<p>I was recently selected for the UNC Robertson and the AB Duke, both of which are full ride scholarships to their respective universities, and while I'm incredibly honored, I feel really conflicted as to where to go. I really liked the Robertson Finalist Weekend more, but I know that Duke is higher in ranking and prestige. I was also accepted to Harvard and to the Rice/Baylor Medical Scholars program, and I would love it if anyone could give me some input as to their thoughts in my situation!</p>
<p>Our son also faced a hard decision as you are, and he chose the UNC Robertson over Princeton (where he would have had to take on debt). It was a very hard decision for him. He wasn’t offered a full ride at Duke as you are, so your situation is different, but one thing you can consider is that the UNC Robertson allows you access to sooooo many things at Duke. We didn’t realize until recently that you can even do one major at UNC and another major at Duke if you want. You can take up to 50% of your classes at Duke, and your transcript will indicate these things. (Although you will officially graduate from UNC, not Duke, the courses and major or minor received at Duke will be clearly listed on your transcript.) The prestige of the Robertson is very real, and maybe that is enough for you to “overcome” the fact that Duke is more prestigious overall.</p>
<p>Part of the way he came to his decision was talking via email to several senior Robertson scholars, either already graduated or in the last year at UNC. (You could ask the Roberstson staff to put you in touch with several as we did, to ask your questions to them. It was a huge help in his decision-making, perhaps moreso than the scholars weekend had been.) Each of them said that, oddly enough, many/most Robertsons actually prefer the UNC campus overall for its diversity, rather than Duke.</p>
<p>Since both are free, go to Duke. It’s just a better university overall. Go to Harvard if you can afford it.</p>
<p>AB Duke>UNC Robertson>general Harvard degree, especially for premed…</p>
<p>I don’t think so. To adapt the old saying, a Harvard degree opens doors you didn’t even know were there. The grade inflation at Harvard will really help, too.</p>
<p>But since money is a concern for medical school, it might be better to compromise and go for Duke.</p>
<p>No contest. Duke!</p>
<p>Thank you all so much! 
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<p>I turned down the UNC Robertson yesterday, so hopefully my spot goes to someone else who wants it! It’s now down to full ride to Duke versus Harvard, I think. Although Rice/Baylor is still very, very tempting…</p>
<p>Go to Duke jacquelynn</p>