<p>Hey everybody! So I have been accepted by Duke, and I have heard a lot of great things about the school. However, I really want to get through the clout and possible rumors that seems to surround Duke students. How diverse is the student body, and how do they present themselves to others? I am from California, and I know there is a lingering conservatism in North Carolina. Is that also prevalent at Duke?</p>
<p>Thanks! :D</p>
<p>When did you find out you were accepted? Have the acceptance letters gone out already?</p>
<p>North Carolina as a whole may be somewhat conservative (although we did go blue in 08), but Durham and Chapel Hill are quite liberal. The Duke student body probably isn’t as liberal as the surrounding area, but rest assured, you’ll feel quite at home if you’re liberal (or conservative, for that matter). Like the previous statement suggests, Duke students are incredibly diverse and open-minded. It’s hard to describe this diversity without sounding like a college brochure, but if you come visit, you’ll know what I mean.</p>
<p>Positives: Students, professors and staff are incredibly friendly. D made friends in one class she visited and was called on when she raised her hand in another - the prof knew she was visiting (very democratic - and she gave correct answer). At a layover stop, a bus driver walked to the back of the bus to see if I had questions about the loop he was making or other buses to take to see campus. A student getting on the bus checked with me also before putting in her headphones. Admissions seemed caring and attentive - a staff member initiated discussion of daughter’s future vision and made suggestions. D visited two classes and found students and professors in both very engaging and interesting. D found an evening student activity lively and fairly well-attended. The tour and info session was standard to above-average. Food was good and varied - not sure how swipes and points work out in reality, but good potential. Twenty minutes from major airport that often has cheap flights home!</p>
<p>Negatives: Parking cost me a fortune and was hard to get in some places. Parts of the campus are hard to walk because of hospital traffic and construction - can see problems in getting between back-to-back classes. Wasn’t there long enough to learn bus stops and schedule. Not crazy about the divide between East and West Campus.</p>
<p>Neutral: Durham - some rough spots, but many that seem to be blooming. New performing arts center with the promise of cheap student tickets for big-name performances. Traffic -the converging and diverging interstates constantly confused me, but I’m directionally challenged :). </p>
<p>Random: D just came down in the Duke shirt she bought - says the softest T she owns. Along with her mane of blonde hair, the color brings out her beautiful blue eyes! I like Duke!</p>
<p>Wow! Thanks for the above post. It is incredibly detailed. But the thing that really concerns me is the numerous rumors that Duke is surrounded by a huge “jock attitude”. Can anyone speak on that?</p>
<p>Bump! Bump bump</p>
<p>[New</a> committees to look at intellectual climate | The Chronicle](<a href=“http://dukechronicle.com/article/new-committees-look-intellectual-climate]New”>New committees to look at intellectual climate - The Chronicle)</p>
<p>Plumdum229, seeing that you attend the university, how would you describe the students?</p>
<p>Not sure exactly what you asking about “jock attitude” but our tour guide came to Duke with little interest in sports - though a classical dancer - and as a junior, camped out for basketball tickets. They have to camp for some weeks to qualify in rain or shine, 7 days a week. She did, got the ticket, went to the game and loved the whole experience.</p>
<p>Is this what you mean? </p>
<p>We heard a lot about basketball, but not other sports. D likes football and there was absolutely no mention. The only sports facilities mentioned were the basketball arena and the two student gyms. There is a very nice complex for other sports, though.</p>
<p>The football program used to be pretty bad, but the program has been improving and is supported by the student body. Basketball rules because the Devils are so good and get such national exposure. I have been to 2 football games at Duke (well, 1 1/2 because there was a monsoon and I am a wimp!) and enjoyed the student support.</p>
<p>Are tickets free for students? I know some schools with athletic programs of Duke’s caliber make students pay.</p>
<p>Thanks for the responses so far. The concern I have is the clout that seems to surround a notion of “anti-intellectualism” at Duke, despite being one of the best institutions in the nation. The article seems to highlight on this, but I wanted to hear a student’s point of view. Anyone? :D</p>
<p>When my S and I visited Duke, the guide mentioned that you never want to take math courses at Duke because its considered the hardest dept in the country. Then when my son interviewed with a local alum, she told him not to come to Duke if he wanted premed because its impossibly hard. He came back from the interview very unhappy with Duke and I am bummed too. </p>
<p>I would like to hear others opinions on this topic. My s wanted to study something in the science field and prep for the MCATs although I’m not sure he will truly pursue Med School.</p>
<p>^^that is silly.
Math can be difficult. Or not. But with an engineering school, strong natural and physical science departments, many, many Duke students take many math courses.
Our son graduated from Pratt (engineering) last year. The math was demanding, but doable.</p>
<p>A very high percentage of Duke applicants to med schools get in.</p>
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<p>The OP probably got a likely letter. Or was accepted ED, though probably not, because he/she sounds like he/she is still considering it as an option and isn’t bound to go there.</p>
<p>Not a particulArly intellectual atmosphere- maybe it’s the nice weather- isolated campus with no college town ( except near east campus); my son loved it but hevwas definitely the most liberal of his friends, most went to private school and were surprised he went to a northeast public school. As for med school he was a science major and got into many top schools its much better for premd than Cornell which I definitely would not recommend for pre-med.</p>
<p>My brother who goes here tells me the intellectual atmosphere exists, but most people are just so brilliant in tests and assignments. But they never discuss more outside lectures and discussions. Topic of interest is usually of partying and socializing. </p>
<p>Brother recalls having a roommate freshman year who partied 3 times a day. Once he showed up with a hangover on a Monday morning to take the Chem Orgo midterm. He ends up setting the curve on the test.</p>
<p>Gee, I hope that wasn’t my son!</p>