<p>Any thoughts about the differences in the two schools? My D is accepted at Wash U and waitlisted at Duke. She is leaning towards just sticking with Wash U, but we are wondering if she should pursue waitlist at Duke. Thanks for your input.</p>
<p>The two schools have VERY different atmospheres- it’s how I ended up making the decision between my acceptances at Duke and WashU. For me, WashU clearly won out but it is a personal decision.</p>
<p>Besides this, what does she want to study?
Is there anything you can get at one of the two but not the other? (this is another area where WashU clearly won out for me).</p>
<p>At WUSTL the students have very few complaints and most rave about the school! As a parent of one D at WUSTL and another at a large Division I private - the level of attention & concern for the students AND the parents at WUSTL v. the private is like the difference between night & day. Can’t speak for Duke.</p>
<p>Not sure if cost will be a deciding factor for you, but Duke’s cost of attendance appears to be about $1,700 per year higher and WashU’s financial aid seems to be more generous. Coming off of a waitlist might make the fin aid differences even larger.</p>