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Duke University Visit Report by snowinginc
Visit to Duke University in September 2008 by snowinginc (Parent of Student, HS Class of 2009)
(Member since February 27 2007 with 17 posts)
2 of 3 people found this visit report helpful
Visit Activities:
Information Session: Yes
Campus:
Friendliness/Courtesy of Students:
Friendliness/Courtesy of Staff:
Appearance of Campus:
Building/Facilities Maintenance/Cleanliness:
Security/Safety:
Overall Campus Impression:
Off-Campus:
Area Immediately Around Campus:
City/Town/Community:
Campus Visit Notes for Duke University
Visit Description:
The welcome remarks were standard. We could choose two faculty/student discussions. The six choices were:
1. Academic Advising Center & Pre-Professional Advising (Pre-Law and Health Professions)
2. FOCUS-Interdisciplinary learning program
3. Study away and Duke engage/Civic Engagement
4. Natural Sciences (includes Marine Sciences)
5. Math, Computer Science & Statistics
6. Engineering
7. Fine & Performing Arts
8. Social Sciences
We chose Natural Sciences, hoping to learn more about their Physics program. Most of the discussion was about evolutionary Biology and Chemistry. Their Physics program seemed to be almost an aside as part of various medical programs.
When the Duke student-speaker said that it was amazing but strange that they have Kennedy's tumor in a jar on the desk, the Chemistry professor stated (paraphrased) "That is not a political statement. We will also accept Republican tumors." He seemed knowledgeable and helpful as well as funny. There was quite a bit of information about the Marine Biology program. There is a Q&A afterward, and you are encouraged to engage any of the speakers afterward as well.
We also chose the Math, Computer Science and Statistics discussion. It was very basic information, but again you are encouraged to ask questions and/or speak with them afterwards.
Overall impression...beautiful, clean campus. A large variety of educational opportunities. Strong liberal arts programs. We might have enjoyed the Pratt Open House a bit more. There's a $5 parking fee which I wasn't crazy about, but I'm cheap.
Dining/Restaurant Recommendations or Comments:
Elmo's Diner on 9th st was super! We had the spicy BBQ sandwich, the salmon, and spicy Chiliquiles. All was super and reasonably priced at $27. I could've used that $5 parking fee as a tip!!