<p>I'm a high school senior looking at Duke as a prospective college choice, but I've read and heard some negative things about the student atmosphere there. For example, one book I've read said: "Students of different ethnicities and races tend to self-segregate, producing little tension but also little interaction." In addition, I've heard that Duke students are slightly more elitist compared to other colleges. </p>
<p>I'm not trying to add to the negative view of Duke at all, but I do want to know the amount of truth in these statements. Can any current undergraduates offer me their point of view on this subject?</p>
<p>There are definitely many cliques at Duke. But personally, I think that misrepresents the student body. Sure, there are ethnic clubs and such, but just because someone is in a Chinese club doesn’t mean they’re not going to talk to you because you’re not Asian. </p>
<p>As for the elitist part, Dukies love Duke. We pride in our ability to work hard and have fun. Not many other schools can rank highly on lists and still have phenomenal sports teams. I think you will get a sense of elitism at any top ranked university.</p>
<p>It IS true. A Dukie told me. She tried not to be too harsh but that was what she implied.
Yeah that’s why I dislike Duke so much, though it’s a top school.</p>
<p>Students self-segregate at most universities and general gatherings; this isn’t an uniquely Duke phenomenon. My question is, are you brave enough to go up and introduce yourself to someone you perceive would be uncomfortable talking to?</p>
<p>^ nailed it.
Duke doesn’t force it upon the students. The choice is theirs.</p>
<p>Can anyone tell me what’s a “Duke Engage”?</p>
<p>some program where you can apply and do community service abroad or domestically and duke will pay for it and some ones even offer you a stipend, google it.</p>
<p>There’s a difference between achieving something elite and acting elitist. Duke is an elite school, no question, though they are still looking up at Harvard, whose students chant “we are the 6%!” to rub the Bulldogs’ noses into the fact that Yale’s acceptance rate is a one whole percent higher. Yippee. That’s acting elitist. </p>
<p>As for self-segregation, that is a problem - or, at least, a phenomenon - on many campuses, and it’s human nature to congregate in like-minded groups. I’m unaware of any friction resulting from this, though, as the guide notes. There are schools however which go to significant lengths to prevent such natural gravitation toward those who look/act/dress similarly. They are schools with residential colleges like Rice, Yale, and UChicago. You get placed in one at the outset and they are your “home within the University” for the next 4 years. They’re designed for diversity, too.</p>
<p>Duke is doing something along these lines but it’s not quite the same as the schools mentioned above. </p>
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