<p>I'm thinking of applying ED to either Duke, Penn or Columbia and I wanted to know what advantages you think Duke has over the other schools. I am probably going to major in biology and be premed, but I might also consider going to law school. Which school best fits my academic interests? I have lived in big cities all my life but I'm not averse to living in a smaller one for a few years. I consider myself to be an intellectual, but not in a pretentious sort of way. I don't plan on consuming alcohol in college and I'm not a big fan of parties and raves (which is why I'm slightly nervous about committing to Penn or Duke). Access to world class professors is very important to me and I want to attend a school where the faculty is as committed to teaching as it is to research (this is one of the reasons why I have my doubts about committing to Columbia). On the political spectrum, I lean conservative and would like to attend a college where my opinions are respected. I would really appreciate some insight into the campus culture at all 3 schools.</p>
<p>The only tangible advantage might be Duke’s merit-based scholarships such as AB Duke and Robertson, while the Ivies only offer need-based aid.</p>
<p>There is one area they are quite better - sports.</p>
<p>@alicejohnson–notice PCHope’s use of the word ‘tangible’. Those are all just opinionated claims, any of which can either be applied to Duke or a number of ivies. The availability of merit aid is something that definitely should be noted when applying to schools (especially of that caliber). Duke does seem like a good fit for you though, especially having lived in the city all your life and looking for a slightly more conservative atmosphere. I’m by no means an expert, but I hear it also has a strong pre-med track if you wish to pursue that.</p>
<p>Duke, Penn, and Columbia were my exact three top choices too! I chose Duke for BME as I thought it was the best fit and offered the most opportunities. All three are great options though - I felt Columbia offered a very different “city” experience and I personally wanted a greater sense of community and a more traditional “college” experience. I think Columbia would be a great choice for somebody who is very independent and has the personality to build relationships with people outside the university, particularly an intellectual in the humanities who can take advantage of all that NYC offers, and is rich and doesn’t enjoy grass 
(as NYC is NOT cheap and Columbia has basically no green space - the “largest” plot of grass outside the library is roped off and is a joke, haha). I personally get the sense that Penn offers a better sense of community and school pride than Columbia and also has some great academic programs; I think I would have been happy ending up there as well. </p>
<p>In the end, Duke’s great undergraduate research programs, departmental strength, weather, cost of living, beautiful campus, great social atmosphere, and top notch athletics (particularly Duke basketball) tilted Duke to the lead in my mind. Basketball may also not seem like a big deal at the time, but I truly believe it makes you feel connected to the university for LIFE and Duke alumni really go out of their way to connect with and help each other. That sense of pride in the university really extends beyond the undergraduate years and can lead to a more successful and fulfilling career. It also enriches the undergraduate experience and I think leads to happier undergraduates among other factors. Good luck with your choice - I really don’t think you can go wrong if you’re lucky enough to be accepted in any one of these three fine universities!</p>
<p>I love alicejohnson’s list and bluedog does a great job weighing pros and cons.</p>
<p>In my mind, Columbia = Manhattan, with all the inherent advantages and disadvantages. If you want the big city life to overshadow campus for your undergraduate years, Columbia is the place to go.</p>
<p>Penn will always be an afterthought in the middle of the Ivy League. Strong programs recognized globally in their fields, but often confused with Penn State outside of their fields.</p>
<p>Duke offers a more diverse campus feel. The Ivies have an East Coast dominated culture while Duke’s location in the South offers a different atmosphere. You will enjoy all four seasons, although winter is short and mild. Since more than 80% of undergraduates live on campus, the university is able to monitor the social situation much more closely than either Penn or Columbia - and the freshman campus is dry (and definitely enforced), allowing for a smoother transition.</p>
<p>adapting alicejohnson’s list:</p>
<p>1). An unrivaled sense of community.
2). A strong focus on undergraduate education.
3). Innovative programs like Duke Engage and Bass Connections.
4). World class research facilities minutes away from dorms.
5). Professors who enjoy teaching.
6). A gorgeous campus and beautiful weather.
7). Incredible name recognition.
8). A desire to keep improving as an institution.
9). Great balance of work and play.
10). Merit scholarships
11). Southern regional feel and more diverse student body
12). Research Triangle Park offers employment and research opportunities
13). Duke Medical Center is best hospital in state/region
14). Freshman campus eases transition and allows development of class identity
15). Nationally recognized athletics (basketball (M & W), lacrosse, soccer)</p>
<p>Tbh, all the arguments about teaching, work hard play hard, etc are all just hogwash.</p>
<p>Reasons to apply to Duke. For all practice purposes, Duke, Penn and Columbia are the ‘same’ in terms of education, prestige.</p>
<p>1) Duke Basketball
2) Location in the South/North Carolina
3) Some potential merit scholarships (<75 a year)</p>
<p>^^ Seconded. There is no evidence that Columbia or Penn are just “surviving on their centuries-old reputations.” And that poll alicejohnson linked to is irrelevant; the only reason Duke cracks above .5% is because of basketball fans. If partying turns you off, you should definitely be looking at schools other than Duke, as this is what Duke is known for along with privilege and sports. I wouldn’t worry about your opinions being respected, as long as you have logic to back up your viewpoints almost all schools will have politically diverse student bodies that will honor your beliefs.</p>
<p>I would take issue with GraceAce’s view that if partying turns you off you should look elsewhere. Historically that may have been somewhat accurate, but given the improved academic quality and diversity of the student body there is a wide swath carved out for those who find fulfilment elsewhere to have an invigorating four years in a dynamic intellectually charged environment with stimulating and interesting peers and professors. It is this aspect of Duke that is now attracting many of those who appreciate the location, sports and more genteel culture and would previously have attended a top Ivy. It is exciting to see Duke maintain the best of what makes it special while it aggressively pursues the highest levels of academic and intellectual discourse.</p>