<p>Hey everyone!</p>
<p>Starting a new thread just for Duke ED applicants for the class of 2017. Let us share our thoughts, concerns, comments and questions here. </p>
<p>Just submitted my Duke supplement!!</p>
<p>Let this be a lucky ride for all of us.</p>
<p>D-Day: T-minus 56 days</p>
<p>I really hope I get in…</p>
<p>I will either ED to Duke or SCEA to Yale.</p>
<p>Choices…</p>
<p>ED to Duke and become a Blue Devil! Yale will always be known as the Harvard Reject School.;)</p>
<p>Good luck to everyone!</p>
<p>Hey guys! I just thought I’d share a little experience with you all, in case you’re having any doubts about ED to Duke. Last night Duke football played UNC on our home turf in Wallace Wade Stadium. For those of you who don’t know, we have not won against UNC for eight years. Also, whoever won the game would be eligible to participate in a bowl game (both our records were 5-2). Needless to say, the stakes were high. The stadium was sold out. We students were going Cameron Crazie in Wallace Wade. The game was intense and brutal and insane. It came to the fourth quarter, and we were down by four with three minutes to go. We needed a touch down to win. We drove across the field and came within yards of the end zone. At fourth down, we needed two yards for a first down and five yards for a touchdown. It all came down to one play. Following Coach K’s words from Countdown to Craziness the night before, everyone in our student section put one fist into the air to show the world that we fight together. Even the Blue Devil did it. And then, with thirty seconds left on the clock, it happened. It was like the Austin Rivers shot all over again. The ball soared through the air and found its home in the arms of a Blue Devil receiver, right in our end zone. Suddenly, all the Tar Heel fans were deathly quiet. The student section went absolutely nuts, and as soon as the clock ticked down to zero, we all rushed the field. The football team reclaimed the Victory Bell and painted it the RIGHT shade of blue. It was incredible. I have never felt more a part of a family than I did in that moment, putting my fist into the air, then storming the field with my classmates in celebration. That is what it means to be a Duke student. Last night, we came together and watched our dreams come true. I will never forget that moment.</p>
<p>When do we get contacted by alumni for our interviews? I’m so nervous</p>
<p>That sounds great, but I don’t really care much about Duke sports, though. :/</p>
<p>I’m afraid there will be this disconnect between others and me in situations like that. Like when people get extremely excited or extremely depressed when Duke football or basketball either succeeds or fails, I just won’t care so much. </p>
<p>This thing — this thing that I find incredibly trivial — that will be so important to everyone else at the school that they get a sense of togetherness about it, I just won’t care that much about or get that feeling about . Instead, I might feel alienated. Or like my having different interests is “wrong”, somehow. </p>
<p>I’m not really interested in that feeling, or the “work hard, play hard” atmosphere that Duke seems to have. For me, work is play.</p>
<p>So I think I’ll SCEA to Yale.</p>
<p>That’s totally fine! No, I agree, if that’s not the atmosphere you’re looking for, then Duke is not the place for you. I picked Duke over other schools (such as Yale) because they didn’t have the spirit and atmosphere that Duke has. Likewise, other people value different atmospheres. And if you’re not into sports, then a different school is probably a better fit. That’s not to say that everyone at Duke is a diehard sports fan - there are lots of people who couldn’t care less - but it is a big part of life here. Whether the administration likes it or not, that atmosphere IS the reason that many people do choose Duke over other schools. And I personally think that the atmosphere is what makes Duke the most distinct and unique school in the top 10. But like I said, if it’s not for you, it’s not for you. Duke is my school without a doubt, and coming here is the best decision I ever made. I personally can’t picture myself at Yale - I think I would feel alienated there. But we are different people, and different people have different fits. So I wish you luck wherever you end up, and to all those still weighing their options, please see my previous post for a feel of what it means to be a Duke student. Oh, and GTHC.</p>
<p>That is so exciting Splash! I’m a mom and I love the sports and am glad you enjoyed the game so much. I know what a big deal that game was :)</p>
<p>I do still love Duke, of course. Its FOCUS program is to die for. It’s just not my first choice.</p>
<p>Thank you for helping me with my decision.</p>
<p>I personally never thought much of the sports. Sure, they’re a nice addition, but not that big of a deal to me. After watching a video of the cheering and celebration after winning the game, I realized I actually really want this. It makes Duke seem so lively and like a close-knit family. Coming from a school of 500 and very little spirit, this is foreign to me and I love it. I really hope to call Duke my home for the next four years.</p>
<p>Hi! I’m from Germany and also applying to Duke ED. I was wondering if one of you who already submitted their supplement would be willing to read my “Why Duke?” essay? Thanks in advance to anyone who replies! :)</p>
<p>One of the older kids from my high school is currently at Duke and he loves it there even though he absolutely detests most popular sports. He always tells me that Duke is a place (more so than others) where anyone can find their niche. I personally care very little about sports and athletics, but am still applying ED to Duke because of the academics and the collaborative atmosphere that the students help foster on campus.</p>
<p>I submitted mine the 18th so I could get an alumnus interview and mine was pretty good. (My friend who is currently Duke Class of 2016 said it was better than hers! :D) </p>
<p>So, I wouldn’t mind taking a look.</p>
<p>Anyone else from MA applying ED?</p>
<p>All this talk of how “qualified” everyone is has me feeling a little hopeless… I’m not perfect like everyone else applying is, my test scores aren’t through the roof, I’m only third in a class of 52, I’m just a white girl with two working parents, both of whom have college degrees…</p>
<p>My essays are pretty good, particularly my personal statement. I would love for someone to read one or both and tell me what they think.</p>
<p>Also, when are we to hear if we’ve been selected for an interview? I submitted my application on October 3rd.</p>
<p>Chin up! I’ll read them.</p>
<p>Does anyone else think that Sandy could affect the amount of early applications there are? Even with the extended deadline? I personally will be without power until at least Sunday. Happily, I got my application in weeks ago.</p>
<p>That would suck for those who fail to apply.</p>