Duke, UVA, among others (should I ED round 2?) 170 and 3.74 Forum

[UnbelievableForum23]

So, I posted this in the choosing index, but upon submission, I figured this was the more appropriate forum. I want to do big-law. I don't really care where (except I don't really want to go to NYC and I would slightly prefer Cali, DC, or Texas). So, here is where I am. I go to Amherst College, have a 3.74 and a 170. I am a senior (with good softs for a person still in college - student senate - debate team awards - involved in college committees). The problem is, I don't know if I should ED to either UVA or Duke (I like Duke a little more). I have a preference for schools with good quality of life and weather, but it again, is a slight one.

170; 3.74; texas resident

I applied to:

Harvard
Stanford
Columbia
Chicago
NYU
Berkeley
Penn
Michigan
UVA
Duke
Cornell
Georgetown
UCLA
Texas
Vandy
USC
WashU

I got a little carried away. The reason why I didn't ED Duke in the first place, is that I wanted to consider merit aid options. Whar are your thoughts?

[vicuna]

I think you were wise to go RD to Duke. You have a strong shot at not only an acceptance, but also at least 40k or so.

I'll take a shot here considering we have very similar numbers. Unfortunately, we are both borderline at several schools. Your softs seem potentially below average. How is your personal statement/recs? Berkeley, in particular, really values strong softs (especially relating to serving the underprivileged).

When did you submit your apps? That will also make a difference with a few of these. UVA is especially tricky. You'd be a slam dunk if you went ED, but a WL is probably likely for both of us as OOS RDers.

Rejected: Harvard, Stanford
Waitlisted: Columbia, Chicago, NYU, Boalt, UVA
In: the rest, with $$ from all except maybe Penn and Georgetown

[UnbelievableForum23]

i applied over thanksgiving. Yeah, I pretty much gave up on UVA and Boalt. Still nervous on Duke (because the class size is so small)