2011-2012 Duke Application Thread

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I find it ironic that the one time in my life I'd like February to end quicker, it's a leap year. Bah.
 
I find it ironic that the one time in my life I'd like February to end quicker, it's a leap year. Bah.

Haha well put!

Although, since March 5th is a Monday, I'd guess that if this year wasn't a leap year, they might have planned to send out decisions on March 6th 😀
 
Does Duke have a Second Look Weekend? I did a virtual interview, so I missed out on visiting Durham. 🙁
 
Does Duke have a Second Look Weekend? I did a virtual interview, so I missed out on visiting Durham. 🙁

Yes, and last year's was epic and amazing (not to mention the number one reason I ultimately chose Duke over my other acceptances)....we'll do our best to convince you the same 🙂

good luck everyone! i hope y'all get good news next week :luck:
 
Yes, and last year's was epic and amazing (not to mention the number one reason I ultimately chose Duke over my other acceptances)....we'll do our best to convince you the same 🙂

good luck everyone! i hope y'all get good news next week :luck:

What made it epic?
 
Haha well put!

Although, since March 5th is a Monday, I'd guess that if this year wasn't a leap year, they might have planned to send out decisions on March 6th 😀

Hummm you make an excellent point 😛 Either way, it's game time baby
 
What made it epic?

How awesome everyone was. Just meeting students and talking to faculty without having the burden of uncertainty about whether or not you were going to be accepted was amazing, and I felt I got a much better sense about the school's culture and environment. It's great because the tables are turned...during interview season, you're trying to impress the school, but for Second Look, the school is trying to impress you 🙂

I would argue that it is hard to really get a feel of what students' experience is actually like during the interview season. At most schools, you talked to students during lunch and the tour, but with the interview weighing on your mind and with everyone saying "I love my school," it gets hard to differentiate after a while (at least, in my experience). I left interviews with a general sense, but actually being able to hang out with my hosts and see a bit more of the area made a big difference to me during Second Look.

I also really enjoyed seeing who my potential classmates might be. It's hard to judge on the interview trail about who you may be spending 4+ years with, since obviously not everyone who interviews with you ultimately gets accepted, and you have no idea of knowing during the interview day who from your group is in or not. I was blown away by my future classmates, and I knew it was a peer group that I could really see myself in.

Go to as many Second Looks as you can if you can afford the time/money/etc, honestly. Similar to my philosophy on interviews...the money you spend flying to places (and for Second Look, most places have student hosts, so it's not like you should be paying for hotels...) is a drop in the bucket compared to potential loans that you will be taking out for tuition, cost of living, etc. It's well worth it to really have as much information as you can when it comes to May 15 and you have to decide which school you want to put your deposit down for.

Feel free to PM me with questions and whatnot, and I hope to meet you guys during Duke's Second Look!
 
How about someone (not me of course 🙂 ) takes one for the team, calls Duke, and cordially requests them to release decisions on Friday instead. Really, what will the weekend help? 😀
 
Did anyone send Duke an update letter? I have a few very recent things to add to my application, but I can't seem to find their preferred method of contact for this.
 
Did anyone send Duke an update letter? I have a few very recent things to add to my application, but I can't seem to find their preferred method of contact for this.

I recall Mr. RW (and the administration lady, I can't for the life of me remember her name) saying that they don't accept post-interview updates or LOI, but just in case, I'd email admissions and ask them about it. They were really helpful (and surprisingly cheerful) when I asked them stupid questions, so I'm sure they'll happily assist you as well.
 
Did anyone send Duke an update letter? I have a few very recent things to add to my application, but I can't seem to find their preferred method of contact for this.

During the interview day, they said don't send them in because your file is reviewed and decided on (ranked is probably the more appropriate word) within like two weeks.
 
I brought a hard copy update with me on interview day, and they said it would be reviewed with my application.
 
Wow, thanks everyone for the quick responses (I wish the med schools were as prompt)! I guess I'll just have to hope my application is good enough as is.
 
I e-mailed Mr. Wallace and he told me that I could send an update directly to him, so I did. Whether or not it helps at this point though is debatable.
 
On my day, we were told duke has no interest in getting any letters of interest and no intent to consider letters of intent. I've called the office before too and I have been told they do not accept updates, but that they will let us know if they begin to do so. Seconded on the Friday release question 🙂

Good luck guys
 
I e-mailed Mr. Wallace and he told me that I could send an update directly to him, so I did. Whether or not it helps at this point though is debatable.


Would it be too late to send any updates at this point?? 😛 at D-6? I'm even dreaming about getting a letter from Duke. Last night, it was a super ambiguous letter and I couldn't figure out if they were saying I got in or not....
 
I actually sent my update letter via e-mail to an admissions staff member about 10 days ago. She gave me her personal e-mail and said it would be quicker to do it that way. I believe it was Ms. Clark, and she was super nice. I actually asked her whether it is too late now to send in an update letter (at that point) and she said it wasn't. I'm not sure whether she was trying to just comfort me or whether it was the truth thou haha. Good luck everyone 🙂
 
It surely wouldn't hurt to send an update. At worst it doesn't affect your decision. I don't think they will reject you because you sent it 🙂
 
It surely wouldn't hurt to send an update. At worst it doesn't affect your decision. I don't think they will reject you because you sent it 🙂

Or they'll think "wow, this person doesn't listen to directions... Automatic rejection!" 🙂

On a happier/more stressful note... It's March, in Duke time!
 
I've had a severe aversion to Duke basketball ever since I first cared about the NCAA, but now whenever I see Duke highlights my heart jumps a little bit
 
I am curious to see how much the MMI is worth in terms of getting in.
 
I am curious to see how much the MMI is worth in terms of getting in.

I think Mr. Wallace said that the interview day is 25% of the total evaluation. Does anyone else recall this number?

Duke also says that applicants are evaluated over the course of the full day, so maybe the actual MMI contribution is less than 25%.
 
I don't remember hearing about the 25%, but then again, I sat in the back when Mr. Wallace was speaking and I could barely hear him.

But just curious - when would we have been evaluated apart from the MMI? Everything else during the day was done in the huge group, where it'd be hard for anyone Duke-affiliated to remember who was doing what, no?!
 
I don't remember hearing about the 25%, but then again, I sat in the back when Mr. Wallace was speaking and I could barely hear him.

But just curious - when would we have been evaluated apart from the MMI? Everything else during the day was done in the huge group, where it'd be hard for anyone Duke-affiliated to remember who was doing what, no?!

Same - How would they know?
 
Not sure if Duke does this, but I was told that some medical universities (in the UK, although I'm sure some US schools do it too) plant fake "interviewees" within the interview group to more closely monitor candidates (when my friend told me about this, I was like shiiiaaat...) but again I have no idea if this is what Duke does
 
Not sure if Duke does this, but I was told that some medical universities (in the UK, although I'm sure some US schools do it too) plant fake "interviewees" within the interview group to more closely monitor candidates (when my friend told me about this, I was like shiiiaaat...) but again I have no idea if this is what Duke does
🙄:idea:now that i think about it, one of the lady interviewees looked suspicious! 😡:scared::scared::meanie:
 
Not sure if Duke does this, but I was told that some medical universities (in the UK, although I'm sure some US schools do it too) plant fake "interviewees" within the interview group to more closely monitor candidates (when my friend told me about this, I was like shiiiaaat...) but again I have no idea if this is what Duke does

That would be a great setting for a new season of The Mole.
 
Not sure if Duke does this, but I was told that some medical universities (in the UK, although I'm sure some US schools do it too) plant fake "interviewees" within the interview group to more closely monitor candidates (when my friend told me about this, I was like shiiiaaat...) but again I have no idea if this is what Duke does

That's terrifying to think about.
 
Everyone relax. What they mean when they say you are evaluated over the course of the day is that anyone you interact with is welcome to provide the committee with information about you. If someone thought you were "that guy" and cared enough, the could approach the adcom. Likewise, if someone you ran into thought you would be a perfect fit for Duke, they could also approach the adcom. There is no nefarious plot, no crazy hidden recording devices, just a way for people who you interact with during the day to have some input.
In short, if you were generally polite and respectful to everyone (applicants, staff, physicians, etc.) on your interview day, this will not effect you at all. If, on the other hand, you punched someone in the face, then you have reason to worry.
 
Everyone relax. What they mean when they say you are evaluated over the course of the day is that anyone you interact with is welcome to provide the committee with information about you. If someone thought you were "that guy" and cared enough, the could approach the adcom. Likewise, if someone you ran into thought you would be a perfect fit for Duke, they could also approach the adcom. There is no nefarious plot, no crazy hidden recording devices, just a way for people who you interact with during the day to have some input.
In short, if you were generally polite and respectful to everyone (applicants, staff, physicians, etc.) on your interview day, this will not effect you at all. If, on the other hand, you punched someone in the face, then you have reason to worry.

Uh oh. :scared:

But yeah, I just figured that the Duke people were just observing us in general, making sure that none of us seemed obviously awful.
 
Uh oh. :scared:

But yeah, I just figured that the Duke people were just observing us in general, making sure that none of us seemed obviously awful.


This random bird just punched me in the face. What the hell!!! That bird is def. not coming HERE!!!
 
Is anyone else going to be suddenly interested in March Madness and cheering for Duke this year if they get in? I really don't care about college basketball (being a hockey loving Canadian) but can't wait to watch some games next year at Duke.

Otherwise, I bought a "Duke Medicine" hoodie while there and should I fail to get accepted I'm going to have a ritualistic burning.
 
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