<p>When I saw that Duke is a religiously affiliated school, it was originally a big turn off for me; however, I dug through some other CC threads and now am starting to think it may not be so religious after all...</p>
<p>How does Duke compare to Georgetown, Villanova, BC, Norte Dame, etc. in terms of religion? Are there crosses on campus? Is by far the majority of the student body united methodist? Are religion classes required? Is it very unusual to run into a non-christian on campus? Are the frats religious (not sure if that's even a thing, but who knows lol)? </p>
<p>Also in terms of business, what's it like being an econ major (or are there other pre-business paths)? How difficult/competitive is it? what are the classes like? What else should I know about pursuing business undergrad at duke? </p>
<p>Also is it fair to assume, Duke is just as much as a crap shoot as the ivies, even ED? Any insight would be great, thanks so much!</p>
<p>Duke is not religious AT ALL. It’s not really actively affiliated; it mostly has historic ties, so it just wants to show appreciation for its history. Duke is Methodist-related much like Northwestern, Syracuse, Vanderbilt, and Emory. Students come from all backgrounds - the vast vast majority are NOT Methodist. No, it’s not unusual to run into a non-Christian. There are plenty of Jews, Muslims, Hindus, etc. Religious classes are not required and, in fact, the majority of religion majors are atheist (a bit ironic; note I’m not talking about the graduate Divinity school which is a separate dept). </p>
<p>Georgetown, BC, and Notre Dame are Jesuit institutions that certainly have some effect to varying degrees. Notre Dame moreso than a school like Georgetown, but I wouldn’t hesitate to go to Georgetown as a non-Catholic either. But Duke’s religious “affiliation” even pales in comparison to that. It’s not something to worry about in any way, shape or form. Unless you’re offended by having a beautiful non-denominational chapel in the center of the campus.</p>
<p>Yes, Duke is just as competitive in admission as many of the Ivies (they vary) and oftentimes a crapshoot. The economics program is very strong and Duke grads often secure top jobs - it’s big on theory and certainly isn’t the same a business degree, but instead offers a liberal arts education that has heavy emphasis on math among other topics. It is fairly competitive and difficult, but doable - there are certainly more treacherous majors, and there are easier ones as well. Duke’s curriculum offers a decent amount of flexibility so you can double major in something else as well.</p>
<p>Thank you bluedog, that is all incredibly helpful! Really appreciate you taking the time to write that all out! Definitely considering it ED now. :)</p>
<p>I don’t understand your apprehension about crosses on campus. I would think atheists and agnostics would simply consider them cute relics. West Campus was intentionally laid out in the shape of a cross with the Chapel at the head. You will walk past the Chapel, probably every day. The official school seal includes a large cross in the center, but the administration has de-emphasized it as much as possible, generally replacing it with a script D. If these kinds of thing bother you, you will likely have a tough time finding any university non-offensive.</p>
<p>A very small minority of students are Methodist - in fact, they usually get lumped in with other Protestants which still constitute a minority in aggregate. The Jewish community might be more active than Methodists on campus. Services are held weekly in the Chapel, but they are strictly non-denominational. Anyone associated with Duke can be married in the Chapel, including same-sex union ceremonies. I am not familiar with any religious fraternities anywhere in the country.</p>
<p>Duke has likely become more selective than some (most?) Ivies. Geographically, it pulls many applicants who prefer to avoid the Northeast (and enjoy the better weather). Its hospital and Medical school are the best in the state, and arguably the best in the South. Research Triangle Park provides tremendous opportunities for research and employment, much more so than for many Ivies. Plus, the basketball team offers great national PR.</p>
<p>@rmldad I think it’s a little misguided to conclude that I would find it offensive. I wouldn’t be offended by crosses and other religious figures at all, I would just rather not be around it. I would prefer a campus with a student body that isn’t particularly religious as that is not where my interests lie. And I think it’s fair to conclude that campuses decorated with religious figures attract a more religious student body. It has nothing to do with the methodist religion, it could be catholic, jewish, buddhist, etc.; I just don’t want to attend a religious school, in the same way I don’t want to attend a small school either. Certain criteria appeals to me while other doesn’t. And since I don’t want to pay to visit unless it is a school I am seriously considering, I just thought I’d ask.Thank you for your post; it is very helpful and informative. :)</p>
<p>cakebatter, I went to Villanova albeit in the 1970s. As I recall there are crosses on campus, but nothing that is ever in your face. And believe me, on Saturday night, no one was thinking about Mass on Sunday morning.</p>
<p>I understand how you feel, as a life-long atheist-- however, each time I’ve visited campus, religion was never invoked in a welcome or address; religion courses are not required as a part of the core curriculum; chapel attendance is not required. I definitely feel comfortable at Duke.</p>
<p>I purposefully did not choose to go to a school with any type of overt religious affliation, even like Georgetown. Crosses/bibles do not offend me, but they, in one more way, remind me of how the school and I differ, and how, in some ways, I do not have as much power-- that once again, my beleifs are in the minority, and not appropriate here (with the overt displays of crosses).</p>
<p>Paul Kivel, who is an activity and social justice speaker for many years, wrote an article called “The Culture of Power” that talks about how even a picture in a hotel room subtly displays and reminds individuals who has power in that particular culture and environment, and again, that is not somethignI would want to be actively reminded of in the course of my education.</p>
<p>Duke is about as religious as Harvard, which, after all, also has a well regarded divinity school and an on-campus church that is still actually used as a church. However, if the OP is THAT discomfited by religion and unfamiliar with the south, the rest of North Carolina may be a bit of a shock.</p>