Why Duke?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Duke University
1

<p>With the days winding down until May 1st, I've hit a wall in college decisions. I was wondering if you guys would like to weigh in on the decision (especially current Duke Students).</p>

<p>I am currently interested in studying the intersection between Public Policy, Business, and Economics.</p>

<p>Duke Pros:
-Closer to home (4 hours driving)
-Individualized education through the undergraduate FOCUS program (learning clusters of students and faculty, formed around interdisciplinary learning topics, ex. Global Health Determinants and Solutions, Modeling in Economics and Social Sciences)
-DukeEngage (Duke partners with communities within the U.S. and abroad to allow undergraduates to participate in 8-week long, service oriented programs during the summer, ex. improving a community's health information infrastructure)
-Smaller class sizes
-Nice weather</p>

<p>Duke Cons:
-25k/year
-No undergrad business program
-Less diversity in majors, minors, and certificates
-Potentially more academically stressful/competitive
-May end up in a freshman dorm with no AC</p>

<p>Michigan Pros:
-18k/year
-The Shipman community would provide a close-knit learning/service community
-Would live in one of the nicest residence halls on campus
-Diversity in the availability of classes and majors, minors, certificates
-Ross School of Business and Ford School of Public Policy are highly ranked
-Ann Arbor</p>

<p>Michigan Cons:
-Farther from home (plane ticket costs add up)
-Larger student body, less individualized attention
-Cold, cold weather
-Seems to have less undergraduate focus</p>

<p>Would really appreciate any thoughts, opinions, or suggestions that you guys may have!</p>

2

<p>Isn’t Duke installing AC in all the East dorms this summer? </p>

3

<p>Duke not having an undergraduate business program will not be a detriment to you at al as you pursue the study of “Business”. Duke has a certificate in Finance now as part of the Economics program which will allow you to take classes that cover Accounting, Financial Analysis, Asset Pricing, etc. in addition to MMS.</p>

<p>Duke is actually a perfect fit for your academic interests because of the school’s flexible curriculum; you will be able to double major in Economics and Public Policy while pursuing a certificate in Finance or Markets & Management Studies (MMS). You will have access to top-notch job recruiting that will either meet or exceed what Michigan’s business school Ross can offer you so you will get the best of both worlds.</p>

<p>My concern with UMich is that I’ve never heard of anyone at the school double majoring in Ross and the Ford School of Public Policy or the School of Engineering. State school bureaucracy, the strict credit requirements of Ross & Ford, and the lack of overlap with the Economics department at UMich makes what you are looking to accomplish nearly impossible in 4 years.</p>

<p>All Duke freshman dorms will have AC starting in the 2014-2015 school year I believe. Good luck with your decision and I hope you choose Duke!</p>