<p>So last Feb. I visited UNC and loved it a lot. I want to major in biology/biochemistry and one main thing that was great was the fact that UNC is so involved with the research triangle out there but seeing as I am out of state it is sort of a crap shoot for me to get in. I know that it would be the same with Duke but I was thinking about applying to Duke because they're on the common app. I know that Duke would offer a world class education that is hard to get anywhere else but I'm not sure if I'd like Durham and Duke that much because I've never visited. The thing is, to increase my chances of getting in I'm considering applying ED. I really would like to go to a big, sportsy kinda school with solid academics (the other places I'm applying are Michigan and Wisconsin, if that helps). So what do you all really love about Duke and is it some place I should consider? </p>
<p>PS: I think chances are incredibly high of me not getting accepted to Duke AND North Carolina.</p>
<p>PSS: I have a 32 on the ACT but I'm takin it again in Oct, this time with preparation :)</p>
<p>Don’t apply “because it’s on the common app” and don’t apply ED because it “increase your chances”. </p>
<p>Duke is a great school with a sports scene unrivaled by its academic peers. That matches what you’re looking for, but you have to make sure you like the other aspects as well. </p>
<p>Is it worth applying to? Yes, any school is worth applying to if you feel you are a match. But if you plan on applying ED, make sure you will be willing to attend regardless of any other acceptances.</p>
<p>In my opinion, applying ED to a school you dont know if you even want to attend is about the stupidest thing you can do. I would definitely go visit (Im pretty sure you will like it, most do), and then you can decide if you want to apply.</p>
<p>Well yeah, you guys are right I’d definitely have to visit or something, but I still feel a little unsure about it. It’s very expensive; I think my family is okay financially for it but is it worth it?</p>
<p>Plus I’m not sure if I feel I’m even a match to Duke academically. It’s seems to rigorous and the applicant, I feel like, blow me way out of the park.</p>
<p>It is expensive- sit down and talk it over with your parents as to whether you could afford it and its worth it. Duke has a very generous financial aid program, do some research and see if any of it applies to you. </p>
<p>And yes, Duke is quite rigorous academically. Thats why its Duke ;). If your not willing to work hard in college, then you will not succeed at Duke. However, Duke is not all books like many Ivy’s and such- it has a great social scene and sports program. This is something else you could get a feel for from a visit, especially if you know someone there and could stay a few nights. </p>
<p>Maybe post some stats and you can get some feedback on how you would fare if you were to apply.</p>
<p>Duke gives financial aid. They give so much that if your family makes less than 60,000 dollars a year, you will go for FREE. It’s possible that you would pay more at UNC than Duke as an OOS student.</p>
<p>I’d say apply. Don’t do ED unless you visit first, though. Otherwise, if you apply regular decision, I think that is great. I applied to a broad swath of schools and am happy because that way I got to visit and really consider the ones I got in to.</p>
<p>Apply! The worst that can happen is you not getting in. If you get in, Duke might give you financial aid if you aren’t well off financially.</p>