Dartmouth vs Duke: Help me compare!

I'm a high school junior and I've got Dartmouth and Duke on my list of colleges to apply to, but I'm struggling to decide which one might be a better fit for me. Can anyone tell me about their experiences at either school and any noticeable differences between the two? I'm interested in studying either biology or psychology, if that helps.

Sure, I can provide you with some general differences between Dartmouth and Duke, to help you get a sense of which school might be a better fit for you.

1. Location: Dartmouth is located in the small, picturesque town of Hanover, New Hampshire. Its rural setting helps create an exceptionally tight-knit college community, which is known to endure throughout your life, not just during your four years on campus. You’ll also have excellent access to a range of outdoor activities, from hiking to canoeing on the river that runs right past campus. Duke, on the other hand, is situated in Durham, North Carolina, a mid-sized city bursting with various restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. The overall atmosphere at Duke is more urban compared to Dartmouth, and thus would provide more energy if that’s something you need in order to thrive.

2. Size: Dartmouth is smaller than Duke, both in terms of student population and physical campus. Dartmouth offers a more intimate atmosphere, where you might have more opportunities to develop close relationships with your peers and professors, starting as soon as you arrive on campus. Duke is a larger research university with access to a wider range of resources and opportunities, but has a larger student body that could make your college experience feel less intimate.

3. Academic Philosophy: Dartmouth is part of the Ivy League and follows a liberal arts approach, emphasizing well-rounded education, interdisciplinary studies, and critical thinking. Duke leans more towards the research university model, with a wider array of graduate and professional schools, as well as research opportunities. This is not to say that Dartmouth does not have research opportunities or that Duke does not value liberal arts education, but their overall emphases might be slightly different.

4. Quarter vs Semester System: Dartmouth operates on a quarter system, with a unique twist called the "D-Plan." The D-Plan gives students flexibility in their schedules, as you can take off-terms during the typical academic year for internships, research, or other opportunities. Duke follows a traditional semester system, which may be better for you if you’re looking for a more structured academic calendar.

5. Social Life & Extracurriculars: Both colleges have vibrant social scenes, but Dartmouth is known for its Greek life, which plays a significant role in the campus community. If you're interested in joining a fraternity or sorority, Dartmouth might be more appealing. Duke also has Greek life, but there are more social options for students who may not be as interested in that. Additionally, Duke's athletic programs, particularly its basketball team, contribute to a strong sense of school spirit and camaraderie.

Regarding your specific interests in biology or psychology, both schools have strong programs in these fields. I would recommend researching their respective departments, and checking out the faculty profiles, course offerings, and available research opportunities to see which school's offerings align more closely with your academic and career goals.

Finally, individual experiences can vary, so it's essential to visit both campuses if possible and talk to current students and alumni to get a better idea of what each institution can offer you personally. And remember, unless you want to apply Early Decision, you can always apply to both Dartmouth and Duke, and give yourself more time to make a final decision between the two.

Good luck with your decision-making process!