This isn't a troll. I would have thought the same thing before faced with this choice but when your kid is feeling like they might not fit in or enjoy life at one of the options yet knows they shouldn't turn it down, it's a real issue. Thank you to those who've given helpful answers.

This is ridiculous... I'm betting a troll. Unless you are an athlete you never pick Duke over Harvard.
EVER.

Duke if Robertson, Harvard otherwise

Anonymous wrote:With just under 2 weeks to decide, DC has narrowed it down to these two. Isn't sure about major so is focusing instead on campus life (fun) and future career outcomes, including strength of alumni network. Opening it up for any and all advice!

Camus life (fun)? Duke
Career outcomes? Harvard
Alumni network strength? Harvard, unless DC plans to live in the NC area.

My Duke kid loves Duke. but he would be at Harvard if he had the choice. Not even a question.

Harvard's network is worldwide. Duke's is impressive, but not nearly on the same level. Get real people. This is a Duke troll.

There are about 250 students admitted to Harvard each year who DO NOT attend.

The vast majority choose to attend Stanford, MIT, Yale or Oxbridge.

I prefer Yale to Harvard personally, not the area, but the school.

Harvard

This is not a contest

Especially since he's on the fence

Anonymous wrote:I went to Duke. I would probably choose Harvard. But I agree that it will likely be a happier four years at Duke. Though Duke is not as "work hard, play hard" as it was in our generation - much more intense. Though still less so than Harvard.

Hopefully you can revisit both? Not much time left.

Yes, Duke is Monday and Harvard the next week but down to the wire. And sometimes it's difficult to get a true sense from a visit.

Duh.

I went to Duke. I would probably choose Harvard. But I agree that it will likely be a happier four years at Duke. Though Duke is not as "work hard, play hard" as it was in our generation - much more intense. Though still less so than Harvard.

Hopefully you can revisit both? Not much time left.

For my kids it would be Harvard, because they prefer colder climates.

I don't believe this is real, BTW.

Where does he want to live? Networks are stronger near the school.

If DC is undecided, I’d lean Harvard University. You don’t declare right away, and it is genuinely easy to explore before committing.

That said, Duke University is the more traditional “fun” experience. Big school spirit, strong sports culture, and a more cohesive social scene. Harvard is more self-directed and can feel a bit scattered socially.

Career outcomes are a wash. Both place extremely well. Harvard’s network is broader and more global. Duke’s is very engaged and loyal.

I’d focus on:
* Campus feel: contained campus and community (Duke) vs more independent, city-based life (Harvard/Cambridge)
* Weather and day-to-day lifestyle
* Where DC felt more at home

No bad choice. This really comes down to fit.

With just under 2 weeks to decide, DC has narrowed it down to these two. Isn't sure about major so is focusing instead on campus life (fun) and future career outcomes, including strength of alumni network. Opening it up for any and all advice!