<p>Hey,
I am an admitted Duke student, I am interested in Duke and enjoyed my Blue Devil Days, but I know that duke has a reputation for, lack of a better term, the preppy frat bro, now I realize this attitude is not necessarily representative of the entire student body, and some students I met at Blue Devil Days didn't fit this mold, however, I definitely did meet some, and from what I have been told, this is a fairly prevalent attitude.</p>
<p>I would classify myself as someone who will likely attend parties, but by no means wants to drink until I black out, nor am I necessarily interested in greek life, although I may join an SLG. I also prize a more intellectual environment--one in which students are truly invested in and love what they are learning about, and I was wondering if this could still be found, and how difficult it was to find, at Duke.</p>
<p>For current Duke students and alums: how was your experience with Duke life? Can you shed light on my concerns?</p>
<p>Please forgive my tone if it seemed offensive or pretentious, that is by no means the effect that I wish to convey.</p>
<p>Since I am a Duke parent and not a student I don’t like to generally answer these questions because I don’t have first hand knowledge, however you sound just like my S so I will reply. My S also loved BDD and observed those same preppy frat bros (although he has some more undesirable names for them) but he also felt like he clicked with many other students.</p>
<p>Upon arriving at Duke for O week, he was very upset and ready to transfer because those type of students seemed to be the majority. However, as soon as O week was over, and students got down to the business of classes and studying, his first impression disappeared. It almost seems as if the preppy frat bros are more noticeable before the actual hard work of classes makes everyone more down to earth. </p>
<p>My S has made great friends, kids that are like him, and is so happy at Duke. When he entered Duke last August he had no intention of joining a frat. He did attend rush week though and found a frat that he fits very well into, and is now a frat brother. The frats all have different personalities and he describes his frat as full of just normal guys. He has also gotten a lot of great advice from his brothers that major in his intended major. One was even a TA in one of his classes this semester. When he was pledging, there were events he felt he couldn’t participate in because of too much class work, and they totally understood. He said, “After all this is Duke, and everyone is concerned with classes and grades first.”</p>
<p>Good luck with your decision, and it sounds like you would be a great fit at Duke. Feel free to PM me if you want.</p>