<p>It sounds like you’ve already judged Duke, but if you’re still keeping an open mind, I think it’s worth noting that alcohol and partying make up the most visible aspect of the social scene at most schools. Duke campus culture isn’t without its flaws, but I don’t think it’s substantially different from any other top-10 school. This observation is based on conversations I’ve had with friends at Chicago and Yale, among other schools. Was I surprised by the prevalence of drinking when I got to Duke? Certainly, but my friends at other schools were just as surprised.</p>
<p>Also, admitted student weekends give you a small snapshot of the social atmosphere at a school, so you shouldn’t use these weekends alone to make final judgments. For instance, if you had met me during BDD, you might be left thinking that Duke social life is full of watching 30 Rock late at night, playing video games, and eating out at random ethnic restaurants in downtown Durham. There are plenty of people who live for intellectual discourse here, there are plenty of frat bros who party all weekend, and there are plenty of people who are in-between. Whichever group is the majority isn’t important; what’s important is that we embrace the variety.</p>