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an 11% acceptance rate</a> and your work cut out for you in finding your place among the Blue Devils. Don’t panic though, because it is possible!</p>
<p>When it comes to numbers, most of Duke’s accepted applicants achieved SAT scores surpassing a combined 1300 and ACT scores in the low 30s. Even then, it’s hard to give set numbers to shoot for and say you are guaranteed admittance; instead, applications are evaluated on an individual basis and the committee looks more to see if you’re reflecting qualities in line with the <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"http://admissions.duke.edu/application/overview">types of students</a> they’re seeking at Duke. So start up a Common Application from Duke’s website, focus on communicating those attributes they’ve listed, and other than that have your app in by January 1<sup>st</sup> (and don’t forget the $85 fee!).</p>
<h3>Academics</h3>
<p>As previously mentioned, Duke takes their academics pretty seriously (not that our football record really poses much of a threat to this), and while its reputation means any degree from Duke is likely to carry some weight, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your academic path at the 5<sup>th</sup> largest research institution in the nation!</p>
<p>When it comes to the basics, know you have 53 majors to choose from, an 8:1 student to faculty ratio to provide optimum engagement, and at the end of the day engineering tends to be one of the things the university is most popularly known for and tons of students pursue.</p>
<p>However, when it comes to actually surviving Duke academics and taking advantage of some of the special things the university has to offer, you’ll want to look at both <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://dukeengage.duke.edu/">DukeEngage and <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://undergrad.duke.edu/programs/flunch">FLUNCH. DukeEngage is a program that funds students to pursue academics through service in <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"http://admissions.duke.edu/education/opportunities#civic-and-service">the summer</a>, and FLUNCH is a program that helps you connect with faculty over lunch. Both programs offer ways for you to grow academically in a way that doesn’t necessarily involve burying your nose in a textbook.</p>
<figure><img src=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/asset.plexuss.com/news/images/duke-university-academics.jpg" alt="Duke University Academics" width="480" height="316" />
<figcaption>Credit: duke.edu</figcaption>
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<h3>On Campus</h3>
<p>One of the first things you’ll notice once you step foot on Duke’s campus in Durham, NC is that it’s pretty dang beautiful. However, if you rely on the beauty to get you through, you may be disappointed. Surviving college is about putting yourself out there and growing socially as well, there’s a few ways to do this at Duke.</p>
<p>First, you’ll be required to live on campus at <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://studentaffairs.duke.edu/hdrl/first-year-residential-experience/east-campus-housing">East Campus</a> as a freshman. Embrace it; the dorm experience can set you up with some of your closest friends. Second, get in on K-Ville, that is, the tent community that takes place during basketball season to get the best seats. And third, do <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"http://admissions.duke.edu/experience/first-year">Froshlife, an annual first-year student film competition that’s bound to get you out of your shell.</p>
<figure><img src=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/asset.plexuss.com/news/images/things-to-do-near-duke-university.jpg" alt="Things to Do Near Duke University" width="500" height="350" />
<figcaption>Credit: K-Ville, Credit: Bloomberg.com</figcaption>
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<h3>Durham, NC</h3>
<p>Just as crucial to getting to know your new home on campus is getting to engage with your wider home off campus. In Duke’s case, this is Durham, NC. You’ll quickly find there’s a ton to do in North Carolina, and whether you’re in the mood for mountains or a beach, you’re in driving range for both. Even if your sights are centered closer to campus, Durham provides great <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"http://godurhamtransit.org/bcc">free transportation for Duke students</a> to almost anywhere in town.</p>
<p>With that being said, there’s quite the hidden gem in Durham, NC, so enjoy it before the rest of the country finds out, flocks in, and dampens our vibes. You’ll be overwhelmed with suggestions once you’re actually there, so to start you off I’d consider watching the Hurricanes, Durham’s local NHL team, checking out the 9<sup>th</sup> Street Shopping District, or the <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"http://admissions.duke.edu/setting/region">Carolina Theatre</a>.</p>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>To be frank, this survival guide could span volumes. Duke is a great place, and there’s no shortage of ways you can tailor the experience to fit you just right. The keys are to dive in headfirst and be willing to learn both in and out of the classroom. Enjoy the fact that you’re in a place that prides itself on researching into the world’s big problems and questions. Take advantage of it, revel in it, and soak in every minute as a Duke Blue Devil.</p>
<figure><img src=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/asset.plexuss.com/news/images/duke-blue-devils.jpg" alt="Duke Blue Devils" width="500" height="350" />
<figcaption>Credit: dailymail.co.uk</figcaption>
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