Stanford/Harvard vs. Robertson @ Duke

Colleges and Universities A-Z Duke University
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<p>Hey Guys! </p>

<p>Although I was hoping that I could figure this out for myself, I am continually vacillating between some of my top choices, and with the SIR deadline approaching, I could really use some insight and advice.</p>

<p>I hope to pursue some combination of Engineering, Operations Research, CS, and Econ in college and am currently trying to decide between the Robertson Scholarship at Duke (full-ride plus many other financial, advisory, and community-oriented benefits) and paying full at Stanford or Harvard.</p>

<p>I'll give a breakdown of what draws me to each school:</p>

<p>Stanford: Stanford was my top choice coming into the college admissions process and I absolutely love the campus culture, student life, athletic dynamics, academic opportunities, entrepreneurial spirit, proximity to the Silicon Valley, weather, food, housing, etc. It's truly a phenomenal academic and social fit. I would most likely be a MS&E or EE major with a co-term in CS at Stanford.</p>

<p>Harvard: Harvard boasts some of the most exciting faculty and resources available in the world. Additionally, Boston is the ultimate college town. I would most likely pursue a concentration in Applied Mathematics and a master's in Economics or Statistics at Harvard.</p>

<p>Duke: The Robertson Scholars program is really, really enticing and brings with it a wide variety of benefits. I have some reservations about the social scene and academic opportunities at Duke, though. It doesn't really offer the type of engineering and research opportunities I'm looking for and won't allow me the flexibility to co-term in four years, while both Stanford and Harvard will. Furthermore, although the summer opportunities for this program are phenomenal, they will not allow me to develop my intellectual abilities and academic pursuits.</p>

<p>As of right now, I'm thoroughly confused between these schools and would love some advice and insight from the CC community. Thanks a lot for the time! Let me know if you need anything clarified or elaborated upon.</p>

2

<p>It seems like you are attracted to Harvard solely because of its prestige. Just because it is more prestigious and more famous does not mean it has more resources than a place like Stanford or Duke. If I were in your shoes, I would narrow it down to Stanford or Duke. I’ve heard Harvard tends to focus more on grad students versus undergrads (you’ll need to confirm this yourself by talking to Harvard undergrads), but I feel both Stanford and Duke have strong undergraduate focuses. To be honest, I’ve been quite amazed at the resources available at Duke for undergrads.</p>

<p>Also, I know Duke tends to have this reputation of being a party/fratty school. However, the majority of people at Duke don’t fit this fratty/sorority girl stereotype, and you should be able to find your niche at Duke. I was very anti-Greek before coming to Duke, and I’m still been overall satisfied with my experience here. I hope you had a chance to visit Duke and check out the social scene here.</p>

<p>You can’t go wrong with your decision, whatever school you choose. It’s all nitpicking from here on out – all three schools will offer you an amazing experience. Best of luck with your decision!</p>

3

<p>Hi :slight_smile: </p>

<p>I was stuck in a similar dilemma a few weeks ago, except I was choosing only between Stanford and the A.B. Duke Scholarship (very similar to the Robertson). As of now, I’ve committed to Duke and I am quite pleased with my decision. I saw that you posted on the Stanford board, so I thought maybe the thread I started when I was struggling to choose might help you too…</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/stanford-university/1127631-help-please-stanford-v-full-ride-duke.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/stanford-university/1127631-help-please-stanford-v-full-ride-duke.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>Financially, if you were to attend Stanford or Harvard, that’d be about an $90-100K difference between the aforementioned and Duke. If you and your parents are up to sending you to Stanford while handling the costs, then I would definitely say to go to Stanford. </p>

<p>There is a similar thread I’ll post here just for more info. Most of the ideas pertain to your situation, but the thread is between Stanford and Duke.
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/stanford-university/1127631-help-please-stanford-v-full-ride-duke.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/stanford-university/1127631-help-please-stanford-v-full-ride-duke.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>These are all amazing schools (duh…) and you can’t go wrong with your decision.</p>

5

<p>Woops…it looks like the OP for that post got here before I did. Anyways…good luck.</p>

6

<p>Can you elaborate more on what your academic plans are at Stanford? I’m not sure what flexibility Stanford would offer you that Duke wouldn’t, other than the opportunity to do non-ABET-certified engineering degrees.</p>

<p>Also, I’ve heard that Duke and Stanford are very similar socially. Like slik nik said, the “fratty” reputation doesn’t really apply to most Duke students. What is it about the Duke social scene that bothers you that Stanford doesn’t have?</p>

<p>Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of your options. If money is an issue, take the Robertson. If not, go with what feels right–just make sure your concerns with Duke are valid before deciding.</p>

7

<p>It does seem your main attraction to Harvard is its reputation, so I’d choose between Stanford and Duke.</p>

<p>I tend to encourage people to follow their gut feeling, that college is a big deal, and you can always pay off loans later. So Stanford is a no brainer.</p>

<p>OTOH, I really don’t see much difference between Duke and Stanford in regards to academics or social life aside from the location and the resultant difference between west coast pseudo-laid-back Stanford and the east coast +southern semipreppy ethos of Duke. And if you’re looking for research and intellectual opportunities, you’ll simply not be even remotely close to exhausting the resources of Duke, Stanford, or any other top dozen research university. Finally, don’t underestimate the usefulness of getting such a scholarship. In addition to the financial weight it lifts off you (which can allow more academic/personal adventures in your 20’s), it’ll open doors on campus.</p>

<p>Having said all that, you can’t go wrong with your choices. Good luck</p>