Duke University - Pictures

Duke University - Basic Information

Durham, NC

Total undergrad enrollment: 6,578

Ranked #9 in 2011 edition of Best Colleges (US News)

51% male/49% female

Application deadline - Jan. 2

Early decision deadline - Nov. 1

Application fee: $75

Acceptance rate: 18.9%

Early decision acceptance rate: 36%

Range SAT Critical Reading: 690-770
Range SAT Math: 690-800
Range ACT Composite: 29-34

Required standardized tests: either SAT or ACT

Admissions interview: recommended

SAT subject tests: 2 required (math for applicants to Pratt School of Engineering)

Common App

Tuition and fees: $40,472

Room and board: $11,622

29% in fraternities, 42% in sororities

Most popular majors: biology, economics, psychology, and public policy analysis

Average freshman retention rate: 96.8%

NCAA I

Duke University - PROS

Academics:

• Laid back atmosphere - "competition practically nonexistent"
• Professors' number one priority is teaching undergrads
• Engineering program (electrical and biomedical) - national standouts
• Natural sciences (ecology, biology, and neuroscience) - first rate
• More than 40% study abroad
• 3 percent of students receive merit scholarships averaging $24,869
• Lots of undergraduate research opportunities
• Ranked #3 - best college library
• Student-faculty ratio - 8:1
• 70% of classes have fewer than 20 students

Student Life:

• Very relaxed, great balance between academics and fun
• Raleigh and Chapel Hill - each 20-30 minutes away
• Lush North Carolina forest
• Athletic scholarships
• Undergrads required to live on campus - each student is loosely affiliated with one of 60 "living groups," ranging in size from 14 to 250 students
• Dorms "look like castles on the outside and feel like Harry Potter"
• Dining choices range from edible to excellent
• Beaches 2-3 hours away, ski slopes 3-4 hours away
• Beautiful campus
• Ranked #16 - best athletic facilities
• Ranked #12 - best college newspaper

Duke University - CONS

• Academic atmosphere has become more intense - particularly in the sciences and engineering
• Durham - not vibrant college town
• Relations strained with local community