2013-2014 Duke University Application Thread

BU Medical Sciences
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Does anyone know when Second Look Weekend will be? They didn't mention anything in about in the email. Congrats to everyone!!
 
Anonymous1991 said:
I would be pretty disappointed in Duke if they sent out mass acceptances Saturday and waited until Monday for rejections and WLs.
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i really feel like at this point I need to stop checking this thread. what am i still doing here? Congrats to everyone accepted! I'm sure you all deserved it. to everyone that wasn't, including me, everything will be ok. We'll figure things out and move on and still end up doing what we want to do and love. Good luck to all of you!
 
Anonymous1991 said:
I would be pretty disappointed in Duke if they sent out mass acceptances Saturday and waited until Monday for rejections and WLs.
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Unless it gives them the weekend to receive withdrawals from some accepted students, allowing them to send a few more acceptances Monday, then waitlists.
 
DChef said:
Unless it gives them the weekend to receive withdrawals from some accepted students, allowing them to send a few more acceptances Monday, then waitlists.
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Just when I was trying to give up hope! This would actually be smart of them to do - good point.
 
Anonymous1991 said:
I would be pretty disappointed in Duke if they sent out mass acceptances Saturday and waited until Monday for rejections and WLs.
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I'm imagining that Richard Wallace is going to sit in his office for the next 48 hours straight, going through our files one by one, remembering all the great times we had together, trying to emotionally let go of all the stellar applicants that they can't fit into their class. He'll ask his teddy bear for moral support before he throws our applications onto a bonfire raging in the corner of the office. Then he'll sit down at the computer, tears in his eyes, and compose a rejection letter that is so heartfelt that it changes the rest of our lives.
 
Espadaleader said:
What up?! We in here!!!!
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You got in too? Congrats bro! Surreal, aint it?

Also, to all the backlash that @Espadaleader has been receiving lately: I think its important that we remember just how much work went in to getting this far. It's understandable for someone to want to share the fruition of all of their hard work, and I believe they should be free to do so. I don't think anything said in espadaleader's posts were unusually brash or boastful - the guy is just happy.

I think hearing bad news makes everyone a bit sensitive (trust me, I remember from back when I applied to college), but its important that we be happy for one another! Remember, we have ALL accomplished a lot - PLEASE don't let a waitlist or rejection make you forget that. As has been said previously, if you managed to snag even just an interview at Duke, YOU WILL BE FINE! We'll all be doctors. I do, though, pray that you all get to train at your dream institutions! Simply because you deserve it. Good luck!
 
Just to confirm -- Second Look will run from the morning of April 11th until lunch on April 13th. MSTP Second Look is typically an extra day before that (Thursday) for the annual MSTP Symposium and for meeting potential research mentors.

To those who were accepted, congratulations -- you have a challenging decision ahead of you. I encourage you to check out the student-run website, dukedavisoncouncil.org to learn more about the DukeMed experience. There are several videos on the rotating slideshow on the front page that have students talking about their Duke experiences.

To those you unfortunately received bad news from Duke, I want to echo the words of the poster above me. The fact that you got anyone got a Duke interview means that you've accomplished a lot and you're a seriously competitive candidate. Don't lose hope, because there are other equally awesome schools that will be lucky to have you in their incoming class.
 
wait list... heck yeah im staying on rw
 
... Except nobody who has posted here has received a rejection yet. That Duke sent out acceptances over the weekend but didn't provide any other news is kind of shoddy. While I understand that there could be very good reasons for the delay, like a tiny second round of acceptances based on offers being immediately declined, and that the hard-working admissions folks might need a rest on Sunday, the admissions office should have notified applicants of the delay and the reasons for the delay. The lack of transparency on Duke's part is frustrating and, in most other fields would be considered unprofessional. If I told an group affiliate, colleague, customer, boss, job applicant, etc. that I would do something by a certain date and then both did not complete the task AND didn't let them know when it would actually be completed, that would reflect poorly on my organization, and that's pretty much what Duke has done to applicants.

Congrats to those who heard something this weekend.

*edited to account for new posts
 
Rejected just now. Congrats to everyone accepted and good luck to those on the waitlist!
 
Still haven't heard.... Not good news. Assuming a rejection by now.
 
Just got rejection email.

Kinda glad they did not waste a spot on me as I would probably have withdrawn. Congratulations to everyone that got in and good luck to everyone else!
 
Waitlisted, email today at 7:30am. Really hope that this year is different and there is actually some movement. Also did they increase their class size? I thought my student host said their class was 100ish.
 
My hope is that if info from some MS-1s is accurate, this year they are more strict with acceptances (175ish for 100~ was someone's calculation), perhaps there would be more waitlist movements than last year, when they supposedly accepted 200+?
 
Waitlisted, but will be withdrawing. Good luck to those on the waitlist 🙂
 
WL here. Current students... Any idea of how many are on the waitlist?
 
Rejected via e-mail this morning. Good luck to those on the WL.
 
Daisy4 said:
... Except nobody who has posted here has received a rejection yet. That Duke sent out acceptances over the weekend but didn't provide any other news is kind of shoddy. While I understand that there could be very good reasons for the delay, like a tiny second round of acceptances based on offers being immediately declined, and that the hard-working admissions folks might need a rest on Sunday, the admissions office should have notified applicants of the delay and the reasons for the delay. The lack of transparency on Duke's part is frustrating and, in most other fields would be considered unprofessional. If I told an group affiliate, colleague, customer, boss, job applicant, etc. that I would do something by a certain date and then both did not complete the task AND didn't let them know when it would actually be completed, that would reflect poorly on my organization, and that's pretty much what Duke has done to applicants.

Congrats to those who heard something this weekend.

*edited to account for new posts
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Except no one ever gave strict dates, they have targets and admitted that the storms this year have caused delays. Perhaps you were unaware, but Durham was hit by TWO ice/snow systems just in the last week - one of which was just 24 hrs before their last target day. If your work required looking closely at applications with your entire team and you couldn't be with your team for upwards of 1-2 weeks this cycle because of freak weather, I at least would give you a break. They got it done a week from their original target and even worked on a weekend that had Durham's first beautiful day in months to do it. If you think that's lazy and Duke let you down, then I hope you're never my boss haha.

Hope you have luck at Duke or elsewhere, and, if elsewhere, that they let you know 12 am on their target date or earlier!
 
DChef said:
Except no one ever gave strict dates, they have targets and admitted that the storms this year have caused delays. Perhaps you were unaware, but Durham was hit by TWO ice/snow systems just in the last week - one of which was just 24 hrs before their last target day. If your work required looking closely at applications with your entire team and you couldn't be with your team for upwards of 1-2 weeks this cycle because of freak weather, I at least would give you a break. They got it done a week from their original target and even worked on a weekend that had Durham's first beautiful day in months to do it. If you think that's lazy and Duke let you down, then I hope you're never my boss haha.

Hope you have luck at Duke or elsewhere, and, if elsewhere, that they let you know 12 am on their target date or earlier!
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Sorry to hear your professors, coaches, and bosses don't hold you to very high standards with respect to following through on commitments. I've found that high school and college students who are held to high standards of timeliness tend to be more reliable later in their careers, but what do I know anyway. It's not about being perfectly on time with everything ever, it's about being up front about delays.

Anyway, I'd work on your sarcasm craftsmanship.

Best of luck to you, DC Chef!
 
This is mostly for the MS1's I suppose, but does anyone have any idea how responsive Duke might be to updates/letters of interest/letters of intent? I know if I were accepted I would certainly matriculate, but I don't want to seem desperate or send a letter than will be disregarded or rub the AdCom the wrong way. Also, should I send a letter now, a letter closer to May 15, or both?
 
happyfeet1292 said:
This is mostly for the MS1's I suppose, but does anyone have any idea how responsive Duke might be to updates/letters of interest/letters of intent? I know if I were accepted I would certainly matriculate, but I don't want to seem desperate or send a letter than will be disregarded or rub the AdCom the wrong way. Also, should I send a letter now, a letter closer to May 15, or both?
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I don't think you would sound desperate. If anything, they know they will have you as a student if you are accepted. They will also appreciate your interest.
 
happyfeet1292 said:
This is mostly for the MS1's I suppose, but does anyone have any idea how responsive Duke might be to updates/letters of interest/letters of intent? I know if I were accepted I would certainly matriculate, but I don't want to seem desperate or send a letter than will be disregarded or rub the AdCom the wrong way. Also, should I send a letter now, a letter closer to May 15, or both?
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Yeah, I really don't think it could hurt at all to write one.
 
happyfeet1292 said:
This is mostly for the MS1's I suppose, but does anyone have any idea how responsive Duke might be to updates/letters of interest/letters of intent? I know if I were accepted I would certainly matriculate, but I don't want to seem desperate or send a letter than will be disregarded or rub the AdCom the wrong way. Also, should I send a letter now, a letter closer to May 15, or both?
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WL too and was wondering the same!
 
Any thoughts on when to send a WL update? I had one that was too late to send in during the normal cycle but would love to send now. I'm thinking I should send it ASAP - what do you guys think?
 
I would send in any LOIs soon, like maybe within the next week. Desperation only comes through if that's the tone of the letter, otherwise it seems like a "this is important to me, I'm going to do this now" sort of thing. Waiting too long could result in the opposite assumption - that Duke is your last resort. That may be true, even if not by choice, but that's not what your letter should be getting across.

I have no idea how much movement there will be, but hopefully someone with handy contacts scrolls through and gives you a better idea. Based on previous posts, and the concern for over enrollment during my interview day very late in the season, it sounds as if there will be more movement this year than during others.
 
member1029 said:
Hello,

Two question-topics:

1. Second Look
I'm debating as to whether or not to go to second look, as I'll be volunteering/traveling/researching across Latin America starting on March 30th. I could definitely fly to Durham for the weekend, but I'm wondering if it'll be worth it. I can afford the plane ticket: What do you think?

2. Housing
Any advice as to how to find good housing? Does anyone have any info re housing options? Do most students drive to school or do most try to live within walking distance? I hear The Lofts, Station 9, and Alexan Place are popular among med students, but I'm not seeing any 1BRs under 1k/month listed. Is this an unrealistic expectation?

I know that second look weekend features a tour of popular apartment complexes. Which ones? Also, I hear that second look prospective students get a housing info packet -- would anyone be willing to PM me this? The quality of this info may help me decide whether or not to attend second look.

Thanks!
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1. If you have multiple acceptances and you think the weekend may sway your final decision, then go if you can. If Duke is it and there aren't any lingering questions, I wouldn't waste the time or money - just be sure to ask if there are any handouts going to accepted students and if they can be sent to you. Seeing as we could email our statements of intent, I doubt that would be a problem.

2. There are many, many housing options in Durham. Some students I know drive into school since the apartments closest to the hospital (the Belmont, Trinity, Lofts etc) are also more expensive. You will need a car as a student regardless, since it's difficult to get around in NC without one and if you spend time in clinics, they are spread around the area (and even the state). Duke grad students will often live at Pinnacle Ridge, Beech Lake, or Springfield Apartments (all on University Drive) which are about a 10-15 min drive from the hospital and are cheaper than living right next door, but are also in a not very exciting area. Think middle schools, Target, and a Wendy's. Also available are several developments downtown, especially near Duke East Campus (on a bus line you can take to the hospital if you so choose), but it's relatively cheap and provides access to bars, restaurants, performing arts center, and Durham Bulls athletic park. This includes West Village Apartments, Station Nine (very close to the hospital), some others if you google.

I'm sure there will also be some sort of Facebook group or website where current students can give recommendations or even offer a space in their own apartments! And if you ask someone to take pictures of the apartment tour or whatever, I'm sure someone would be willing to help out.

Edit: Spelling
 
Current student here. Concur on point 1 above. If you're unsure on where you want to go, visiting your options is definitely a good idea. If you can't visit, we're working to make sure the information from Second Look get posted on the student website or the Facebook group.

As for housing: the places around campus are definitely pricy but there are much more reasonable options a little further away. I've personally have never lived in any of the places right by campus but I know people who have and who have valued the proximity (especially during clinical years). I lived in an apartment complex about 10-12 minutes away (look at the ones DChef posted) and you should be able to get a 1BR for ~$750 and a 2BR for ~$1000/month. Once a Facebook group gets started, I'm sure people will be looking for roommates/housemates as well as giving housing advice. If you're not able to come to Second Look, PM me and I can see if I can dig up last year's housing guide.
 
DChef said:
1. If you have multiple acceptances and you think the weekend may sway your final decision, then go if you can. If Duke is it and there aren't any lingering questions, I wouldn't waste the time or money - just be sure to ask if there are any handouts going to accepted students and if they can be sent to you. Seeing as we could email our statements of intent, I doubt that would be a problem.

2. There are many, many housing options in Durham. Some students I know drive into school since the apartments closest to the hospital (the Belmont, Trinity, Lofts etc) are also more expensive. You will need a car as a student regardless, since it's difficult to get around in NC without one and if you spend time in clinics, they are spread around the area (and even the state). Duke grad students will often live at Pinnacle Ridge, Beech Lake, or Springfield Apartments (all on University Drive) which are about a 10-15 min drive from the hospital and are cheaper than living right next door, but are also in a not very exciting area. Think middle schools, Target, and a Wendy's. Also available are several developments downtown, especially near Duke East Campus (on a bus line you can take to the hospital if you so choose), but it's relatively cheap and provides access to bars, restaurants, performing arts center, and Durham Bulls athletic park. This includes West Village Apartments, Station Nine (very close to the hospital), some others if you google.

I'm sure there will also be some sort of Facebook group or website where current students can give recommendations or even offer a space in their own apartments! And if you ask someone to take pictures of the apartment tour or whatever, I'm sure someone would be willing to help out.

Edit: Spelling
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eagleeyes said:
Current student here. Concur on point 1 above. If you're unsure on where you want to go, visiting your options is definitely a good idea. If you can't visit, we're working to make sure the information from Second Look get posted on the student website or the Facebook group.

As for housing: the places around campus are definitely pricy but there are much more reasonable options a little further away. I've personally have never lived in any of the places right by campus but I know people who have and who have valued the proximity (especially during clinical years). I lived in an apartment complex about 10-12 minutes away (look at the ones DChef posted) and you should be able to get a 1BR for ~$750 and a 2BR for ~$1000/month. Once a Facebook group gets started, I'm sure people will be looking for roommates/housemates as well as giving housing advice. If you're not able to come to Second Look, PM me and I can see if I can dig up last year's housing guide.
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.
 
Last edited:
Questions!

1) Can any current students comment on what the average day during your MS1 year is like? How long are you in lecture? Are lectures mandatory? Are they recorded? I read online that students rotate through writing "high quality notes" from lecture to share with the rest of the class. How often is each student expected to compile these notes?

2) Is there any PBL/TBL/CBL? Roughly how much? Do you enjoy the exercises and/or find them effective?

3) I see Duke is P/F. Is there internal ranking?
 
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