<p>If you want reasons to choose Duke over Berkeley, I guess I could start with 1. smaller class sizes, 2. basically guaranteed to do research as an undergrad (90%+), 3. guaranteed to actually be able to enroll in your desired courses, 4. much higher graduation rate in four years in the engineering program than Berkeley and a lower dropout rate, 5. more intimate engineering community, 6. better connections/recruiting for engineers wanting to go into business/consulting/finance, 7. easy to study abroad, 8. flexibility in curriculum allows for a double major in Trinity (or Pratt), 9. campus is beautiful, 10. basketball.</p>
<p>Berkeley is obviously great at mech eng, but I could easily see Duke being a much better fit for some individuals. But that’s a big chunk of change that you’d be saving your parents…although maybe it doesn’t matter to them if you didn’t qualify for financial aid.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>