Duke or Cornell for computer science
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Anonymous
I am the poster with the comment about the CS buildings. I think Duke is one of the few choices with no deal breakers. The campus is not breathtaking but it is lovely; the location is not Boston yet it is not in the middle of nowhere; airport access is easy; academics are strong (even if not top rated in all) yet the sports spirit is there; weather is moderate; the student body looks glossy. All together it is a 'safe' (not in terms of getting in!) choice for many. |
Anonymous
When we toured, someone asked about the fact that Duke had no CS major within the engineering department. The tour guide mentioned that this was the case but then seemed to change the subject while mumbling something about some students still taking classes in both Trinity and Pratt. This might be something to look into before you decide but was a no go for us. |
Joemarti
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| Almost every Duke grad I've ever met, and I've met a lot of them, are incredibly annoying. I have other words I can use, but I'm being polite. One person commented to me once about Cornell grads that they are the only Ivy that seems to have kids who have fun. Both are outstanding schools, obviously. These are just my two anecdotal cents based on personal observation of a relatively small data set. |
Anonymous
| Congrats on the acceptances. Great dilemma to have. One thing. If thinking CS graduate school (MS/PhD) might take a harder look at Cornell. Otherwise, go where you like. FWIW, one of my partner's kids is a Duke CS grad. Worked a series of high paying tech jobs after graduation and now is a principal of a startup getting a lot of funding. |
Anonymous
Location matters in late March when it has been cold and dreary for months and you think you haven't seen the sun in years and you're too depressed to even talk to anyone, while your friends at Duke are posting pics about playing Frisbee on the quad in shorts. People who thought they weren't affected by weather realize they are affected by weather after spending a year in Ithaca. |
Anonymous
We visited in March. My kid saw the students sledding down and the migratory birds in Beebee lake. I know just snapshots but charming! |
Anonymous
In May Ithaca is lovely and they are frying at Duke. |
Anonymous
So true. Caveat though. People who went to Duke for grad school tended to be good - professionally and as human beings. But for undergrads, two cents worth of observations here as well. Unless you're a khaki and pink polo-shirt wearing prep type, throw in golf club membership, maybe add in a little early familiarity with cocaine, prostitutes, and the family's tax avoidance schemes, Duke might not be the right place for you. It's a definite type. A Duke person is a cliche for a reason. Also agree that among the Ivies, Cornell is, surprise, the fun school |
Anonymous
| In our private school, Duke has been RD round picking up the really smart somewhat nerdy kids who got shut out of HYPSM . They all seem to like Duke. Perhaps the preppy image at Duke is changing. |
Anonymous
| Duke any day over Cornell. Look at parchment it's 83 to a 17. Clearly no doubt there!!!!!! |
Anonymous
| 82 to a 18 rather!!!!!! |
Anonymous
| For CS go to Cornell for sure. Outside of CS, they are basically equal peers |
Anonymous
|
Duke is T10 prestige.
No need to go to a barely T20 semi public |
Anonymous
But for CS? |
Anonymous
What even is T10? Duke’s claim is shaky at best |