<p>Dear Potential Class of 2015,</p>
<p>Many of you are anxiously waiting for your decision letters to come in the mail. I know how nerve racking this can be as I went through the exact same process only a year ago. First off, I just want to tell you guys to live it up right now. This is truly your semester off before you enter adulthood and the ensuing college life. Try things you were always hesitant of doing. Skip school and chill with your friends, just whatever you do, make the most of this time. </p>
<p>When decisions come out, some of you will have been accepted to Duke. I just want to write about my personal experiences at Duke after nearly completing freshman year. Hopefully, this letter will prove helpful to some of you. Where to start...</p>
<p>My final list of colleges came down to duke, cornell, nyu stern, and northwestern. I only visited Duke out of these colleges and that was enough for me. The one thing you notice when you set foot on campus is the overall happiness of the students. Dukies are generally very happy, which can not be said for students of other schools. I don't know what it is, maybe our legendary basketball program or iconic buildings like the Chapel and Perkins, but when you are a dukie, you feel as though you belong to something that is greater than you. Dukies are not cut-throat at all and we all help each other out in a manner that is optimal for educational growth. Of course, I can't speak for every Dukie but this is the case for a large portion of our population. And if I had to pick one factor that makes Duke, well Duke, it's the quality of people that go here. It seems like everyone is very chill and open. Everyone finds their own niche and you will all make great friends if you decide to go here. My friends made my freshman year unforgettable and a truly rewarding experience. </p>
<p>I could rant on about how great duke is in other aspects, but just know that if you come to Duke, you are positioning yourself to receive a top notch education as well as genuinely enjoying your college career. I have loved every second of Duke and this is why I wanted to write to you guys. I wish you all the best in the next month when decisions come out. Even if you aren't accepted by your top choices, just realize that life goes on and there are many other schools where you would have a great time at.</p>