Robertson Scholarship (UNC + Duke) vs Princeton

<p>(Am also posting this in the Duke, Princeton and Parents threads)</p>

<p>I was lucky enough to be admitted into the Princeton EA Class of 2018, offered a place at Trinity College, Cambridge and be awarded the Robertson Scholarship to UNC/Duke (I'm an intl student) and now I have no idea what to do (though definitely not Cambridge bcs I don't have any FA). I am so so grateful and lucky and excited, but also exhausted from weighing up the pros and cons of both.</p>

<p>Accepted into UNC, still waiting on Duke RD.</p>

<p>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, flights and a general living stipend unless I'm at UNC (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 have a more chill and less intense atmosphere, in the South so nicer weather (although still snowy/cold in winter) - very quintisential college experience, garuanteed summer experiences - grow into a better person and leader, free laptop and other perks (financially a bit better), probably a much easier life, still a great education bcs of access to profs etc! Sanford school is good. Good alumni network so perhaps better chance of getting a good job, close bond between scholars (I want a nice community), basketball environment more fun....</p>

<p>Disadvantages: I've never been to NC/Durham though so I could hate it (I hated UPenn and Columbia, for example)... still doesn't have the same history as the Morehead/feel almost 'second tier', at the end of the day you are still a UNC or Duke student, coming back to the UK hardly anyone knows the scholarship let alone the UNC or Duke - there are certain benefits that come from prestigious unis, education at UNC is good - but not the same as my other options, not that much freedom in summer experiences (I could probably find similar opportunities for community work and internships @ Pton), not sure I like greek life at all, some of the Duke controversies like the student porn star make Duke seem a bit conservative and stifling</p>

<p>Benefits of Princeton: It's arguably the best university in the US, Woody Woo is great for future career prospects - i also love the course, beautiful friendly campus (less risk because i've been there), close to family (who live in NY), benefits of being near NYC/Philly/DC, name resonates across the atlantic, strong alumni connection, will probs get a great degree, good study abroad options/internships too, really incredible professors, I want to do Politics/IR (and POSSIBLY do a MPP or something, go to grad school or enter the foreign service...) and is v good for that, Pton has the highest per capita endowment in US - this has to show for something, humbling experience to be 'small fish in big pond' - perhaps there is more freedom/more opportunities to access...</p>

<p>Disadvantages Princeton:
grade deflation is off putting - i want to try all different types of subjects and not feel the stress of having to fight against everyone else for a 4.0. i've been advised to only be 'safe'- this isnt what college is about, campus seems a bit too small + cold haha, not a big fan of eating clubs - i think they're a bit outdated and elitist, difficult to stand out - harder to access summer opportunities, socially difficult too</p>

<p>I need to decide soon. I know I am so lucky but I'm scared about where I will regret more. Would really appreciate any input, thanks! </p>

<p>I think it really depends on your personality and how that will factor into your overall happiness with your college experience. You’re looking at two smaller prestigious private institutions vs. One larger prestigious state school. Two in North Carolina (nice weather) in the Raleigh-Durham / Chapel Hill southern city atmosphere vs. One in the northeast. Two schools with exceptional athletics and a huge school spirit atmosphere vs. One in the ivy league conference (not as intense spirit wise but none the less you’re at an elite ivy). All three are different in their own way so you need to evaluate which one you will feel the happiest at because that’s a very important factor people often forget (I have a friend transfering out of a northeast ivy to go to state school because the atmosphere didn’t match his exuberant personality). They all sound pretty even financially which makes it easy to compare that part. The job thing at Princeton wouldn’t appeal to me because you will be spending close to your entire life outside of college working. Plus the Robertson summers sound really fun but that’s just me! You really just need to think about how compatible these schools are with your true self and go off that to ensure you choose a school that will fit you the best and maximize your happiness. I would really recommend visiting Duke and UNC before you decide. Hope that helped!</p>

<p>Thanks for your help everyone</p>

<p>For anyone looking at this in the future, I decided to go to Princeton for the following reasons</p>

<p>(Disclaimer, all three are amazing institutions, I’m so honored to have been accepted and I will echo what so many people have told me - you can’t go wrong. Go wherever you feel is best for you/suits your needs (but be thoughtful about this…)</p>

<ol>
<li>Finances are a priority. Financially they were the same deal, Princeton might even be better. Has amazing aid and funds hundreds of opportunities including the Bridge Year, internships, domestic service opportunities, research (think senior thesis). Also (/because) has the biggest per capita endowment in the world. I think I can get whatever opportunities the scholarship would have given me at Princeton (I read something from Malcolm Gladwell that said it doesn’t matter <em>where</em> you go, it matters that you got in) = so essentially, you’re going to do well wherever. Perhaps I won’t, but I think I’m going to push myself more at Princeton</li>
</ol>

<p>It then buckles down to which school you feel more comfortable at. I was at the disadvantage of not having visited NC, if you have the chance to - go</p>

<ol>
<li>I prefer the Princeton vibe, it seems more liberal, ‘close knit’ and academic (like a LAC). School spirit/basketball is great - but I think it takes away from other aspects of college life. Duke/UNC are Southern and I definitely noticed some ‘mean’ (/conservative lol) comments on the Duke Facebook page. In addition to that there are some social issues like the Duke porn star, rape scandals etc. that give me the impression Duke still has a lot of things to work on. I think UNC is slightly different but it’s a difficult topic.</li>
</ol>

<p>Please reach out if you want to discuss your own choices/chat, I’d be delighted to help.</p>

Any tips for the Robertson Skype interview?