<p>So, I'm doing everything I possibly can to get into Duke ever since I visited it. My SAT should be in the 2100-2200 range, ACT should be around 32, I've got pretty good EC's, some leadership stuff, I'm applying ED, and I've already started writing my essay in my head. I literally fell in love with Duke when I visited; it's atmosphere, it's people, it's academics, and it's possibilities. Everything I've heard from alumni regarding Duke's typical student and lifestyle appeals to me, I feel like I'm the type of student who would fit in perfectly and stand out at the same time.</p>
<p>So what's the best possible advice you can give me? On anything: the application, the essay, the interview, or whatever you can think of.</p>
<p>Edit- I should have put the thread title as best possible advice for someone who's goal/dream/hope/love is Duke...</p>
<p>best advice i could give is to let yourself really shine and show why duke is TRULY your first choice, why you fit in so well there. the rest of your application has already been built through your gpa, scores, and ecs. so much cannot be done there…</p>
<p>rk33, as an ED-acceptee, the best advice I can give you is to stand out in your essays. You are obvliously in love with Duke, and feel like you belong there. Show them that. Make them be able to picture you on campus. I’m going to go ahead and assume that you’re writing the supplemental “Why Duke?” essay. If this is the case, spend 1/3 of the time writing about Duke, and 2/3 of the time writing about yourself. A big trap ED applicants fall into is simply regurgitating facts provided by the university’s brouchures. They already know the facts. Don’t bore them. Tell them something about you, and explain why Duke fits that. The supplemental essay is a great opportunity for the university to get to know more about you. Take advantage of that.</p>