<p>... now i'm having some self-doubt. did i get into duke on my own merit? especially since i was rejected at many of duke's peer universities. does having a duke alumni for a teacher rec help alot at duke? i'd like to think it was my duke interview and my accomplishments that got me in. </p>
<p>:(</p>
<p>I don't see an incentive for Duke to accept someone or even give them a boost simply because one of their recommendations was from an alum. Yeah there are special cases, but as a whole Duke tries to accept the most qualified applicants. My two cents.</p>
<p>Trust me, I think it's safe to say you got in on your own merit. Perhaps your teacher recommendation was extra-glowing because she was happy that you were applying to her alma mater, but I'm certain that you didn't get into Duke just based on the fact that she's an alum. Even legacies don't get into Duke unless they are qualified. As an alumni interviewer, I've written glowing recommendation letters every year for students I have interviewed, and many don't get in. Rest assured Duke wouldn't have accepted you if your weren't among their top candidates. Congratulations!</p>