It’s coming down to the last minute and I am stressing. I am a Poli Sci/ IAS major at WashU and a Public Policy (on US Foreign Policy Track)/ ICS double major at Duke. After thoroughly comparing my schools, I narrowed it down to these two because I really want a campus and a more traditional experience. I toured both schools this month, and reflecting back on my experiences, I enjoyed my time at WashU more. The dorms, food, student body vibe, and overall quality of life seems to be what I’m looking for, however, the program is not as strong as Duke’s Sanford School. I really enjoyed Duke as well, but the social hierarchy I’ve read about sort of throws me off and the campus seems a lot more disconnected from the surrounding city than WashU does. Duke has a really strong alumni network that would help me get internships in DC and one of my major goals in my undergraduate years is to intern at the state department and have lots of study abroad opportunities. As while I was at WashU, I got a long with the people better (by chance though as I got along with my host their more than at Duke so I met her friends which were naturally similar to her) which also affected my experience since I had different experiences at both schools. I am so stuck. I feel as if Duke would be better for my career since I want to go into Foreign Policy, but WashU seems like a better fit.
Both are great options. But it sounds your heart is with WashU. Go with your gut
Wash u for fit. duke definitely has a culture. I think it’s great snd spirited especially around sports. A game at Cameron Indoor is truly special.
WashUStL seems to be the better choice for you due to fit. You are trying to force yourself to like Duke because you want a Washington DC internship. Many WashUStL students get internships in the nation’s capitol.
Public policy is great at Duke. You really enjoyed your time there. Don’t let hearsay scare you off.