Duke University

Duke University Visit

Visit Date: October 21, 2024
Location: Durham, NC

1. Overview

Duke is a medium-sized residential university with 6,523 undergraduates. It has a strong global presence, with 14% international students and a student body that is 50% students of color. The university emphasizes “fit” and encourages students to ask, “Do I see myself here?”

Students apply to either Trinity College of Arts & Sciences or the Pratt School of Engineering. More than 80% of students are in Trinity, which offers 63 majors. Pratt offers six engineering majors, three minors, and seven certificates. Though students can take classes in both, it’s easier to transfer from Pratt to Trinity than the other way around.

Beginning in Fall 2025, Duke will introduce a new “constellation” curriculum for first-years, allowing students to explore courses around a central idea or theme. Most students declare a major sophomore year.

Academically, Duke supports students who are curious and multidimensional. Eighty percent of undergraduates pursue a double major, major/minor, or interdisciplinary certificate. The average class size is small (70% of classes have fewer than 15 students), and the student-faculty ratio is 6:1.

The tour emphasized Duke’s holistic and intellectually engaged community. From 400 student organizations to service fellowships and research opportunities, the culture encourages creativity, fun, and impact.

2. Student Life and Campus Culture

All first-year students live on East Campus and then move to West Campus sophomore year. Students are guaranteed housing for three years, and many seniors stay on campus in apartment-style housing. Dorms are updated, air-conditioned, and offer randomized roommate assignments based on a questionnaire.

There are 11 living-learning communities and 21 experiential orientation programs to help students connect early on. Over 30 a cappella groups, 400+ clubs, and a thriving arts scene create a vibrant extracurricular life. The Greek system is off-campus and non-affiliated, with about 30% student participation.

Students can have cars on campus all four years, and parking is affordable. A bus system and a “Duke Van” service run between East and West campuses, with plenty of access to Durham via Uber as well.

Duke is a Division I school with free student admission to games. “Tenting” is a legendary basketball tradition where students camp out weeks in advance of big games. The campus is inclusive, with a multi-faith chapel and a generally welcoming atmosphere.

Campus safety is emphasized: it’s a closed campus at night, with blue light systems, secure dorm access, and patrols by both Duke and Durham police.

3. Academics and Opportunities

Duke emphasizes intellectual engagement, flexibility, and support. Students typically take four courses per semester. There’s a three-year language requirement, and AP credits may waive up to two classes.

The writing center is hands-on, students can bring in drafts to be reviewed and marked up by staff. There’s also tech support for laptops and, interestingly, a service dog fellowship (puppies have been known to roam the library during finals).

Research is central across disciplines and available early, even for pre-med students (who benefit from an 86% first-time med school acceptance rate). As a top-tier R1 institution, Duke offers funding and faculty support for student-led research.

The “Flunch” program gives students $74 each semester to invite professors to lunch and talk about anything—from academics to life goals. There’s even a steakhouse above the main dining hall.

Students can “study away” within the U.S. or study abroad globally. Popular programs include professor-led courses off campus and Duke-approved programs at partner universities.

Duke Engage, funded by Melinda Gates, allows students to work on social impact projects with all expenses paid. Many students pursue gap years (encouraged by Duke if well-planned), and 95% graduate within five years.

Popular majors include biology, political science, computer science, and economics. There is no undergraduate business school.

4. Admissions and Financial Aid

Duke remains test optional, though this status is reviewed annually. Applicants must submit three recommendations (one counselor, two core subject teachers) and may submit two additional optional letters. The “Why Duke” essay is required, along with two of five short-answer prompts.

Performing arts applicants can submit an optional arts supplement. Since not all students receive alumni interviews, Duke offers “Glimpse,” a platform to submit a 60–90 second video or audio clip to share something unique.

Duke seeks applicants who are engaged with ideas, communities, and people. Curiosity, initiative, and a sense of fun are all valued.

Financial aid is generous. 56% of students receive aid, and the average package is $57,356. Families earning under $60,000 are not expected to contribute. As a result, 76% of students graduate debt-free.

5. Student Impressions and Takeaways

During the info session, about 10 student tour guides introduced themselves by name, major, hometown, and year. Visitors could choose their preferred guide for the campus tour. Our guide emphasized that engineering is rigorous but rewarding.

Students praised the food, especially the food points system and variety of allergy-friendly options. Representatives in purple hats are available in dining halls to assist with dietary needs. The wellness center (built in 2017) is a standout feature, offering everything from medical care to a meditation garden and even a grand piano.

One of the most striking reflections came from a student who hadn’t initially planned to visit Duke but felt at peace once on campus. He noticed the difference in atmosphere compared to more high-strung campuses and described Duke as “supportive, not competitive.”

Additional Highlights

• Carbon Neutrality: Reached in 2024 after a 43% emissions reduction since 2007.

• Lemur Center: Home to over 300 lemurs, unique among U.S. colleges.

• Reverse Classroom Model: Used in some engineering classes—students watch lectures independently, then collaborate during class time.

• Support Services: Excellent resources for writing, tech repair, and advising.

• Traditions: Puppy stress relief, tenting, Flunch, and a culture of student-faculty interaction.

• Durham: Part of the Research Triangle and one of the fastest-growing regions in the country.