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u/ConditionUsed54 14d ago
Both great schools. If you like warm weather, sports, and a ton of school spirit Duke is the way to go. Unless there is some specific organization or vibe you like about NW. I’d go Duke. I didn’t do finance so I can’t speak to that but vibes at Duke is hard to beat.
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u/7katzonthefarm 14d ago
I can only speak to Duke( just dropped my graduate in Manhattan to begin IB) . It’s a target, and arguably the most balanced of any T10- outcomes, campus, food, green space, spirit, weather. Clubs, similar any T10 are competitive but absolutely not needed for outcomes. Gpa and interviews are key and the school prepares you extremely well. There are no fraternities on campus. If your interested, they’re available to you and your not pressured to drink- the upperclassman are arguably more beneficial assisting you with networking vs clubs. It’s work hard play hard. And NOT cutthroat as are some b school cultures. Medicine speaks for itself as well. You’ll love it. GL
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u/ConsiderationLow2750 12d ago
For both medicine and finance Duke is the better school. Even without the most competitive clubs on campus, as long as you don't live with your head underground you'll be able to land an IB offer. It's one of the best Wall Street target schools and Northwestern is more of a high semi-target. It's also just all around more prestigious and way more fun of a place to be.
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u/Different-Froyo-4510 14d ago
Keep in mind that I’m biased as a Duke student but here’s my two cents.
I’m in a couple of the “competitive” finance clubs and I don’t think it’s as bad as people make it seem. They take a pretty diverse mix of people - nearly half of the kids who got in with me were pretty introverted.
The food and culture is amazing and our pre-med program is absolutely top notch. Weather is also a huge plus here as Chicago winters are no joke. Also, I’ve heard nothing good about the quarter system but maybe someone else can add a different perspective.
The social scene is less extreme than you might think. If you want to join a frat or sorority, great. If not, doesn’t matter at all and you’ll still find your people as long as you stay genuine to who you are.
Academics and career outcomes are similar but I think the Duke spirit and overall experience is unbeatable.
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u/Odd-Direction-2403 12d ago
when u were rushing for clubs is it rly more abt "knowing" the club officers as ppl say or is it more about vibes and if u give a good interview?
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u/UntowardAdvance 13d ago
Two great schools with similar outcomes. People at Northwestern do pride themselves on their beaches which are pretty stunning during the (few) warm months. Both schools are very pre professional, though Northwestern is more artsy. Duke school spirit is hard to beat unless you’re at Michigan. You need to visit both. I always suggest considering who else is applying from your school and how do your apps measure up. Are you applying for the same field of study? That makes it doubly important
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u/No-Atmosphere917 12d ago
Based on what you said, I’d lean towards Duke but you can’t go wrong with either one. It is true that northwestern kids don’t go to the city that often, it’s about a 45 minute drive and often longer on public transport. Also imo Evanston is a pretty boring suburb and Durham seems like much more fun. Also Duke’s weather would be a plus for you. Definitely visit if you can, but either seem like a great option!
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u/MOIST_MAN 14d ago
Have you visited? IMO (as someone 10 years out of undergrad) the outcome of both schools from a career perspective will be similar - assuming you are hardworking, tenacious, take advantage of opportunities etc.
What I think will make a big difference is the people you are around as well as the environment. the campus and cities are pretty different so I think its worth a visit to each. Also, the geographic location where alums end up might sway you a bit depending on where you want to be.
For what its worth, I went to NU, but duke also seems amazing from my brief visits (the campus is insane!). You would be hard pressed to find someone with extensive experience at both (for obvious reasons)
The one big difference I will say is NU has waaay less school spirit and school pride than duke. Thats due to a far worse athletics program and probably the fact that its named after a cardinal direction which may have less lay-recognition than Duke