<p>As someone who could have potentially attended either Michigan or Duke last year (and who has a brother who attended Michigan and a family that lives in Michigan), I do believe that overall, Duke is stronger than Michigan to some extent (given smaller classes, more undergraduate focus, and grad school placement rates). However, I think the “extent” is very debatable, and the difference “may” not be worth the difference in price of an in-state Michigan education versus a Duke education.</p>
<p>Michigan does have a broader range in student abilities than Duke does. From attending the Duke admitted student days (Blue Devil Days), I noticed that everyone I met was high ability. At Michigan, I do know many extremely intelligent students (many of whom I would call geniuses and are MUCH smarter than I am). However, there are also many students (who I know personally), who are not particularly impressive, neither intellectually nor extracurricularly. </p>
<p>Both are really excellent institutions and you certainly can’t go wrong with either. It really depends on what you’re looking for.</p>