d_rangus

I'm trying to decide between these two schools. How do they compare academically and socially? I feel like Brown might be more fun (Durham.....) but academically does not quite match up to Duke. I'm probably going to study humanities like english or philosophy along with a non-engineering science/math course like biology.

alvyy

I think it depends on what kind of learning environment you'd like. Obviously the social aspect at Brown will be much more liberal than Duke (based on my speculation) just because Duke is in the South and I've always thought that more traditional, conservatives come from the South. (Puts on flame resistant vest).

However, while Duke isn't a HUGE university, I think the focus at Brown is more on the undergrad students and the classroom environment will be more focused and interactive, rather than lecture halls and lots of TAs.

This is my impression of Brown at least. I hope I'm right!

i_wanna_be_Brown

how much do you like basketball? how much do you like requirements?

elpope

I think you've got it backwards. Going to Brown and having friends at Duke, I'd say Duke is somewhat more fun and Brown has better classes/profs (Duke is certainly as good as Brown as a whole academically, but from my time visiting Duke I found Brown classes generally more engaging). And contrary to what people here will say, I found Duke a little more diverse, although minorities are more "vocal" at Brown (e.g., more functions/shows put on by cultural groups)

MovieBuff

I agree. Duke's reputation comes from the graduate programs....and the sports!. I am very familiar with Duke ( going sumers there since 8th grade..) Brown beats Duke academically at the undergrad level anytime. These are two VERY different universities so u need to really think about what you want. The students at Duke are more interested in drinking beer and going to sports events than on going to the movies or museums....I find Brown people more...artsy ? My own personal experience...

warblersrule

That's utter rubbish.
How long has it been since you spent a summer at Duke? The brand new Nasher Museum is quite popular. I helped set up the current Duke Classical Collection exhibit.

http://www.artdaily.com/section/news...&int_new=19385

Right, because all Brown students are from the NE, and all Duke students are from the South. Duke is known for being blue in a red state for more than athletics, you know.
The OP wants to major in English and philosophy. Courses in those subjects are capped at 25-30 but typically have 10-15 students. No TAs.



d_rangus, I would give Brown the edge in your case. English is stronger at Duke, but philosophy is considerably stronger at Brown. Duke has an excellent biology program, but I'd recommend Brown for non-premeds. You seem to prefer RI. Brown's lack of curriculum requirements will make double majoring a bit easier. Their grading scale, unless it has recently changed, is usually more forgiving than Duke's +/- grading.

Brunonian2010

Make sure you visit both schools before deciding.

MovieBuff

OK warblersrule86, I am sorry that you do not share my impressions of Duke but to me, YOU are talking more than rubbish......

I have been going to Duke for 10 years now ( since I was 7 ). I have a parent and an uncle who are both faculty at Duke. Duke's reputation comes MOSTLY from the graduate programs...and from the sports... Reputation is a lot better amongnst Southerners than any other part of the country, because after all..Southerners are all very provincial and somewhat regional..( no offense people..just a fact..I live here..so do not even go there with me...!!!! ) and as far as your comment about the Nasher Museum...you said it yourself.....it is brand new!!!!! and so what ???? It is still easier to find people at Duke to go and have a beer with , or to go and watch a basketball game than to go to ANY museum or show more interest in other cultural events..

By the way, I do not intend to get into an argument with anyone about this. These are my observations, as someone well qualified to opine based on long time personal observations about one of the greatest academic institutions in the country, which I happen to appreciate.

ramaswami

i am the parent of a senior who has offers from Duke Upenn, Brown and Columbia. Wants to study enggr undergrad, not sure afterward. Pl advise pros and cons of each school. Thanks.

warblersrule

ramaswami, have you posted on the Duke board? There's a great engineering professor who posts there, if you have specific questions.