Yale v. Stanford v Duke

Colleges and Universities A-Z Yale University
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<p>So here's the deal, I applied early to Stanford and was accepted by divine intervention or something. However, I decided to let my other apps (Duke, Yale, Penn, Columbia) stay since I had already done all the work. Nonetheless I spent the last 5 months following stanford athletics (staying up late to follow bball games v washington, etc online) and learning as much as possible about Stanford in general. </p>

<p>Last Friday, I found out that I am being offered the Robertson (full tuition, laptop, summer community service programs that seemingly change lives) at Duke. Now, my family is not uber-rich, but my dad says my decision shouldn't be based on money (I am not being offered any aid at Yale or Stanford). However, I think the Robertson program itself (especially the summer programs) are a can't-miss opportunity. Yet, I find many things about Duke unattractive (not quite as "intellectually stimulating," many spoiled kids on campus, social scene dominated by frats), and I know Stanford is the perfect fit. As far as Yale goes, I'm embarassingly under-informed. However, I have an overall positive impression about everything except New Haven. I plan to go to a Yale reception in my area today.</p>

<p>Any advice on whether I should choose Stanford, Yale or Duke with the Robertson? Honestly, I'm incredibly blessed to get into all three, I really am not that talented (as shown by the fact that Columbia wait-listed me), but now I'm in a quagmire. Is the Yale experience worth giving up a 140,000 scholarship at Duke? I know this is a very individual decision but I would appreciate any input. HELP PLEASE</p>

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<p>You wouldn't by any chance happen to live in the Chicagoland area, would you? I'm going to Yale reception there today :)</p>

<p>Anyways, the duke offer sounds really good. Your parents could then take some of the money they would have given you for college and set up a portfolio for your or something. Between Yale and Stanford, I think it comes down to personal preference since both are such great schools. I guess I would suggest visiting Yale over Bulldog Days (Apr. 18/19) if that's at all possible for you. </p>

<p>Congrats on such a great selection!</p>

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<p>I was offered the Angier B. Duke scholarship at Duke and admitted to Princeton, Yale, and the Huntsman at Penn (+Honors)... I understand your hard decision... :-/</p>

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<p>collegehopeful44 - would duke still be a consideration for you if you didnt get the scholarship?</p>

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<p>Hey I'm Luukas - we met at the reception</p>