<p>So I just got back from visiting Duke and it's definitely my top choice. I realize everyone and their mom and dad posts these chance threads but I would appreciate any input.
GPA- 4.0 unweighted
Rank- 6 out of 266
SAT- CR 780 M 630 W 770 for total of 2180 superscored ( I realize the Math looks bad but that's seriously the best I can do, that 630 took me hours upon hours of studying to get)
SAT IIs- US History 790 World History 700 Literature 710</p>
<p>EC's
Member of Marching Band, Jazz Band, Brass Ensemble, Beta Club, NHS
Elected as Band Captain (Highest position in marching band)
Founder and President of a Libertarian Political Club
Ayn Rand "Anthem" Essay Contest National Semifinalist
Governor's Honors Program State Alternate
Boys State Participant- National Finalist for Samsung American Legion Scholarship
Louis Armstrong Jazz Award
Active in church- youth group member
church orchestra member
around 200 hrs of community service related to mission trips, etc
Science Fair 3rd Place
Science Fair 2nd Place
I'm sure I forgot some other stuff
I will have 5 or maybe 6 AP's out of 10-11 that my school offers. The rest were all honors.</p>
<p>sounds pretty good… i had very similar stats (grades, AP’s, SAT scores, number of activities) and i got waitlisted & taken off the waitlist. so basically duke is definitely not out of your range. however, early decision may help you out.</p>
<p>Sounds good!!
OK maths a tad bit low. But like you said, you’ve tried your hardest and I think that’s all one can do. (the same holds true for me, no matter how many I sit the SATs, my maths won’t go higher than a 730 )</p>
<p>It doesn’t seem as if you want to major in anything related engineering/sciences? (Im judging by your choice of SAT subject tests)</p>
<p>I honestly you have a good chance of getting in!!:)</p>
<p>People put too much focus on the stats. Write a stand-up essay that flows with the focus of your application (perhaps libertarianism?) and you will have a very good chance. If you write a generic essay or one without a connection to your resume you will be another applicant with scores in the range and other stuff… and likely to be deferred. Show personality and focus and you’re good. (I was accepted ED)</p>
<p>Yeah I’m definitely gonna focus on writing a great essay that really stands out. I was thinking about discussing how I am an individualist (fits in to the libertarian theme) and that Duke is the perfect place to foster individualism; It’s on par academically with the Ivies yet is radically different from them, therefore Duke being a place for individualists. Just a thought.</p>
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