Duke University

Almost everyone at Duke is very athletic and loves sports. Students and faculties are willing to introduce themselves to others and get to know each other. The campus is gorgeous and the weather is just awesome. Quite challenging academically (this is very true if you are in Pratt or PreMed) and the workload is often arduous; but Duke's amazing social life will compensate this.

1st Year Male -- Class 2015

Education Quality: A+, Perceived Campus Safety: C+

3rd Year Female -- Class 2013

Useful Schoolwork: A+, Surrounding City: B-

I am by no means the type of person one may expect to go to Duke. I'm not from an East Coast prep school, I don't come from wealth, and I am not interested in going into finance or consulting after I complete my undergrad. But, I am in love with this school.

First of all, people at Duke are really HAPPY. Of course, Duke is not perfect. It is not ranked number 1, but Duke has a seriously great reputation. But, to me, what matters about a college is not the ranking but if it produces well-educated graduates who are passionate about changing the world. This is Duke.

Duke is amazingly flexible in terms of its curriculum. Students can explore whatever interests them (I am not kidding. I have a bizarre combination of majors/minors/certificates but I am not alone among other students). Duke wants you to study what you are passionate about, and heavily stresses an interdisciplinary education. Faculty have really impressed me - most are willing to meet as much as possible for students to understand the given material, and I have developed close relationships with at least four professors in my past two years here. Additionally, Duke gives out research and travel funding like it's candy.

The student body here is simply inspiring. As a whole, we work very hard. But, we are constantly working and collaborating with friends. I have found this place to be supportive and open to new ideas.

Also, I have no idea why Durham has such a low ranking but Durham is honestly a reason why I came to Duke. Durham has absolutely amazing restaurants, great theater and cultural opportunities, and a really cool, gritty feel. Sure, it's not New York City or Boston...but I didn't want New York City or Boston. I'm at the point where I'm strongly considering living in Durham after graduation, and I know a number of my peers feel the same way.

The food on-campus is also REALLY good compared to other schools. I gained the freshman 15, and didn't regret it one bit...because every pound was made up of simply delicious calories. As a whole, students here really prioritize health - we eat well and work out a lot. I love this school. I really, really love this school.

2nd Year Female -- Class 2014

Faculty Accessibility: A+, Innovation: A-