I’m currently an incoming high school senior looking into colleges, but have reached a tough spot in my search process. Duke has always been my dream school. The campus life, school spirit, area, vigor, etc. I just love everything about it, and have been planning on applying ED for quite some time.
But here’s my problem: I’m very interested in health sciences (human anatomy, exercise science, kinesiology, nutrition, etc.), a program/major that Duke does not have. I intended on becoming a biology major, but feel like a future in sports medicine would not be completely supported through the curriculum, pre-med or not. From my understanding, Duke offers Program II to accomodate special requests and course work.
I was wondering if, from experience, Duke has any opportunities for me to pursue my passion for healthy living on campus, whether it be through coursework, community engagement, etc.
Duke does have classes on anatomy, kinesiology, nutrition, etc but they are in the graduate programs (Medicine, Nursing, Physical Therapy, etc). So if these really are very important to you, then you might consider another school.
Healthy living, community engagement are hallmarks at most top schools, and I’m sure you’ll find lots of like minded people at Duke.
Just to be clear, no one here would recommend you apply to a place and then face 4 years of misery. If these majors are truly that important to you, then perhaps Duke is not the best fit. The admissions people will know this too when reading your application. Duke is so selective that if they sense you are not a good fit for the school, you will be passed over. Each year hundreds of valedictorians/perfect SAT students get rejected.
You only have one shot for ED, might as well use it at a place where you’ll be happy.