You know that guy with red hair who sits two rows behind you in bio lecture? Or what about the cute girl who always arrives late to your Monday English class? He or she could be your perfect match.
Before this week you may never have had an opportunity to find out--but don't despair, you now have that chance.
As a fundraiser, the Community Service Center is offering a computer-generated compatibility test that aims to find a "special someone" for its participants. By filling out a short questionnaire, students will be matched with other Duke undergraduates, male and/or female, based on defining personality traits and preferences. "Should girls pay for the date if they ask the guy out?" and "If you won $25,000 in the lottery, how would you use the money?" are among several inquiries in the questionnaire.
Students can pick up their results in February and find out their 10 most compatible matches at Duke, just in time for Valentine's Day.
The questionnaire may remind you of similar surveys taken in high school. This time around, however, it's for a good cause and not just for the computer club or student council. Participants are encouraged to donate a small sum, at least $1, to obtain the results. Proceeds will benefit 34 Million Friends, a grassroots organization that raises money for the United Nations Population Fund, organizers said.
"We used to do this in high school," freshman participant Bryan Gibson remembered. "It was always funny when you got paired with one of your friends' girlfriend. But I promise I'm doing it now for charity!"
Tabling for the compatibility match will continue on the Bryan Center walkway today. As of the last tabling on Wednesday, about 200 students have participated and organizers are considering extending the service until next week.
Bianca Forde, a junior, participated in the survey in hopes of meeting new people.
"I've been here for three years, and I'm convinced that there is no one here at Duke for me," she said. "It would be cute if I actually did meet someone through this."
The compatibility test may not only be a way to expand social networks, but may also be the answer to the often frustrating "hook-up" culture at Duke. Survey volunteer Erin Harper, a senior, acknowledged this may be an attractive reason for why students are interested in participating.
Students have the option of including their phone number on the questionnaire, providing an easy way for their "perfect match" to get in contact with them.
"I've been tabling all day... and I've overheard people say, 'What the hell, I'm single, I'll put my number down,'" she said.
Other students, however, are not going to wait passively for their match to call them. Some students said they may choose to take the plunge and make the first call--and change the campus dating attitude.
"The dating scene needs to be majorly revamped here. At most places, guys go to the girl. But with this matching service, I just might contact the guy," said sophomore Stephanie Reaves.
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