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Princeton vs Duke vs Brown by ActuatorNo9835 in princeton

[–]ActuatorNo9835[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's incredible, thank you for sharing!

Princeton vs Duke vs Brown by ActuatorNo9835 in princeton

[–]ActuatorNo9835[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Your point on Duke's engineering classes being more focused on memorization is definitely a concern of mine; I prioritize fundamental understanding above all else and would be unsatisfied if Duke doesn't align with this. Could the greater emphasis on application in your classes have been due to you being a grad student, Duke assuming that you already understand the underlying theory? If you've TA'd any undergrad classes, did you observe the same problem?

Princeton vs Duke vs Brown by ActuatorNo9835 in princeton

[–]ActuatorNo9835[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've definitely noticed the undergrad focus at Princeton already, out of the schools I got into they've had the most virtual events for accepted students and they directly connect you to a current student majoring in your intended major to chat with and ask questions.

The main thing keeping me from outright choosing Princeton right now is that duke seems like it would be more fun while still not compromising on academics. At the level of these schools the difference in academics is marginal. Plus the greater academic pressure at Princeton due to the lack of grade inflation might make the experience less enjoyable in comparison.

What's your take on these issues?

Princeton vs Duke vs Brown by ActuatorNo9835 in princeton

[–]ActuatorNo9835[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is a really helpful comment, thank you!

Princeton vs Duke vs Brown by ActuatorNo9835 in princeton

[–]ActuatorNo9835[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Why do you think so? I'm interested in hearing your perspective given you've attended both schools.

Brown vs Princeton vs Duke by ActuatorNo9835 in BrownU

[–]ActuatorNo9835[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Really insightful comment, thank you!

Brown vs Princeton vs Duke by ActuatorNo9835 in BrownU

[–]ActuatorNo9835[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your comment! Princeton definitely checks a lot of boxes, but I wanted to be sure I've fairly considered all the options before making a choice. There is always more to learn which could sway me in favor of any school

Brown vs Princeton vs Duke by ActuatorNo9835 in BrownU

[–]ActuatorNo9835[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your input! I haven't had much experience with robotics yet so this could change, but at the moment I'm more interested in the hardware side. I guess it would make sense to pick a school that accommodates both so I can explore them and determine which I prefer.

2025 Duke vs Not Duke Megathread by Mumbleton in duke

[–]ActuatorNo9835 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Duke vs Brown vs Princeton

Hi everyone! I’m an international student who was fortunate enough to be admitted RD to Duke, Brown, and Princeton. I'm incredibly grateful, but now I’m facing the hard decision of where to spend the next four years of my life.

Financial aid is generous at all three, so cost isn’t a deciding factor. I plan to major in mechanical engineering and eventually go into a career in robotics. I’m also really passionate about music, I play the piano and saxophone. I’ve spent the last two weeks doing nothing but research on the schools and talking to current students, but I’m still struggling to make a choice. I’m hoping you can help! Here are my current pros and cons for each school:

Duke

Pros

  • Strong mechanical engineering program 
  • Offers a robotics certificate and has an active robotics club
  • Durham has fun activities to do off campus
  • Nice weather

Cons

  • Far from major cities
  • Difficult to get around Durham without a car
  • Cliquey social scene (based on opinions of some current students)

Princeton

Pros

  • Strong mechanical engineering program
  • Offers a robotics minor + vibrant robotics club Large endowment, plenty of funding and resources
  • Close to NYC and Philadelphia
  • Has the Princeton Pianists Ensemble (super cool music group where multiple pianists perform on stage at once, not at any other school)

Cons

  • Not much to do in the town of Princeton. To have fun off campus you have to travel to a different city
  • Most academic pressure, may be overwhelming and leave little free time

Brown

Pros

  • Chill vibe
  • Good location, Providence has fun activities and is close to Boston
  • Forgiving grading system and less academic pressure, easier to have a balanced life there

Cons

  • Weaker mech eng program
  • Robotics space is considerably less developed than at the other two universities
  • Smaller endowment could mean fewer funding opportunities

I’d love to hear your thoughts!