Duke Academic Calendar

Does Duke Use Semesters Or Quarters?

Does Duke use semesters or quarters? The Duke academic calendar is comprised of two semesters, fall and spring terms, and an optional summer term. In the standard eight semesters of enrollment, undergraduates at Duke are required to complete either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree. The academic dean of a student may extend this time for one fall or spring semester if it is necessary for academic reasons.

Students who receive an extra semester to accomplish academic requirements are expected to do it by the end of the ninth semester. Students who receive the ninth semester to finish their athletic eligibility requirements will receive a ninth semester that falls during their sporting season.

The student-athlete will typically be requested to take a leave of absence in the preceding fall semester if the athletic season is in the spring. The circumstances will be examined on a case-by-case basis if a student athlete’s eligibility and season happen to overlap the autumn and spring. More than ten undergraduate semesters of enrollment are never allowed at Duke.

Here’s an outline of the Duke academic calendar for the 2022-2023 academic year.

Summer Term 2022

Fall Term 2022

Spring Term 2023

How Many Classes Can You Take In A Semester At Duke?

Now that we have learned about the Duke academic calendar, you might wonder “How many classes can you take in a semester at Duke?” Except when specifically permitted to enroll in an underload by your Academic Dean, students are required to enroll in at least 4.0 course credits each semester. This rule is carefully upheld. These credits must be entire 1.0 credit courses for first-year students.

A typical course load consists of 4.0 credits.

• These credits must be entire 1.0 credit courses for first-year students.
• Using partial credits to make up a typical course load might have negative effects; therefore, it should be carefully evaluated.
• Your eligibility for the Dean’s List and Dean’s List with Distinction may be affected if you use partial credit to make up a regular course load. Additionally, it can jeopardize your chances of admission to graduate and professional programs.

A course load of 4.5 to 6.0 credits is considered an overload.

What is the application deadline for Duke?

What is the application deadline for Duke? You can either apply to Duke using the Early Decision option or Regular Decision. Let’s learn more about these admission options at Duke.

Early Decision

Mid-August

• Applications for Early Decision, Common Applications, and Coalition Applications will be accepted

November 1

• Application for Early Decision Deadline
• High School Records (will accept through November 20)
• Grades for the first quarter (submit via Optional Report; will accept through November 20 or when your first term ends)
• Report from the secondary school with counselor’s recommendation (will accept through November 20)
• Two recommendations from teachers (will accept through November 20)
• Scores on the SAT or ACT (optional, last day to take standardized tests is November 6)
• The Arts Supplement (optional)
• Financial aid applications
• CSS Profile
• FAFSA

November 15

• Additional Financial Aid Documents (like your taxes)

Mid-December

• Decisions are made public

Regular Decision

Mid-August

• The Common Application or Coalition Application are made accessible

December 20

• The application deadline (student section only) for alumni interview priority consideration.

January 3

• Application for Regular Decision Deadline
• Two teacher recommendations
• High School Transcript
• Secondary School Report with Counselor Recommendation
• Scores on the SAT or ACT (optional, standardized tests must be taken by January 31)
• The Arts Supplement (optional)

February 1

• Financial Aid Forms
• CSS Profile
• FAFSA

February 15

• Midyear Grade Report (or as soon as first marking period grades are available)

Late March/Early April

• Release of decisions

What Are the Big Social Events At Duke?

While Duke presents itself as a place of serious scholarship and high-minded academics, the university also has several customs that help keep things light-hearted. Now, what are the big social events at Duke? Here are some of the remarkable events that students anticipate outside the Duke academic calendar.

Basketball Game

Nearly every part of Duke life revolves around basketball, which also dominates the school’s traditions. Duke’s games versus rival UNC, which are played just eight miles away, are some of the most important occasions of the year. Duke and UNC play each other at least twice a season and have been playing each other on the court for almost 100 years. In terms of victories, Duke is close behind UNC’s team in fourth place, while UNC is third.

The basketball team and a group of supporters who refer to themselves as “Cameron Crazies”—named after the school’s primary stadium Cameron Stadium—are, unsurprisingly, the subjects of the most well-known traditions. In order to distract the opposition squad and give the Blue Devils an advantage, the Crazies support their team by dressing up in crazy costumes and packing the student section.

Last Day of Classes (LDOC)

The Last Day of Classes (LDOC), a campus-wide celebration with music, art, and socializing that takes place on the last day of class in accordance with the Duke academic calendar, is Duke’s most well-known tradition off the court. At LDOC, performers have included Run DMC, The Roots, Wilco, Ludacris, Beck, Kanye West, and Kendrick Lamar.

“Everytime We Touch” Song

When the song “Everytime We Touch” by Cascada plays, Duke students stop what they’re doing and start singing, applauding, and dancing—one it’s of the school’s odd and more recent traditions. Although the basketball team is where this phenomenon first started, the tradition has since extended throughout the institution.

Midnight Breakfast

The Midnight Breakfast is on the calmer side of things. Prior to exams, students gather to take a break from their studies and support one another by eating breakfast at the stroke of midnight. For first-year students, the Midnight Breakfast is included in the meal plan; however, additional participants must make separate payments.

What Is It Like Being At Duke?

Academic excellence, social involvement, and elite athletic achievement are all offered at Duke University in a distinctive and appealing way. Duke Institution was founded in 1838 and became a private comprehensive teaching and research university in 1924. More than what could be seen in the busy schedule of Duke academic calendar, what is it like being at Duke? Here’s a sneak peek of the Duke student life.

Academics

Duke University offers graduate and professional programs in the arts, sciences, business, divinity, engineering, the environment, law, public policy, medicine, and nursing in addition to undergraduate programs in liberal arts and engineering. There are 53 majors, 52 minors, and 23 certifications available at Duke University. These majors span a wide range of interests, from African & African American Studies to Visual Arts.

Double majors are chosen by 20% of Duke undergraduates, however they are unusual between Trinity College of Arts & Sciences and the Pratt School of Engineering. The 4+1 curriculum offered by the Pratt School of Engineering is a well-liked choice for undergrads. With the help of the 4+1 program, engineering students can earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years. The program is accessible for all of Pratt’s master’s degrees.

Duke’s Program II is exclusive. Program II is not a normal major; rather, it is a customized degree path that enables students to investigate a particular field of research. Frequently, this field is one of interdisciplinary or developing knowledge that is not offered in current majors. Students collaborate with a committee to create coursework that leads to a bachelor’s degree in either the arts or sciences.

Housing

Freshmen reside together on the East Campus throughout their first three years as undergraduates at Duke, and living on campus is obligatory. On campus, there are a few living-learning communities that give students the chance to integrate the residential component of college with other academic and social interests.

Athletics

With some of the most gifted scholar-athletes in the country as well as devoted supporters known as the Cameron Crazies, Duke’s athletic program is consistently rated as one of the strongest and most competitive in the country. Duke, a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference, offers various intramural, recreational, and club sports in addition to thirteen men’s and thirteen women’s varsity teams.

For what is Duke renowned? Basketball! The Blue Devils are one of the most renowned and successful basketball teams in the nation; they have participated in 11 championship games and won five national championships.

Even though Duke’s men’s basketball team gets all the attention, its women’s golf team has a successful track record. They captured their seventh NCAA title in 2019 and have sent a large number of pupils to compete on the LPGA.

Student Clubs and Activities

Around 2,000 students (or one-third of all undergraduates) participate in Greek life on Duke’s campus, which has a significant impact on campus culture. The college’s 24 fraternities and 18 sororities play a significant role in shaping its social environment. In addition, at Duke, there are many options outside of academics and sports. More than 400 student clubs and groups call the institution home.

Location

One of the most beautiful campuses in America is where our students spend four years. It features soaring Gothic buildings, cutting-edge research and teaching facilities, lush botanical gardens, and easily accessible athletic and leisure areas.

Durham, the hometown of Duke, is a historic center for the tobacco and textile industries that has grown to become the technological epicenter of North Carolina’s Research Triangle. It is regularly ranked as one of the most enticing and exciting cities in which to live. Durham’s arts, culture, leisure activities, and restaurants have gained a following on a national scale, and the area offers a wide range of post-graduate career prospects.

Finally, Durham’s weather is a favorite of practically everyone. It is a simple transition for students from various locations due to mild winters and average high temperatures of 60°F for nine months of the year.

If you get accepted to Duke, its reputation will open a lot of doors for you. You will be inspired to follow your passions, curiosity, and goals wherever they may take you in addition to receiving a top-notch education from expert instructors.

Duke evaluates applications holistically, so they are interested in more than simply your academic performance. In addition to what you have accomplished, they also consider your interests as well as your distinct perspective, experiences, and history. Better prepare your requirements early and check out the Duke academic calendar to see what awaits you.

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