Stuck between Duke & Cornell (Trinity&CAS)

Colleges and Universities A-Z Duke University
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<p>note: I'll be posting in both forums to get both perspectives.</p>

<p>I'm glad to be able to choose between these great colleges, but just which has been screwing me over. I've already visited both pre-frosh weekends and May 1 is on its jolly way...
I'm looking to major in econ w/ public policy/international relations.</p>

<p>i've heard that cornell kind of puts you out there on your own, you find your niche and what you need. some say they feel like a number...the impression i got was that even cornell freshmen were pretty mature. the education seems more "academic" than "applied". cornell seems like a little universe in itself and i did appreciate that...but then i hear about it getting ****ted on by other ivies and i just dont need that. ive heard enough about inadequacy and dont want to deal with more of it--even if it's unfounded and cornell is a great institution. enough is enough.</p>

<p>duke, on the other hand, can afford to give more attention to students probably because of its size. it seems to have more programs and might be more on the "applied" end of the spectrum than cornell is (by "applied" i mean setting pre-law, pre-med, pre-business tracks rather than focus on an "academic" liberal arts education). then i hear that they coddle their students and the rich families fawn over their spoiled kids and whatnot...or duke kids arent as mature or "deep" as cornell kids bc theyre ushered into preparation. </p>

<p>upon visiting i think i tried to force myself to like cornell and i did like it...i actually tried to make myself hate duke just to have an easier decision but ended up liking it lots too. i used to live in NC and i really love the research triangle area...but really environment doesnt matter to me as long as i get a good education and good opportunities after i graduate. and what about international prestige? it seems domestically duke is getting the upper hand, but my parents (immigrants) wont let go of the cornell recognition overseas. i'm thinking of eventually going into international economic law.</p>

<p>i am just so freaking torn and each time i lean toward one college my parents will totally shut it down and favor the other one. now i feel like ill be miserable no matter where i go. i just want to be happy and form meaningful friendships and get the best education i can. please help?</p>

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<p>First of all, both schools will offer great academics and an abundance of resources and opportunities. Anybody that tells you that Duke is more prestigious than Cornell (or vice versa) or will offer you a leg up in job recruiting isn’t really talking about meaningful differences. Even internationally. Both will set up nicely and challenge you academically and socially.</p>

<p>Thus, you really just need to listen to your gut. You visited both, so that’s a good start. Where did you feel more at home? Where could you see yourself? Where do you think you’d be happier? It nice weather important to you? Then, choose Duke. By the way, I honestly think warm weather during the winter months makes life a lot more enjoyable and social. Where I am now it’s 30 degrees at the end of April, and I’m not too happy about it! Everybody stays inside! Is going to an Ivy League school important to you? Then, choose Cornell. Are top notch athletics, particularly in a revenue generating sport (includes football and men’s basketball) important to you? If so, then choose Duke. Ask yourself questions like these and just be honest with yourself. Don’t let others influence your decision as you are the one that is going to have to attend for four years and the academic differences are negligible. </p>

<p>Good luck!</p>