Duke or Dartmouth

DukeShama
Fri, 06 Apr 2012 23:48:45 +0000

Hi Alavondrice,

I picked Duke for you because of several things. First of all you said that you like Dartmouth’s town as opposed to Duke’s urban setting. Well, Hanover isn’t even really a town! It’s one little street with some shops and that’s it. It’s literally one block long. Durham is more of a town. It’s not really that urban. Where are you from in the south? I’m originally from Chattanooga. It’s smaller than Chattanooga. It’s smaller than Nashville or Birmingham (by a lot.) Durham has the nicest people in the world. They are the warmest and kindest group of residents. While Duke felt very sophisticated to me, I always felt a homey and cozy feeling in Durham-- which is a nice contrast to have. I guess you haven’t visited yet, but you’ll see that Duke is big and beautiful and it feels like its own bucolic township. You are going to love it.

Don’t get me wrong tho, Dartmouth is also lovely. I am so happy my son is going there. You just somehow sound Duke to me. (And I’d rather you go to Dartmouth because you sound nice and could be friends with my son maybe! :)

You also say you are a sports fanatic. You cannot imagine how great it is to be a Duke fan. The athletic programs are so well run and promote such wholesome sportsmanship. Duke sports are 100% fun (and I am NOT a sports person. Even I love Duke basket ball.)

The Duke focus groups are unique and you are guaranteed to get in one if you apply. They last all year.

You can have wonderful outdoor experiences at Duke too. The Duke gardens are perfect for casual football and frisbee. More serious outdoor adventure-- like rock climbing and rafting or whatever are farther away. I do think they are more accessible at Dartmouth.

I do need to warn you. I KNOW Duke 100 times better than I know Dartmouth. I’ve never met a student from either who would not fight for their schools. (Do you ever hear kids from other schools profess as much love for their schools) Your answer will be clear after Devil Days and Dimensions! Don’t go too much by what I say. I don’t know you. I’m kind of just guessing. Talk to as many current students as possible. And again, being on the campuses will tell you so so much. :)

Hope this helps.