Should I choose Duke?

bluedog
Wed, 04 May 2016 00:08:52 +0000

I’d say if you plan to stay in the UK post-college, choose UCL and if you want to live in the US, choose Duke. I went to Duke, but did get the opportunity to study in London for a semester, which I enjoyed immensely. The educational systems are VERY different. I was at Queen Mary, University of London, which certainly isn’t as prestigious as UCL, but is known for its engineering. And the engineering course rigor there was honestly a joke compared to Duke (which I enjoyed for one semester as I was able to relax and explore London and the rest of Europe). Sounds like your desire to “cram at the last minute” is better suited for the British system since they just have exams at the end of the semester whereas Duke requires much more work throughout the semester. But that might also lead to more disastrous results in very rigorous coursework…whereas Duke supplies checkpoints throughout more frequently.

Also, if you’re looking to really expand your horizons and get outside your comfort zone, Duke would be a good place to do that. UCL is probably more “comfortable” being a current Londoner, which is either a pro or a con depending on what you’re looking for.

Duke has much better weather than London, that’s for sure! I don’t think there’s much of a difference in prestige between the two universities honestly. In Europe, UCL will probably hold more weight and within the U.S., Duke will. Probably pretty similar in Asia.

Your desired social scene is probably better situated for London than Durham. I love Duke and think it offers a great social atmosphere, but I wouldn’t call it a mecca for “clubs/raves” even on the same planet as London.