<p>Hey, I’m glad you’re deciding to apply! I loved every minute I spent at Duke as an undergrad!</p>
<p>To answer your questions…</p>
<p>“How good are the classes? How difficult are they? How good are the professors? Would it be terribly difficult to maintain a GPA above a 3.8 in a Biology major?”</p>
<p>Like every school, how “good” the classes are and how “difficult” they are is subjective and changes based on teacher, semester, subject, student strengths/weaknesses, etc.</p>
<p>I was a Biology Major, Chemistry and Physics minor at Duke, but took classes in pretty much every department while I was there.</p>
<p>For the most part, I’d say the classes are excellent. The ones I’ve never really enjoyed were the large lecture classes (>200 people) as it was more presentation/Powerpoint style than teaching for a class of <30 students, but every college has those types of professors and classes.</p>
<p>Difficulty? Depends on what you take. Obviously my Thermal Physics class gave me a greater workout than a Cinematography class. I guess overall it follows the standard: the higher the level, the more difficult it will be. The exception would be the “weed-out” classes, which at that point is so competitive, you’ll feel like your struggling more sometimes in those early classes (which you aren’t in reality) than in a harder, more specific focused class later.</p>
<p>The professors I had were wonderful. As they say, go to office hours. I definitely succeeded in achieving some of my academic marks by going after class to here a more detailed/personal explanation of topics. I also was able to get three stellar recommendation letters for graduate school.</p>
<p>For the 3.8 GPA…honestly, it depends on what Biology you want to pursue. If you’re focused on an environmental/Marine Biology route, it’ll be challenging, but doable.</p>
<p>If you’re pre-med and taking all of the organic chemistry classes and molecular genetics classes that are required, it becomes a lot more difficult. Most of the Bio classes I had were curved on a B- scale. On the opposite hand, I believe average accepted Duke student to medical school is a 3.5 or so? Average applicant had a 3.3? In short, it’s possible, but you’ll need to work your butt off to achieve it.</p>
<p>But honestly, while focusing on a good GPA is important, I would dedicate more time to making sure you understand the material and for your relationships with professors. Good recommendations and extra-curricular work (research, shadowing, etc.) go a lot further than a GPA will, especially if you’re applying to a graduate school.</p>
<p>“How is the social life? Is Greek life prominent? Is there a big party scene? How do most students spend their time outside the classroom when not studying? How is the area around Duke?”</p>
<p>Social Life is definitely vibrant: something is going on at Duke every day. You have your groups like any school, but I’ve always felt there is more open mingling if you will. For Greek life: it’s prominent if you want it to be, but it’s not the end-all if you don’t rush. I chose a Selective Living Group instead of going Greek personally. Most Greek parties are usually open to everyone, so even if you don’t rush, you can be a part of that section if you want. If not, there are still many other things to do.</p>
<p>Party scene? Yep. Frats on West or Central Campus Apartments for more secluded group of friends. Plus Shooters (especially as a Freshman). </p>
<p>Outside the class, I’d say it’s spent either in the library, on the quads/benches, or sporting events :). You have to experience K-Ville at least once in my opinion.</p>
<p>Area around Duke is okay…9th Street and the Brightleaf District downtown are decent, but every Duke student knows that the best city-life is going to be in Chapel Hill or some sections of Raleigh.</p>
<p>“Finally, would you recommend going to Duke? Why or why not? Feel free to list any pros and cons that might stand out.”</p>
<p>Would I recommend it? Absolutely; best decision of my life. But like any college, it’s not for everyone. Why I love Duke? Word-class academics, world-class research and professors, beautiful campus, great people, and students who were well-rounded and educated to take on any conversation or interaction, whether it was in Perkins or in Cameron. </p>
<p>Cons? Freshman weed-out class (like Freshman Organic 151L) are extra-competitive and can be intimidating. Depending on your financial status, while there are many students on financial aid, Duke students have the knack of looking like there was never a recession. Can be stressful, but you’d hope that any top-tier university would push you to your limits :).</p>
<p>Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any further questions!</p>