Hi all,
I’ve recently been admitted to Duke, WashU, Emory, Rice, Vanderbilt, Johns Hopkins, Berkeley, UCLA, and LSU (9-10 year combined BS/MD/PhD). I’ve narrowed my options down to Duke and WashU, and I am interested in pursuing a major in something related to the biological sciences (not sure exactly what yet). I also intend on attending medical school. I’ve visited WashU and will be visiting Duke soon. The WashU visit was fantastic, and the school is truly a magical place. Finances are not an issue, and education is not the only issue; for the purpose of this comparison, I am more interested in student life and the overall experience. I am currently leaning towards WashU, as I am not too fond of the Duke social scene. Any input is appreciated. Thanks!
^ How can you not be fond of the social scene at Duke if you’ve never visited? Just curious.
Both schools have a reputation for placing students at top medical schools but Duke is a much bigger feeder to wall street, silicon valley, law school, b-school etc.
Going to Duke will give you a lot of options. Also, if you’re interested in the overall experience, you should look into Duke basketball. It definitely brings the student body together and engenders a sense of community.
If you are considering pre-med at WashU, ask them what their attrition rate is. I know their placement in med school is very good for graduates, but I think the percentage of students who begin and complete the program is low.
The above is probably true at all schools with very high med school placement rates.
@usualhopeful “The above is probably true at all schools with very high med school placement rates.”
I would ask this of each school and see what they say.
How did you narrow the 9 acceptances to two finalists?