<p>I think the point trying to be made is that Duke and the Ivies/northeastern schools are closer in aesthetic and feel than say, Duke and Rice or another southern school. Or maybe I’m misreading.</p>
<p>Anyway, I’m a CA resident who has had many family/friends go to USC and been there many times myself…while their spirit is pretty comparable, Duke is arguably prettier, has better academics, safer campus, more prestige, more programs for undergrads, etc. And this is anecdotal, but of the dozens of Duke and USC students I’ve known, I’ve heard many lukewarm responses about attending USC and never anything but diehard love for Duke. I understand USC is offering you some money, but your payments will end up roughly equal given the disparity in cost between the schools…and given the statistics, I’d argue that Duke is going to open up more doors for you vocationally as well. </p>
<p>In short–come be a part of our class!!</p>