I wish this could last forever...

Introduction
I chose Duke because of the people, first and foremost. Everyone here is so talented and interesting. From varsity nationally recognized athletes, published writers, dancers, musicians, children of politicians, etc. everyone has something to contribute. The students here are diligent workers but also love to have a good time either at a sporting event, tailgate, frat party, or a school-sponsored event. Do not come if you are just trying to be a book-worm or want to party all the time. There is a time to work, but always a time to play!

Campus Life and Social Life
The social scene is 100% on campus. With most of parties being held by fraternities and in dorms, it gets a little old after freshman year. Duke makes a huge effort to hold social and overall fun events on campus such as concerts, last day of classes, midnight breakfasts, etc.

Everyone seems to be in a sorority or frat... or at least the people that go out. If you go independent, it's harder to find things to do outside the frat party scene. Plus the commitment to the Greeks is very minimal.

Sports are HUGE (if you didn't already know.) Basketball, soccer, lacrosse, and tennis are the big sports here. People tent out for basketball games for months! Duke fans are the best.

Clubs are a big part of Duke. There are so many to choose from and you can be as involved as you want to be.

The only downside to Duke is its location. Located in Durham, there are few options off campus for fun. There is the mall and a movie theater but that's about it. Some people venture to Chapel Hill for a different party scene and restaurants, a mere 20 minutes away from Duke. Academics
The school work here is challenging but worthwhile. Nobody comes here thinking it will be easy, though it is possible to get by taking really easy classes if you can navigate ratemyprofessor.com. Obviously the athletes have to graduate, so there have to be some easy classes.

Most of the professors are great, especially ones that have been here a long time and are not just researchers. They try really hard to get to know you, even in a large class. Some hold dinners and gatherings outside of class while others couldn't care less about their students.

Pretty much all the departments are great, but if you are interested in pre-business or pre-law there are not really any options. Engineering is one of the best in the country and many people are Econ, Public Policy, and Psych majors.

Student Body
The typical student is extremely well-rounded. Pretty much everyone was a student-body president, a varsity athlete, validictorian, etc. in high school. I personally was nothing of the sort. But if you do not have that edge (something other than good academics) you probably won't fit in too well.

Most students are very smart. It is easy to feel inadequate surrounded by such intelligent people. And if someone isn't smarter than you, they probably are 1) an athlete 2) rich and/or famous 3) legacy. However, students are actually fairly humble.

Students come from all over and are quite diverse. Although the student body is rather segregated across racial lines, people are fairly open to new ideas and cultures.

In Closing...
Duke is an amazing school. From the Gothic architecture, to the interesting classes, sporting events, concerts, interesting professors, speakers, and basically every opportunity given, Duke is dedicated to providing more than just a good education. Each day is a new experience: new friends, new classes, new lessons to be learned. I feel like everyone who leaves here is a better person.