<p>I was fortunate enough to receive admission to Yale as well as Duke's Robertson Scholarship(full tuition, room, board, laptop, guaranteed summer funding,...). </p>
<p>While the Duke Scholarship is noted for providing a top 10 education for free, my Yale financial aid came with a family contribution of only 14k. I've been told that its possible to parlay with Yale's financial aid office and I'm hoping that that could even drop the contribution to sub-10k.</p>
<p>Overall I think that the Robertspn is easy to pick over a full-price Yale tuition that would bring with it 240k of debt, but with it costing closer to 40k for four years it seems like either option can be justified.</p>
<p>I'm having trouble picking between the two as I've always wanted to attend Yale, whereas I didn't even hear about the Robertson until I was selected as a semi-finalist. Though, on the other hand, a free education from duke is hard to turn down as well.</p>
<p>I'm interested in studying Political Science, Economics, and Philosophy, amongst other things. In my eyes, the big difference is in cost as Yale's easily available summer funding parallels the Robertson's guaranteed funding and both Yale and the Robertson provide excellent networking opportunities.</p>
<p>That is really a tough choice, and I don’t think you can really go wrong.</p>
<p>However, you might consider that with the Robertson scholarship, you will probably get the “white glove treatment.” At Yale, you will be just another student, and will come in with no automatic advantages over other students. At Duke, you will get a lot of attention from faculty and administration, and possibly the first pick of top research positions, internships, etc. You will probably be given extra resources and all sorts of help. They give these scholarships because they think that you will be wildly successful and give prestige to the university, and they will do all they can to ensure that.</p>
<p>On the other hand, I don’t think Yale can be beat for its resources and connections, so I doubt that you will be hurting if you go there.</p>
<p>I think it would probably come down to fit. Visit both schools, and attend the one that you feel that you would enjoy more.</p>
<p>You’re seriously considering spending $40,000 NOT to develop a relationship with one of the nation’s most successful businessmen and philanthropists while receiving a highly personalized education and leadership development experience? Wow, this Ivy fetish must be must be much worse than I thought.</p>
<p>@SomeOldGuy - common, you are just a little biased ;)</p>
<p>@Brown - DS is in exactly the same situation.
He loved his Yes weekend and he also loved the interview weekend at Duke (and “that” thing that Mr. Robertson said about teacher’s unions and old people )
I will PM you later today…</p>
<p>The Robertson opens up a ton of opportunities for the summers. It’s more than just a free Duke education. I’d have a hard time turning that down. $40-60k is reasonable debt for Yale, but the Robertson is really prestigious and will open up even more doors than just a Duke or Carolina education.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Do employers recognize the Robertson? I plan on entering consulting and later, grad school, both naturally competitive. I ask simply because, I for one did not know anything about the Robertson until I was emailed of my semi-finalist status.</p></li>
<li><p>How are Dukes departments in terms of Poli sci, Econ, and philosophy? I’ve done some basic research online but was looking for some more in-depth information.</p></li>
<li><p>Any comparison of the social scenes? I’ve visited both campuses, but during the Robertson weekend we weren’t able to really go out and experience a regular night at duke.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Do you really look down on Duke? Really? Duke? </p>
<p>Duke is a FINE school, as is Yale. But that Robertson scholarship is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If you don’t love Duke and truly appreciate the value of what you’ve been offered, just pick Yale. Maybe immediately. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. LOL! </p>
<p>I promise there is surely an alternate who really needs those funds to go to university and who would benefit from the opportunity Mr. Robertson provides. (that’s why I said to do it fast!) If it doesn’t mean that to you, then it’s likely not the right opportunity for you. </p>
<p>And FWIW, $14k x 4 years = $56,000 in debt. I guess that’s chump change for some people.</p>
<p>Best of luck as you consider your options. :)</p>
<p>DS will be accepting Robertson. He is turning down Ivies and a top five school with full scholarship.
Already he is being contacted by alumni that tell him -" full ride is nothing, it is the connections that you make while in the program" . I honestly have to say that this program looks amazing…</p>
<p>Oh, I know I am trilled with the fact that I do not have to think about deposits etc. at this point.
Chapel Hill looked fabulous to DS when he visited there for the scholarship weekend earlier this year, so he is not afraid of it…I know it might change after a year at Duke, but what an experience :)</p>
<p>No, it is one semester in you sophomore year. And I have heard that a lot of kids do their semester abroad the same year, essentially moving away from Duke for a year.</p>
<p>To answer your question - equal number of scholarships is given at Duke and UNC. I believe Mr. Robertson attended UNC, then his sons went to Duke and UNC. You can apply for it, I believe, but both schools look at the entire application pool and select candidates, then Robertson Foundation takes over the selection process.</p>