High School Students: Start your college search and enter our $1,000 College Search Scholarship!
College Students: Review your school and enter our $1,000 Monthly Survey Scholarship!

Duke University

RT
Medical Center Entrance
Medical Center Entrance
Location:Durham, NC
Tuition:$37,295
Room & Board:$10,690
FT Undergraduates:7,458
Admission Difficulty:Very Hard
more stats >

7,838 users have this school in their list.

Register to add to my list >

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

Duke students are generally happy with their
experience, but it’s not impossible to find students who imagine they’d be happier somewhere else. Academics, friendships, and even the beauty of the campus make this school an easy choice for many. However, a lot of students are concerned about the top-down social programming they see coming from Duke’s administration. Rather than starting their own initiatives, Duke undergrads often seem apathetic, and the administration, frantic to see things not only progressing, but progressing in the direction they see fit, tries to shove social programming down students’ throats. Students and administration are still trying to find the balance of power and a unified direction. University politics have become a big concern, but the friendships students have forged seem to make up for whatever shortcomings they might perceive.

Duke is one of the top academic schools in the country, but that’s not its hook. You’ll never see Harvard’s basketball team in the Final Four, or Yale students camping out for a week to get sports tickets. Obviously, basketball shouldn’t be your major concern in choosing a college, but it is often used as an example because it typifies the difference between Duke and so many of the other top colleges. There’s an emphasis on friends, social life, and fun here, and it’s important to consider these aspects as well as academics when you’re choosing a school. Remember, you’re choosing the place you’ll spend the next four years of your life, not just the name that shows up on your degree at the end.

Your Profile Tools

Do I Stand A Chance?

Find out what your chances of getting into Duke are. Calculate YOUR chances now!

???

Personality Match

Find out how well your personality matches Duke. Calculate YOUR match now!

???

What'll It Cost Me?

Estimate your out-of-pocket costs at Duke. Calculate YOUR financial aid now!

Annual Estimated Cost: ?????
Your Financial Aid Package: - ?????
Your Out-of-Pocket Expenses: ?????
How Did We Calculate Your Chances?
How Did We Calculate These Values?
How Did We Match Your Personality?

Duke Student ReviewsWhat's This?

Filter:

  

Loading...

gibberellingirl

Duke '12

Electrical and Electronics Engineering

Aug 21, 2010

I Like It Here. Most of the Time.

B+

I love Duke for a few reasons. I feel like my professors are immensely helpful and they really do care about what they are teaching, which is what I am here for first and foremost. I don't like that Duke is in such a small city with little to do. Since I don't have a car, I often feel isolated.

The other draw of Duke is the people--I really like my friends. They are not crazily ambitious or oppressively competitive, but there are some people here who make themselves stressed and busy just for the sake of being busy.

Report
Overall Experience

gibberellingirl

Duke '12

Electrical and Electronics Engineering

Aug 21, 2010

Really, Skip the Clubs

D-

There is one really trashy club close by, it is called Shooters. Learn to avoid it. Somebody puked on my friend's legs while we were there, and there was a woman doing a headstand in the metal cage that hangs from the ceiling. Frat parties are not much better with the mystery pink punch and light beer. Leaves much to be desired.

Report
Nightlife

gibberellingirl

Duke '12

Electrical and Electronics Engineering

Aug 21, 2010

Small Town Feel

C+

Durham is definitely a small city. If you love the nature, this is the place to be. Otherwise you'll be surrounded with green and nothing else. Duke is one of the most active spots with concerts and festivals. Other than downtown Durham and the Tobacco District, there is really nothing much to see.

Report
Local Atmosphere
Harvard University
Location: Cambridge, MA
Tuition:$36,173
Room & Board:$11,042
Student Body Size: 14,172
Admission Difficulty: Very Hard

Write for Us!

College Prowler Opportunities

College Prowler is actively seeking talented student authors to assist with writing and updating the College Prowler guides to their schools. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain experience, be a part of a nationally recognized company, gain tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college. Read more >