<p>I was accepted to both schools and I’ve visited both. Unfortunately, I love them both and it’s extremely hard for me to pick one over the other because they both have things that would make my college experience amazing. </p>
<p>Academically, they’re similar, so I was wondering, from an enrolled student’s perspective, what makes Duke unique (socially, academically, whatever). Thanks!</p>
<p>Hi Katie,</p>
<p>Duke is unique because its environment is able to accommodate every sort of personality, which makes it very easy to find your niche here. Don’t want to drink? Cool, you can live in Brown (the wellness dorm) freshman year on East Campus and then live with a group of friends who share your interests and values as an upperclassmen on West. Want to get involved in Greek Life? No problem, you have sororities here that party like crazy and others who are more mellow. The sense of sisterhood is great from what I’ve seen and heard from friends who are girls in Greek Life and they all seem to enjoy the philanthropy aspect of it as well.</p>
<p>Academically, the opportunities at Duke are nearly endless. You will have a very easy time forging close relationships with faculty members, especially if you are not in an uber popular major like Economics or Biology. The research opportunities here are too great to count and are all easily attainable by simply showing interest to lab leaders and faculty. Want to get involved with community service? Duke has a one-of-a-kind civic engagement program called DukeEngage which allows students to work on service projects domestically and abroad fully at the expense of the university.</p>
<p>Duke also has amazing acapella groups, improv organizations, a nationally recognized student newspaper, etc. etc. I think the main difference between UChicago and Duke is that you will be extremely wrapped up in academics at the former while you can have a much more balanced college experience at Duke, from studying to being involved with student organizations to volunteering to watching basketball games to attending social events.</p>
<p>I’m a Duke senior and the last 4 years of my life have been the most unforgettable years of my life. Duke has met and surpassed every expectation I had when I entered the Gothic Wonderland in the Fall of 2007. I have grown so much intellectually and socially, have forged dozens of lasting friendships and have a great job lined up for next year. PM me if you have anymore questions about Duke (academically, socially, extracurricular-wise, etc.).</p>
<p>Make sure to visit both schools and good luck with your decision!! The weather should be gorgeous when you visit Duke, which is another factor I would consider as well.</p>
<p>Haha, I actually already committed. Thanks for convincing me, guys :)</p>