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<p>I understand that these factors should indeed not be at the crux of a decision like this, however I DISAGREE that they do not merit consideration. After all, a big part of being happy at college is having pride in one’s school and it would be dubious to claim that rankings and prestige have no influence in this respect. </p>
<p>A few years ago, the choice between U of C and Duke would’ve been easy for the many who chose Duke over the former with its >40% acceptance rate and lower ranking. Now, however, the choice is not all that clear. Such things ** do ** matter. (Especially to an international student who doesn’t have as much of an opportunity to visit and experience schools firsthand.) </p>
<p>It may sound silly, but I want to spend the next four years of my life in an institution that stands its own in these respects as well as pure academics. Again, it’s not a primary concern, but a concern nevertheless. </p>
<p>Either way, I find Duke’s fall in rankings somewhat disconcerting…</p>