Blog Roll

In the picture-perfect world of many universities' admissions websites, a genuine reflection of campus can be rare. How do prospective students know they're getting the real scoop?

It may be easier when the scoop is coming from students themselves. Starting this fall, Duke's undergraduate admissions office has assigned seven students to blog about their experiences in and out of the classroom, part of an effort to give prospective students a more intimate look at life at Duke.

"Ultimately, no one can describe the Duke undergraduate experience better than the students themselves," says Christoph Guttentag, dean of undergraduate admissions.

The seven bloggers come from a variety of backgrounds, majors, and class levels and include one international student from Thailand. So far, they've been writing about all facets of Duke life, from move-in day to studying abroad to being part of the Cameron Crazies.

"I really want to be able to give prospective students a real and tangible perspective on what it is like to be a college student and, specifically, what it is like to be a Duke student," says Sarah Haas '15, one of the bloggers. "I remember going through the application process and picking a college, and I would have loved to have been able to read a student blog like this one."

Evidently others agree. The number of students applying to Duke's early-decision period rose by 23 percent from last year. Sure, it's not all because of blogging, but it shows a little authenticity can't hurt.