Duke University Top Questions

My advice would be to utilize every resource you can, whether it be a counselor, career office, or older student, when planning your future. However, you have to make sure that every decision you make, you make for yourself. Don't choose your major, social group, or activities because someone else told you to. It may sound corny, but you can achieve anything you want following college as long as you are persistent in pursuing your dreams.

The best advice I can give regarding choosing the right college is to simply follow you heart. In choosing Duke, I had not even visited the campus before I made my decision. I just sounded likethe place where I wanted to spend the next 4 years of my life. I weighed all of the positive and negative aspects I felt each school I was accepted to would offer and in the end just decided to go for it and see what the future would hold.

Many colleges and college advisors will tell you that there is definitely a college that will be a perfect, or close-to-perfect match for you. That might be true for a good majority of people, but it is not true for all people. When I chose my university, I made my decision with certainty, and I do not regret that choice. Duke was the university where I was most comfortable. However, I have learned while here that I really cannot be a close-to-perfect fit anywhere, because I hold on too tightly to my individuality; I am unwilling to mold myself to better socially fit into my campus environment. As a result of this, I have only a few friends, and I might be what some would call an outsider. However, this hasn't stopped me from focusing my full attention on learning, and seeking opportunities to get involved in research and to improve myself. Choose your college where you feel most comfortable, but realize that even then it might not be ideal. Whether or not it's a perfect fit, always keep an eye out for opportunities; you must find them, for they will not seek you.

Always look at location and class size, because a huge part of getting the most out of college involves everything outside of the university as well as the ability to learn in the classroom. Never focus solely on the name or reputation of a school.

Visit the school and see if it's a fit. Talk to students about what they like and don't like. Does it offer the course of study you want, and the social environment as well? Take part in activities at college, but keep your focus on studies. Use the resources at the school, and take advantage of all the opportunities.

College is none other than the four years dedicated to learning the complexity of the natural/social world in which we exist in, a period fostering intellectual stimulation, masqueraded under the assumption of a stepping stone towards a life of financial stability. Getting a job is all well and good, and something everyone eventually must succumb towards. But, there will be no other period in one's life to have all the resources necessary to explore the different facets of history, science, ethics, etc. It is a period that allows you to indulge the beauty that is the human spirit and mind. While college is an investment, it should be taken for what its namesake delivers: open access to stimulate yourself in any way you feel fit. We all must work, we all must embed ourselves within the social fabric, we all must function as a byproduct of the system at large. Do not lose your innocence in college, the rest of your life is dedicated to that. Take the time to explore and stimulate yourself, pick up hobbies and books, read the poets of years past, indulge the intellect. Go renaissance, you only get one chance.

Read about lots of colleges and never settle with something that doesn't feel right to you. There are tons of options out there and a college that's just right for everyone. I was fortunate enough to find Duke quickly and easily, as well as have an incredible financial aid option which sadly is not available at most institutions. Just remember that you can make practically anything happen if you give it your all!

Students - Although listening to your parents insight and advice is important, don't make the choice to attend a particular college just because they want you to go there. This is your life. Your happiness on the line for the next four years. Your decision.

I would advise students to VISIT! Don't make a decision without coming to the school first and getting a feel for things. Duke was my number one choice, but when I visited I KNEW it was the place for me and many of my friends talk about having that same feeling at the school of their choice. When you actually get to college, remember that your campus would not be the same without you. Make the most of it. Become involved in the things that you want. Try something new. Don't feel intimidated by others because you have just as much right on campus as anyone else. If you need help, get it. Remember that the college is better because of you, and you are better because of the college. Finally, be the change you want to see, both on campus and after you leave.

Visit the college first before you pick it.