<p>OP</p>
<p>Cornell and Duke have similar reputations. As you state, Cornell is part of the Ivy League, which holds a certain cachet for some (especially on the east coast and in some investment banking circles) However, no one looks down on Duke.</p>
<p>Duke is higher ranked as a University by USNWR, but Cornell’s engineering school (which you would attend) is ranked higher than Duke’s. </p>
<p>Overall, Cornell has the highest acceptance rate in the Ivies, but Cornell’s engineering school is generally regarded as the best within this group.</p>
<p>So, here’s the point you won’t really go wrong with either school. I’m a Cornell Alum and proud of it. Given the choice between Cornell and Duke, I’d choose Cornell in a minute, but I’m secure enough in my feelings about Cornell that I wouldn’t say a single bad thing about Duke. Honestly, it’s a great school.</p>
<p>So, let me ask you a question – is there a school you that makes you feel more at home? Put reputation aside (which is a pretty fair thing to do in this case). Where do you want to go. With schools as close in reputation as these two, it’s probably the best way to make your decision.</p>