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Duke University

Overview

Duke University

Welcome to Duke University, where excellence thrives, and innovation knows no bounds. Ranked as the seventh best university in the country by U.S. News & World Report, Duke stands as a beacon of intellectual curiosity and opportunity. This past year, Duke received more than 50,000 applications from eager minds worldwide, a testament to its coveted position among top-tier universities. With an acceptance rate hovering around 6%, this competitive landscape reflects the university’s commitment to building a community of exceptional scholars and leaders. At Duke, students find a dynamic blend of rigorous academics, groundbreaking research opportunities, and a vibrant campus culture awaiting them.

Spark Admissions’ college consulting results are 8X the national average for Ivy League admissions and 6X the national average for many top 50 colleges.

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Duke University Academics

For high school students aspiring for a transformative undergraduate experience, Duke University offers a dynamic academic landscape that combines rigorous coursework with unparalleled opportunities for exploration and growth. At Duke, undergraduates have access to an extensive array of academic programs spanning diverse disciplines, from the humanities and social sciences to engineering, natural sciences, and beyond.

With renowned faculty members leading the way, students delve into cutting-edge research projects, engage in hands-on learning experiences, and collaborate with peers who share their intellectual curiosity and passion for discovery. To underscore the prominent feature of research at Duke University, it is reported that 53% of undergraduates will graduate with research experience. Furthermore, Duke offers small-class sizes that ensure the most personalized learning experiences. According to U.S. News & World Report, 70.6% of classes at Duke have fewer than 20 students. Finally, the university’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration fosters innovation and critical thinking, preparing students to tackle real-world challenges and make meaningful contributions to society.

Whether pursuing a major, designing an independent study project, or participating in study abroad programs, Duke empowers students to tailor their educational journey to align with their unique interests and goals.

The student/faculty ratio at Duke University is 5:1 and 70% of classes have 20 students or fewer.

Duke University Undergraduate Colleges:

  • Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
  • Pratt School of Engineering

Duke University Popular Majors:

  • Computer Science
  • Economics
  • Biology
  • Computer Engineering
  • Research and Experimental Psychology
  • Neuroscience
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Political Science and Government

Duke University Notable or Distinct Majors:

  • Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
  • Education
  • Global Health
  • Journalism and Media Studies

Unique Academic Opportunities at Duke:

  • Bass Connections: A unique opportunity for undergraduate students to collaborate with graduate students and renowned faculty members to address societal issues as part of a year-long research team.
  • Duke Campus Farm: A one-acre farm that offers annual curricular programs for students to participate in learnings around sustainability and food systems.
  • DukeEngage: An international program that enables students to spend a summer making a tangible impact on communities both near and far.
  • Duke Focus Program: A program for first-semester students that encourages them to explore diverse perspectives across the Humanities, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences. Students can choose from 16 different interdisciplinary clusters that will help introduce them to Duke academics and establish a sense of community on campus.
  • Duke-In Programs: Duke-designed study abroad programs that directly connect students with incredible learning opportunities across various host countries.
  • Duke Immerse: An opportunity for undergraduates to engage in a semester-long academic endeavor, where they enroll in a curated cluster of four multi-disciplinary courses crafted by esteemed Duke faculty, all centered around a unifying theme.
  • Duke Marine Lab: On-site courses and travel courses at a coastal laboratory.

Duke University Admissions

Duke University Application Details:

  • While Duke remains test optional, test scores will serve as a valuable asset to your application to such a competitive institution. According to the most recent available data, the 75th percentile SAT score of an admitted student at Duke was 1570, and the 75th percentile composite ACT score was 36.
  • The Common Application is accepted at Duke.
  • A personal statement or personal essay is part of the Common App.
  • Duke University asks applicants to submit two or three supplemental essays.
  • Students must submit a counselor recommendation, mid-year report, and school report.
  • First-year applicants must submit two teacher recommendations with their application.
  • Duke invites applicants to complete an optional alumni interview. Due to the large volume of applications, not all applicants are offered an interview at Duke. However, all Duke applicants have the option to submit a 60-90 second video to help admissions officers get to know you better.

Duke University Application Deadlines

Early Decision
Nov 1
Regular Decision
Jan 3
Fall Transfer
Mar 15

Class Profile

Duke University Demographics (2023-2024):

  • Asian students: 21%
  • Black students: 9%
  • Hispanic students: 11%
  • White students: 37%
  • International students: 10%
  • First-generation college students/Limited income: 20%
  • 53.0% women; 47.0% men

Life in Durham

Life as a college student in Durham, North Carolina, is vibrant and enriching, filled with diverse opportunities for academic, social, and personal growth. From attending an esteemed institution like Duke University to exploring the city’s bustling downtown, college students in Durham are immersed in a dynamic environment that fosters creativity and exploration. With access to a thriving arts scene, outdoor recreational activities, and numerous cultural events and festivals, students enjoy a well-rounded experience that combines academic rigor with opportunities for social engagement and personal development.

  • A vibrant and diverse student population due to the presence of esteemed universities like the nearby University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
  • Proximity to a revitalized downtown area with trendy restaurants, cafes, and shops amid historic architecture.
  • Opportunities to explore the city’s thriving arts scene with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues.
  • Proximity to Research Triangle Park, which provides internship and networking opportunities in various industries.
  • Access to natural attractions such as Duke Forest and Eno River State Park for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking.
  • A mild climate that allows for year-round outdoor recreation opportunities.

Duke University Campus Life:

Duke University’s picturesque campus in Durham, North Carolina has maintained a vibrant sense of community since its founding in 1838. With more than 6,000 undergraduates and close to 11,000 graduate students, the student body at this prestigious private research institution remains a beacon of intellectual curiosity. Beyond the classroom, Duke boasts a thriving student life scene with over 700 student groups covering a wide array of interests from cultural and political groups to recreational and artistic pursuits. For those interested in Greek life, Duke offers a robust Greek life, in which nearly 36% of undergraduate students participate. As a student at this DI school, you can be sure to find plenty of pride in the Blue Devils’ athletic prowess and there is more than enough school spirit to go around.

Duke University Social Activities:

  • Hoof’n’Horn: A prestigious student-run musical theater group that has existed at Duke for over 80 years.
  • Quad Councils: Designated student groups that foster a sense of community and culture through the hosting of events and advocacy for campus needs.
  • HackDuke: An annual student-run hackathon.
  • The Archive: Duke’s oldest undergraduate literary publication.

Duke University Traditions:

  • Bricks to Stone: This event celebrates the first-year class moving from the East Campus to the West Campus.
  • K-Ville: Before big basketball games, students camp out in Krzyzewskiville, or K-Ville, a tent village named after legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski (“Coach K”), to secure tickets and show their dedication to the team.
  • LDOC: Last Day of Class is a campus-wide celebration of the last day of undergraduate classes. With food, fun festivities, and a concert on the quad—students are well-equipped to celebrate all of their accomplishments!
  • Jazz at the Mary Lou: Each Wednesday, the Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture presents live jazz shows.

Duke University Housing and Dorms:

Duke requires students to live on campus for their first three years. First-year students live in assigned residence halls on the East Campus, while upperclassmen live on the West or Swift campuses. Each house on the East Campus also has a Faculty-in-Residence, to connect students with professors as they begin their academic journey at Duke. Faculty-in-Residence serve as invaluable resources to first-year students and give students the opportunity to engage in intellectual discussions outside of the classroom.

Duke University Cost of Attendance

This estimate takes into account tuition and fees, housing and meals, books and supplies, and personal expenses for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Total tuition costs

$88,938
  • There are multiple opportunities to receive financial aid assistance including grants, work study programs, loans, and outside scholarships.

Get Into Duke University with Spark Admissions

Earning acceptance to Duke University can seem like an intimidating goal, but with the support of Spark Admissions this goal can become an achievable one. Our dedicated team of experienced college admissions consultants provides personalized guidance and strategic advice tailored to your strengths and aspirations. From helping you craft a compelling college application that highlights your unique experiences and achievements to guiding you through the intricacies of standardized testing and essay writing, we are committed to ensuring you present your best self to the admissions committee. With our insider knowledge of Duke’s admissions process and what the university looks for in applicants, we can help you stand out among the competition and increase your chances of securing a coveted spot at Duke. Reach out to us to schedule a complimentary initial consultation with one of our consultants and find out how Spark Admissions can help guide you in realizing your Duke admission goals!

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