Duke University

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

This had not been my top choice when applying to schools, but if I could do it again I would have applied early and saved myself the time. Never once have I been anything but completely satisfied here. The faculty is amazing, the campus is the most gorgeous one I have ever seen and the academic experience is incredible. There is a huge amount of school spirit- we are incredibly proud of our sports and our school- the freshman retention rate speaks for itself 99% + !! You can't find that anywhere else...the students are all happy to be here.

1st Year Female -- Class 2006

Education Quality: A+, Surrounding City: B

It took me longer than most to get used to being at college, and at first I even wanted to go elsewhere (most of my good friends from high school went up north). I initially thought that I couldn't meet anyone like my old friends, and I'm still close with my them. After awhile, though, I met people at Duke that are some of my best friends, people with whom I know I'll still be close throughout my life. I think that accurately reflects the fact that there are so many different types of people here, so no matter what type you are, you'll find people you love at Duke.

The campus is amazing, and I'm always struck whenever I'm walking from one class to another, and I stop just to look around. If Greek life is your thing, they've got it here. If it isn't, you'll still find that Duke is a great place to be. You're not a pariah if you're not in a fraternity. There's always something to do on weekends, even stuff to do during the week at night if you have a late class the next day (or even if you don't!). If Duke students are anything, they're fun.

Not only do people know how to have a good time here, but they also know how to buckle down and hit the books. I've met some of the most brilliant people here, but unlike many places, brilliance isn't flaunted. There isn't that "pseudo-intellectualism" so often maligned at universities, and I've found that the coupling of smarts and fun is one of Duke's main characteristics.

People say Duke students are too crazy about their school. My response to that is that, if you aren't, what does that say?

When I come home from breaks, my high school friends joke about how I'm Duke-obsessed, how they must have brainwashed me. Honestly, Duke's just that great. As I write this, I'm worrying I'm send it and immediately think of a million other great things I forgot to say. I applied to Duke because of the name, something that no one should do, and it could have easily been a mistake. I was lucky. I'm sure I would have liked any school I applied to, but in retrospect there's no place I'd rather be. To talk about how prestigious Duke is would be a waste of time, because almost everyone knows that. Suffice it to say that I'm confident that Duke's reputation will get me far. There are many facets to Duke, but the people I've befriended make the experience for me unparalleled.I love it here.

1st Year Male -- Class 2006

Useful Schoolwork: A+, Surrounding City: B