washu vs duke

<p>My son was accepted to Wash U. and Duke. He'll likely study political science. We've visited both campuses and liked both. any thoughts?</p>

<p>My final two choices were between WashU and Duke, and I am extremely happy with my choice of WashU. They are both great schools, though, so you really can’t go wrong; for me, I felt much more at home at WashU when I visited. I love how the atmosphere here is not cutthroat at all and is very cooperative. I have no idea how that it as Duke, and I also cannot comment on the strength of the polisci program. I’d be happy to share my view of WashU- feel free to PM me with specific questions.</p>

<p>thank you for your reply. I’m glad you feel you made the right choice and are happy there!</p>

<p>I also decided between WashU and Duke. Even though the main reason I came to WashU was because they gave me more money, I still feel I made the right choice. Both schools are great. WashU feels more like a community/family. I did visit Duke and I liked it very much; it was a hard decision overall. If you have any questions, please feel free to pm me.</p>

<p>definitely duke</p>

<p>

I am a big fan of the Duke and WashU campuses, especially the emphasis on Collegiate Gothic architecture. Duke uses a grayish Duke stone while WashU builds with Missouri red granite and they each have some very picturesque sequences of gothic quadrangles, arcades, and towers. </p>

<p>Socially, Duke will have a much larger emphasis on DI sports, which tends to be an integral part of the Duke campus culture and identity. The DIII sports teams at WashU are perennial national competitors, but they don’t play such a prominent role in campus life. That said, WashU students do have a great sense of school pride; I think they derive this pride more from academics, campus clubs and organizations, and participation in the many school-wide parties and traditions throughout the year. Also, Duke is known for the sheer intensity of its parties, but WashU holds its own and is full of students that love to “work hard, party hard.” </p>

<p>In terms of location, WashU’s immediate surroundings are nicer and afford more amenities than Duke’s immediate surroundings in Durham. </p>

<p>Academically, WashU will have a slightly more collaborative atmosphere, but they are both highly regarded—you really need to look at measures of personal fit. Congrats and good luck!</p>

<p>I’m another person who chose between WashU and Duke.
Feel free to pm me if you want specifics.</p>