Is Duke Worth Waiting For?

Colleges & Universities Duke University
1

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I’m waitlisted by Duke. I got accepted by UChicago and WUSTL. Now I’m facing the dilemma of whether I should wait for Duke. what is the best thing about duke? I intend to do a double degree in Biological Sciences and Economics. The important factors for me are the teaching quality, studying environment(prefer sth that is intensive but fun), people and prestige (what everyone want at the end of the day is a degree that can get them the best jobs so I guess prestige matters) Given my choices, where do you think is the best place to go to?</p>

2

<p>Duke- most prestigious (tainted by lacrosse players? i would hope not); nicest weather; pretty prominent party scene; simply put, basketball.</p>

<p>UofC- unofficial motto (“where fun comes to die”) kinda puts it best; most students prefer philosophical debates to parties and such 6 of the 7 nights per week.</p>

<p>WUSTL- hidden school in midwest; growing prestige; laidback kids; nowhere NEAR the sports scene or school pride you’ll find at duke.</p>

3

<p>You need to send in your deposit to Chicago or WUStL so you’ll have a spot. You can withdraw later if you get into Duke and decide to go.</p>

<p>Well, it’s easiest to do a double major at Duke or WUStL, although Chicago’s Core is not bad at all with AP credit (I think Duke’s Curriculum 2K is worse, personally). WUStL’s biology program is definitely geared toward medicine- 75% of their biology majors are premed!!! Duke and Chicago have more balanced (and stronger) biology programs, and they both have good economics programs. Duke and WUStL are both much more preprofessional than Chicago, and academics are balanced out by a desire to have fun. In which environment do you best see yourself? A great environment for one may be toxic for another. I’m personally rather fond of Chicago, so I’d advise it over WUStL. The academics are stronger, the classes are smaller, the campus is nice, the dorms are great, the food is good, you have a major city nearby, there’s a social scene if you look for it, placement rates are high…</p>

4

<p>Don’t forget that C2K has been considerably revised downward. Much easier to fulfill now than it was just two years ago.</p>