<p>"The people who got it deserved it, and they will continue to work hard regardless of whether they have it or not."</p>
<p>Likely true, but I think they work harder because they have it. If you're one of fifteen (out of 18,000) chosen because Duke thinks you're likely to make significant contributions to campus life, then I think there is an inherent pressure and responsibility to deliver--to make good on your scholarship. As to the question of whether the university offers "hidden assists" to them, I tend to doubt it. (frankly, I thought if anything the school begrudged the monopoly ABs have had on Rhodes, for instance, but I won't go into that) </p>
<p>Kritarch, I think if you really want to discuss an "institutional predisposition" you should talk to the institution. Contact admissions or maybe, better yet, George McLendon's office (undergrad dean). Seriously. Hopefully, someone there can allay (or, yelp, confirm) your fears.</p>