First Year Experience
During their first year, merit scholars can expect to take part in four OUSF sponsored events, designed to help them acclimate to life at Duke and college in general. Scholars can expect to attend lectures on getting involved in undergraduate research, forming relationships with faculty members, and learning how to navigate the myriad resources Duke has to offer them. We also save plenty of time for social events too!
Second Year Experience
As sophomores, merit scholars will participate in a program designed to help them develop closer relationships with faculty. Four times a year, sophomore merit scholars will meet for the Critical Conversations and Faculty Flash Talks discussions. In these thematic programs, Duke faculty members will present their research as a panel of experts, following which each faculty member will hold rotating small-group conversations with scholars.
Third and Fourth Year Experience
During their junior and senior years, merit scholars become very involved in their chosen fields of study. OUSF and their faculty directors support them with advice, opportunities to enhance their studies through enrichment funded experiences, and twice yearly programs that connect them with alumni who have gone on to graduate and professional schools or who have gone directly into the workforce. We also encourage merit scholars to connect with our Nationally Competitive Scholarships team to help them define and refine their long term goals beyond Duke.