2009-2010 Duke Application Thread

[Bbon]

---

Members don't see this ad.

The third year at Duke is devoted to research. Almost every student receives or finds some amazing scholarship to pay for their research anywhere in the world and any related expenses. Those "related" expenses include your tuition and "living loans" that you take out for medical school. This is one of the major reasons Duke has such a low graduating student debt.....because each student has practically no loans for third year. Pretty amazing. Again, innovative Duke. 🙂 (This all came from the Dean's mouth).

I think you're giving them a little too much credit. The exact number the associate dean gave us was 49 students got "some kind of funding" for their research, meaning your "almost every student" is really closer to half. Of course, some students choose to do something other than research, i.e. get a second degree, so of course, the number won't be a perfect 100 anyway. But even those that get funding don't necessarily pay zero tuition. One of my tour guides said she only got partial funding, and her tone made it sound like it wasn't too substantial. Regarding the low graduating student debt, the numbers are a bit misleading. Again, we were told that although the average is around $110,000, most students tend to have between $150-170,000 in debt. Factoring in the third year, that number isn't too comforting. Perhaps better than many schools, but when you're spending 1/4th of your schooling doing research, I'd be shocked if Duke didn't have one of the lowest average debts, at least among private schools.

That being said, Duke has so many amazing qualities that it helps offset this pretty major question mark. But to dismiss it altogether.. well to each his own.

 

[LIDO]

I think you're giving them a little too much credit. The exact number the associate dean gave us was 49 students got "some kind of funding" for their research, meaning your "almost every student" is really closer to half. Of course, some students choose to do something other than research, i.e. get a second degree, so of course, the number won't be a perfect 100 anyway. But even those that get funding don't necessarily pay zero tuition. One of my tour guides said she only got partial funding, and her tone made it sound like it wasn't too substantial. Regarding the low graduating student debt, the numbers are a bit misleading. Again, we were told that although the average is around $110,000, most students tend to have between $150-170,000 in debt. Factoring in the third year, that number isn't too comforting. Perhaps better than many schools, but when you're spending 1/4th of your schooling doing research, I'd be shocked if Duke didn't have one of the lowest average debts, at least among private schools.

That being said, Duke has so many amazing qualities that it helps offset this pretty major question mark. But to dismiss it altogether.. well to each his own.

The statistics in your statement (the average debt and what "most" students leave with) are a bit misdirected. I don't want to get into the numbers but I think you are overestimating the average debt. Also, if you feel that the research year is an obligatory "medical school absent, hence tuition absent" sort of mentality then applying to Duke is probably not the best idea..........imho. IMO every medical school should follow the Duke mentality....but that is just me.

 

[AyCaramba]

Also, if you feel that the research year is an obligatory "medical school absent, hence tuition absent" sort of mentality then applying to Duke is probably not the best idea..........imho. IMO every medical school should follow the Duke mentality....but that is just me.

I'm not sure why someone who disagrees with one policy should be discouraged from applying to Duke. It's a legitimate question to have about their rationale. It's actually good to have people around that don't blindly worship the status quo. Sorry if that sounds argumentative, I don't intend it that way.

 

[LIDO]

I'm not sure why someone who disagrees with one policy should be discouraged from applying to Duke. It's a legitimate question to have about their rationale. It's actually good to have people around that don't blindly worship the status quo. Sorry if that sounds argumentative, I don't intend it that way.

No offense taken. I just think the calculations in the above post are a bit misdirected and I also believe that that "one policy" is what make Duke the medical school it is....hence why I made the comment. Sorry if my post came off as making an accusation. Either way I think we all feel that Duke is a wonderful place to study medicine, for one reason or another.

 

[diosa428]

The rationale of paying tuituion for third year is that you are getting credit for that year of research (which is required for your degree). In addition, you continue to be covered by the hospital's malpractice insurance, etc. There are other requirements for the third year, including medical statistics and outpatient clinic. So it's not like you're just peacing out for the year (for better or worse).

I have no idea how many students in my class got scholarships. There are always 5-10 who go to the NIH, 5-10 who get an HHMI grant, a couple who get Doris Duke fellowships, ~2 Sarnoff Fellows, occasionally a CDC or Fogarty fellow. Then there are a bunch of internal scholarships. 2 are sent to Duke in Singapore. Mr. Burns knows how many Duke Clinical Research Fellowships there are... I think there were like 12 our year. Then there are a few random ones for specific research projects - internal medicine, surgery, psychiatry, etc. Most range from $20-30k but there are some that are less than that.

If you decide to do an MPH, you pay Duke tuition and then Duke will may UNC your MPH tuition. If you go to the Business school or Public Policy school, I don't know exactly how your tuition is split between the schools but I'm pretty sure you don't end up needing to pay more than your original medical school tuition (except that if you go to the business school you do owe them tuition for 2 years instead of 1, because it's a 2 year program). One of the girls in my class got a full scholarship from the business school.

 

[diosa428]

The statistics in your statement (the average debt and what "most" students leave with) are a bit misdirected. I don't want to get into the numbers but I think you are overestimating the average debt. Also, if you feel that the research year is an obligatory "medical school absent, hence tuition absent" sort of mentality then applying to Duke is probably not the best idea..........imho. IMO every medical school should follow the Duke mentality....but that is just me.

I don't think that's much of an overestimation. It's true that Duke's average debt is much lower than the debt that most students leave with. There are definitely people in every class who have parents who are paying their tuition, and there are people in every class who have full scholarships. If you figure that means at least 10-15/100 students have no debt, that will significantly skew the numbers. With that said, the research scholarships definitely help, and Duke does have great aid. But I would guess that ~150k is about average for most people. You just have to wait and see what kind of package you get. For me, going to Duke wasn't going to be any more than going to my state school if I got a research scholarship, which I did. So it was worth it. But it will be different for everyone.

 

[diosa428]

The third year at Duke is devoted to research. Almost every student receives or finds some amazing scholarship to pay for their research anywhere in the world and any related expenses. Those "related" expenses include your tuition and "living loans" that you take out for medical school. This is one of the major reasons Duke has such a low graduating student debt.....because each student has practically no loans for third year. Pretty amazing. Again, innovative Duke. 🙂 (This all came from the Dean's mouth).

Most people who get a scholarship end up making enough money to cover their living expenses, but not to cover much of their tuition. So it's not really free.

 

[LIDO]

I don't think that's much of an overestimation. It's true that Duke's average debt is much lower than the debt that most students leave with. There are definitely people in every class who have parents who are paying their tuition, and there are people in every class who have full scholarships. If you figure that means at least 10-15/100 students have no debt, that will significantly skew the numbers. With that said, the research scholarships definitely help, and Duke does have great aid. But I would guess that ~150k is about average for most people. You just have to wait and see what kind of package you get. For me, going to Duke wasn't going to be any more than going to my state school if I got a research scholarship, which I did. So it was worth it. But it will be different for everyone.

Thanks for the insight Diosa 🙂

 

[Bbon]

It's great to hear from a Duke medical student. Thanks for all the info. Definitely confirms a lot of what I heard at my interview. And to reiterate what AyCaramba was saying (thanks for that by the way), there are many reasons I'm interested in applying to Duke, and I find the substitution of 1 pre-clinical year for a research year to be a tremendous asset. I'm simply questioning one aspect of the medical school with which I have some significant concerns. Finances are just one thing to consider for choosing a medical school and not even my biggest criterion for deciding where to attend the next 4 years. I'd be in huge trouble if I limited myself to attending a medical school that I thought was perfect in all facets. Pretty sure that doesn't exist, and if it did, it'd definitely be too selective for the likes of me.

 

[FemalesCANTDriv]

Diosa, I'm glad you posted. I was reading the back and forth for a minute just waiting till either you or Burnsie intervened. I was getting nervous thinking that I was gonna have to say something. Strong work.

 

[Dr Durden]

... it's not like you're just peacing out for the year.

That's debatable.... 😀

Strong work describing the financial particulars of MS3 though. 👍

To you future Dukies, the third year is everything admissions says it is and more. Sure, you might end up "paying for the privilege" of being a lab rat, but would you rather be paying for the privilege of sitting in some stuffy lecture hall stressing over minutia? Here, you get a year to focus on what is important to you. Unlike most schools, you won't have to cram research in between basic science classes or waste your summer break desperately hoping you'll eke a paper out of your very limited time. Plus, you'll actually have been on the wards (including 3 elective rotations) and have that much stronger an idea of your future specialty before you start.

 

[lsa35]

Is the option of pursuing a dual degree (MPH, MBA, or whatever) during the 3rd year only available to people who applied for those programs initially? Or can you apply once you're at Duke?

Thanks!

 

[Amadelphous]

You can apply once you get there. Don't worry if you don't have a plan before you get here.

 

[LINK1290]

Hey all, quick question. Long story short, I've been dragging my feet with this secondary and still have not submitted it. While I am aware of the fact that Duke has non-rolling admissions, I know that their interviews are handed out on a "rolling" basis. I am planning on submitting this secondary soon, but have I hurt my chances by not submitting it earlier?

 

[MBHockey]

Hey all, quick question. Long story short, I've been dragging my feet with this secondary and still have not submitted it. While I am aware of the fact that Duke has non-rolling admissions, I know that their interviews are handed out on a "rolling" basis. I am planning on submitting this secondary soon, but have I hurt my chances by not submitting it earlier?

Honestly, I think you have hurt your chances. Just my opinion though.

 

[Steeler7588]

I am planning on submitting this secondary soon, but have I hurt my chances by not submitting it earlier?

I'm right there with you, buddy. Maybe we have, maybe we haven't - but there's no point worrying in either case. Just submit and see what happens, no worries.

 

[MBHockey]

I'm right there with you, buddy. Maybe we have, maybe we haven't - but there's no point worrying in either case. Just submit and see what happens, no worries.

I totally agree. I didn't mean to discourage you. If I were you guys I would definitely still apply.

 

[MrBurns10]

Diosa, I'm glad you posted. I was reading the back and forth for a minute just waiting till either you or Burnsie intervened. I was getting nervous thinking that I was gonna have to say something. Strong work.

Oops, hadn't been on this thread in a long time. Yes, nice work, diosa. You can't get all the advantages of being a Duke student without paying tuition. But if you decide to take an extra third year, you do NOT pay an extra year of tuition. Just an example of this, one of our classmates is being funded for a second year of research but was not eligible for basketball tickets since she is technically not a student this year (hence, no tuition). We have about 12 students in our class who have decided to either do an extra year of research or an extended 4th year, so it's very flexible.

And to answer a previous question, there were 13 clinical research scholarship awards for 3rd year at Duke, funded through the NIH.

 

[MrBurns10]

So, the important part of the above post... is that med students DO get basketball tickets?!? guaranteed, or how does it work?? This is a big deal to me for duke lol...

All graduate students can do basketball campout, which takes place from 7pm Fri night to 8am on Sunday morning one weekend in September. If you complete the weekend, you enter the basketball ticket lottery that gives you a 1/3 chance for tickets (your chances go up each consecutive year if you didn't get tickets the year before). Most people go into it as a group and split the tickets. It's a fun weekend of hanging out, drinking (if that's your thing), games, and not sleeping.

 

[Steeler7588]

I totally agree. I didn't mean to discourage you. If I were you guys I would definitely still apply.

Oh nah man, I knew you weren't being discouraging. It's just that a lot of posts on SDN are concerning issues people have no control over. We can't go back in time and submit it, so it's pointless to worry about if that'll hurt us any. Like the guy in the Pre-med forums wondering if mentioning his acceptances in an interview will hurt him - he already said it, so why stress over it?

 

[Amadelphous]

Hey all, quick question. Long story short, I've been dragging my feet with this secondary and still have not submitted it. While I am aware of the fact that Duke has non-rolling admissions, I know that their interviews are handed out on a "rolling" basis. I am planning on submitting this secondary soon, but have I hurt my chances by not submitting it earlier?

I met several Duke students on my interview day who submitted on literally the last day. And they got in 👍

 

[FemalesCANTDriv]

There are a number of people in my class who applied at the last possible second and got in. True story.

 

[MBHockey]

Oh nah man, I knew you weren't being discouraging. It's just that a lot of posts on SDN are concerning issues people have no control over. We can't go back in time and submit it, so it's pointless to worry about if that'll hurt us any. Like the guy in the Pre-med forums wondering if mentioning his acceptances in an interview will hurt him - he already said it, so why stress over it?

Couldn't agree more man.

by the way...your avatar is awesome

 

[harvman11]

I was complete on October 20th and I just got my interview invite today, so they definitely haven't given them all out yet, just make sure you're done before the deadline. Give yourself some time to do the secondary though... as I'm sure you've seen, it's quite a different beast from the others.

 

[JOE Verghese]

There are a number of people in my class who applied at the last possible second and got in. True story.

As a Duke student, do you have an insights on what happens after interview? Do they rank the applicants or wait till all interviews are over for decisions? Can you submit updates on activites and will they look at it and is it worth sending it to convery any new information?

 

[kjsmith127]

There are a number of people in my class who applied at the last possible second and got in. True story.

Wow, that is reassuring. Proofreading mine right now and hoping to submit today if not Wednesday.

I can definitely sympathize with those dragging their feet. I am in the same boat. With me I'll write a few paragraphs and then decide that its not the right angle of approach.

Hopefully, our hard work will pay off and we'll get interviews.

 

[MBHockey]

I have my interview next week (it's my first one!) and I just thought of something. Where can I put my stuff during the interview day? I'll be staying at a hotel the previous night (I haven't gotten a response about the student host yet.)

Do they have a room where we can leave our overnight bags? It'd be stupid to pay for a hotel room for two days just to leave my bags there.

 

[twoinone]

yes they have a closet right across from the admissions office for you to store your luggage

 

[MrBurns10]

As a Duke student, do you have an insights on what happens after interview? Do they rank the applicants or wait till all interviews are over for decisions? Can you submit updates on activites and will they look at it and is it worth sending it to convery any new information?

They assign a score to your application within a week of your interview. A significant update might help, but I'm not sure anything less than that would make much of a difference. But then again, it can't hurt, right?

 

[MBHockey]

yes they have a closet right across from the admissions office for you to store your luggage

Great, thanks!

 

[kjsmith127]

There are a number of people in my class who applied at the last possible second and got in. True story.

Good to know. Submitting mine tomorrow hopefully...is the last second secondary thing only a Duke thing because its not rolling admissions. The rest of my secondaries are waiting in line until I was finished with this one since it was so involved. I got a 30Q on the Sept 10 MCAT have a cGPA 3.6 and lots of ECs and some research.

Any advice would help =) Thanks

 

[itsybitsy17]

Hey everyone,

I was wondering if anyone has an email address for the admissions office? I've been complete since the beginning of August and still no word. Im living abroad and need to let them know that I need to hear back soon, or I wont be able to interview (if offered). I can't find anything on the website. Help!

 

[robocop1998]

After having been out all night and waking up with a severe hangover, I just got an interview invite from Duke this morning (which cleared my hangover). There are a couple days available in Dec and a couple in Jan. Since Duke is non-rolling, does it matter if I interview earlier or later? I know for some schools that are "non-rolling," they actually start reviewing and making decision of your file right after the interview. Is Duke an actual "non-rolling" school and there is no benefit of interviewing earlier? Dec is a busy month for me so that's why I rather push it back to Jan. Thanks!

 

[keepthefaith]

After having been out all night and waking up with a severe hangover, I just got an interview invite from Duke this morning (which cleared my hangover). There are a couple days available in Dec and a couple in Jan. Since Duke is non-rolling, does it matter if I interview earlier or later? I know for some schools that are "non-rolling," they actually start reviewing and making decision of your file right after the interview. Is Duke an actual "non-rolling" school and there is no benefit of interviewing earlier? Dec is a busy month for me so that's why I rather push it back to Jan. Thanks!

I don't think it matters. I remember that my LORs were not in (Duke does not use the AMCAS service) and they told me it was ok, because they wouldn't review our files again until February. Hope this helps.

 

[kjsmith127]

After having been out all night and waking up with a severe hangover, I just got an interview invite from Duke this morning (which cleared my hangover). There are a couple days available in Dec and a couple in Jan. Since Duke is non-rolling, does it matter if I interview earlier or later? I know for some schools that are "non-rolling," they actually start reviewing and making decision of your file right after the interview. Is Duke an actual "non-rolling" school and there is no benefit of interviewing earlier? Dec is a busy month for me so that's why I rather push it back to Jan. Thanks!

Congrats and GL! May I ask when your app was complete?

 

[robocop1998]

i applied way back in august. as a matter of fact, it was so long ago that i almost forgot i applied to duke as well. never give up your hopes!

 

[chemistine]

After having been out all night and waking up with a severe hangover, I just got an interview invite from Duke this morning (which cleared my hangover). There are a couple days available in Dec and a couple in Jan. Since Duke is non-rolling, does it matter if I interview earlier or later? I know for some schools that are "non-rolling," they actually start reviewing and making decision of your file right after the interview. Is Duke an actual "non-rolling" school and there is no benefit of interviewing earlier? Dec is a busy month for me so that's why I rather push it back to Jan. Thanks!

There are available interview dates in Dec. and Jan.????? When I got the interview invite a week ago, there were none. So I had to reserve a spot in early Feb. Maybe some invitees withdrew?

 

[WahooBME]

I received an invite today as well. While there were Wednesday dates listed for Dec and Jan (the only dates listed), they were not actually available when I clicked on them. I ended up with a Feb date.

 

[BerlinDude]

So I am a re-applicant who was waitlisted here last year. I had a traditional interview last year and LOVED it. However, since my finances are a little low at this point and Duke is, as I remember, an expensive cross-country flight away, I'm considering a regional interview this year. I would never have considered this had I not had the first on-campus interview experience -- but since I have, and since I already know I love Duke, I think it's not a bad option for me. Do any people (especially those current Duke students who frequent this thread) have any opinions on the subject? I know that regional interviewees have just as good a shot as on-campus interviewees, but I don't want to see uncommitted to the school by not flying out for the interview.

Thanks 🙂

I don't think you have to worry about being perceived as uninterested - the fact that you are re-applying there shows your interest (I think). If you are worried about that, you can always send a letter of interest later on.

When you were waitlisted did Duke tell you any concerns they had about your application or ways to improve your application for next year (or did you not bother asking at all)?

 

[amt0908]

I also just got an interview invite this weekend (submitted in mid august)...I ended up with a Feb date...which look like they are some of the last interview slots.

 

[NotSur]

.

 

[lstone13]

I also just got an interview invite this weekend (submitted in mid august)...I ended up with a Feb date...which look like they are some of the last interview slots.

Congrats! Looks like I shouldn't expect anything from Duke. It was a reach school anyway. 🙁

 

[Steeler7588]

Just got an interview invite. I submitted last Thursday (11/12).

There's no more on-campus interview spots, ****. I was under the impression they'd have enough spots to accommodate everyone they invited... a wrong assumption, apparently. That's the only reason I was content with waiting so long to submit. Oh well, regional interview it is, I guess - major fail on my part.

Anyone know if there's a way to arrange a visit to the school, so I can check it out in person? Possibly coming up on one of the interview days, and just not interviewing? I'd gladly pass on a lunch, if that's an issue. 😛

 

[Dr Durden]

Anyone know if there's a way to arrange a visit to the school to check it out? Maybe coming up on one of the interview days and just not interviewing? I'd gladly pass on a lunch, if that's an issue. 😛

Though I'm sure the admissions office wouldn't mind ordering an extra lunch and letting you tag along for the day, I suggest you save some $$$ and instead come to second look weekend after you get accepted. You'll get to see much more of the school and your potential classmates then; plus it's much more of a

Good luck to you and the other posters!

And with that, I'm off to Cameron.

 

[Medmon]

Ill cya at the game tonight! Student section =D

 

[kjsmith127]

Just got an interview invite. I submitted last Thursday (11/12).

There's no more on-campus interview spots, ****. I was under the impression they'd have enough spots to accommodate everyone they invited... a wrong assumption, apparently. That's the only reason I was content with waiting so long to submit. Oh well, regional interview it is, I guess - major fail on my part.

Anyone know if there's a way to arrange a visit to the school, so I can check it out in person? Possibly coming up on one of the interview days, and just not interviewing? I'd gladly pass on a lunch, if that's an issue. 😛

Wow you got yours fast, I submitted mine on 11/11 so I here you on the lateness. Congrats - if you dont mind me asking what were your stats and EC's?

Still waiting here

 

[elementals]

I'm still working on my secondary. I ****ing hate the prompts. I seriously want to write "GO F--- YOURSELF!!!" in every box and turn it in. In fact, that's what I'm gonna go do. Right now.

...okay, it's not. 😛 But still. Five essay questions, 2-3 of them totally bizarre? REALLY, DUKE? REALLY?

@#$%@$#%$@!

>_<

 

[twoinone]

I'm still working on my secondary. I ****ing hate the prompts. I seriously want to write "GO F--- YOURSELF!!!" in every box and turn it in. In fact, that's what I'm gonna go do. Right now.

...okay, it's not. 😛 But still. Five essay questions, 2-3 of them totally bizarre? REALLY, DUKE? REALLY?

@#$%@$#%$@!

>_<

hasn't the deadline already passed for this cycle? 😕

 

[Tatastrophy]

I'm still working on my secondary. I ****ing hate the prompts. I seriously want to write "GO F--- YOURSELF!!!" in every box and turn it in. In fact, that's what I'm gonna go do. Right now.

...okay, it's not. 😛 But still. Five essay questions, 2-3 of them totally bizarre? REALLY, DUKE? REALLY?

@#$%@$#%$@!

>_<

you had the whole summer.
and they really aren't that bad.
has the deadline passed?

 

[AyCaramba]

I'm still working on my secondary. I ****ing hate the prompts. I seriously want to write "GO F--- YOURSELF!!!" in every box and turn it in. In fact, that's what I'm gonna go do. Right now.

...okay, it's not. 😛 But still. Five essay questions, 2-3 of them totally bizarre? REALLY, DUKE? REALLY?

@#$%@$#%$@!

>_<

hasn't the deadline already passed for this cycle? 😕

you had the whole summer.
and they really aren't that bad.
has the deadline passed?

lol looks like you don't have to do those "bizarre" essays anymore! Deadline was 11/15