<p>It does seem your main attraction to Harvard is its reputation, so I’d choose between Stanford and Duke.</p>
<p>I tend to encourage people to follow their gut feeling, that college is a big deal, and you can always pay off loans later. So Stanford is a no brainer.</p>
<p>OTOH, I really don’t see much difference between Duke and Stanford in regards to academics or social life aside from the location and the resultant difference between west coast pseudo-laid-back Stanford and the east coast +southern semipreppy ethos of Duke. And if you’re looking for research and intellectual opportunities, you’ll simply not be even remotely close to exhausting the resources of Duke, Stanford, or any other top dozen research university. Finally, don’t underestimate the usefulness of getting such a scholarship. In addition to the financial weight it lifts off you (which can allow more academic/personal adventures in your 20’s), it’ll open doors on campus.</p>
<p>Having said all that, you can’t go wrong with your choices. Good luck</p>