I'm a current Duke student: any questions?

<p>I plan on majoring in English, but I’m a little unclear as to if it’s required for all students to take math and science courses. Apparently, intro math classes at Duke are infamously hard and “the most failed.” I’ve also heard the term “weed-out classes” when it comes to math classes. </p>

<p>Is it REQUIRED that all students take math classes their first-year? If there is a requirement, is it possible to take a different class to substitute that credit? I’m just really confused and I cannot find anything on the Duke website.</p>

<p>You will need to fulfill two QS (Quantitative Studies) courses as part of your graduation requirements. However, you can easily fulfill the QS requirement by taking courses that are not the weedout math courses. Statistics, physics, computer science courses count, as well as more quantitative courses (e.g. research methods courses) in the psychology,sociology, economics, and various other departments.</p>

<p>When you register for classes on ACES/SISS in July, there is a feature called “Advanced Search” under “Registration” that will allow you to search for all the courses that count towards the QS requirement.</p>

<p>Here’s a website that defines each of the Areas of Knowledge: [Duke</a> University | Trinity College of Arts & Sciences : Academic requirements](<a href=“http://trinity.duke.edu/academic-requirements?p=areas-of-knowledge-faq]Duke”>http://trinity.duke.edu/academic-requirements?p=areas-of-knowledge-faq). I realize it isn’t much help (you probably knew all this after reading your Blue Book), but I decided to share it just in case.</p>

<p>I won’t sweat it. You will be fine. Enjoy your summer!</p>

<p>How hard is it to pursue BME in Pratt and follow the pre-me track? Is it a ton of work? Are most people who do it successful?</p>

<p>I was a BME premed, it was challenging but doable, especially if you have all of the AP science credits that you can get. It is a lot of work however because instead of being able to pad your schedule with a few easy classes here and there you have to take premed courses like orgo, biochem, high level bio, etc. And I’m not going to lie that everyone who was a premed going in came out a premed. A lot of people dropped premed, BME, or both, many of whom were my friends. But the dropouts taper off significantly after the first year and then you get a dedicated cohort of people who’ll stick with you until the end (assuming you haven’t dropped as well) so that you won’t feel alone.</p>

<p>^So SBR, is it safe to assume then that Pratt accepts AP science and math credits (4,5) for BME premeds?</p>

<p>How easy is it to get an A in a focus class and should I do it as a premed/BME or take other classes (I’ll have science and math credit)</p>

<p>@Hockeydude664</p>

<p>Yes, Pratt will accept most AP credits and allow them to count towards your graduation requirements. The only exceptions are AP Stats (no credit) and humanities APs (2 maximum).</p>

<p>The Tuition is $21,154.00 per term. Is that price the same no matter what or is based off how many classes one takes?</p>

<p>Same, it’s not credit or class based.</p>

<p>I’m attending Duke next year and most likely double majoring in public policy and political science. I’m not 100%, but that’s the plan right now.
For the first-year courses, is it better to try and get rid of required courses or to get a head start on your major?</p>

<p>I was thinking of taking:</p>

<p>math 122l (41l)
writing 101
spanish 002
a public policy/political science intro course or elective
intermediate tennis</p>

<p>Is that good?</p>

<p>Do your required courses because they are often courses that you’ll need down the road. You don’t want to be caught needing/wanting to take a class that’s offered once every 4 semesters come junior year but not having the pre-requisite intro course for it.</p>

<p>Does anyone happen to know if freshman housing is first-come-first serve? Or is it completely random. i haven’t started my app yet lol</p>

<p>It’s not first come first served. Assignments are randomly made (within the parameters you specified on the questionnaire) at about the same time. A reassignment period then takes place in early August for those with problems arising from the first assignment. That’s how the process worked in the years past.</p>

<p>Is it possible to learn more than one language. I took Spanish in high school but I honestly don’t want to learn anymore. Instead I want to start Italian, German, and Japanese. Would that be too much to do?</p>

<p>@ kgoodwin18: It will be tough, especially if you are not majoring in a foreign language. Your major would have to encompass your foreign language interests in order to be able to devote all the time required to learn 3 languages. You should look into the International Comparative Studies major; it requires four courses in at least one foreign language. Here’s the link: [Duke</a> University | International Comparative Studies: Home](<a href=“http://internationalcomparative.duke.edu/]Duke”>http://internationalcomparative.duke.edu/)</p>

<p>My daughter is starting at Duke this Fall. I got a flyer from Duke University Stores. They are trying to sell us linens for the dorm beds. They say only their linens fit the beds. Is this true? I would rather buy cheaper linens from somewhere else if possible.</p>

<p>Thanks,
Alponce</p>

<p>@ alponce: No, those aren’t the only linens that fit the matresses on Duke’s campus. I bought my sheets at Bed Bath and Beyond, and they fit well. I think mine were a twin XL size. I would strongly recommend buying the sheets elsewhere because they will likely be cheaper.</p>

<p>Congratulations to your daughter for gaining admission to Duke (and of course you as well for all the support and assistance you provided as a parent)!</p>

<p>Yup all beds in Duke housing are twin extra long and can be found with better quality and for cheaper at most places.</p>

<p>Book budget.
I noticed that the book budget is $790 per semester. Realistically what can I expect to average for books each semester, after selling back books? I checked on Amazon and saw I could get a ~ $200 book for ~$60. I should be able to resell it for nearly the same price (minus commission and shipping), assuming the book and edition are being used again the next term.
Do many students use digital books?</p>

<p>Hey! I am an incoming Freshman student, and I was just wondering what the parking situation was for freshmen? Will I be able to get a parking permit, or do I even need a car on campus?</p>

<p>Thanks so much for your help!</p>