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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]If you are smart, naturally fit/athletic, and savvy it is the perfect school.[/quote]

I agree.  The "allure" in this case is not about the ranking.  It's very much about the personal fit between a student and Duke's personality/culture.

Duke is not a better or worse place than any other highly-ranked school.  But it does have a strong campus cuture that is not the right fit for every Top 10 candidate (i.e. super smart, driven, academically successful kids.)

Kids who choose Duke solely for its ranking (or because it's the highest ranked school they got into) may not be happy there unless they are also into the conventionally social, work hard/play hard culture.  Yes, everyone at Duke knows how to grind it out academically, just like at all T10 schools.  But the campus personality is very social and heavy on school spirit - overtly rah-rah, and not just re basketball. In that way, it's pretty traditional and conventional. Plus it's a campus-focused school, not located in or near a big city.  For kids who love that vibe, it's perfect.  But for those who don't, it can be oppressive.

And yes, Duke can seem quite self-congratulatory and obnoxious from the outside. It's probably one of the reasons Duke has more haters than other T10 schools. Most students and alums tend to be VERY into the school.  That's great if it fits your kid.  But if it's not their style, it can be too much.

My advice is to visit the campus while school is in session.  Spend time hanging out in the common spaces and the food courts etc. Observe the students and talk to a bunch, if you're willing.  Why did they choose Duke?  What do they like about it? What do they find challenging? And see if it resonates with your kid.
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