I’m an HS senior and in the process of college apps right now. I’ve narrowed down my ED schools to Columbia and Duke - I have a minuscule chance to get into either one, but I’d be really grateful for advice on which school would be a better fit. I know that besides the academic prestige, they’re hugely different, but I feel like I’m getting nowhere after reading a ton of Duke vs. Columbia threads.
I’m quite certain that I want to major in the field of environmental sciences/studies, and am very interested in conservation biology, wildlife conservation, sustainable development, etc. This is really the driving force behind my decision - everything else comes second to the quality of the envsci programs.
Other than that, though, I prefer more of a community feel (not laid back, but friendly). I pretty introverted and don’t really care at all about Greek life, athletics, or the party scene, so those don’t factor much into my decision. I’m also hoping to get involved with environmental clubs/activism while in college, and pursue art or creative writing as a minor or extracurricular activity. I’m liberal, but don’t feel the need to be somewhere extremely left-leaning.
As for the location, I’ve been to NYC and I did enjoy the experience, whereas I’ve never been to North Carolina, and don’t have much of an idea what life is like there. I do think that it would be amazing to live somewhere with more nature, as that’s totally different from the places that I’ve grown up in.
Right now I’m leaning a little closer to Duke, especially as my counselor thinks it’s a better fit for me.
Any little piece of info/advice helps Thank you so much!
Both schools are obviously top notch. From what you say about yourself, and what your advisor thinks, it sounds like maybe Duke would be the choice (but it’s really about what YOU feel deep down). I’m sure Columbia has environmentally focused clubs and activities, but you are really in the midst of a huge urban megapolis. Times Square is not far by subway.
Durham (and Raleigh/Chapel Hill) is much smaller but still a pretty vibrant urban area. These are very nice and prosperous communities. The campus is lovely. Weather is much, much nicer, and there are more outdoorsy things to do. The Outer Banks are amazing and about 3.5 hours away. I think students probably go there during breaks and long weekends.
If Duke in general appeals, you might also think about Rhodes College and Sewanee (The University of the South). They are smaller but have similar campuses. Rhodes always impresses me. It’s a very nice campus in a southern urban setting. It has very strong academics and close student/faculty interactions. Sewanee is beautiful and absolutely amazing if you like the outdoors. It’s basically it’s own national park with lots of trails all around. It is more rural. They would definitely be more southern than Duke. Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill is a high-tech region with lots of transplants. Duke attracts more students from the north. Both these schools are very nice though, and you might find them a little less socially and generally competitive, if that is appealing, which it might not be. Another school I’ll throw out is Denison in Ohio. Also a place you might like if you like Duke. If you are a competitive applicant at Duke, I think you’d be in line for great merit aid from Denison. Also a beautiful campus and similar programs. William and Mary would definitely be another. (I just throw these other schools in because you say your chances would be “minuscule.” Obviously I have no idea your chances at either Columbia or Duke. (Duke does accept a much higher % in ED.)
Honestly, you might be able to do better for environmental studies than either of these choices – should strength in ES literally be your primary criterion in selecting a college.
They are very different when it comes to the community feel/experience. Given “I prefer more of a community feel”, I would definitely go Duke. If there is one thing that lacks at Columbia it is the community feel. While it does have a nice campus, New York City is the community for Columbia. Some like it, some don’t.
Since relatively few people major in earth and environmental science at Duke, the attention you get – especially at the marine lab, where you can spend a few summers or semesters – is absolutely amazing. All of my classes except ecology & evolution and genetics had fewer than 20 students, and I was able to get involved with research even as a freshman. (In fact, Duke has a research fellowship specifically for freshmen and sophomores.)
Columbia is also extremely strong in earth and environmental science, and Lamont-Doherty is fantastic.
Is there a reason that you can’t visit Duke before applying ED? I don’t see those two schools being either/or…living in the middle of NYC is exciting, but very intense, and not for everyone.
Thank you so much!