Duke University

2nd Year Male -- Class 2004

Education Quality: A+, Surrounding City: B

Duke was not where I expected to go, but as every tour guide who was rejected at other schools says, I am very happy that I ended up here. Some people like to say that we at Duke "work hard and play hard." I suppose that's an apt description, although I probably work harder than I play. I've camped out for two weeks to see hard-core ACC basketball. I've joined the Duke Chorale and we've already had several concerts both at Duke and in the region, and we're preparing now for our spring tour to Florida. I had a stunning professor in German history my first semester and this semester I am just as thrilled with my linguistics class. You know that when you start writing your papers more than a day before they're due, it's gotta be a great class. I don't go get drunk every weekend, nor do most Duke students--but it's there if you want it. Frats and sororities don't oppress the social scene--once again, they're there if you want them. The new linking system has put me in line to live in the brand-new West-Edens Link, with A/C and all, and I couldn't be happier, coming from my sardine-can freshman dorm (though this is hardly the norm). Study abroad opportunities abound (as they do at most top schools), and simply by attending a Duke job fair I netted an $8/hr spot at the new John Hope Franklin Center, where I've mostly been moving tables but recently got to do some research for the director of the center. I could go on and on--I would say that life at Duke is what you make it, but there's really hardly anyone who makes nothing of their time here. So if you want one of the best undergraduate educations in America, with a dollop of good, clean fun and another dollop of good, dirty fun, come on down to Durham.

1st Year Male -- Class 2005

Campus Aesthetics: A+, Surrounding City: B

I can't imagine a better undergraduate experience than Duke. Students have the opportunity to do anything they want - each student's experience is unique but extremely satisfying intellectually and socially. The professors at Duke are SO accessable. At a major research university we have some of the best talent in the world, but these outstanding people are the same ones that will tell their undergraduate classes "you guys are my first priority. Come see me whenever you need anything." I've seen profs come in to the lab at 3am to help a student with a project.

3rd Year Male -- Class 2002

Education Quality: A+, Scholastic Success: B