every semester. But the tradeoff to this anxiety is that every one of your peers is scary, sparkly smart. You’ll be pushed in ways you never knew you could be pushed just because of the level of conversation that happens both inside and outside the classroom. </p>

<p>You can construct a group of people like this at any school, and more easily at Duke/UNC if you’re a Robertson scholar. But from what I can tell from my experience at all three schools, the pool of exceptionally bright, curious students is deeper at Princeton than elsewhere–it’s not the entire student body, but it’s close. The intensity is sometimes overwhelming but always exhilarating. </p>

<p>Two of my high school peers were in your shoes, and one went to Duke (on another of the merit-based full rides, not the Robertson) while the other chose Princeton. Both made the choice that suited them. One cares less about his grades and more about intellectual experiences; his ultimate goal is to enter the cultural elite rather than the financial one. He chose Princeton. My other friend is a traditional ladder-climber who thrives when he receives constant positive reinforcement. He chose Duke. </p>

<p>My personal belief is that Princeton is a richer experience if you’re willing to put aside traditional metrics of success (and if sports don’t matter to you). That’s the decision I’d make if I were in your shoes today. But if I were in your shoes three years ago, I would have taken Duke in a heartbeat. I like to be at the top, and while being knocked off my high horse has in many ways been the best thing that ever happened to me, it was also an admittedly painful experience. Pick your poison.</p>

19

<p>If my daughter is same situation, I would recommend her to go to Princeton. As a parent whose kids cannot get any financial aid from Pinceton, I envy your situation. I visited Princeton campus and attended Princeton/Duke information sessions along with my daughter. I prefered Princeton in undergraduate academic quality preparaing for the next level but decided to apply for Duke because of no merit scholarship available in Princeton. :(</p>

20

<p>Keep in mind that getting a merit scholarship from Duke is almost impossible so that’s not something you should be applying with the expectation of receiving from any top-notch university. Heck, Duke’s RD admission rate already hovers close to 10% and its only going to get more competitive.</p>

<p>If your daughter or son is considered a “match” for Duke or a “match/low reach” for Princeton, then some schools that also offer a high quality education that are also likely to provide some merit money include USC, Michigan, Wake Forest, and Emory. I hope that helps!</p>