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Student at Duke
08/16/2009Reviewer is A current student here.
61 out of 68 people found this review useful. 1 person found this inaccurate. 1 of 70
Categories Comments Great for these types of students self-motivated, confident, high-achievers, partyers
Tips for prospective students Walk around on your own, sit in on classes, talk to students, talk to alumni. Just gather as much as you can about Duke.
Bang for the buck It's a brand name college. Once you climb those college rankings, the price is inescapable. Duke provides lots of great services and opportunities that you might not find elsewhere, but I wouldn't value it at $50,000 a year.
Am enjoying being here At Duke I feel like there are so many opportunities waiting for me. There's a very active student body involved in all sorts of activities like sports, community service, publications, etc. The campus feels alive. As for the social atmosphere, it's pretty diverse. People have many different sides. For example, you can have intellectual conversations with the same person who plays beer pong with you every weekend. Bookworms aren't afraid to party hard, though sometimes people who like to party aren't receptive to academic talk outside of the classroom. If you don't like the party scene, you can definitely find your niche, though it may take a semester or even longer.
Am learning a lot Duke is well-rounded and has many great departments, so you don't need to come in knowing what you want to do. Duke is a great place to explore your passions and discover things you never knew about yourself and the world.
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Sophomore from Florida
01/07/2010Reviewer is A current student here.
51 out of 53 people found this review useful. 2 of 70
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Students who like small classroom settings, students who are willing to sit out on a few Friday nights in order to get some work done, and students who appreciate a competitive nature will excel at Duke. But most importantly, in order to really enjoy your time at Duke, you need to be relaxed and know how to balance work and play.
Tips for prospective students 1. Whip out the Halloween costumes every other Saturday and attend football tailgates. 2. You HAVE to go to at least one basketball game and/or tent out for the UNC game, but don't forget to study the cheers beforehand. 3. Get your faculty in resident to approve you for a chapel climb. Don't forget to bring your camera. 4. If you're sick of the Marketplace or Great Hall, head over to Franklin Street for some great restaurants. 5. Study, study, study. Everyone pulls six hour shifts in Perkins Library, so don't feel like a complete nerd when it's your turn.
Bang for the buck For such an expensive school, Duke still sucks every penny that you have left out of you. A parking pass is around $300 and you WILL get at least 3-4 parking tickets in your years here. In addition, the club sports and Greek fees are ridiculous. However, the fact that your professor probably wrote the textbook you're studying and the daily maid service in the dorms definitely make the financial crunch worth it in the long run.
Am enjoying being here The students and faculty at Duke are extremely receptive and interesting people. There is never a boring day as long as you take the time to get to know those around you. Everyone is from around the world, which has really opened my eyes to different perspectives and cultures. We have a great Greek life, sports program, and events of all sorts every day of the week. The campus is beautiful and the Raleigh-Durham area is an exciting regions, especially with UNC and NC State both within a 20 minute drive. However, as I'm one of the few students who migrated north for college (I would say a large percentage of the population is from the Northeast), I detest the frigid, cold, windy, and rainy winters.
Am learning a lot In high school, I found that I could ace any class with a study cram the night before any test. By doing this, I never truly learned anything. Sure, I remembered enough for the tests and exams, but if someone were to quiz me a week later, I would have had no clue as to the answers. At Duke, the small classes and interactive environments along with the extremely specific details of some courses makes it impossible not to know what you're studying. I would have to admit that in the three semesters I've been in college, I've learned more than I ever learned throughout high school.
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Larissa from Clayton, NC
01/09/2010Reviewer is A current student here.
27 out of 29 people found this review useful. 3 of 70
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Duke Basketball fanatics. The adventurous. The partiers. The homebodies or more studious types. Those who want to take advantage of Duke's fantastic study abroad/service programs.
Tips for prospective students Be prepared to study. Perkins Library and particularly Von Der Heyden are my favorite places. Cut down on the Facebook/online shopping/YouTubing, etc. Meet all the people in your dorm. Rush if you can, even if you don't decide to join a sorority/frat house. Know the Duke Basketball team or be embarrassed. Find a group that will help you keep in shape--our workouts for cheerleading have been my savior for that; no freshman 15 for me! GET YOUR WORK DONE during the week, and on Saturday during the day. It leaves plenty of time for fun on the weekends! They say you can only choose two of the three of grades, sleep, and social life, but I know firsthand it IS possible to get all three! Grab an apple from the Marketplace every time you go...good midnight snack and better than Skittles from the vending machine every night.
Bang for the buck Yes, Duke's tuition and housing is now about $50,000 per year. However, it covers 100% of your demonstrated financial need as shown by FAFSA, loan-free. I come from a family of seven (four younger sisters) on a pastor's salary, and we're fine!
Am enjoying being here I wholly, uncompromisingly and unreservedly endorse Duke University. The motto here is work hard, play hard. We study and learn a LOT, but we also have so much fun, whether that means your extracurriculars, your parties, or both. If you want to meet interesting people who are smart and funny and [usually] not too cocky, come here! If you want to make a lot of friends, come here. (The rule of first-years only living with other first-years seems dumb at first, but it creates such camaraderie.) If you want to unite with hundreds of other students over Duke Basketball (and trust me, if you're not a fan now, you probably will be), come here! Oh and also, the campus, a mix of Georgian, gothic, and modern architecture, is absolutely beautiful, as if you had to be reminded. It doesn't get old; I still think probably every other day, Wow, it's beautiful here. My only complaint is that the food on East Campus can get old after a while. But what else can I say?
Am learning a lot We cover a lot of material and very quickly. As long as you can keep up with the reading you're usually okay, and you will learn SO much on so many different topics. Duke's T-reqs or Trinity Requirements (http://trinity.duke.edu/academic-requirements?p=graduation-requirements) ensure too that your education is truly well-rounded. I came here thinking I was really only going to take science classes and uncovered a newfound love for history and philosophy!
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Blair from Atlanta, GA
01/18/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
26 out of 27 people found this review useful. 4 of 70
Categories Comments Great for these types of students people who love to learn BME majors (2nd best BME program in the country) all-around people sports people people who like to have fun but also study hard prospective business men or public policy majors pre-med students or anyone looking to go into the medical field (Duke has a great hospital) students interested in religion (one of the best Divinity schools in the country) basketball fans (not football fans...our football team's not that great) active people (or non-active people) friendly people minorities
Tips for prospective students make yourself stand out in your application by focusing on a few of your best strengths or accomplishments. Write an essay that you would enjoy reading and get to know your duke counselor for your area. For legacies, if you don't think you meet the benchmark of applicants, get someone closely related to Duke to write you a letter of recommendation.
Bang for the buck The many programs and things to do at Duke, make it for the most part worth the money. We have unique study abroad programs such as DukeEngage that allow you to spend a summer in another country for free doing civic engagement, cultural immersion study abroad programs, and programs dedicated specifically towards your field of study. For instance, you can spend a semester at Duke's marine lab to learn about marine biology or in L.A. to study film. There are also a lot of help services such as the career center, study abroad office, psychological services office, academic advising for regular students and athletes, along with a ton of other services just for students. The one thing that I will say seems to me to be a huge rip off is the Freshman meal plan. Freshman have an allotted amount of meal swipes per week that can only be used at the Dining hall on East Campus, while upperclassmen are on a foodpoints system that allows them to eat virtually anywhere on campus. Each dinner meal swipe is supposed to be equal to $12, but in reality with the price of the meal plan it's equal to something like $23...that's a lot of money for dinner. (But I guess it's all you can eat so you can't complain too much). The one thing I wish Duke would do to help those in need of money for tuition is offer a few more scholarships to students. While, yes, they do offer some scholarships, these are usually reserved for a very very very small and incredibly intelligent portion of the student body. Also, they do a good job on financial aid for low income families, but not as well for medium income families.
Am enjoying being here I absolutely love Duke, and am proud to call it my home and school. The people here are amazing. Yes, they can sometimes seem a bit judgmental or a little too nice, but most everyone loves being here, and it shows. When you first come in to Duke as a freshman, it can be a bit overwhelming. There's so much to do and so many people to see. Pretty much anything you've ever wanted to do or try can probably be found in one of Duke's clubs, and if it's not there then grab a group of friends and make it happen. The social scene here is also good. A lot of clubs in Durham are 18 and up, so most weekends you can find people pre-gaming at frat parties or mixers before heading off to the clubs. Frat parties are pretty big on campus, although we also have these things called SLGs (selective living groups) that are basically co-ed frats or themed living groups that also throw parties. The Duke police are really great; they won't get you in trouble for drinking, and are really there to keep you safe. A lot of people tend to complain about Durham because there doesn't seem to be much to do, but Durham has a lot of good restaurants, and if you get tired of the social scene there's always Franklin Street (part of the school down the road...ugh haha). Speaking of UNC, basketball at Duke is the best. The games are so much fun. I am currently tenting (sleeping in a tent for close to a month in k-ville) in order to get into the Duke vs. UNC home game, and, although cold, it is a blast bonding with the people in my tent and everyone else in k-ville.
Am learning a lot Yes, Duke is a top ten university, and yes, they get some of the brightest students in the country, but the level and quality of academics at Duke is so much more than that. In my first semester here, I learned how to communicate basic information in Arabic, to edit film not only digitally but manually by cutting and taping actual film strips together with 16mm film, the intricacies of court cases that involve the most controversial parts of the First Amendment, and the vast differences of the cultural aspects of languages, among other things. Duke does a great job of balancing the vast variety of classes offered with in depth exploration of a class' main focus. While, yes, there are some professors that can be a bit of a bore, almost every class at Duke will teach you something new (even if that comes through a textbook rather than your professor). However, the classroom isn't the only place where you can learn something new. The diversity and, well, pure awesomeness of Duke's student body provides a great resource for anyone looking for something new. For example, I learned some basic Russian phrases from a girl down the hall from me, how to play ultimate Frisbee from my roommate, and even how to (properly) lift a cherry pie from the dining hall. With so many interesting people around you all the time, I would say, unless you live under a rock during your time here, it's pretty impossible not to learn something new almost everyday.
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12/04/2010Reviewer is A current student here.
12 out of 14 people found this review useful. 5 of 70
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Duke is especially great for students who take advantage of opportunities and are outgoing. However, there is a place at Duke for all types of students - as long as they are hard-working and intelligent.
Tips for prospective students Take the time to get to know your professors - go to office hours, engage them after class, take them to a FLUNCH (Faculty lunch - fully paid for by Duke!), ask to do research with them, etc... It is especially important during the first few weeks to step outside of your comfort zone to meet new people. Freshmen will generally be very receptive of making new friends so do not hesitate to sit by someone new at the marketplace or to introduce yourself to someone on the bus. Manage your time well! If you get your work out of the way, you will find that you can enjoy yourself so much more on weekends and have time to pursue other extracurricular activities. It may be hard at first for many students because they will find that, for the first time in their academic careers, they are no longer automatically at the top of their class. Expecting straight A's is no longer realistic in college and you will have to work much harder in order to do well. However, success is not impossible and with the right amount of dedication, you will do well.
Bang for the buck Duke's expensive tuition can be a deterrent for those who don't qualify for financial aid. Although Duke does have decent financial aid, many families may find it lacking. Personally, while Duke does offer a world-class education, I wouldn't consider it a good bang for your buck. However, much of this depends upon the individual student's own willingness to take advantage of the opportunities that Duke offers. By doing something like DukeEngage, a fully paid 8-week immersive volunteer trip to places all around the world or participating in one of the many undergraduate research opportunities with faculty members, students can make full use of their tuition. Of course, a Duke education also comes with its prestigious reputation, which to some people may justify its pricey tuition.
Am enjoying being here Like any other school, Duke takes a little adjusting to especially if you are like me and are more of the shy type. However, the people are generally very friendly and open to making new friends, especially during the first few weeks of school. Duke has a reputation for being a work hard, party hard school, which is pretty accurate. Students are able to buckle down, study, and get all of their work done during the week and then have fun on the weekends. The basketball games are really fun and not to be missed - the school spirit and just the feeling of being part of such a large, enthusiastic student group is amazing. There are always plenty of things going on around campus and there's something for almost everyone to enjoy.
Am learning a lot Duke isn't a world-renowned institution for nothing. The professors here, on a whole are extremely knowledgeable and very willing to help students who take the initiative to talk with them and learn more. Of course, some of the professors can be hit-or-miss and doing a little research on prospective professors can save a lot of frustration during the class registration process. Your fellow students can also be a very valuable source of knowledge. I am constantly amazed at just how incredibly intelligent and thought-provoking my classmates are both in class discussions and during casual chats. Depending upon the path taken, each student will have a varying degree of flexibility in class choices (For example, engineers will have a very limited number of electives compared to those in the humanities). However, Duke offers such a wide variety of courses on a diversity of interesting topics that will make you wish you could overload each semester. Overall, the academic environment here is challenging, but extremely rewarding. Some of the classes will be hit-or-miss, with professors that may not live up to the standards you would expect at Duke. However, the truly amazing classes more than make up for the mediocre ones.
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Elisabeth from Durham, NC
06/23/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
9 out of 10 people found this review useful. 6 of 70
Categories Comments Campus Safety The campus is located in the heart of Durham. For that reason, there are people from the town who come on campus. However, we have a very active Duke Police Department, with deputies on every campus. To be honest, I see multiple Duke Policeman each day on campus (even late at night when I'm leaving the library). The bus system runs pretty late, so you'll almost never have to walk home. But if you're out later and you don't feel comfortable walking home, you can call Duke Safe Rides and they will take you to your dorm/apartment free of charge.
Greek Life Duke has a multitude of Greek organizations on campus. NPHC, Panhel, Inter-Greek Council, and IFC (Inter-Fraternity Council) are just to name some of the umbrella groups. All that you need to know about Greek Life at Duke can be found at the following website: http://studentaffairs.duke.edu/greek
Clubs and Activities Duke has Hundreds of student groups you can join. Here's a link to the website of organizations with a small description about each one: http://duke.collegiatelink.net/organizations
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Duke Basketball is HUGE! The rivalry between Duke and UNC (ugh) is unparalleled by any other. Both the men's and women's teams play in Cameron Indoor Stadium where students pack the house to watch the action. However, if you'd like to witness the Infamous Rivalry Game first-hand, you'll have to team up with some students and tent outside the stadium because the seats don't last long! Tenting is a Large part of student culture, because everyone wants to be there for the game.
Bang for the buck With the networking and connections you'll make throughout Duke, it is Worth the Buck! My freshman year, I had a very prominent professor offer me a job after I graduated (that's a Huge opportunity)! You'll have the option to do professional level research with faculty members, or you can be sponsored to attend prominent conferences throughout the country (at no charge). Duke has an amazing integration of students and faculty, so if you take advantage of the tools you're giving, you will Enjoy It!
What to do for fun There are Hundreds of student groups and clubs at Duke. From bowling to console-gaming, to volunteer work, to club sports, you're sure to find something that grabs your attention. Duke also has a variety of sports teams, so going to basketball and lacrosse games is always a favorite weekend pass-time. Depending on the weather, you can find a campus-wide scavenger hunt (where you can win cash money). Also, we have frequent concerts and events (that are free to students). In the past, we've had artists such as Ludacris, Wale, and several European bands perform for the students.
Food and Dining Duke's food is Great! There are so many options (Mediterranean, Oriental influence, Hispanic, etc). There are over 40 eateries on campus, and more than 30 off-campus businesses that deliver to your campus address.
Dorm Life The majority of Duke's dorms have been renovated or are scheduled for renovation in the near future. During the first year, all freshmen live on the same campus. It sounds like a pain, but it actually helps create a strong bond within your class that I've yet to see in any other college setting. While you're required to live on campus for at least three years, you'll have a wide variety of choices (substance free, apartments, suites, and standard rooms). Also, if you join a selective living group or frat, you have the option of housing with them.
Academic Rigor Duke is not an patsy school. In order to get the A's that you got in high school, you'll have to work hard and apply yourself. Really, it all comes down to time management. Create a schedule for class, studying, and fun. Actually, there are a few campus offices that will even help make a schedule that fits your lifestyle (early bird, night-owl, etc.) Two centers come to mind, the Career Center and Academic Advising...they even give tips for great (free) tutors!
Tips for prospective students During Orientation Week you'll learn the basics about campus (where everything is - classes, food, dorms, etc.) Although it might sound scary, I would recommend approaching an upperclassman (in your class, on the main quad, or in line for food) and ask them about campus life. After your second and third years, you've learned a lot about campus concerning the ins and outs of professors and classes, and upperclassmen are Dying to help freshmen avoid any mistakes they made in the past. Find a good mentor that fits your style, and you'll see doors opportunities open up for you.
In three sentences Duke's a diverse school with students of all sorts of races and backgrounds. The education is vigorous, so you'll get out whatever you put in. There are hundreds of student groups, academic opportunities and living environments to choose from, so once you've found your niche you'll have discovered that Duke is more than just a university, it's an entire college experience.
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Dukie for life :)
03/22/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
6 out of 7 people found this review useful. 7 of 70
Categories Comments Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Tenting for months to get tickets to the UNC game and burning benches every time we win! GTHC GTH!!!
What to do for fun Free movies every weekend, fraternity/selective living group parties and events, 18+ bars/clubs, great restaurants in Durham, malls and shopping plazas within a short driving distance.
Food and Dining The freshman dining plan sucks. However, the options do increase as an upperclassman, and students can always find something to eat. Nevertheless, it all gets old and boring after a while, anyway. One perk is being able to order food from local vendors using Duke food points.
Dorm Life In general, dorm life is pretty standard. There is a new housing model (will be starting in the 2012-2013 school year) that is intended to foster stronger bonds between people living in the same dorm. There is also a brand-new dorm on West Campus with beautiful rooms that people are very excited about.
Academic Rigor Most professors are outstanding, a lot of classes are quite academically rigorous and every student is brilliant. Thankfully, Duke offers many resources for academic help, such as free tutors, as well as workshops on how to most effectively manage stress and time management.
Tips for prospective students Come with an open mind and a lot of enthusiasm, in all areas of life. Be willing to start conversations with strangers, take classes you don't think you'll need for your major, join a random organization or two, and attend a party on a Monday night. That is how you will make the most of your Duke experience.
In three sentences Duke University is a school filled with bright, passionate, engaged, quirky, and all-around fun-loving students. The opportunities available for both personal and academic growth are astounding, and the beautiful weather sure doesn't hurt, either. The decision to enroll at Duke is one that few regret, as this is a place anyone can be happy.
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Sophomore from Michigan
08/06/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
5 out of 6 people found this review useful. 8 of 70
Categories Comments Campus Safety --There is a blue light system around campus --Central campus is a little shady, but they are renovating it eventually, so it will probably improve --There's only a small wall that separates East Campus from Durham that can easily be hopped. --Duke Police are always available Be safe and always walk with a group at night, even if it's on campus! Or invest in mace like I did!
Greek Life Many people choose to pursue Greek Life, but without it, you will still have fun! There is an option to rush selective living groups, which isn't a part of Greek Life, but has much of the same close community. Sorority rush is on the weekends and kind of sucks, but pledging is awesome. Frat rush is great and pledging is horrible. If you're ready to invest in Greek life, set aside some time after winter break to do so because it takes up a lot of time and energy!
Clubs and Activities If Duke doesn't have a club that interests you, you can make it yourself. From hospital volunteering, to a cappella groups and more, Duke has it all!
Great for these types of students Intellectual, fun, active, energetic, engaged, academic
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus --Tenting is the process of sitting in a tent for a duration of time to reserve a spot at the Duke/UNC basketball game. It's a lot of fun! --There is a place behind the Intramural Gym on West campus that has a wall where you can bounce a rock against it to create a cool noise! --There is a bathroom in Few Quad that is simply atrocious. You must find this! --There's a pillar that one can whisper into which another person can hear from the pillar on the other end. --The Cultural room in the bryan center is a cool, quiet place to study. --4th floor Bostock in Perkins Library is extremely quiet and the best place to take a nap.
Bang for the buck For those without financial aid, Duke is extremely expensive. I think the financial aid office is generous with it's funds, so if you have a need, they will try to help you. I've only been here one year, but my first year was excellent, and I hope that the years to come are even better. Since Duke is a private institution, the price is the same regardless of where you live. Apply for scholarships to alleviate the burden! Duke also offers a few merit scholarships that are extremely competitive, but very valuable.
What to do for fun --If you are not into the party life, then find alternate ways to have fun. Freshman always have planned events sponsored by their House Council, and these usually consist of free food and merchandise. Take advantage of anything free that comes your way! --If you don't have a car on campus, I would suggest investing in a WeCar. It covers the charge of gas, and is located conveniently on West/East/Central campuses. --I've noticed some reviewers talked about tailgating. That no longer happens at Duke as it got slightly out of hand in years past (ahem, crazy). --I never went to a basketball game my freshman year, but I have heard it is a lot of fun. It takes up at least half a day, but tickets are free and the crowd goes wild! --I have never tented before, but I've heard that's fun as well. You will build close bonds with your fellow tentmates. --Most people go to the local dance club (Shooters) on Saturdays or Wednesdays. I find it enjoyable, but you can only get so much of it. I would try it once.
Food and Dining --Freshman will eat at Marketplace, which has diverse food at first, but quickly gets boring later on. There are a lot of selections for vegetarians, some for vegan, and not so much for gluten-intolerance. Take advantage of the all-you-can-eat style, because upperclassman have to pay approx. $17 to get in, whilst freshman can simply use a food swipe! --There are a few name brand dining places on West Campus, like Chick-fil-A, Subway, and Panda Express. There's also a Starbucks in Duke Hospital, but it is kind of out of the way unless you work there. --The food at the Loop is pretty good, as is the food at Pitchfork Provisions and Graces. Overall, I think the food at Duke gets boring like I'm sure it does at many other colleges. I've found excursions into Durham to really brighten up my day. Here are some good places in Durham: -Whole Foods (off of east) -Cookout Milkshakes (accessible by car) -Dales Indian Cuisine -Toast -Francesca's Dessert Cafe (off of east) -Bali Hai (off of east) There are a lot more places, but those are the ones that come to mind.
Dorm Life --Spend time in your dorm, especially the common room on the first floor. It is a great way to meet people while you study. --For freshman, the main quad dorms have a more open-door environment. I found people sitting outside their rooms working, and that gave everyone a chance to get to know people on their floor really well. As a member of a backyard dorm, I found less interaction in the halls; however, I became really close with those in my hall. --The dorm bathrooms are built as unisex. This means that females won't have receptacles to throw out special trash and males don't have urinals. This is kind of a nuisance. --Interact with your dorm's house council! They are the ones that decide what your bench is painted like and if you get to have cookout milkshakes --Most dorms on West campus have A/C, but only 3 dorms on East Campus have it. Invest in fans or come up w/ an excuse to get A/C in your room (a fake allergy). Overall, I've found that each dorm has their own respective identity and hang outs. The backyard dorms tend to be close as are the main quad dorms.
Academic Rigor If you're going to Duke, you have probably challenged yourself in high school; however, you have to realize that Duke is going to be really different. You're going to work with peers at a variety of levels, and this means that some students may be smarter or more capable than you are. Do not fret! I've found that my peers can often be my best source of information and help. As a pre-med student, I find the science courses especially challenging, but with help from tutors and academic groups, I am able to learn a lot. I think people at Duke work hard and play hard. Although the grade might not reflect how hard you worked in the class, I think what you learn is more important. If you're looking at Duke as a prospective college, expect to be challenged, but also expect to learn more than you ever have before.
Tips for prospective students --If you have the chance, visit Duke before applying. Sit in on classes and talk to current students. Blue Devil Days is the perfect opportunity to stay with a host student. P-frosh are always welcome! --In order to stand out on the application, you must make yourself more than just a name on the paper. If this means doing the optional Duke supplement or sending in your own supplements (instrumental recordings, voice samples, etc..) do it! Duke loves to put a face to the application. --Explore Durham during your stay. You'll find that the food outside Duke is exponentially better.
In three sentences Duke is the type of school any intellectually stimulated person would be proud to attend. With its diverse extracurriculars, immense research funds, and exciting party life, many students will carve out a home in its grounds. Most people consider the academics rigorous; however, they leave the school knowing it was all worth it.
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Saher from Fayetteville, GA
06/09/2009Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
4 out of 18 people found this review useful. 9 of 70
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Studious, academically focused, hard-working, well-rounded
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Trust from Jacksonville, FL
06/18/2009Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.
4 out of 19 people found this review useful. 10 of 70
Categories Comments Great for these types of students students that like a challenge or want to become a medical doctor
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Mea from Marietta, GA
06/20/2011Reviewer is A past student here.
4 out of 7 people found this review useful. 11 of 70
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Fun energetic Willing to work Big dreams and goals Passionate
Tips for prospective students Work hard Be involved Do as much as you can handle Take hard classes Take the SAT and ACT Push yourself Apply early Do an interview Visit campus
Bang for the buck Ok, serious time. Duke is expensive. Duke doesn't tend to understand that the average person may have the smarts and the will, but not the money to attend. They are willing to do all they can, but it will mostly come in the form of loans. Paying for Duke overall will have to come from you applying for as many scholarships as possible and taking a proactive approach to money management and paying for the best education you could buy.
Am enjoying being here Duke is not your typical top 10 college. We're not all about academics all the time (although that is the main purpose for being there). There is a time for work and a time for play, and playtime makes you enjoy the school more than any number of assignments of tests that you have. There is a social scene for everyone, whether it be attending sporting events or parties. If large group things aren't up your alley, there are clubs for everything from gaming to chess to food. And if there isn't a club to fit your interest, Duke makes it easy to start one. I've made great friends and wouldn't trade the experience for anything.
Academic Rigor Duke is a top-tier school which means that you are learning in one day more than many students will learn in a year about any topic. If there is anything you are passionate about, you can expand your knowledge on it at Duke. And learning is not confined to the classroom. You will find a number of service-learning classes where you can take the things you learn and use them in real-world experience. I'm learning a lot about myself and the world around me at my school!
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Student from PA
11/01/2011Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
4 out of 6 people found this review useful. 12 of 70
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Social, intelligent, relaxed, and focused students.
Tips for prospective students Make sure you visit the campus, it will definitely turn you on to Duke. Also make sure to keep up grades, because Duke is extremely competitive.
Bang for the buck Biggest turn-off of Duke. While the education and life are great, it's still hard to get over the high tuition and cost of living.
Will enjoy being here By far my favorite campus I've visited. The area has a beautiful archaic look, but has modern interiors that provide the epitome of comfort. My favorite part of the Duke campus is definitely the Duke forest. As a runner, the 20-some miles of trails are absolutely perfect.
Will learn a lot Based on the presentations, Duke has great professors, classes, and amazing research opportunities. Duke overall is a smart community, and just being around the area can't hurt. Duke also offers great study abroad programs that seem extremely exciting.
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Georgia from Houston, TX
06/26/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
4 out of 5 people found this review useful. 13 of 70
Categories Comments Campus Safety Campus police officers are some of the most friendly and courteous people you'll meet. Very grateful to have them here.
Greek Life There if you want it.
Clubs and Activities Every kind you can think of. The problem is, you'll only have time to really participate in a few things.
Great for these types of students People willing to work hard. People with goals for their futures. People who want to explore different areas of knowledge. People who want to make a difference.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Tenting for basketball games. Camping out in the cold outside Cameron Indoor Stadium and finally getting ready for the big game against UNC is one thing that allows Duke students to bond together. Even when you're watching the games, you can feel the spirit that is Duke, rising up into the rafters, as hundreds of us yell out, GO DUKE!
Bang for the buck Duke offers a wealth of opportunity and resources to its students. Make use of it.
What to do for fun Anything you want. There's like a million clubs on campus, with anything from varsity or intramural sports, to dance and music, to poetry and rock-climbing. It's up to you to find out what you want to do, and have the discipline to commit to it.
Food and Dining 4/5. The food is decent, though it might get repetitive after a while.
Dorm Life 3/5. It depends on what your study schedule is like really, and who your friends are. For me, I was too busy to really get to know the other people in my dorm. But when I did have time, it was great.
Academic Rigor 5/5. I hardly sleep as much as I should, and I know many of my classmates are in the same boat. If you're the kind of person who doesn't need much sleep, wonderful! If you do need your sleep, try to get things done more quickly.
Tips for prospective students 1) Stay ahead of your classes, and for that matter, make sure you GO to class. Lectures are where you really learn the material. 2) It's college. Make some friends, try things you've never tried before. Explore. You'll grow up so much more as a person. 3) Always have a goal in mind. You may not have a long-term idea of what you want to do, but always try to keep up with the little goals you set for yourself along the way.
In three sentences Duke is the kind of school where the hard-working survive. The classes and homework loads can be very difficult sometime, but if you learn how to manage your time well, you will succeed. I've had a lot of difficult times at Duke, and a lot of fun moments as well; both, make me glad that I chose to come here.
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Taylor from NJ
05/31/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
3 out of 4 people found this review useful. 14 of 70
Categories Comments Campus Safety Just be smart about your surroundings. Do not walk around alone at 3 am, especially around Durham. While very few incidents happen, they do occasionally happen, but you can protect yourself by staying with groups and using common sense late at night. But 99% of the time, you will be fine.
Greek Life Greek life is very big here on campus. They provide the majority of the on campus parties, although it is not so overwhelming to the point that if you are not into Greek life, you won't have a good college experience. There are parties thrown by non-Greeks and plenty of other things to do if you are not the partying type.
What to do for fun What better is there to do than to attend a sporting event? Duke basketball season is a highlight of every year, not to mention the football games, soccer games, and every other sport here at Duke. On weekends, groves of students go to Shooters night club to enjoy themselves, and for the non-party goer, there are weekly buses that go to places such as the mall, the movies, roller blading, etc.
Food and Dining There is a wide variety of food on campus, from dining halls to fast food to food trucks. There is also the option of ordering in from various restaurants in the surrounding areas. You will never go hungry.
Dorm Life Freshman year dorm life is great, due to the fact that the dorms are like mini communities. People tend to be very friendly and open to meeting new people and engaging with others in their dorm. After freshman year, students tend to room with close friends of theirs and stick together, but there is still a great sense of community due to all of the many events that each dorm hosts each year.
Academic Rigor The classes here are very hard, but they are manageable with a lot of hard work. You cannot come in with the attitude that you were the top of your class in high school because everyone here was. You have to come in with the thought that classes will be tough, professors will sometimes be unfair, but you have to deal with it and keep moving forward.
Tips for prospective students Come prepared to work hard but to play even harder. Make sure to budget your time wisely so that you can get all of your work done, succeed, but still have the time of your life with your friends.
In three sentences Duke has an overall great atmosphere. It combines the best of academics and student life. There is never a dull moment on campus!
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Autumn from Spring, TX
05/07/2014Reviewer is A current student here.
3 out of 3 people found this review useful. 15 of 70
Categories Comments Campus Safety Duke is very safe. Durham, though there are mishaps, is a wonderful, historic, often misunderstood city. Those who call it ghetto or dangerous have likely only heard about Durham from news channels and Duke Alerts (announcements that some criminal or dangerous activity has gone on nearby). Duke police are kind and helpful, and are always available if needed. The danger at Duke, like at many other universities, is mostly connected to women and sexual assault. I do commend Duke on it's commitment to talk about this issue, much more so than many other schools do, but I cannot condone the way students accused of sexual violence are only minimally punished.
Greek Life Greek life is a BIG part of life at Duke, and not always in a good way. Those who choose not to participate in Greek life will feel the difference between themselves and their peers. This is not to say that one cannot have a social life without joining a Greek organization - quite the opposite is true. It is only that Duke is socially dominated by Greek Life in many ways, but unimportant in some others. Duke also has selective living groups, which allow students to join organizations and live with a specific group without Greek traditions.
Clubs and Activities The possibilities are literally endless. Duke has more clubs than one could ever even consider joining, and making new clubs is a simple process.
Great for these types of students Academically competitive. Socially, students who rarely or even never plan on going out and students who plan on going out multiple times a week all find their place and enjoy the scene at Duke.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Tenting! Check out http://kvillenation.com/ to learn more. Bench burning after Duke beats UNC or wins another big game. Most unusual traditions at Duke have to do with basketball games and traditions, or Duke sports in general. Duke has an all day party every year, on LDOC the Last Day of Classes. Great artists are hired to come and perform, and it's a great way to de-stress and have fun before reading week and finals.
Bang for the buck Duke is an incredibly expensive university - but often times the amenities offered seem to make up for this. There are top notch academic professors, there is easy to find funding for special events and activities, new, well kept athletic facilities are readily available, freebies are often easy to find, and one always feels safe on campus. I can't say for sure whether Duke is worth the price tag, but most students rarely feel they're being cheated.
What to do for fun Duke sporting events are always incredibly exciting - don't let them go to waste! Frats are likely the most common source of open parties, but many organizations throw parties throughout the year as well. Shooters is the go-to club in the area, a 5-10 minute walk from East Campus. Devine's is another, less common, club that people go to.
Food and Dining The worst part of food and dining is the same no matter who you ask - the freshman meal plan. Every duke student gets food points. $1 = 1 food point. Food points are payed for through the dining plan (bursar's account) and are accessed through the use of one's DukeCard. Food points are easy to refill if you run out and as a freshman, it is likely that you will run out. Here's why: all the freshman meal plans include swipes in to East Campus' dining hall: The Marketplace. Marketplace, quite frankly, becomes inconvenient for most students, as there are only specific times one can eat at that specific location. Especially as a student who participated in tenting, the increased time spent on West campus meant that I needed more access to food points and fewer meal swipes. Additionally, the
Dorm Life Not everyone loves dorm life, but it has its perks. Dorm life is very conducive to the creation of community regardless of the dorm one finds themselves in. Additionally, by the end of their first year it seems most freshman LOVE the system of all freshman on East campus. It becomes a place of refuge and is a great first place to learn your way around. Some prefer apartment style living to dorm life mostly on the basis of space, kitchen access/cooking ability, and overall comfort. I know some individuals who dislike the small amount of space they feel they've been given to live in compared to the amount of space others in other dorms get; but I haven't known anyone to find their space unlivable and unbearable. Most dorm rooms (doubles for two people, at least) have plenty of space for two beds two desks, two small bookshelves, and if there isn't closet space, a wardrobe. On the issue of kitchen access, the dorms are fit with kitchens. Though those who enjoy cooking and preparing meals might prefer to have a kitchen shared with fewer people or access to more cooking devices and utensils, I've found that dorm kitchens have more than enough amenities to accommodate everyone's basic needs. I found my dorm experience to be fairly comfortable. There aren't any Duke dorms known to be particularly prone to infestation or flooding or any other kinds of disasters/discomforts. While those living in dorms may have to walk a bit farther to get to the bathroom, those with apartments have to keep their bathroom and any hallways clean themselves. Dorms are also just fit with more public spaces for social events to go on and interaction to occur.
Academic Rigor Even the easy classes at Duke aren't easy. Because of the low student-professor ratio, it's often not possible to get away with just not doing your work or preparing for class. Students taking more difficult classes, from something in the natural sciences to a language to an entry level weed-out class often have more trouble than they can handle, and are forced to withdraw from a course. All this said, academically, Duke isn't too scary for most students. There are systems in place that make it difficult to just completely fail or to be utterly lost in terms of classes and grades; the system is easily navigable and there are always people there who can help along the way.
In three sentences Duke is an amazing school with an incredible, if sometimes overwhelming, number of opportunities available every day. Duke administration and students work to be academically, artistically, and socially open to new things and representative of the incredibly diverse student body. A Duke student is sure to have a one of a kind experience and is sure to find a place they feel at home.
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Kate from TX
07/17/2012Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
2 out of 4 people found this review useful. 16 of 70
Categories Comments What to do for fun The community of Durham offers students plenty to do in their free time. There are many mixers and events hosted by many clubs on campus for students to attend.
Food and Dining Delicious! So many options to eat, and a fantastic range of meal plans to choose from. You can even add flexpoints onto your DukeCard if you want more.
Dorm Life While the historic dormitories at Duke certainly give the university a sense of timelessness, living in 50+ year old dorms with community bathrooms and no air conditioning get old after awhile. Be sure to get your doctor to sign off on medical forms indicating you have allergies...the university will then install an A/C unit in your dorm room.
Academic Rigor No doubting the fact that Duke will be difficult academically, but the prestige of the university as well as the support from staff and school makes it not only possible but worth the effort.
Tips for prospective students Start filling out financial aid early, money goes fast. Also, begin filling out scholarships your junior year in high school, you're more likely to earn money then when there is less competition than when the scramble starts beginning of senior year.
In three sentences Duke University is a very close knit community that is the pride and joy of Durham, NC. While admissions might be tough, and financial aid small, there is no denying that the incoming freshman will fall in love with all that Duke has to offer. The academic reputation, hardworking student body and staff, as well as the solid preparation for the working world is incredible and well worth the investment it takes to attend Duke.
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Hannah from Wake Forest, NC
12/27/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 17 of 70
Categories Comments Campus Safety Although there have been some crimes in the surrounding areas and on Central Campus, I have never felt unsafe on campus, even when out at night. There is a strong presence of campus security and emergency buttons around. That being said, it is best to go out with others at night.
Greek Life Plenty of opportunities but not my thing.
Clubs and Activities This is one of the best parts of being a Duke student. There are clubs for any interests! Too many to mention but here is a link to the database of all registered organizations. https://duke.collegiatelink.net/Organizations
Bang for the buck Expensive but the level of classes, activities, special holiday meals, clubs and outside of the classroom experiences(study abroad, internships) give you a big bang for your buck!
What to do for fun To be honest, there are so many events on campus that you never have to leave. There are concerts, guest speakers, parties by recognized groups on campus. There are places that some students go off campus to party, but I have never gone and don't feel like I'm missing anything. You also can't beat the athletics- I'm not a big sports fan but it is easy to get caught up in and excited about being a Blue Devil!!
Food and Dining The freshman dining plan options make sure you get plenty of food. The Market Place, for breakfast and dinner swipes on East, can get old pretty quickly but things get better on West Campus. Food points allow you to eat at other places on West. There are also many opportunities for free food at different events! One unexpected thing was the holiday buffets. There were lobster tails, duck, lamb, prime rib, seafood and many other great offerings for our holiday celebrations!
Dorm Life I love the fact that freshman all live on East Campus. This really helped us to navigate through the college experience together. Not all dorms are air conditioned. I was assigned to one of the dorms that was but the trade off was a VERY small double. My dorm is also not a big party dorm so studying and working here is easy. I did have a problem with my room mate(we had totally different schedules and sleep cycles) but our RA and neighborhood adviser stepped in and when the situation couldn't be resolved, my room mate was reassigned.
Academic Rigor Don't expect to come to Duke and breeze through! I was the valedictorian of my high school class and had a very easy time, Duke is an entirely different story. I have never had to work as hard as I have in my first semester. That being said, the classes are so interesting and engaging that you don't mind putting in the work. The professors that I have had have all been interesting, approachable and willing to give help when needed. I also recommend looking in to the Focus program- a living, learning community. I did this and lived with everyone from my focus group(as well as others not in the focus program) and made some of the best friends I ever had. It made it easy to work and study together and our Focus professors would actually come to our dorm to study with us for mid-terms and finals!
Tips for prospective students Reach out to professors in your area of interest and ask to meet with them. I did this when I applied and I think that showing initiative and interest helps to make you stand out as a candidate for admission. As a matter of fact, after I met with the Biophysics department head, he sent a letter to the Dean of Admissions recommending me for admission. Learn all you can about the campus so your essays are Duke specific. Also I know some people feel that Alumni interviews are pointless, but I highly encourage you to do one. The more people you meet and have on your side the better!
In three sentences If you are looking for academic engagement, an extremely diverse campus community, and interaction with some of the most brilliant professors in the nation then Duke University is for you. I looked in to Harvard, UNC and NC State and I am so grateful that I chose Duke.
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Alyssa from Clermont, FL
06/14/2011Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.
1 out of 7 people found this review useful. 18 of 70
Categories Comments Bang for the buck It is extremely expensive, but you get a worthwhile education and plenty of scholarship opportunities.
Will enjoy being here It's a beautiful campus with many opportunities.
Will learn a lot This school is probably THE BEST school in the southeast academically.
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Jasmine from Durham, NC
08/01/2011Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
1 out of 5 people found this review useful. 19 of 70
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Students who are punctual , attentive very smart , focused.
Tips for prospective students Very very difficult to get into. Wouldnt prefer this school for students who are looking for a break.
Will learn a lot Currenetly has a lot of opportunitys for employees and students who plan on attending duke for anything related to medicine.
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Calvin from Edmond, OK
10/16/2011Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
1 out of 5 people found this review useful. 20 of 70
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Bright, driven students but there is a social scene and they do care about sports at Duke.
Tips for prospective students Score very, very, very high ACT/SAT scores.
Bang for the buck Very expensive but for a Duke education it is worth it.
Will enjoy being here Depends on the person.
Will learn a lot I ended up attending another school but Duke made my short list and I visited campus. You will learn as much at Duke as you would at any top school. It attracts the brightest students and top professors. You will learn a lot no matter what you study.
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Student from Thailand
12/24/2012Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 21 of 70
Categories Comments Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The most iconic building on campus is the Duke University Chapel. This chapel itself is very iconic as it is a representation the university has to the Methodist Church. Despite this, Duke isn't a wholly Christian school - It just has ties to them.
Bang for the buck Duke, being the so called Ivy League of the South is an extremely expensive school (Costing around $60,000 dollars). Infact, the school itself is so expensive that a lot of the people I've come across complain about it. Nonetheless, the Duke education is something that you should be proud about, given that it is one of the most selective universities in the country and graduates from Duke have one of the highest earning salaries according to Payscale.
Food and Dining The food is great, per what I've heard.
Dorm Life Dorm Life at Duke is majestic; Imagine living in a Gothic Architecture wonderland with state-of-the art dorms all equipped with the latest technologies. Note that some dorms do not have any air-conditioning, and this is a typical complaint from most students who end up unfortunately in dorms without any aircons.
Academic Rigor Duke is very challenging academically. Your roommates are literally addicted to studying, hence the rather intense and competitive nature of the workload here.
Tips for prospective students First of all, Duke is a very difficult school to get admission into. This school is the most selective university in the Southern United States. If you are submitting SAT scores, you MUST submit results of SAT II Subject Tests (2 tests required.) Failure to meet this will potentially jeopardize your application. To get in, you should have a consistent record of high academic achievement and perfect SAT scores for a competitive application. At the same time, don't worry if you don't have a 4.0 GPA and a 2400 SAT score - Duke's admissions are entirely holistic and are really much concerned who you are as a person. Strengths in other areas will compensate for grades that are less than ideal. Duke loves the academically motivated and intellectually curious student who is often willing to undertake challenges. That student should be able to be challenged by their peers/professors as much as they are willing to challenge them. Last of all, you should dedicate yourself to one or two activities you love and demonstrate only one thing: Impact. Remember that Duke, along with other universities such as Princeton, Yale, MIT all look for future leaders who are willing to make a difference in their community.
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Milad from Falls Church, VA
04/09/2013Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 22 of 70
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Smart, Hard Working
Food and Dining The food options at Duke are great. Also, if one does not like the food on campus, there are many great food places around the area.
Dorm Life I have been to the dormitories multiple times, and I had always felt as though it would have been great to have been living there.
Academic Rigor It is a great school, with great teachers. Therefore, one should expect for there to be a challenge when attending Duke.
Tips for prospective students I'd expect for it to be easier for those who apply early, have higher GPAs, have done more volunteer work, and have showed more leadership in clubs.
In three sentences Duke is a great school, and offers great opportunities. I know a lot about Duke because my cousin went there, and after visiting Duke on numerous occasions, you tend to learn of what a great school it is.
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Kat from Durham, NC
06/17/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 23 of 70
Categories Comments Campus Safety Never had a moment when I felt unsafe.
Greek Life 30% of campus is Greek, but most everyone else is part of the new houses system, so everyone belongs to a group and feels included.
Bang for the buck In my science major, lots of classes were large lecture. I've found that students who take seminars are more satisfied with their Duke experience.
What to do for fun Go out. Go to concerts. Hang out in the gardens.
Food and Dining On campus food is ok, lots of options to order in from restaurants off campus on the food plan.
Dorm Life Great, people are super chill, dorms are ok but the best part is how all freshmen have their own campus and bond very well their first year of college.
Academic Rigor It's hard, depending on major. It's a lot of work, sometimes it may seem optional like readings or extra practice problems, but you're gonna want to to as much of it as you can and you still wont have time to do all of it.
Tips for prospective students Know what you want to major in, if it's career focused (like finance or consulting) ahead of time so that you can plan your Duke Engage/study abroad/internship summer ahead of time. Everyone studies abroad junior fall, and then crack down on getting an internship or job for the next summer.
In three sentences Rigorous school, great athletic lean, but you better put in time. Socially, very chill, kinda southern, but much less so than most of the South and less stuck up than any Ivy.
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Current Blue Devil
07/03/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 24 of 70
Categories Comments Campus Safety On campus is very safe, but the moment you decide to go for a run off campus in Durham... please take a friend or pepper spray!
Greek Life Everyone is involved with Greek Life, but if that really isn't your style of living, there are also selected living groups that you can get involved in. A student as myself, who isn't involved in Greek Life or a SLG I am very happy! So whether you choose to rush or not, you will be content.
Clubs and Activities There's a club for EVERYTHING! If there isn't, you can start your own!
Great for these types of students Motivated and Ambitious students tend to strive here. However, all of the students are motivated and ambitious so being resilient is KEY!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus I would love to share many of Duke's unusual traditions but as a current Blue Devil, I would advice you to apply and find out once you get here!
Bang for the buck For the cost of tuition, Duke really does provide everything for their students when it comes to free t-shirts and concerts to academic resources.
What to do for fun Duke provides events for students everyday and all throughout the week. Durham isn't the biggest college town, but there are great places to eat, shop, engage in the arts and get dirty (if you love being outside).
Food and Dining There are great places to eat on and off campus! Everyone on campus is required to have a dining plan, which gives students an allotted amount of food points that you can use at any on campus dining site or for off campus merchants who deliver!
Dorm Life All the dorms at Duke are very nice, but only half of them come with AC (having a doctor's note comes in handy). Because Duke students are required to live on campus for 3 years, on campus apartments are also provided. The apartments on campus are not luxurious, to say the least, but they do come with basic necessities and furniture.
Academic Rigor Academically, Duke is very rigorous! Many students here study hours a day for their classes and finals weeks looks like the zombie apocalypse!
Tips for prospective students Make sure you know EXACTLY what you want to do before coming to Duke. Although many people do not know what they want coming into college, it really helps to have a sense of what you want before coming here. There are many routes to take at Duke, but once you have picked one all your classes revolve around the academic path.
In three sentences Duke University prides itself on its academics and its diversity. There are many opportunities and programs offered at Duke that most schools do not have and the academic curriculum is structured for success in whatever field interests you. No need to hassle with the general courses that everyone is forced to take at other 4-yr universities.
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Eun Hae from Korea-Republic Of
07/28/2013Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has not been to campus.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 25 of 70
Categories Comments Tips for prospective students Make sure you look up all the different programs and opportunities Duke has to offer!
In three sentences This university is one of the best well-rounded university. With renowned professors in every field, students are able to gain helpful mentoring through their dreams and aspirations. The student body consists of students who love to be active in social issues, basketball games, and community service.
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09/07/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 26 of 70
Categories Comments Campus Safety Lately, there have been a series of robberies on Duke's campus that have instilled a little bit of a sense of fear in the students when it comes to safety. For the most part, just like in any other place, it's simply important to stay aware of your surroundings at all times, and to not be stupid and walk around by yourself in the middle of the night. Duke has also, as a result of these robberies, majorly stepped up security, which has vastly improved the feeling of safety on campus.
Greek Life Greek life, while maybe not made up of the majority of students on campus, is still one of the prevalent cultures on campus. Especially as a freshman, the frattiness of Duke is somewhat difficult to avoid/ignore, but that doesn't mean there's any other culture out there, it's just a little more difficult to find them.
Clubs and Activities If there's a particular club you're looking for, I can almost guarantee you'll find it. In the rare chance that there's not one already established, you always have the opportunity to start your own.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus I suppose the whole bench burning tradition is unusual, although any student who comes here will find out soon enough so I won't go into detail. There's a very strange fascination with the campus squirrels, which all bear the appearance of crazed druggies. Many people don't know about the Coffeehouse, the only student run coffeeshop at Duke, as well as the only location on East where alcohol is permitted. For those seeking an alternative study space, a coffee in the middle of the night, or some awesome music on the weekends, that's the place to be. WXDU, the Durham community based radio station is also located on campus, and is a wonderful place to go if you get involved and become a DJ. The station contains a magical library of endless supplies of music, and is simply nestled away on East.
What to do for fun As much as I hate the Duke slogan work hard, play hard, I must admit that it is a pretty accurate description of the campus lifestyle. Now, I'm not saying that the only thing to do on campus is party, all though that is certainly a big part of what students do. There is always something going on, somewhere, just about at any time, whether it be a party, a Duke event, workshop, concert, etc. Check out the Duke Performances, because as students, you get $10 tickets to a whole bunch of incredible shows that would ordinarily cost much more. Hit up the free concerts at Coffeehouse, or the fascinating workshops at the Arts Annex. If you're bored on campus, it's not Duke's fault, it's yours.
Food and Dining This is one area in which Duke falls a little short. While there is a lot of food on campus, and it is certainly much better than that of many other college campuses, I do feel that there could be a great deal of improvement in the food offered. For one, it's difficult finding food that is actually healthy when eating in the dining venues on campus, and, alternatively, for those who are wanting to cook for themselves (like me), there's a very limited amount of groceries. There are some good food options though, like certain restaurants which will accept Duke food points. On the other hand, Durham is an incredible town for any foodie, so if you're bold enough to explore the city, a delicious world awaits.
Dorm Life Living at Duke is very interesting, because the freshman living situation is very different from any other year, and in theory, students could have a different type of housing each year they attend. As a sophomore, I can talk about freshman housing (East campus housing) and my current living style (Central Campus housing). Freshman year dorm life is awesome, because all the freshmen live on the same campus (East), and so there's an automatic sense of camaraderie that is put into place, making it much easier for everyone to make friends and seek out other people. The East Campus dorms are also pretty nice for the most part although it can vary on which dorm you're located in. Central Campus living, on the other hand, is the best thing ever. Many people speak poorly about Central, seeing as it's not on either of the main campuses, but so many people live there that it's still an incredibly social location. Additionally, Central housing is actually apartment style, which is unbelievably incredible, as the apartments are spacious and offer a greater degree of privacy than any dorm.
Academic Rigor Academics at Duke are hard. There's no other way to put it, but that should also be the expectation when going into a university that many consider one of the Ivys. Honestly, even as a hardworking highschooler, I had no idea what was coming in terms of homework/studying my freshman year, and so it was definitely a shock. Luckily, Duke has millions of resources to help students out with their studies, not to mention the fact that people are typically always open to offering help when asked.
Tips for prospective students Take advantage of everything Duke has to offer, because it's unlikely you will ever find yourself in a situation where you are just having opportunity after opportunity thrown at you (not to mention free food, shirts, and other merch). In addition to that, take advantage of Durham, the great city that Duke is located in. Many students have weird misconceptions about Durham, which is one reason the university, although centered in the middle of downtown, is still so disconnected from the outside community. Durham is actually a rich center of food, music, and a growing culture that is open and fun to participate in. As already mentioned, don't be afraid to recognize flaws in the university system, and to speak up about them! By doing so, people can create change for the better on campus, which will only benefit the university and its students as a whole.
In three sentences Duke is a wonderful place, but just like any university, it is by no means perfect. The glamour and enchantment surrounding this gothic wonderland needs to be taken with a grain of salt, with a little bit of criticism. But don't get me wrong, the ability to witness and embrace Duke's flaws are the key to working the university system and making the absolute most of the incredible opportunity it is to attend Duke.
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03/14/2014Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 27 of 70
Categories Comments Greek Life Greek life is present but not dominant on campus. 17% of men and 32% of women join greek life. In addition, we have selective living groups which are co-ed organizations that are not run but a national office. As a result, you can make these groups anything you want them to be. Many of them are themed and focus on sports, being international, business, service, or just being social!
What to do for fun Outside of the classroom, feel free to get involved in one of our 400+ student run clubs. Go out into Durham and try some of the best restaurants in the nation, go the Durham Bulls Ball Park to catch a baseball game, visit the Durham Performance Arts Center and see a broadway show, travel to Raleigh or Chapel Hill and see other types of towns in North Carolina, and, of course, GO TO DUKE BASKETBALL GAMES. We are called the Cameron Crazies and every Duke Basketball game is FREE for undergraduates. If you want to learn more, visit: http://kvillenation.com.
Food and Dining As a freshman, you will have a meal plan specified for the dining hall on East Campus. While this does restrict your options, you will understand that eating with your class, and your class alone, is a great way to make new friends! You do not have to eat every meal there as you are given the opportunity to eat lunch anywhere on campus. After your freshman year, the meal plan is simply food points (1 point = 1 dollar) and you can use that at any of the 50+ vendors on and off campus!
Dorm Life Dorm life is great. As a freshman you will live on East Campus which is a campus devoted only for the freshman. Because 90% of our students come from outside of North Carolina, most students do not know each other before coming to Duke so having your own campus is a great way to get to know each other. After your freshman year you can live on either Central Campus (strictly apartment style living - houses many living groups, fraternities, and sororities) or on West Campus (home to the gothic architecture, majority of classrooms).
Academic Rigor Duke is a very prestigious university and as a result, the academics are difficult; however, they are extremely engaging and worthwhile. You will be spending much time with your school work but you will be taking classes that excite you rather than the boring classes most high schools tend to put us through. In addition, there are a plethora of opportunities for you to apply what you learn to real life situations whether that be through research, starting your own company, working at the Duke Hospital, or even working at our lemur center!
Tips for prospective students If applying to Duke, there is no mold that the admissions officers are looking for. Obviously grades and test scores are important; however, you are much more than just a number. Focus on participating in a few, rather than a million, activities and be ready to explain why you chose those. Obtain leadership roles in those clubs and show development. Also, make sure you form great relationships with teachers and make sure you spend a lot of time writing an interesting and unique essay!
In three sentences Duke University is a place littered with opportunities in fields you did not even know existed. The facilities and professors create an academically stimulating environment which is complimented by the vibrant co-curricular, social, and athletic life on campus. You will engage in research, volunteer work, entrepreneurship, and more while surrounding yourself by extremely hard working students.
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Shantavia from Hampton, VA
11/11/2010Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.
0 out of 23 people found this review useful. 3 people found this inaccurate. 28 of 70
Categories Comments Great for these types of students they have a medical school so it is good for medical students like me
Tips for prospective students i heard it was pretty tough to get in
Bang for the buck i heard it is not that bad when it comes to finacial matters
Will enjoy being here i believe if i get in i will enjoy duke i love you duke
Will learn a lot i personally love this school it is my top but i have a fear that it is an all white school im african american i want to go to a college that has a just about equal white-black ratio for the diversity
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Alex from Rockton, IL
05/20/2011Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
0 out of 4 people found this review useful. 29 of 70
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Smart, want to have fun, and learn while going through an amazing school.
Tips for prospective students Visit, you'll fall in love with the school.
Bang for the buck Great education, unrivaled, and is the best education outside of the ivy league schools.
Will enjoy being here The campus is absolutely beautiful and after visiting, it is very high on my list!
Will learn a lot From the tour take it, it's amazing.
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Erin from Chesapeake, VA
06/09/2011Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
0 out of 4 people found this review useful. 30 of 70
Categories Comments Will enjoy being here Just got back from a tour. I absolutely love the campus. All the students seem so lively and energetic, a perfect learning atmosphere.
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Rebecca from Bigfork, MT
06/29/2011Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.
0 out of 4 people found this review useful. 31 of 70
Categories Comments Will enjoy being here My cousin graduated from PA school here and loved it! He's a great PA too!
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Liz from NY
08/18/2011Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
0 out of 3 people found this review useful. 32 of 70
Categories Comments Will enjoy being here The students are intellectual and interesting to converse with and to top it all off, the campus is BEAUTIFUL! There are great tall oak trees lining the very center of campus near the chapel. Even the flowers are wonderful.
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09/12/2011Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
0 out of 4 people found this review useful. 33 of 70
Categories Comments Will enjoy being here I love Duke so much! The campus is gorgeous and the range of activities and opportunities for students to get involved seems endless!
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Tisha from Georgetown, SC
10/14/2011Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.
0 out of 4 people found this review useful. 34 of 70
Categories Comments Great for these types of students If you have a dream and are absolutely passionate on pursuing it attend duke!
Tips for prospective students Please fill me in with tips and key information.
Bang for the buck I believe this college is worth every penny!
Will enjoy being here I always dreamed of attending duke University.
Will learn a lot I believe i have many opportunities offered here.
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Chivonne from Raleigh, NC
05/02/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
0 out of 2 people found this review useful. 35 of 70
Categories Comments Campus Safety Well lit and call booths throughout campus.
Clubs and Activities There are several nursing specific organizations to join.
Great for these types of students Great for students who are serious about their studies. You will not make it through this program if you not willing to work hard for the entire 18 months.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus None that I know of.
Bang for the buck You will definately learn what you need to know but it is a bit disorganized.
What to do for fun Downtown Durham has plenty of food and bars. DUSON students often plan get togethers and outings for the entire cohort.
Food and Dining DUSON cafe is expensive and not very tasty. You can go to other buildings to get Subway, Chic-fil-A, or chinese food.
Tips for prospective students If you want to get into the School of Nursing it helps to have a diverse background and a good academic history. Some of the people in my cohort have backgrounds that include extensive military, peace corps, medical, research, or volunteer experience and most graduated at the top of their class.
In three sentences Extremely academically challenging with an enriching learning environment. Duke University School of Nursing has state of the art laboratories, which really enhance the learning experience. The standards are very high and you will learn a lot but the program is a bit unorganized.
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Michaela from Durham, NC
05/22/2012Reviewer is A past student here.
0 out of 1 people found this review useful. 36 of 70
Categories Comments Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Tenting for the Duke/UNC game and burning a wooden bench if/when Duke wins.
What to do for fun Explore downtown Durham, especially Ninth Street. Visit local malls and shops. Go to Shooters if you're adventurous. Sign up for list servs to get information on events.
Food and Dining Food points are amazing. When the cafeteria doesn't have appealing options, you can order food from local restaurants as part of your meal plan.
Dorm Life The dorms are typically safe and quiet. Freshmen are required to live in a dorm on East campus, but you may move to a Central campus apartment for sophomore year or stay in a dorm on West Campus.
Academic Rigor Duke is a very challenging school. Be prepared to study. Stay focused, and you'll do fine.
Tips for prospective students Meet people and try new things. Take advantage of every resource. Find a balance of academics and social activities.
In three sentences Duke is pretty much what you make it. Take advantage of all the opportunities. Your four years will go by fast.
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Sydney from Loganville, GA
06/06/2012Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
0 out of 1 people found this review useful. 37 of 70
Categories Comments In three sentences As soon as I visited Duke's campus, I was stunned. The Gothic architecture is extremely beautiful and unlike some of the other colleges I've visited. Great campus. I hope the rest falls into place.
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06/08/2012Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
0 out of 1 people found this review useful. 38 of 70
Categories Comments Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Since tickets are free for Duke students, tenting out at K-ville for Duke basketball is a tradition known far and wide. The Duke vs. UNC rivalry is probably one of the mosted heated in the country, and many will camp out for six weeks in advance to be in Cameron Indoor Stadium for the game.
Bang for the buck In my opinion, while a Duke education is expensive, it will pay you back in the long run. Graduates have some of the highest starting median salaries, and very nice mid-career salaries.
What to do for fun There are tons of activities, clubs, sports games, concerts, parties, and gatherings that students can be a part of on campus. There is always something going on, but if you wish, you can venture into Durham as well for a different, local experience.
Food and Dining While I haven't been to all the eateries on campus, the few I have been to are all pretty good. There is a large variety of food - you can get Italian, Asian, vegetarian, American, and even kosher food at the Freeman Center. If you're looking for something else, you can use your food points (required by the First-Year Dining Program), to order from local off-campus restaurants. And if there's something else you want, you can pick it up at Whole Foods near East Campus.
Dorm Life Students can choose to live in a single, double, or triple dorm. All Freshmen live on East Campus, which allows for a sense of camaraderie. If you are in FOCUS, you will most likely live in the same dorm as your FOCUS group. There is also a wellness dorm for those who choose to live substance-free, a performing arts dorm for those who choose to surround themselves with the arts, and while 2/3 of the dorms do not have AC, anyone with allergies or respiratory problems will likely receive an AC room.
Academic Rigor Duke is one of the most rigorous universities in the nation and consistently ranked in the top ten for academics. Most of the students that come here were at the top of their classes in high school, and thus, everyone is hard working. However, the atmosphere is not as cut-throat and much more laid back compared to schools similar in academic prowess.
Tips for prospective students Keep your grades up all four years and take difficult courses in high school that reflect your interests or give you greater perspective. You don't need to over-do it, but do try your best. As cliched as this is, just be yourself on your application. Make sure to research specifically the things that make Duke special to you before the interview.
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Ryan from Phoenix
06/15/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
0 out of 1 people found this review useful. 39 of 70
Categories Comments Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Before the famed UNC-Duke Basketball game, students will camp out in front of the stadium for up to 2 months. It is an amazing opportunity to bond with your community.
What to do for fun Everything. Duke offers hundreds of ways to get involved in university life, and fosters a wonderful school atmosphere through school spirit. It is virtually impossible to not find something you will love.
Food and Dining Over 40 different food options are available to you on campus, and all of them are high quality. Plus, Duke is set in one of the best food cities in the country.
Academic Rigor Duke is ranked in the top 10 universities in the country, and the academic rigor reflects this ranking. The academics are certainly difficult and work is intense, but all of the effort is worth it.
Tips for prospective students Explore all of Duke that you can. Four years of undergraduate experience will fly by, so take advantage of the wonderful resources available to you at Duke.
In three sentences Duke University provides the ultimate college experience. The opportunities and possibilities at Duke are endless, ranging from over 50 majors to over 400 student clubs.
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Anna from Fresno, CA
06/20/2012Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
0 out of 1 people found this review useful. 40 of 70
Categories Comments Campus Safety Haven't had an issue with safety and the campus police offer safe rides to people on campus. There are also emergency phones all around as well.
Great for these types of students Hard working students will do great in the nursing school. Also a well-rounder student will thrive.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The Duke Gardens are beautiful. They are great for a relaxing picnic or a jog. Definitely something to check out if you visit the campus.
Bang for the buck It's a lot of buck but equally a lot of bang. Being a private university the tuition is really steep but it also provides you with one of the best eductions in the country.
What to do for fun The DPAC is close by and has some awesome shows playing all year round. It is also near Durham Bulls Stadium which is always fun. Malls are close by for shopping as well.
Food and Dining Food and Dining is great on campus and off. There are a lot of places to go for every budget and craving!
Dorm Life The apartments on Central Campus are okay. They aren't the fanciest of places but have the essentials.
Academic Rigor It is a very busy program because it is accelerated. You also take graduate courses that will count toward a masters programs.
Tips for prospective students Be prepared for a rigorous schedule. If you love nursing and want to get a great education then choose Duke.
In three sentences The Duke University School of Nursing is great. I feel welcomed, challenged, and have already learned so much in just three weeks. The faculty really wants you to succeed and gives you all the resources that you need to accomplish your goals.
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Joi from Southern Pines, NC
07/08/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
0 out of 1 people found this review useful. 41 of 70
Categories Comments Campus Safety Pretty good- you just have to be careful and know how to make smart decisions!
Greek Life Just about every soro and frat you can think of is here!
Clubs and Activities There are so many to choose from religious, skating, cultural, hobby oriented clubs, etc. You have to come and explore!
Great for these types of students Motived students
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Unusual tradition- Burning benches on the main quad after Duke-UNC game!
Bang for the buck Worth it!
What to do for fun Go to a basketball game! Hang friends! Go salsa or contra dancing! Watch a performance at the Durham Performing Art Center!
Food and Dining Grateful for the food!
Dorm Life The cleanliness and cordiality depends on where you live. The Wellness Community is great-- awesome people and great programming activities!
Academic Rigor Challenging but rewarding!
Tips for prospective students Don't let finances deter you from coming!
In three sentences Duke is an awesome school. The academics are tough but worth it in the end. Some of the most incredible students go here!
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Crisitina from Durham, NC
07/11/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
0 out of 1 people found this review useful. 42 of 70
Categories Comments What to do for fun While there are some options for nightlife both on 9th Street and Franklin Street, there are so many other options for having fun on campus! Duke runs many programs from Disney sing-a-longs to yoga and yogurt to making your own sushi.
Food and Dining There are several options across East, Central, and West Campus. Very easy to find a place to get a snack in between classes or find a place to sit down and have a great meal with friends.
Dorm Life The dorms are beautiful inside and out! Though some dorms don't have air conditioning, these are the dorms that have the most community, because everyone hangs out in the cool common rooms.
Academic Rigor While there are many options for studying in groups and to get other help, especially for beginning level classes, students still have to put in a significant amount of work and effort to succeed. In most classes, as long as you keep up with reading, work, and studying on your own, the classes aren't too bad, but it's extremely easy to fall behind and sink.
Tips for prospective students Explore the campus. For many people, seeing the campus is what was the deciding factor to attend Duke. Even if you are decided on the school, still come and explore! I am always finding new interesting locations.
In three sentences Duke is a beautiful, friendly environment. There are a million and one places to study and get help. When you are not in the mood to study there are just as many activities and clubs to keep you busy and having fun.
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Susie from Parker, CO
08/02/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
0 out of 1 people found this review useful. 43 of 70
Categories Comments Campus Safety I am a distance student
Greek Life I am a distance student
Clubs and Activities I am a distance student
Great for these types of students Be organized. Be self disciplined. Be a self starter.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus I am a distance student
Bang for the buck really nothing
What to do for fun I am a distance student
Food and Dining I am a distance student
Dorm Life I am a distance student.
Academic Rigor I really don't know yet, I haven't started, I start this month.
Tips for prospective students Apply early. Advocate for yourself. Have your documents organized for easy submission.
In three sentences So far my experience has been great. I feel very supported by the people I have encountered. They seem invested in my success.
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Charlotte from Durham, NC
08/12/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus One particular secret society will dress up in robes every so often and hold an interesting ceremony/ritual/thing in front of the Chapel.
Bang for the buck Perhaps if one were able to experience everything going on on campus, the 60k would be understandable; as it is, even with all the greatness of Duke, you are shelling out quite a sum for the name alone.
What to do for fun Athletic games, Jazz at the Mary Lou, FabFriday at the LGBT center with warm cookies, activism, Shooters, Greek parties, explore religious life.
Food and Dining Freshman year, the Marketplace will get boring. But the variety of selections on Central and West Campus are worth getting Dining Plan E for. The best part is that if you have Financial Aid, it will cover your dining plan.
Dorm Life Each dorm is different, but in general they are a great place to meet people and hang out.
Academic Rigor Duke is very difficult. Many introductory classes are taught in large lectures, making it easy to slack off and difficult to build a relationship with your professor.
Tips for prospective students Use your AP and IB credits; Duke is not somewhere you want to retake a course. Be prepared to be in the midst of literally 1500 high school valedictorians in your class alone. Everyone works hard and really cares about their performance, so don't think you'll be able to breeze through.
In three sentences Duke is a good place to make connections with both professors and students. Whether in academics, athletics, service, religious life, greek life, or partying, we go hard. Duke is a fast-paced and fun place to grow and learn.
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Arielle from Park City, UT
09/08/2012Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
45 of 70
Categories Comments In three sentences During my summer break I had the opportunity to visit several college campuses across this country and Duke was by far the most impressive. Even before stepping foot onto the campus I was overwhelmed by how beautiful the surrounding forest area was. The architecture of the school was impressive, I hope to receive the opportunity to attend once I graduate high school next spring.
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09/13/2012Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
46 of 70
Categories Comments In three sentences Duke seems like a beautiful school with a lot of really great people; everyone I know there raves about it, and everyone I met while visiting was perfectly lovely to me.
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Q from Raleigh, NC
10/02/2012Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
47 of 70
Categories Comments Tips for prospective students Figure out financial aid (loans, scholarships, grants) early. It's pricey.
In three sentences Supportive environment. Top notch program. Beautiful campus.
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Ben from California, PA
11/04/2012Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
48 of 70
Categories Comments In three sentences It is the most beautiful place I have ever been.
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11/10/2012Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.
49 of 70
Categories Comments In three sentences I was introduced to Duke when I was in 7th grade through the Duke Tips program. Ever since then I felt that I just might belong there. After researching and gathering information I found that it really is a great school worth looking into and maybe even attending. Not to mention it is such an amazingly beautiful place.
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An Alabama Dukie
11/22/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
50 of 70
Categories Comments Greek Life Present and dominant (76% of girls and over 51% guys are greek), but there are many other ways to have fun if you're not into greek life.
Great for these types of students Great for those serious about your education, but unwilling to give up a social life
Bang for the buck Duke is EXPENSIVE, but I'd say completely worth it because you're getting a well-rounded and enriching experience
What to do for fun There is always a party going on on campus, but the great thing about Duke is the abundance of random performances that take place here. For example, last weekend we had Joseph Gordon Levitt come and put on a show for us. So, I like to spend my time going to these performances that I might not otherwise have access to.
Food and Dining We have a meal plan in which you pick a pre-set amount of food points and you can use them at any of the several eateries on campus. However, there really isn't enough variety with the food places and it's easy to get tired of them after a semester. In addition, next year they're getting rid of some of the more affordable food options (Subway and Chick-fil-a). Not good. But on the bright side, Durham has lots of yummy food places, as long as you don't mind shelling out real money instead of food points
Dorm Life The new house model that Duke has implemented this year has several kinks and it makes it difficult for anyone that is not affiliated with a group to have awesome housing, but it's a plan in the works. It's not too bad, I am unaffiliated, and have still managed to find happiness in my dorm
Academic Rigor This school is tough, everyone here is extremely reluctant to call a class easy, because all of them are demanding. that being said, the work is absolutely manageable. You just have to develop effective study and time management skills.
Tips for prospective students Make sure your grades are competitive, but most importantly, make sure that you're doing something in high school that you are passionate about. Duke is all about excelling both in and out of the classroom, so having an extracurricular activity or volunteer location that you're committed to shows dedication and interest in a variety of things.
In three sentences Duke is the epitome of work hard, play hard. You get the academic rigor of an Ivy League university, but with cultural and social enrichment that far exceeds what any Ivy can offer you.
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Michael from Riverside, CA
11/30/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments What to do for fun Basketball games. Duke is one of the best basketball teams in the nation!
Food and Dining The food here is alright. The food off-campus is better.
Dorm Life The dorm life is fantastic! People are very open and friendly, and it's extremely easy to make new friends.
Academic Rigor The courses are challenging, but the professors are always there to help out if you need the extra time.
In three sentences Duke University is an academically elite school that will more than prepare you for a future in anything. The bonds you build here will last forever, and I love the opportunities that have been granted to me. I love this school!
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Kuenzel from Metuchen, NJ
12/12/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety Be smart and for the most part, you'll be ok. Durham is not the safest town, but it is on the rise. There are infrequent robberies, and when they do happen, it's always late at night when someone is walking alone.
Greek Life Huge part of campus for many, I'm personally not involved. There are superficial Greek rankings assessing popularity/desirability. It's not as big a deal as some make it out to be.
Clubs and Activities Anything and everything
Great for these types of students Hard workers who know how to have a good time.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Tenting: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krzyzewskiville http://dukegroups.duke.edu/kville/k-ville-tenting-policy-2010-2011/
Bang for the buck Experience has been great and the degree pays off statistically [which shouldn't be the only thing you seek!]
What to do for fun Go to basketball games, explore Durham. Though as a disclaimer, you won't really find yourself with an overwhelming amount 'free time.'
Food and Dining It's good enough. Not gourmet, but you'll live and be pretty happy. Off campus options are wonderful if you don't mind spending more money.
Dorm Life Freshman year is wonderful because freshmen have a separate campus. After that, things are complicated depending on whether you go Greek, join a living group, etc. Dorms are very hit or miss - there exist beautiful hotel-esque dorms, and some that are marginally better than tenements [hyperbole, obviously] That being said, the students in each dorm are great.
Academic Rigor Lots of library time.
Tips for prospective students Do what you love - don't do what you think college want you to do. Duke students are not a homogenous breed. One of the few things we all share is our drive in pursuing our passions.
In three sentences Duke is a remarkably exciting and challenging environment where I am perpetually humbled by the abilities of my classmates, the brilliance of my professors, and the seemingly infinite resources of the university. Duke is difficult, but manageable - I don't think there is an unhealthy overemphasis on studying, and most students have balanced social lives. The weather, basketball, and campus beauty sets Duke apart for me versus other comparable institutions.
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Sonal from Mount Laurel, NJ
01/03/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Food and Dining Although the food isn't the greatest, the freshman experience of an only freshman dining hall is very nice. There are also many restaurants and places to eat around in Durham.
Tips for prospective students Make sure you come in with a mindset that even if you were one of the top students at your high school, you will most likely become an average student at Duke.
In three sentences Duke is the perfect balance between the academic rigor of an Ivy and the intense school spirit of a state school. The courses are very challenging but also satisfying with professors who are very focused on undergraduate teaching. The opportunities for research and work experience are countless.
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Stephanie from Sugar Land, TX
01/04/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments What to do for fun What you already do for fun: There's a club for that! Of course, do not be afraid to try out other interests, especially as new ones may emerge form your studies or other campus interactions. Try 9th street restaurants to take a break from campus. My fondest memories have involved little else than a cup of Francesca's gelato, a friend, and a few blocks for walking.
Tips for prospective students If you have departmental inquiries, contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies for the department from which you would like in-depth information.
In three sentences Duke University is a dynamic school in that it offers the closed campus feel many students idealize for personal development, but also global and professional connections and resources to guide students toward their next steps. At Duke, you will find your niche within its Gothic walls. At Duke, you will find your place in society beyond them.
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Saranda from Florida
01/09/2013Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.
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Categories Comments In three sentences This is not a review of the school but I must say that I have a passion to be accepted into Duke University. Three and a half years until I can apply, but I'm cracking down on what needs to be done to go beyond their expectations and requirements. Thanks for the tips and sorry that this is not helpful.
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Bianca from Pittsburgh, PA
01/28/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety I think that this is a very safe campus. Nothing too bad really happens on campus and the few things that do happen are well taken care of.
Greek Life I myself am not that into Greek life but it is definitely a good part of the campus. NPHC and other minority fraternities and sororities don't have a large showing on campus but they make their presence felt. The majority causcasian fraternities and sororities have pretty large chapters as far as I know and they are always having some type of event.
Clubs and Activities You name it Duke has it. And if they don't have it they give you the opportunities and resources to start it yourself.
Great for these types of students To be honest, this school is great for over achieving students. You have to be at the top of your class and already achieving excellence to even get into the school, let alone excel here.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Duke has a lot of traditions. This is a very old school with a lot of spirit. Many people have already heard of the Cameron Crazies and how we tent outside of the basketball stadium for months before the UNC game. The Cameron Crazies are the tip of a very large iceberg when it comes to Duke's traditions.
Bang for the buck I personally am here on scholarship so i definitely think I got my money's worth (not thaat I spent much). Duke is very expensive but even my friends that did take out loans or the money is coming form their parents say that they dont have any regrets.
What to do for fun Theres always some event or party happening on campus. Many nights we would just go to west campus with just the plan to follow the music and see where it takes us. We also have a mall and cinema within walking distance and two other malls you can drive too. There is also the entierty of Raliegh and Chapel Hill to explore as well as Durham, including UNC and NC State's campuses.
Food and Dining We have the ultimate dining plan. I can order food from any number of restaurants, ranging from places like Dominoes to TGI Fridays and pay for it with my meal plan. There are a variety of different restaurants on campus that take food points. We also have the usual dining halls but with much better variety and quality than I have seen at other schools.
Dorm Life I love the housing model here. It promotes a sense of community with the poeple you live with. On top of that, the on campus apartments are awesome. You have to live in a dorm your freshman year, but even those are pretty good.
Academic Rigor I'm not going to lie, its hard. But its worth the struggle.
Tips for prospective students Don't expect to just float by. You will work for what you get. And let go of the idea that you will always get an A. Thinking that way will only stress you out and make things more difficult. Just focus on learning the material and you will come out with things much more valueble than an A.
In three sentences Duke is the type of place that makes you work hard for what you want. Many of the people here were kids that floated through high school without any problems; an entire school full of valedictorians and salutatorians. You compete with geniuses for your grades but if you can make it through, it is the most rewarding feeling at the end.
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Robert from North Myrtle Beach, SC
02/19/2013Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
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Categories Comments What to do for fun There is anything you can think of to do here!
Tips for prospective students Apply early!
In three sentences Duke is one of the premier universities and i would love to go here. I recomend all freshman check it out and think about applying. Only the best students will be accepted so you will be surrounded by intelligent people.
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Kaylee from The Woodlands, TX
03/09/2013Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
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Categories Comments In three sentences Duke is by far the most beautiful campus I've visited. The students were very friendly. The architecture is stunning and only adds to the prestige of the school.
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Senior from Georgia
03/12/2013Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
59 of 70
Categories Comments In three sentences I always thought I was going to go here, but I got on campus and saw the split campus locations, and I just really didn't like that.
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Brian from Cleveland, OH
06/07/2013Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.
60 of 70
Categories Comments In three sentences I have dreamed of attending Duke University for a very long time. Duke University is one of the best universities and I would absolutely love to attend it. Go Blue Devils!
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Nicholas from Ewing, NJ
07/17/2013Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
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Categories Comments What to do for fun Everything everywhere on and off campus
Food and Dining im not picky
Dorm Life Social and Diverse community
Tips for prospective students Great School very expensive
In three sentences Great area near tons of other colleges. Always something to do. diverse and very social community
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Brady from Clarkston, WA
09/07/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
0 out of 1 people found this review useful. 62 of 70
Categories Comments What to do for fun Sing
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Jasmine from Rolesville, NC
11/04/2013Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
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Categories Comments Dorm Life Biggest rooms I have seen on a college campus!
In three sentences I loved the tour of the campus, very positive, friendly environment. The students seemed willing to help. Duke is a competitive school to get accepted to however the students do not appear to compete against one another...everyone was so friendly!
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Gabrielle from Covington, LA
11/08/2013Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
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Categories Comments Food and Dining Seems to be a lot of food options.
Dorm Life The dorms and campus are gorgeous!
Academic Rigor I've heard it is very challenging and competitive.
In three sentences Turned in my application today... I hope I get in! I want to go to Duke more than anywhere!
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Alan from Durham, NC
12/06/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments What to do for fun Duke basketball games are a major way to get involved at Duke and have some fun. But there are many other ways too. Durham, NC is one of the most beautiful cities in the nation with many parks, hiking trails and scenic areas to explore. All of the nature areas are only minutes from campus. Studying at Duke is an outdoorsman's and nature lover's dream.
Food and Dining Duke dining provides superior food to their students. Only the best will be served to Duke students. For this reason, on campus food is a little pricey and it is difficult to find a meal without shelling out some cash. Although it may be expensive it is definitely worth it.
Dorm Life Dorm life is the best at Duke. Our athletic teams provide ample opportunity to party and get to know people.
Academic Rigor Duke is a challenging school but not impossibly so. Do your best to stay ahead of the game by planning ahead and being proactive and you will have no problem. There are countless opportunities for help if you feel like you are struggling.
Tips for prospective students In my experience at Duke University it is essential to take your education into your own hands and be proactive. Do not wait for anyone to do anything for you. Rather, if you need guidance, mentorship, or direction, seek out a professor or another profession to assist you. If you make the first step then I have found that professors are more than happy to help you along the way. But do not expect anyone to do anything for you. If you have a goal or an interest, take it into your own hands and make it happen.
In three sentences Duke University provides a top-class education and is located in a gorgeous region of the country. While the physical facilities can be dilapidated at times, the campus life and campus sports provide an abundant social life for students. Those who are aiming to reach for the starts and be among the best of the best should apply.
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Madalena from Roswell, GA
02/01/2014Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
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Categories Comments Food and Dining The staff at the dining hall is great. They are all super sweet and make good food, so make sure to be appreciative. Also, make sure to get the cookies while they are hot!
Dorm Life I stayed at Duke for three weeks three different summers. I was on East Campus and although the dorms were old and didn't have air conditioning, it actually brought us closer together.
Academic Rigor Duke has a challenging curriculum but it is not overkill. You should be prepared for a challenge, but it won't be impossible.
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Fiona from Grayslake, IL
04/16/2014Reviewer is A past student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety The surrounding Durham community isn't always the safest, but Duke Police and the blue light system make it feel safer.
Greek Life Lots of options, not much diversity within the actual chapters, definitely a large part of the party scene.
Clubs and Activities I was able to participate in everything that I was interested in, and there were many options that I never even got the chance to explore.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Before graduating the unofficial to do list is: drive around one of the campus circles backwards, hook up in the library stacks, explore the tunnels on East Campus, and climb the Duke Chapel. Not all of these things are legal, so a word of caution to anyone wishing to try.
Bang for the buck I would not trade my college experience for anything- Duke was amazing, both academically and socially.
What to do for fun Go to the sports games, join a club or IM team that you are interested in, join Greek life, volunteer.
Food and Dining During freshman year you are assigned points that can mostly just be redeemed at the freshman dining hall, which can get a little dull if you eat it for every meal (except for breakfast/brunch- that is always amazing!). After freshman year there are TONS of places that you can use your points on campus and they are all delicious. Plus, there are Merchants on Points who will deliver food to you, that you can still use your Duke Card to purchase. Definitely take advantage of the Refectory at the Duke Law School,The Washington Duke, and The Nasher Museum Cafe.
Dorm Life Depends on what dorm you get assigned to, and obviously whether or not you get along with your roommate can make a huge difference
Academic Rigor Classes are tough, but I felt very prepared for what I wanted to do after I left campus.
Tips for prospective students - Go to the activity fair to see what is available for you to join on campus, and you get a lot of cool free stuff - Join Greek Life! - Go to as many sporting events as possible. Even if you are not that into sports, the energy and vibe at the games is something that makes Duke unique. - Try to ration your food points Freshman year, in March when you just can't possibly eat at the Marketplace any more you will be happy to still have another option -If you have a car, bring it. It's sometimes nice to get off-campus to go grocery shopping at the nearby Target or Kroger, and there are two malls about 10-20 minutes away
In three sentences Duke is an extremely diverse campus with something for everyone, and the weather in the area can't be beat. The surrounding night life in Durham can be a little sleepy, but Duke more than makes up for it with such an active on-campus scene. The rigorous academics and the energy surrounding athletics make it a place current students and alumni are extremely proud of.
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Woodrow from marietta, GA
10/05/2014Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.
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Categories Comments What to do for fun Looks like a lot of activities
Tips for prospective students I have done some research, you must be extremely good!
In three sentences Looks like an amazing school
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Victoria from Houston, TX
11/26/2014Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Clubs and Activities There is something here for everyone.
Great for these types of students Almost anyone can find their niche here.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The way some students idolize basketball players is kind of weird.
Bang for the buck Who wouldn't want a Duke degree?
What to do for fun Parties, Devils After Dark (movies, bus trips to the mall), attend workshops. There are always events on campus and off.
Food and Dining If you have limited food points, the food is kind of expensive.
Dorm Life I happen to live in the oldest, worst dorm on campus, and it's not that bad. Some dorms here are quite luxurious.
Academic Rigor Apparently, there is no such thing as an easy class at Duke.
Tips for prospective students I would definitely recommend visiting for a weekend with a host student. You should try to get a feel of the atmosphere.
In three sentences Duke University is an amazing academic institutional institution with lots of personal and academic resources. Of course, it has its fair share of race relation issues. There are lots of sub-communities here, but not much cohesion between many diverse groups.
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01/03/2015Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
70 of 70
Categories Comments Food and Dining How does the food taste? better than high school?
Dorm Life What are the dorms like?
Academic Rigor How rigorous is Duke really?
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