dtinox
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- May 1, 2020
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Title basically says it all; I'm having a really hard time deciding since I fell in love with Dartmouth but got off the waitlist at Duke recently. Cost is the same at both schools so it's not a factor. Majoring in neuroscience, big interest in research and community service.
Dartmouth
Pros
- D-Plan means I can take off the quarter when I'm studying for the MCAT
- Undergraduate focus on teaching, less competition for research positions
- Tight-knit undergrad community, already got to know quite a few people + one of the strongest alumni networks out there
- Probably only chance in my life I'll get to live somewhere rural + I really like snow
Cons
- Less premed support from what I can tell (this is a BIG one for me), e.g. advising, competition, involvement with student lives
- Fewer clubs that I'm interested in
- Rural area means fewer means of community service
Duke
Pros
- Higher ranked neuroscience program
- Better premed support services + a looooot of community service opportunities
- Duke medical complex is nearby, in the Research Triangle area
- More research opportunities on face, with actively posted ways to get involved
- More clubs that I'm interested in, especially for my niche hobbies
Cons
- More people, more competition (you have to apply for e v e r y t h i n g)
- Wayyyy more graduate students (1:1 undergrad-to-grad student, as opposed to a 4:1 at Dartmouth), worried I won't be as involved with research projects
- I don't really vibe with the semester system, but it's doable
- Culture in general seems to be less my kind of vibe, don't know the students as well
Does anyone have insight on which school would be better?
Dartmouth
Pros
- D-Plan means I can take off the quarter when I'm studying for the MCAT
- Undergraduate focus on teaching, less competition for research positions
- Tight-knit undergrad community, already got to know quite a few people + one of the strongest alumni networks out there
- Probably only chance in my life I'll get to live somewhere rural + I really like snow
Cons
- Less premed support from what I can tell (this is a BIG one for me), e.g. advising, competition, involvement with student lives
- Fewer clubs that I'm interested in
- Rural area means fewer means of community service
Duke
Pros
- Higher ranked neuroscience program
- Better premed support services + a looooot of community service opportunities
- Duke medical complex is nearby, in the Research Triangle area
- More research opportunities on face, with actively posted ways to get involved
- More clubs that I'm interested in, especially for my niche hobbies
Cons
- More people, more competition (you have to apply for e v e r y t h i n g)
- Wayyyy more graduate students (1:1 undergrad-to-grad student, as opposed to a 4:1 at Dartmouth), worried I won't be as involved with research projects
- I don't really vibe with the semester system, but it's doable
- Culture in general seems to be less my kind of vibe, don't know the students as well
Does anyone have insight on which school would be better?
