A Californian's Chances @ Duke?

<p>Anyway, I really like Duke (It's one of my top schools), and my guidance counseler feels I have a shot. I don't really think I do, but I was curious what people here think.</p>

<p>GPA (Unweighted): 3.8 (by RD applications, 3.82)
GPA (Weighted): 4.09 (by RD applications, 4.16)</p>

<p>I go to a relatively competitive (I think) public high school in northern California, which sends many students into the UC System. Our Valedictorian was accepted at MIT and Princeton.</p>

<p>I have taken AP English, AP Psychology, and AP US History. I have passed each class with at least an A. Unfortunately, AP World History didn't come into existence here until after I had taken it. Instead, my Freshman and Sophomore I took Honors Courses, which were the most competitive programs available that year. Next year, I will be taking AP Biology, AP Economics, AP English, and AP Government.</p>

<p>I know this may sound a bit odd, but my high school only offers two honors classes freshman year and sophomore year. It's only Junior year we can take more, and even then, there is not much offered. I have taken the most rigorous courses available to me my senior, junior, and sophomore year.</p>

<p>SAT I Scores: </p>

<p>Overall: 2310, but I have retaken it several times. This is my highest score single sitting).
Critical Reading: 790
Math: 740
Writing: 780</p>

<p>ACT Scores:</p>

<p>Composition: 34
Math 33
English 36
Reading 36
Science 33</p>

<p>SAT II Scores:</p>

<p>(I have others in the 700s, but I only think I'd submit these (German 790, Math I 700, English Lit 760)</p>

<p>World History: 800
US History: 800</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:</p>

<p>Lacrosse Team. 3 Years. Junior Varisty for two years, Varsity for one year.
Debate Team. 3 Years. I have won two trophies with my partner.
Interact Club. 1 Year.
Model UN (Founder and President). 1 Year.
Public Forum. Not a founding member, but one of the earlier members. I lapsed out of it, and only got involved last year. 1 Year.
High School Paper. I was made an editor my freshman year. Next year, my senior year, I will be made Editor-in-Chief.
Boy Scouts. I am currently a Life Scout; I will be made an Eagle (if all goes as planned...) next fall, right before I send my college application out. Den Chief to the little Cub Scouts.
Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. Don't know whether this will help at all, but eh.
I'm also thinking of starting a German club next year. I'm sure it would help.</p>

<p>Community Service:</p>

<p>Tutor in all things history, did this during my Junior year.
Many different things with Interact.
Various things with the Boy Scouts. </p>

<p>There is probably a few other things I'm leaving out, but honestly, I can't remember. I plan on volunteering for a political campaign in the fall, but I'm not sure whether that means anything.</p>

<p>Recommendations:</p>

<p>I will have excellent recommendations. </p>

<p>In Conclusion:</p>

<p>Anyway, that's that. I screwed up a bit my freshman year; I got one C in Algebra I my fresman year. Last year, I couldn't, since I was having spinal surgery (I'm 6'11 as a result of it). Anyway, please chance!</p>

<p>Son will be entering Duke from northern CA class of 2015. Your stats look great. Don’t worry too much about your early baubles in high school. Take the most challenging course load you can at your high school. What I can say is that I believe my son was accepted based on one of the essays he wrote. I would definitely concentrate on your essays and don’t wait until the last minute to write them. Anymore, I really feel the essays can make a difference when there are so many students with similar stats. Be sincere and use your own voice. Good Luck!</p>