<p>Now that I’ve been a freshman here for a good number of months, I feel like I have the right to post a couple of things. Remember, this is my opinion, I happen to love it here. Some people may not for various reasons - this is just what i enjoy.</p>
<p>I applied here based on 2 hours of wandering through the campus in 8th grade. I still have never taken a campus tour. I didn’t know about this site until after I applied (and was waiting for the december 11th). And I never REALLY knew how i stood compared to other applicants prior to applying. I went with my gut instict and was right. This school is phenomenal - there is nowhere else I would rather be.</p>
<p>However, if you’re reading this and perhaps still thinking of applying, hopefully this will shed some light on what it’s like here.</p>
<li><p>It is academically stimulating. There are so many great classes to choose from, registration is actually difficult. I love being indecisive about a major (well, relatively love) and knowing anything I’m interested, I’ll receive a great education.</p></li>
<li><p>There is so much to do. If you like partying, if you like concerts (from the Moscow Philharmonic to Sister Hazel), if you like listening to the likes of Lewis Black and David Sedaris speak, if you like going to free movies, from mainstream, recent releases to obscure foreign films, if you like going to 18 and up clubs within walking distance…Duke has it all. This may sound corny and propagandaish, but basically, there is always something to do.</p></li>
<li><p>A politically active/diverse campus. After being here during the elections it was interesting to see the campus vibe during the months leading up to November. Sitting in a packed commons room and watching the debates is lots of fun.</p></li>
<li><p>Frosh are on east, it doesn’t matter. See my response to questions in an earlier post. Basically, there is really no downside that’s worth not coming here for…rather, i find it a plus.</p></li>
<li><p>WEATHER. I chuckle at my friends at Cornell, Harvard, BU, Michigan…they’re in frigid winter weather, I have mild fall conditions. Just cold enough for someone from California to get a sense of seasons, but mild enough to still enjoy going outside.</p></li>
<li><p>CAMPUS. From running the golf course loop through the duke forest to standing in awe of the duke chapel to wandering across stereotypical college quads, the grass strewn with people studying, playing football, frisbee…it can’t get any better.</p></li>
<li><p>The people. There are so many different, different people. If you can think of just about any type of person, they’re here. It’s as simple as that. As I heard someone say “It’s like high school, you have every sort of person…except here they’re all smart.”</p></li>
<li><p>Duke Basketball. So good. If you’re reading this post, you should already know what coach K means to us.</p></li>
<li><p>This is very specific to anyone considering NROTC, but the battalion is awesome here. Great reputation on campus and in the fleet, much much bigger than the other branches (50 Navy vs. like 8-10 of Air Force and Army). An amazing group of people.</p></li>
<li><p>Such a balanced college experience. Everyone is involved in stuff, the proportion of people here to do nothing BUT study is much smaller than at a place like harvard. Hence, participate in any and everything you want guilt free knowing you aren’t screwing your chances at doing well in school. Work out, play club or intramural sports, participate in performing arts, do community service…it’s totally up to you. You aren’t getting shafted for not spending every waking moment studying (though be prepared for weeks where may just have to).</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Sorry if this rambles - I haven’t posted here in months and months (thank you delightfully rigorous duke). And feel free to ask any questions about this or anything else (except for your chances of getting in, please…thanks!).</p>